ALL MANNER OF THINGS by
SUSIE FINKBEINER

Sometimes stories just captured you and take you away. You forget everything around you and focus on every detail of the story. This book is exactly that. A story that unravels the 1960s when the Vietnam War was in the headlines and the country was in chaos as demonstrations broke out over the country.

It is easy to relate to Annie because she is such a charismatic character. Her family life has been difficult at times with a father not active in her life. Her oldest brother  Mike, is like the man of the house and I found him to be a strong, determined person. My heart stopped as I read that Mike had enlisted in the army. He believes that it is his duty and figures that he would be called up anyway. I remember that time a little and how young men were waiting for that letter in the mail. The family is worried for Mike’s safety and Mike tells Annie something before he leaves that really shocked me. You may wonder what that is, but you must read this story and find out as we follow Annie and her family during this era that was filled with tragedy, heartbreak and hope.

It was very interesting to read that Annie’s family had a pattern of running away. It goes back several generations, but it makes you wonder if that is why her father left. The author does a great job of letting us into Annie’s life and get to know her better. I loved the letters she received from her brother  and how they encouraged each other. Each letter starts to get a bit darker as Mike describes what he sees in Vietnam. The author has done a great job of taking readers to a time in history where war was on everyone’s minds, demonstrations were everywhere and tucked away was a family who knew first hand what the war does to a family. They prayed daily for Mike's safety and I loved how the church kept them in their prayers as well.

 This story is one that will require tissues as you read this story.  We get a glimpse through Mike's  letters  that the war is tragic and depressing. I loved how the story reminds us of a time when serving your country was not popular and of the men and women who gave all for  our freedom.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.