AWARDS,Review “Snippets” and Comments from readers
GOODREAD and AMAZON REVIEWS
You can read all the book reviews of Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War on AMAZON.COM or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6YTWHY
May 2021 – Review by Vietnam Veterans Of America (VVA) – Reviewer TOM WERZYN
Patrick Hogan’s Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is the best, most fact-filled current book about Agent Orange that this reviewer has encountered. Departing from AO offerings that do little more than chronicle the woes and health challenges of their authors, along with a litany of beefs about health care providers, primarily the VA, Hogan goes many steps further.
He does lay out the health experiences that brought him to his writing desk, but not to seek pity or sympathy. He then moves quickly into explaining the military operations that sprayed millions of gallons of herbicides, insecticides, defoliants, and other generally bad stuff on the Vietnamese countryside, as well as on U.S. bases and other installations.
Hogan, a life member of VVA, was motivated to dig into his subject after watching a presidential speech and having a good buddy die of complications of Agent Orange exposure. He describes tactical, economic, ethical, and political decisions made on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, and in industrial boardrooms.
He takes us on a chemical excursion in which he spells out the main ingredients that comprised Agent Orange, Agent White, and the other toxic chemicals used in Vietnam. Hogan also describes delivery systems and methods and covers the laxity of handling and storage protocols.
As the result of his prodigious research using recently declassified documents Hogan uncovered decisions that seemingly were made with little or no regard for their health consequences. He includes evidence that the government and chemical manufactures had a cover-up mentality that pervaded our wartime leadership. He also chronicles the VA’s past actions—and inactions—dealing with the medical claims submitted by service personnel exposed to AO and other toxic chemicals.
This is a well-researched and executed book. It should be read by anyone exposed to Agent Orange.
December 26,2020 - REVIEWED BY - Georgia Ashworth - Reedsy Discovery
Born from personal experience, Silent Spring outlines with scientific rigors the intense health problems American soldiers who served in Vietnam would suffer years later due to the slow acting and insidious nature of the dangerous chemicals used in pesticides during the Vietnam war. Beyond that, Silent Spring reveals the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) refusal to acknowledge or pay for the health problems that were caused by those pesticides. This book feels important. It sheds light on what is both a very unknown and a very important issue, both in the government’s initial incompetence in carelessly using harmful chemicals on its own soldiers, and in the denial of responsibility and abandonment of the very soldiers who had volunteered or in many cases been forced to serve in a war they never asked for once the health problems emerged. It is something that deserves to be talked about and researched and I appreciate this book for spreading awareness. Part of what makes this book so powerful is it draws from the author’s own experience in Vietnam, his own health problems and the death of his friend, and his struggles with the DVA. The writing style is very conversational, which means it is not the most beautiful prose, but it helps balance out some of the highly scientific content of the book and make it more down to earth than an academic article. While the more scientific parts of the book were less interesting to me than the personal narrative, I applaud the author for making a conscious effort to provide as much evidence as possible to back up all claims. This book is very well researched. My largest complaint with the book is that it makes little to no mention of the Vietnamese people who were undoubtable subject to similar if not worse effects of the pesticide use by the US government. However overall, it provides meticulous research and with personal emotional weight and I hope other people are inspired to educate themselves on this topic.
November 3, 2020 - We were just notified that Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War earning a 1st Place Blue Ribbon for the Nellie Bly Book Awards for Investigative and Journalistic Non-fiction, a Division of the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards!
July 28, 2020 - It is my honor and privilege to inform you that Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War, has advanced to the premier FINALIST LEVEL of ACHIEVEMENT for the 2019 NELLIE BLY Book Awards for Long Form Journalism and Reporting Non-Fiction Division. The NELLIE BLY Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs). Congratulations to all the Nellie Bly Book Awards Finalists!
February 25, 2019 - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★ - Offering an interesting cross-section of historical recollection and investigative journalism, Hogan’s perspective is rich, passionate, and backed up with extensive research. Hogan writes with authority in a straightforward manner, with beautiful splashes of personality and aesthetic color that hold the story together. The book ropes in readers with a personal and engaging writing style, while still educating readers about history and its present-day implications. A poignant and professionally investigated exposé on a secret that is still being swept under the rug."
February 13, 2019 - Mark Smith rated it - 5.0 out of 5 stars -This book will make you cry and smile at the same time. Patrick Hogan pulls off what most cannot – invoke emotion using non-fiction. Fair warning, his description of the Vietnam War will make you angry, depressed, sad, and happy all at the same time. While much of the book is a little cumbersome to read and could use a second pair of eyes for editing, the story shines through with clarity. Hogan describes the government’s knowledge of Agent Orange and gives a behind the scene look at the suffering, then and now, of Vietnam veterans. His work should win high praises for taking the step to educate the public about the true aftermath and impact on our soldiers.
