Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
32(32%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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The beginning was excellent and it was good in the middle.

But then suddenly I saw that it was over and I was really surprised.

I feel that he didn't have the courage to explain it further at the end.

But overall, he had presented some interesting topics.

And in my opinion, the most important thing is that (always expect from the person you least expect).

This statement makes us think about how we often overlook certain people or situations and how sometimes the most unexpected things can bring the greatest surprises.

It also reminds us to keep an open mind and not to judge others too quickly.

By doing so, we may be able to discover new opportunities and relationships that we would have otherwise missed.

In conclusion, although the article ended abruptly, it still managed to convey some important messages that are worth considering.
July 15,2025
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If I want to write a long review for this story, I prefer to be careless and say that if you read it, you did a good job.

However, this story, aside from the charming aspects of the three boys who are the main characters, for me, based on my life experiences, was a simple account of closeness and separation. The conditions that bring us closer together at a rapid pace and the nature of that closeness, although fascinating, may one day push us apart just as quickly. Even if we can't imagine it at all before.

This story seems to capture the essence of those fleeting moments of connection and disconnection that we all experience in our lives. It makes us reflect on how easily our relationships can change and how important it is to cherish the time we have with others.

Overall, it was an interesting read that left me with a lot to think about.
July 15,2025
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This book really confused me and I truly don't know what kind of feeling I should have towards it. In a word, for me, this book is "I don't know."

Maybe years later when I grow up, I will understand this book better, but today I really don't know.

I would have preferred the story to be about that first family in the book, namely Keith, Lewis, and Hubbard, rather than the whole Jewish thing.

I didn't expect this.
July 15,2025
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I did not find the writing style of this work enjoyable.

Particularly, the frequent switching between the third and first person perspectives made the novel seem somewhat disjointed.

The beginning and the background information provided about the main character also failed to engage me. I felt that it did not contribute significantly to the overall story, and the remaining conflict from his past was rather hastily resolved at the end.

(And perhaps some might call me prudish, but I truly did not require that detailed information about what transpired between Lewis and the prostitute.)

It appears that Wolff was attempting to emphasize the absence of love in each of the soldiers' lives and the resulting impact on their behavior.

Nevertheless, despite these efforts, the story remained unappealing to me, and my sense of compassion was not deeply stirred.

It's rather puzzling, really.

July 15,2025
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A very short but truly excellent story unfolds about three young men who forge a friendship of sorts after enlisting in the Army.

The initial part of the book chronicles the main protagonist, Philip. It follows his years of growing up and his subsequent enlistment into the paratroopers during the Vietnam War. It is here that he encounters Hubbard and Lewis. Their friendship is rather strained, and it is further complicated when someone starts stealing from the wallets left in the barracks.

Wolff skillfully shifts the perspective occasionally between the characters. He also transitions from the third person to the first person a couple of times. Despite these changes, the book is written extremely well throughout. It offers a captivating look into the lives and relationships of these three young men during a tumultuous time in history.

The story delves into the challenges and uncertainties they face, both in their military service and in their personal lives. It shows how their friendship evolves and is tested in the face of various difficulties. Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

July 15,2025
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Short, offbeat and truly original.

These are the qualities that make something truly memorable. It will stick with you long after you've encountered it.

Whether it's a short story, a unique piece of art, or an unusual experience, the ability to be concise, yet stand out from the crowd, is what sets it apart.

It has the power to capture your attention, make you think, and leave a lasting impression.

So, the next time you come across something that is short, offbeat and truly original, take a moment to appreciate it. Because it's these kinds of things that have the potential to change your perspective and make a difference in your life.

July 15,2025
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This is truly a very nice and well-written novel. However, I really wish it had at least twice the size, that is, to be a regular novel, for a greater development of the interesting story and for more moments from the lives of the main characters.

These main characters are three young draftees who complete their basic training and await deployment to the battlefields of Vietnam. In the few pages of the story, we see some of their moments and take a look at their thoughts about the world and themselves.

Stories of this kind usually appeal to me a great deal, especially if the writing is as good as that of Goulph, immediate, stochastic, and incisive, and if the story is so realistic, revealing some truths about our society. It is called Bromic realism and I like it very much.

Overall, this novel has a lot of potential, but it could be even better with more depth and expansion. I look forward to seeing more works from this author in the future.
July 15,2025
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Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading a short novel titled Old School by Tobias Wolff. It was the very first work of his that I had delved into, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it and being highly impressed.

As a result, I decided to purchase another of his books, which I promptly placed on my shelf. Just recently, I picked it up and began reading. The Barracks Thief, also by Tobias Wolff, is a novella.

Based on what I have read thus far, it seems that Tobias Wolff has a penchant for writing shorter works. However, The Barracks Thief more than makes up in power for what it may lack in length. The prose is clean and crisp, which I absolutely loved.

The story revolves around three young men who have recently enlisted in the army and are on the verge of being deployed to Vietnam. The narrative is presented in a straightforward manner, yet it is made interesting by the fact that some events are told from multiple points of view.

The story is filled with a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration. And yet, given the circumstances, I could not expect the characters to feel any differently.

When I finally finished reading, I found that it was not a story that I could simply put away quickly or easily. It lingered in my mind, making me reflect on the experiences and emotions of the characters.
July 15,2025
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The book was good, and of course I have to say that my expectations were a bit higher. The form of work that he had written in, although not very amazing, was still good.

I had read a short story by Tobias Wolff before called "The Other Miller" in a book called "Lottary, Chokhov and Other Stories". This story was the best story in that book. So far, I have read that short story three times.

Probably, if the age and variety of books and stories allow, I will go back to the works of Tobias Wolff again.
July 15,2025
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The more the story went on, the less I found myself liking it.

It was quite a short book as well, which one might have thought would make it a quick and enjoyable read. However, that wasn't the case for me.

From the very beginning, there was something about it that didn't quite click. Maybe it was the writing style, or perhaps the characters didn't seem fully developed.

As I progressed through the pages, my disinterest only grew. I found myself skimming over paragraphs, eager to just get to the end and be done with it.

By the time I reached the final page, I was relieved that it was over. Despite its short length, this book had failed to capture my attention and hold my interest.

It's a shame really, as there were some interesting concepts and ideas presented, but they just weren't executed in a way that appealed to me.

Overall, it was a disappointing read, and one that I'm unlikely to recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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The story is told in the first person and is very diverse and interesting.

It describes the experiences from childhood to military service in the war and life.

Finally, it also has an interesting interview with the author.

This story seems to take the reader on a journey through different stages of the narrator's life. We can imagine the joys and sorrows, the challenges and victories that the narrator has faced.

The war experience must have been particularly profound, shaping the narrator's character and perspective on life.

The interview with the author at the end adds another layer of depth to the story, allowing us to learn more about the inspiration and motivation behind the writing.

Overall, this is a story that is sure to engage and captivate readers with its rich and detailed account of one person's life.
July 15,2025
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A novella titled [Novella Name] consists of 101 pages. It is set at Fort Bragg in South Carolina, among a group of new army recruits during the height of the Vietnam War.

The narrative seamlessly shifts between the third person and the first person, adding depth and perspective to the story. It is a tale of young men who are trying to find their way in the world.

These young recruits, thrust into the chaos and uncertainty of war, must grapple with their own fears, dreams, and identities. The story beautifully描绘s their journey as they face the challenges of basic training, the harsh realities of war, and the complex emotions that come with it.

At times, the tale is shattering, revealing the true cost of war and the toll it takes on the human spirit. Yet, it also offers glimmers of hope and redemption, as the young men find strength and courage within themselves.

Overall, this novella is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience during a time of war.
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