Fire and Rain: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Wars in Southeast Asia

by Carolyn Woods Eisenberg ’71GSAS
Fire and Rain: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Wars in Southeast Asia cover
Good Books rating 3.0
History
Technical
  • ID: 2551
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • ISBN: 9780197639061
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published: 2023-01-01
  • Reviews: 2

Fire and Rain offers a fresh perspective on the American war in Southeast Asia, drawing on thousands of declassified documents and tapes to provide a startling account of the impact of high-level decisions in Washington. This work delves into the complexities of superpower diplomacy during the Nixon-Kissinger years, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of political maneuvers on the ground in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the United States. /n/n The book provides a detailed and nuanced look at the human cost of war, revealing how strategic decisions made in the halls of power affected the lives of ordinary people. It is a compelling exploration of the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and human experience during a pivotal period in history.

Reviews
magazine.columbia.edu · Unknown · 2025-10-18
insightful 4.50

Fire and Rain offers a comprehensive look at Nixon and Kissinger's foreign policy in Southeast Asia, highlighting their strategic decisions and the consequences of their actions. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of the era's geopolitical landscape.

Fire and Rain delves deeply into the foreign policy strategies of Nixon and Kissinger during the wars in Southeast Asia. It examines their decisions, the motivations behind them, and the far-reaching impacts on the region and global politics. The book is praised for its thorough research and nuanced analysis, offering readers a clearer understanding of the period's intricate dynamics. While some may find the detailed accounts dense, the book's insights are invaluable for those interested in history and international relations. The narrative sheds light on the human cost of these policies, making it a compelling read for anyone looking to grasp the complexities of the era.

Quick quotes

    The book provides a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape of the time.

    It offers valuable insights into the strategic decisions made by Nixon and Kissinger.

    The narrative sheds light on the human cost of these policies.

blogs.library.columbia.edu · Unknown · 2025-10-18
critical 1.50

The reviewer critiques 'The Body Keeps the Score' for its stigmatizing and depoliticizing view of trauma, arguing that it blames victims and misrepresents scientific research. They highlight the book's problematic case studies and lack of consideration for social and political contexts.

The reviewer initially approached 'The Body Keeps the Score' with high expectations, given its popularity and widespread influence. However, they found the book deeply problematic, particularly in its treatment of trauma survivors. The book is criticized for stigmatizing survivors, blaming victims, and depoliticizing violence. The reviewer points out that the book's case studies, such as the story of Tom, a Vietnam War veteran, and Julia, a sexual assault survivor, are handled insensitively and inaccurately. The book's claims about trauma being 'addictive' and its portrayal of sexually abused girls as socially isolated and self-hating are particularly contentious. Experts cited in the book, such as Jennie Noll and George Bonanno, dispute these claims, emphasizing that the book's interpretations are not scientifically or clinically valid. Overall, the reviewer finds the book's approach to trauma to be harmful and misleading.

Quick quotes

    The book stigmatizes survivors, blames victims, and depoliticizes violence.

    Addicted to trauma'? That’s a term that means absolutely nothing.

    God, that’s so awful.

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