Feb 06, 2019 Madonna rated it ***** Five Stars — Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War was well researched and put together. I had a difficult time reading some of it because my husband who died in 2012 of Vietnam Related diseases (per his VA doctor) spent two years in Vietnam and was exposed to all those same chemicals mentioned in this book. He said they were drenched with the sprays and could not even change clothing until they got back to base camp two days later. He had skin problems, skin cancer, diabetes, colon and respirator Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War was well researched and put together. I had a difficult time reading some of it because my husband who died in 2012 of Vietnam Related diseases (per his VA doctor) spent two years in Vietnam and was exposed to all those same chemicals mentioned in this book. He said they were drenched with the sprays and could not even change clothing until they got back to base camp two days later. He had skin problems, skin cancer, diabetes, colon and respiratory problems. heart disease, etc. My first child, born during my husband's first tour, has none of the problems that my second child has. She has had constant medical problems and was advised not to have children because many of her conditions were known to cause birth defects such as spine-a-bifida. VA of course denies that sperm of Vietnam veterans would cause such things, though women veterans children might have such conditions.
This book brought back so many memories, that I haven't been able to reconcile myself to that I hesitated to even write a review. I appreciate the openness of Patrick Hogan and all his research into these chemicals. I just wish the Government and VA would help out the veterans and their families more.
This is a book that needed to be written and hopefully will bring some good to some of the offspring of these Veterans, though many of them were and are sill being ignored. (less)
Feb 03, 2019 Victoria rated it ***** Five Stars - It was amazing A powerful and necessary read
Whether you know little or much about the Vietnam War and Agent Orange, Hogan's part memoir and part expository novel is well worth the read for anyone to learn deeper about our country, our history and the grave injustices we've inflicted on our military personnel and their families. Heavily researched and aptly written, you will view history and our government differently after reading about Hogan and other Vietnam veteran's stories during the war and with unimaginable trials endured thanks to Agent Orange and other chemicals blatantly and willingly sprayed on our troops such as Agent White and malathion. You will be questioning what you know and who you trust after reading this powerful novel. (less)
***** January 9, 2019 - 4 our of 5 stars - by David Richardson - I liked this book, but it is really technical in places that makes it hard to read. The message is loud and clear! Our Vietnam veterans and probably veterans of all US wars were grossly ignored by our government and left to fend for themselves. This book scared me. If the government will treat the brave men and women that served and died (still dying) for our country, how will they treat an average citizen like me??
***** January 7, 2019 - 5 out of 5 stars - by Ravin Maurice - I read some reviews of this book that said this was an angry book, but I did not find it that way which is what I found remarkable. He should be angry, but he did a great job of not going off on rants and displaying the information in a clear way so the reader could truly understand. If you are at all interested in the Vietnam War, Agent Orange, US Government conspiracies, this is a book for you.
***** December 28, 2018 - 4 Out of 5 Stars - By V.E. - Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War by Patrick Hogan is a first hand account of Hogan's experience, so this book is biographical. Hogan has used his experience to highlight the misuse of chemicals, that were not only toxic, but caused a great deal of health issues for the military following the war. In addition, in the book, Hogan details conspiracies and cover ups by the government that will really have you scratching your head. This is a tough book to read, but ultimately one that needed to be written. You can tell that it was a cathartic experience for the author, but this book also opens up the reader's eyes to atrocities and use of toxic chemicals. These Vietnam vets continue to struggle to this day with debilitating illnesses as a direct result from this war and the mismanagement thereof. It is commendable that the author has exposed these issues in such a heartfelt and direct way; highly recommend for an eye opening read.
***** December 27, 2018 - 5 Out of 5 Stars By Jessica - Very informative, and well written. This is a great read. A must-read, in fact. It's not surprising that veterans are given the run-around when they return home, but it's disheartening that the government and the Department of Veterans Affairs would ignore the physical symptoms of so many people for so long and refuse them assistance. When I first saw the glossary of terms at the front of the book, I anticipated much flipping back and forth. However, as I worked my way through the narrative, I found that the author was kind enough to use all of the words of each acronym when they were first introduced. Hogan does an excellent job explaining and describing everything in detail. I highly recommend this book.
***** December 27, 2018 - 5 Out of 5 Stars By JoJo Maxson - Silent Spring -Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War will cause mixed emotions for a country doing its people wrong while trying to do a right thing. I would highly recommend this biography for war and military lovers.
***** December 26, 2018 - 5 0ut 0f 5 Stars by Veronica - I knew about the Vietnam War, but I didn’t really KNOW about the Vietnam War. Patrick Hogan was a soldier in the Vietnam War from 1966-1969. Not only does he talk about his years in Vietnam, but also his years after Vietnam.
***** December 24, 2018 - 5 out of 5 Stars by Grady - Filled with facts, photographs, research and documentation, this book reveals the atrocities our Vietnam vets suffered and continue to suffer. It puts the spotlight on the government blindness and cover-ups that continue today in the misguided use of dangerous chemicals in our environment. This is one powerful book that deserves wide recognition and readership.
