UNITED WE READ
BOOK OF THE MONTH
* February, 2026 *
Buy Up Country Now!
Welcome
to the Club!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- 1. How does Paul Brenner’s return to Vietnam shape his perspective on the investigation and on himself?
- 2. In what ways does the novel explore the lasting psychological impact of the Vietnam War on veterans?
- 3. How does DeMille portray modern Vietnam in contrast to wartime memories?
- 4. What role does Susan Weber play in Brenner’s journey, both professionally and personally?
- 5. How does the mystery of the decades-old murder reflect broader themes of truth, justice, and accountability?
- 6. Discuss how corruption is depicted among military, political, and civilian figures.
- 7. How does humor function in the novel despite its dark subject matter?
- 8. Do you think Brenner is a reliable narrator? Why or why not?
- 9. How does the novel address the idea of closure—or the impossibility of it—after war?
- 10. What message does Up Country leave readers with about confronting the past versus leaving it buried?
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I read this book so many years ago. I believe it was my second Nelson DeMille book after the generals daughter. I loved his John Corey series, and I had hoped for a follow up to the Cuban Affair. I was so sad to read of his passing. He is a favorite author..
I was a high school senior when this war ended. I remember that everyone was unhappy with our involvement. One of the girls lost her boyfriend in Vietnam. I was pretty naive. This book opened my eyes to what it was really like to serve in the military. I will forever be changed by this book. I appreciate all the research and facts from this author.
As a former Canadian, I really knew nothing about the viet nam war, let alone the TET offensive. I saw a woman engrossed in Word of Honor so I bought it and read it. This is the sequel. Adore this author. Love his two voices. Serious as in this book and then cheeky as in Gold Coast. Brilliant storyteller. Haven’t read any of his books in years though
I haven’t seen any notification as to what book will be the March selection. Are there any updates?
Beings the middle of the month, when do we usually find out the next book? I’d like to just get an idea of how this works. Trying to put ducks in a row for next month. Thanks
Another good read is The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney. Historical novel set in 1867 in the Northern Territory of Canada. Very descriptive – draws you in – with an ending not expected! You feel the cold and environment of this story like you were there. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about survival in the wilds of the North.
Highly recommended books by Eowyn Ivey, an Alaskan writer. The Snow Child was her first. Very creative, discriptiive, captivating story. Her second book, The Bright Side of the World, historical type novel, almost a a journal of sorts. Then, her third, Black Woods, Blue Sky. Another creative, interesting, page-turner! She has a website: eowynivey.com if you are interested. I have purchased her books from a used book site: abebooks.com and they almost always look like brand new books – free shipping on some, too.