How Long to Read Step Away from the War

How Long Does it Take to Read Step Away from the War?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 10 minutes to read Step Away from the War by Tom Peters

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

What does a juvenile delinquent, steelworker, dope-smoking hippie, pansexual, decorated combat Vietnam vet, Unitarian Universalist, Doctorate of Business Administration, and tenured professor all have in common? The author of this memoir tries all these titles and more as he attempts to describe a life of considerable contrast, twists and turns, and a long-term battle of making sense of it all. In 1968, the oldest of ten Catholic kids in a steelworker family living in the blue-collar suburbs of Detroit found himself faced with a decision. Was it being drafted into the U.S. Army and a tour in Vietnam, Canada, or prison...Tom sort of took the high road. What started out as a memoir of his one year of service as a combat infantry grunt in Vietnam, Tom decided to frame the experience with life before and after. Hippies drafted in the late 60s had short hair and no beards in the Vietnam War, but they did have tell-tale indications. Peace signs or a flower on their helmets, blood-shot eyes, and a faint scent of marijuana usually gave them away. Tom soon found out he was not alone in this dichotomy. The reader follows the adventures of a small band of combat hardened, dope-smoking draftees through the thickets, rice paddies, base camps, and foxholes of South Vietnam the year after the TET offensive with one common objective, to stay alive for 365 days and go home. To escape the omnipresence of violence and death, Peters eventually turns to LSD for a short fateful period. Though decorated for heroism in combat, the author and friends are reluctant warriors more concerned with each other's safety than winning any battles in a war they're convinced is wrong and unwinnable. Spec. 4 Peters survives the year and returns to the steel mill where his father works. But the war follows him, as it does with all veterans and the memoir traces his footsteps through a battle against survivor's guilt, substance abuse, depression, and an obstacle-course of self-rejection and self-realization. Once home from the war, Tom can't assume he's safe, especially at the steel mill where dangers are as present as 'Safety First' signs. Peters explains his need for a high-intensity replacement for combat by seeking the most dangerous crane operator. Tom's description of a 'runner' points out the adrenaline rushing nature of this crazy, desperate little-known procedure. Though raising a family has a sense of normalcy...bouts of depression, a nagging suicidal thought, and mounting pressures of trying to go to college and work at the mill end in divorce. Peters eventually finds himself with a Masters' degree and an opportunity to retire from the mill after 30 years and head out west, a long-term dream. Life in California, a new wife and a fourth child at the age of 55 make for interesting times. Add a Doctorate degree and a successful professorship and this memoir culminates with a return trip to Vietnam. Enjoy!

How long is Step Away from the War?

Step Away from the War by Tom Peters is 186 pages long, and a total of 47,616 words.

This makes it 63% the length of the average book. It also has 58% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Step Away from the War Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 4 hours and 20 minutes to read Step Away from the War aloud.

What Reading Level is Step Away from the War?

Step Away from the War is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Step Away from the War?

Step Away from the War by Tom Peters is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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