***** December 21, 2018 - 5 out of 5 Stars by Ray - I returned from Da Nang Vietnam July 17th, 1970. I spent 351 days with boots on the ground. I never had any health problems until January 2017. I was then diagnosed with a Stage IV Head and Neck cancer. It is not one of the "presumed" cancers so my claim has been denied twice, so far. I am still appealing. This book gives so much information about the OTHER chemicals than Agent Orange that I am certain that I will have additional health problems, if I survive my present condition. This book is a must read for anyone that served in or near Vietnam, for anyone related to anyone that was in the war, and especially those that think our government actually cared about the troops in the war.
***** December 18, 2018 - Book Review by Henry Zeybel for the Vietnam Veterans of America Books in Review II - The portion of his research devoted to an analysis of the herbicides and insecticides resembles a textbook. He introduces the reader to 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T as part of a “short list of the most prevalent toxic organic chemicals.” Hogan’s classroom-like approach should not intimidate readers because he also provides detailed examples of the criminally improper uses of the chemicals, such as the Seveso Incident and the Times Beach Relocation Project.
***** December 18, 2018 -5.0 out of 5 Stars by Willow Moon Greymoor - The research in the book is extensive and the Kindle version has clickable links to many of the articles and websites sited in the book. This book is much more than a memoir, it is a wealth of well-documented research and facts.
***** December 10, 2018 - 5.0 out of 5 Stars by Janet S. Beal – Especially during a period of changing attitudes toward the relationship between humans and their environment and a time when objective truths seem open to highly fluid redefinition, Hogan’s book speaks to current concerns as well as long-term neglected issues of care for those who served their country in a time of war. Hogan captures the ambivalence and dissidence that shaped American political activity for over 20 years, bringing thought-provoking questions about cultural standards that surpass any specific conflicts.
***** December 6, 2018 - 5.0 out of 5 Stars by Crystal Reed – I will say this: This book is not "fun." There's nothing fun about what happened and continues to happen to these people. This book is not a memoir of his jaunt over to Vietnam for 2+ years. This book is full of information. Information that Americans should know at least to some degree to really understand what went down in Vietnam and by extension, how our military-industrial complex works.
***** November 27, 2018 5.0 out of 5 Stars by Charles – “This is a hard look at Vietnam from a "BOOTS ON GROUND" soldier that recounts his horrid days in Vietnam. It's an emotional book written with fury. How our Government and society treated those kids was a shameful disgrace and this author aims to bring the facts to light. This book really opened my eyes to the brutality of war and the fact that death takes no sides.”
**** November 16, 2108 - 4.0 of 5 Stars Review by Mike Parsons – “I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s been extremely well written. The author has been a police detective since leaving the military and something of that determination and eye for detail colors the account.”
*****November 16, 2018 - 5.0 out of 5 Stars by Rinny C. “Heartbreakingly eye-opening. This book was informative, fascinating and heartbreaking all at the same time.”
READERS FAVORITE REVIEWS
***** November 9, 2018 - Reviewed By - Fiona Ingram for Readers’ Favorite – “For the rest of the world, the Vietnam War is over. For the soldiers who fought in it, no matter what their role, it will never be over.”
***** November 7, 2018 -Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite - “Overall, Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is a must-read for anyone concerned with environmental issues as well as veterans’ rights.”
*****November 3, 2018 - Reviewed By Amanda Rofe for Readers’ Favorite – “Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is an absorbing book which helps us to understand what really happened in the Vietnam War and why so many veterans continue to suffer in its aftermath. This is a must-read for all Americans.”
****** July 2018 - Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite – “Hogan’s book is impeccably researched and masterfully written. He shares with the reader his years of studies into chemicals and their actions and interactions, and he does so in a manner that is clear and easily understood by the layman.”
***** July 2018 - Reviewed By Viga Boland for Readers’ Favorite: “As a reviewer, in the past few months I’ve had the opportunity to read several books, usually memoirs, penned by vets of the Vietnam War. Every one of them has been an enlightening and heart-wrenching read. Some of these vets have written graphic details of what they witnessed and endured while doing their ‘duty’. Others have focused on the battles they have continued to fight with PTSD after returning home. But Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War by Patrick Hogan is the first memoir I’ve read that zeroes in on the ongoing battles a countless number of these vets continue to fight even 40 years later: the killer battles with their health, and with the DVA, EPA and various US Health Departments to receive some kind of compensation after being, as Hogan calls it, ‘treacherously betrayed’.”
OTHER REVIEWS
***** September 2018 - Reviewer's Bookwatch - Midwest Book Review - Andy Jordan - Reviewer — “Written by a Vietnam veteran who was personally exposed to toxic chemicals during his service, including Agent Orange, Agent White, malathion, and DDT, Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War speaks out against the lasting harm inflicted by such poisons during the Vietnam War.”
***** July 2018 - “As the granddaughter of a man who served in the Vietnam War, I want to thank you for writing this book. It's not easy to present an objective, well-reasoned argument about something that has so profoundly affected you and your loved ones, and it's not easy to bring a sense of humanity into a detailed analysis of environmental hazards, but you have managed to do both of these things beautifully. Best, EM”
****** July 2018 - Reviewed By Lucinda E Clarke for Readers’ Favorite: “This book is crammed full of information and statistics that would be very useful for any group wishing to legally challenge compensation from the American government.”