13 Moons Over Vietnam: 2nd Moon - Temptation

By Ben Thieu Long

This is a memoir addressing the emotional and ethical effects of war. The format folds a soldier’s stories of actual experiences in Vietnam ‘between the lines’ of letters sent home to his new wife. The stark contrast between those experiences and the content of his letters home reveals a tension between openness and self-censorship. The soldier’s focus is to protect their love relationship, but he struggles with his own behavior in an environment of moral challenges. As he encounters social and emotional violence, his own actions trigger inner turmoil and weaken his spiritual well-being. This book is the second in a series, organized by the thirteen months of his tour of duty. Read 2nd Moon: Temptation and follow a soldier’s drift into situations that challenge his moral convictions. These encounters begin his metamorphosis from faithful innocence toward detachment, as an internal battle rages for his heart and soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Aug 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781684706389

Ben Thieu Long

Ben Thieu Long was born in Chicago and spent three years in college before being drafted into the Army in 1969. His experience in Vietnam profoundly changed his identity and confidence in his beliefs. By the end of his 13-month tour of duty, Ben returned home a drastically changed young man. However, Ben also developed the strength and resilience to persist in the face of adversity. Insights gleaned from his experience reinforced his courage and determination to overcome failures. He learned an important lesson about choices and responses - a person may not always make wise decisions, but he can grow and mature.