Description
Book SynopsisFeeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem - there's a war going on. ---- Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he is leaving some problems behind. ---- His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold. ---- This fictional memoir shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone. ---- The poignant Foreword by his daughter, the Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added layers to the story. The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.
Trade ReviewWhat a brilliant, moving and vivid "through the looking glass" book this is. An irresistible read; beautiful, cover to cover. -Gareth J. Mitchell, Presenter, BBC World Service ---- Don't Break My Rice Bowl is an inspiring story - showing one man's dedication to helping others - at considerable personal cost. It is also instructive - revealing the limits of such dedication. I can only imagine what it meant to Robert Dodd's daughter to find this "hidden treasure". -Dr Kenneth Greene, Retired Chair of Social Sciences and History Department, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, USA ---- From the fundamentals of getting food on the table, to the role and impact of fathers, from ambitions to benevolence, not to mention a "Godless" war, there is something for everyone. If I were back in the classroom, I'd teach this book in a heartbeat. It would encourage a plethora of classroom conversation! -Nicholas M. Guarracino, Editor and former English Teacher ---- To the thousands of histories, memoirs, and novels of America's Vietnam Experience, this is a laudable addition, a descriptive, fast-paced story told from the point of view, not of a combatant, journalist or citizen, but by a civilian agricultural expert inspired by the miracle of rice. Eddie represents the America and the Americans who really wanted to make life better for the Vietnamese. This thought-provoking book deserves a place in the light (not in a dark drawer from where it came!). It is about survival, and so much more than a story of war. -Dr Peter J. Woolley, American Political Scientist. ---- The making of Don't Break My Rice Bowl brought Dad back to me, one more time. I never expected this. It feels like we have had one last conversation, one I thought we would never have. -Patricia Rykiel
Table of ContentsForeword * Prologue: The Jog * PART ONE * Hearts and Minds * RICE * Davinia and Rosita * PART TWO * Saigon, 'the Pearl of the Far East' * The Docks * Colonel Horst * The Orphanage * The Cooperative * Ted * Dynamo Will * Very Big Luck * Zoom * The VIPs * Carl * Village Piglets * Marshmallow and Cricket * House Party * PART THREE * Lunar New Year, 1968 * Deadly Believers * The Weed Killers * Evil Machine * Broken Rice Bowls * Face-Off * Love Song * Afterword * APPENDIX * A Vietnam Vet's Book Review * Character List * Writer Inspiration * Robert H. Dodd, Overseas Assignment Life * Acknowledgement and Thanks * Book Club Questions * The Team DBMRB Bios
