There aren’t enough words to describe this book.  It’s an extraordinary story of one of the most tumultuous times in U.S. history-the Vietnam War.  As a young, naive nurse Frankie McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corp to try to make a real difference and to gain her father’s approval.  Readers watch her grow her skills and confidence with the help of the nurses and surgeons that take her under their wing.  These people carry her through the chaos and destruction they witness overseas.

U.S. politics and the emotions of the American people about the war made coming home a horrible experience for the soldiers, especially the women.  Frankie struggled with night terrors and flash backs but the VA turned her away over and over when she asked for help because “there were no women in Vietnam.”  These women didn’t fall through the cracks, they were forced through them.  We watch Frankie spiral out of control and then try to claw herself back so many times.  Hannah’s writing and characters are the best I’ve read this year.  They’re multidimensional and relatable.  I developed an attachment to Frankie.  I was angry with her, cheered for her, laughed with her, and cried FOR her.  I never experienced so many emotions in one book.  I believe that the narrator also helped make this audiobook so special.  @JustJuliaWhelon did an amazing job of displaying the raw emotions of the characters.  This is my first @KristinHannahAuthor book, and you have a new fan forever.  I cannot wait to read more of your stories.  This book will stay with me for a long time.  

Thank you @NetGalley, #KristinHannah, and  @macmillian_audio for the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy for an honest review.