Dear Mark

by Susan Clotfelter Jimison

A heartfelt story of a little sister who knew how her brother died, but decades later learned how he lived because of the men from the helicopter unit he served with in Vietnam.

270 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Reviews

[Kelleenalive.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was hesitant going into this book, as war stories are not my usual genre. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was not at all the depressing "horrors of war" story that this genre brings to mind. It is a beautifully written true story of a young girl who lost her brother in the Vietnam War, but who decided to not let the story end there. This touching account of her search for information, and the outreach and support of the strangers who helped her, compelled me to keep reading long into the night. Woven throughout the book are accounts and background of the Vietnam War which I found both informative and fascinating. I began to feel like I finally had some grasp as to what happened during this war that tends to be so vehemently shied away from; even schools seem to gloss over it and focus on its repercussions. This would be perfect as required reading for students studying the Vietnam War, as it gives a very unique perspective on war from a soldiers point of view, as well as the viewpoint of the families they leave behind. The author is both candid and upbeat in her approach, and while humor can be found woven throughout the story, it is perfectly placed, and is a very respectfully written piece on an especially touchy subject. I highly recommend this book as an educational, entertaining, and inspiring read.
Dear MarkSusan Clotfelter Jimison

[B.J. Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely tribute to a brother who did not return from the war by his sister.

[Constance McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very touching and heartfelt book. I had been expecting a book about the Vietnam War, but although it contains much war-related information, this is really a memoir. It details the author's impressive steps to obtain information about her beloved older brother's life and death in that war. I was amazed by how much effort Susan Clotfelter Jimison put into her search--and how her efforts paid off! A couple of surprising twists occurred along the way, which made Jimison's story truly memorable. In contrast to the sadness of Mark's death, Jimison's love for her brother and the love returned to her by the many people she encountered during her search make this book life-affirming.

[Pam Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite, heart achingly written book from a sister to her hero brother.

[Rebecca Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reveals the author's heartfelt journey while searching for information about her brother's life in Vietnam before he was killed and lost to her family forever. Her story is uniquely presented through her letters to him which reveal her family's pain and coping mechanisms associated with the loss of their loved one; and the homefront's reaction to the war and its impact on the families, who were painfully caught in the throes. The reader also learns about the short and heroic life of her brother, Mark, who was a brave young pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his brothers in arms.