The women Paperback – International Edition, February 1, 2024

5/5 ⭐️Wow, exceptional but also, I am not okay after that (lol). Not to be dramatic, but this was a life-changing read. Not only because of the exceptional writing and storytelling, but because of the insight it offered into the Vietnam War, particularly the often-understated role of women who served. This book offers powerful recognition of their experiences.Watching Frankie’s growth in the first half of the book while she’s in Vietnam was incredibly inspiring. I found myself rooting for her, sitting on the edge of my seat during every MASCAL, hoping none of the casualties would be one of her friends. I felt like I was there with them,in the O club, in the chaos, in the camaraderie. I was moved to tears just 100 pages in. The love stories sewn in are so heart wrenching.The second half of the book was heartbreaking and infuriating. Seeing how much Frankie struggled to transition back to civilian life and the disrespect she faced made me so angry for her. The writing was so immersive I often forgot I was reading, I felt like I was at Frankie’s side the entire time. That’s a true testament to how detailed and powerful the storytelling is.This book unexpectedly shed light on a part of history I knew very little about. I went in not really knowing what to expect, and came away deeply moved and honored to have read such an incredible story. Learning about the women who served in Vietnam through this powerful narrative is something I won’t forget. I’ll be thinking about this story for a long time.TLDR: Powerful, moving, and unforgettable. A beautifully told story that honors the women who served in Vietnam, I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

I have read several Kristen Hannah books in the past and have enjoyed them all. Yet, when friends in my social groups began to rave about Kristen's latest book, The Women, I hesitated to read it. I was afraid it would trigger anxiety and questions about my self-worth.I used to be an Army nurse, received my education through Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing, and am considered a Vietnam Era veteran as I joined the ANC in 1974. However, I never served "in-country" and often felt unworthy to be recognized as I did not have combat nursing experience. I am extremely grateful for the experience I received both as an Army student nurse and my 13 years of ANC nursing experience. Without the Army, I could never afford college and, therefore, would not have become a nurse. In Delano Hall, where our nursing classes were held, there is a room affectionately known as the "dead" room. On the walls were portraits of nurses "Killed in Action" or KIA. I use to stare at those pictures and both dred failing my classes as rumor had it you would be deployed to a war zone, at the same time I bemoaned the end of the war as I would never win the respect a combat nurse commanded. In my first assignment post graduation from nursing school, I used to wonder nightly if Maryland made a mistake granting me a license! I was sure it was obvious to everyone on my unit that I didn't have a clue as to how to do my job! Especially as I was put in charge of nursing supervision, my third night on duty! I was a nervous wreck until my third year of post-graduate nursing!I finally decided to read The Women during a Kindle Reading challenge. The challenge to read a 2024 Amazon Editor's Choice Best Novel of 2024 was made simpler as I already had The Women by Kristin Hannah in my library.I knew I was going to love this book when I read the statement made at Frankie's brother's going away party - "Women can be heroes, too." This matter of fact acknowledgment that women could be honored as much as men was the impetuous to Frankie volunteering to join the ANC. Frankie was gobsmacked by this easy acceptance of women's worth. Immediately, I remember the recruiter who introduced me to the WRAIN program that changed the trajectory of my life back in my freshman high school days in 1970. Until that time, I never dreamed I could receive a four year college education and get my nursing license. Women in my family never went away to college. It was just too expensive. I could relate to Frankie's astonishment that a male acquaintance would openly declare his belief in women's equality. I was smiling through my tears as I read that scene.Kristen's story was made even more intense and powerful as she vividly described Frankie's arrival in Veitnam during a red alert. Later, I was surprised to find the words blurring as I read about operating on the mud floor of a tent under the operating table while holding a flashlight in her mouth; as bombs exploded around her! The blurred vision was not a spot on my glasses but tears that were pouring from me in response to Kristen Hannah's moving word choice. Despite being an avid and fast reader who can usually finish one book a day, The Women was so emotionally intense I had to take frequent breaks, sometimes as long as 24 hours , before I was calm enough to read it the book again. Kristen perfectly portrayed the problems female veterans have getting adequate health care open return home. I began to scream in anger when Frankie was told that there were no women serving in Veitnam! The ignorance that women veterans were forced to deal with was appalling. However, I was pleased at how detailed and factual Kristen's account was of Frankie's encounters with VA. Kristen's research was impeccable.The characters in The Women were well-developed and relatable. The commonalities and differences between Frankie and her two besties, economically, beliefs, and even romances helped to keep the story moving. I especially loved the sisterhood that developed because of shared experiences of the war. The lifelong friendships I developed during my years in the ANC are some of my fondest memories.I am really glad I finally read this book. It brought back memories both good and bad of my time in service. It helped me to accurately voice some of my buried issues from that time, and I believe I am healthier since reading this magnificently written story! Thank you, Kristen. It was an intense journey, but I believe at least for myself, I came out better mentally and emotionally for having read The Women.

The Women by Kristin Hannah absolutely wrecked me—in the best way. I devoured this book and felt every single word settle into my bones. It’s a powerful, raw, and deeply emotional journey through a part of history that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the role of women during the Vietnam War.Reading about how these brave, skilled, compassionate women were dismissed, ignored, and outright disrespected made my blood boil. The way they were treated—by the military, by the public, even by their own families—was infuriating and heartbreaking. I lost count of how many times I clenched my jaw or had to put the book down just to take a breath.But the friendships in this story? Pure magic. The bond between the women—their loyalty, their strength, their shared pain—gave me all the feels. It was sisterhood in its most raw and powerful form. Through trauma and tragedy, love and laughter, these women held each other up when the world let them down. And that’s what stayed with me the most.Kristin Hannah has outdone herself. Again.This book is a triumph. A war story, yes—but also a love story. A friendship story. A truth-telling story.And one that I’ll never forget. I absolutely loved the ending. Was more than I could hope for.