A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan

"A Bright Shining Lie" is a detailed account of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a charismatic and controversial American military advisor. The book provides an in-depth examination of the war, delving into the complex political and military strategies, the culture of corruption and deceit, and the impact on both Vietnamese civilians and American soldiers. The narrative also explores the protagonist's personal life, including his troubled marriage and his eventual disillusionment with the war. The book is not just a biography, but a critical analysis of the American involvement in Vietnam.

The 3297th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 144

Since this book was first published in 1988, there is a penalty of 22.4%. The age adjusted score is 111.74.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.