Book Review: When Can I Stop Running?
'When Can I Stop Running' is the author's second book, and like his first best-selling, award-winning book 'Cherries,' it is mostly a work of fiction. Still, the many events described in the book come from Podlaski's actual experiences during his tour of duty while serving in Vietnam in 1970-71.
In this book, Podlaski brings back John 'Polack' Kowalski, the central character in 'Cherries,' and introduces Louis ('LG') Gladwell, his irrepressible black friend. Polack and LG are a 'Salt and Pepper' team and best buddies and brothers in a way that only those who have fought side-by-side in a war can ever truly understand.
The vast majority of the book itself takes place as the two buddies spend a very long night in a Listening Post ('LP'), some 500 meters beyond the bunker line of the new firebase.
Their assignment as a "human early warning system," is to listen for enemy activity and forewarn the base of any potential dangers. As they were new to the "Iron Triangle" and its reputation, little did they know that units before them lost dozens of soldiers in this nightly high-risk task and referred to those assigned as "bait for the enemy" and "sacrificial lambs."
With visibility at less than two feet, sitting in the pitch-black tropical jungle, John's imagination takes hold throughout the agonizing night, and at times, transports him back to some of his most vivid childhood memories - innocent, but equally terrifying at the time.
To avoid complications of interlacing events and places in the same chapter, the author first writes a chapter about the night on the LP, followed by a chapter of his most heart-pounding childhood escapades.
Of the many books I have reviewed about the Vietnam War and war in general, I can honestly write this is among the best. I highly recommend it and its companion piece 'Cherries' to those who want to gain a new perspective on the Vietnam War and war itself.
To be sure, readers will relate to the humorous childish antics with amusement; military veterans will find themselves relating to both the entertaining and compelling recollections.
Reader Reviews
In a brilliant follow-up to his novel 'Cherries,' John Podlaski weaves frightening events of his youth into a vivid depiction of a terrifying night as an infantryman on a Listening Post during the Vietnam War."
~Joe Campolo, Jr., Author of "The Kansas NCO" and "Back To the World."
This tome draws the reader into the experiences that only combat personnel can usually hold witness to, broadening our understanding of the true sacrifices our military makes for us and our freedoms every day. 'When Can I Stop Running' should be on all of our 'must-read' lists.
~Jerry Kunnath, Writer
What makes 'When Can I Stop Running?' a different read from 'Cherries' are the interludes where Polack, his memories brought to the surface. Warily he watches for any movement near the LP, recalls his many adventures with school friends, some terrifying, some funny while growing up in Detroit during the1960's. It is in these stories, so familiar to those of us of the Boomer generation that the author treats us to some of his finest writing. His childhood comes to life in his rich, poetic descriptions. It is a lost world that haunts all of our generation's memories, just as we are haunted by our memories of the central and defining event of our generation, the Vietnam War. Highly recommended!
~Christopher Gaynor, author of 'A Soldier Boy Hears the Distant Guns' and countless newspaper articles including a feature story and photos in Time Magazine
Warrior and Vietnam author John Podlaski pulls out the stops in a very personal story interweaving some of his childhood experiences with his unnerving telling of his night spent in a listening post. A vividly written yet tasteful account of a nightmare experience; hair-raising and touching at the same time. It's a night he'll never forget.
~William E. Peterson, International Best Selling and Award-Winning Author: Missions of Fire and Mercy
Chopper Warriors
The Hornet's Nest
John does a magical job in his second book of weaving the terrors of boyhood adventure with the terrors of war. His words had me laughing and crying while recalling and reliving some of my childhood adventures and the terror of pitch-black nights alone on the floor of jungles in Vietnam. Thank you, John, for another great adventure!
~Stephen Perry
Author of Bright Light: Untold Stories of the Top Secret War in Vietnam
As I read 'When can I stop Running?' and got deeper into the story, it brought all the images forward of those things I feared most - total darkness, rotting jungle, insects, and strange noises. I cringed at every turn, often asking myself if I had the bravado to do what they were doing. Today, Soldiers use Night Vision Devices to see in the dark, quite a contrast from the Vietnam Era when soldiers only had their hearing, sense of smell, and a vivid imagination to guide them in the pitch-black jungle. I also appreciate the author's stories of his youth; the adventures are both frightening and funny, yet, I could relate to similar experiences while growing up. This book is the real deal! Great job, Mr. Podlaski!
~R. Scott Ormond
(Sgt-5 ReCon Scout and Tank Section 3d/33d Armor, Germany 1971-73)
About the Author
John Podlaski served in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971. He served as an Infantryman with both the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division and the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Brigade. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
He has spent the years since Vietnam working in various management positions within the automotive industry and has recently received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
John retired in 2013 after working ten years for a Global Belgium company that supplies gears and shafts for transmissions and diesel engines. John is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and lives with his wife, Janice, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They own a 1997 Harley Davidson Heritage and are both members of the Great Lakes Chapter of South East Michigan Harley Owners Group.