What is the NEA Big Read?
The NEA Big Read aims to inspire conversation and discovery through a shared experience in which the community reads the same book at the same time.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Online Book Discussion
Hometown Heroes
Proud to honor some of the dedicated first responders and military servicemen and women in our community.
Is there a hero in your life we should feature? Submit a Hometown Heroes photo.
Veterans Exhibition
In partnership with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts has created an exhibition of photographs by veterans to showcase their unique perspective on returning to civilian life after many years in the Armed Forces. For some of these veterans, this photographic project and exhibit will serve as a healing process in part for severe PTSD and combat-related injuries.
View the exhibit onlineAbout the Book
The Things They Carried (1990) is considered one of the finest books about the Vietnam War. Far from a combat story of pride and glory, it is a compassionate tale of the American soldier, brimming with raw honesty and thoughtful reflection. This award-winning work is a brutal, sometimes funny, often profound narrative about the human heart—how it fares under pressure and what it can endure.
The Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education features a timeline of the Vietnam War and a great interview with author Tim O’Brien. Use it to enhance your reading and discussion.
Read the guide
The Things They Carried has a mature theme best suited for older teens and adults.
Read Alikes
About the Author
Tim O'Brien was born on October 1, 1946. He earned a degree in political science from Macalester College. He spent his Vietnam tour of duty from 1969 to 1970 as a foot soldier with the 46th Infantry in Quang Ngai province before returning home with a Purple Heart when he got hit with shrapnel in a grenade attack.
O’Brien published his first book to wide critical acclaim in 1973. He went on to write several award-winning books and win literary accolades including a National Book Award and two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships. He currently teaches creative writing at Texas State University.
Other works by Tim O'Brien