Rating: 
Summary: Depends on the reader
Review: There are some books that are generally great. Most people will like them, regardless of their background. Some, on the otherhand, are enjoyable in large part because the reader can relate to the story. This book is an example of the latter.
My low rating may at first seem to be unfair to those that can relate to the characters, namely Sam. Those people are more likely to find the book meaningful and enjoyable.
I did some research (the book was for school) and found that a Vietnam veteran who was associated with the writing of the book seemed to feel that only one side of Vietnam veterans was described. In general, the book seems to have a limited perspective on the veterans, and coupled with Sam's immaturity, I felt was not informative.
Sam does grow up, taking a break from her life, which is a reflection of pop culture, accurately depicted. But this is not a dramatic war novel that gives insight on the Vietnam War and its effects, so much as it gives insight on pop culture and a 19-year-old who is just beginning to see more to life than MTV.
Rating: 
Summary: A Literary Journey Beyond the Edge of Boredom
Review: This story of a girl from Kentucky and her Vietnam Vet Uncle
starts off slowly and then steadily bogs down. Every page is chock full of some of the most uninteresting and familiar everyday details that modern American life has to offer. Example: "Sam took an orange Popsicle out of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. She broke it in two, then removed half from the paper and bit off the end. It was slightly mushy." I could write more interesting observations about my dog sleeping. If you want really test the limits of your ability to resist being bored to death, this is the perfect book for you.
I was proud that I was able to reach page 72 before giving up entirely.
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