Born on the Fourth of July

By: Ron Kovic

Narrated by: Holter Graham, Bruce Springsteen - introduction

Kovic's powerful and moving New York Times best-selling book, now with a new introduction that sets this classic antiwar story in a contemporary context.

This New York Times best seller (more than one million copies sold) details the author's life story (portrayed by Tom Cruise in the Oliver Stone film version) - from a patriotic soldier in Vietnam, to his severe battlefield injury, to his role as the country's most outspoken anti-Vietnam War advocate, spreading his message from his wheelchair.

©1976, 2005, 2016 Ron Kovic (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Powerful book

This is a very powerful and moving book, and made even more so by the excellent narration. Ron Kovic has a wonderful way with words and the ability to bring you right into the situation so you can feel what he is feeling.

Emotional Upheaval

Any additional comments?

After reading the first chapter, I thought about returning this book. It seemed to be too depressing. I left it in my library and some months later, I decided to try again. This book was worth it. Ron was wounded in the war in Viet Nam and he was paralyzed from the chest down. His description of what he had to go through physically was very disturbing. Most of us just see such a paralyzed person cleaned up and sitting in a wheel chair. He gives us a vivid view of what goes on behind the public view. When he comes home, people see him differently and most become uncomfortable in his presence. He loses most of his friends. One evening, when he comes home drunk, his mother complains that her son has become a drinker. One day, when he is participating in a protest, he is thrown to the ground and handcuffed by an undercover policeman posing as a protestor. Back at the station when he is exposed and the policeman sees that he has a tube in his penis and a bag of urine attached to his chair, the policeman apologizes, but makes a hasty exit.The writing and the narration are both outstanding. Both make the story really come alive.We also get a view of what went on during battle. It is hard to tell the friend from the enemy. Ron shoots some of the wrong people and must face overwhelming feelings of guilt as well as his physical disabilities.
Ron can never get away from what has happened nor from his physical disabilities. He prays to have his body back and to be able to enjoy those things that most people take for granted. He has given us an extraordinary look into his reality and it is very disturbing. He does not take his situation very well, but neither would I.
This book is difficult to describe, but it is outstanding and well worth reading. It really made me think about a lot of things.

Survival and honor, making the most of life.

Gut wrenching & brutally honest! Proud to be a fellow Veteran, embodiment of perseverance, and to living another day and helping others.

narrator kinda goofy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, content very good. Brings back old memories if you grew up in these times.

What other book might you compare Born on the Fourth of July to and why?

None, stands alone.

How could the performance have been better?

Could have been read with some seriousness in some parts.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Brought back things I had tucked away in my mind, they needed to come out.

Any additional comments?

Very traumatic times in this country. Changed the direction of our thinking.

Gripping performance

The story bares Ron Kovic's soul and shines a light on his Vietnam experience. But what separates this audiobook is the great performance by Holter Graham. He breathes life into each character uniquely and dramatically.