A Rift in the Earth: Art, Memory, and the Fight for a Vietnam War Memorial Paperback – Big Book, 7 April 2020

Dating myself but the Vietnam war was, I guess, my generation's war. The bitter disputes about why the US was even in Vietnam and the reactions of a certain segment of the population when the troops returned home have remained a badly healed scar on the country. This book outlining the campaign to build a memorial for the fallen, initiated by veterans and resulting the the present memorial, is a fascinating read. If you've ever seen the memorial this book will make the experience more meaningful. If you haven't it will give you an incentive to visit. Personally, I cried as I walked along those black walls filled with names and now, after reading A Rift In The Earth I have a deeper appreciation of that visit

As a draftee who spent six years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam decade and by simple luck was never shipped to Nam I would like to thank Reston and Ken Burns for illuminating a dark corner of our country's past. This tale of the controversy surrounding the building of the Vietnam War Memorial on the National Mall mirrors the divisiveness of the War itself. Reston carefully remains objective and is able to describe the deep artistic insight of the contentious Maya Lin in her seemingly simple design and meticulous process involved in Hart's bronze sculptures. Despite neither artists' willingness to change their personal concept, the final compromise gives the Memorial its powerful impact upon viewers. Readers should be sure not to skip the "author reflection" at the book's end as Reston sees the name of a friend on the wall and admits to a vague feeling of guilt at not exposing himself to the same degree of risk. His emotions mirror the effect the wall exerts on many of its visitors

Interesting read on a subject that still is important to the 'boomer' generation.Being a Vietnam veteran makes it even more interesting that there was such discussion on the Wall.

A great history of the Memorial. With all the in fighting it is a wonder that it was ever built. Maya Lin and her drive to get the Memorial built without changing her design is an interesting read on what goes on when committees meet they discuss her design and what they think needs to be changed in her design.It is a great Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans and one we visit every time we are in Washington,D.C.BiiiFlorida

A fascinating story, especially interesting to artworld readers. It is still, after all these years, a controversial topic and in this book it is fairly presented and will surprise general readers who are unfamiliar with the process of creating a public monument.