A Journey of Peace, Justice, Culture, and Environment
Tom Werzyn, October 2, 2021: “ Conscientious Objector by Wayne R. Ferren Jr.,” The VVA Veteran, Books in Review II: https://vvabooks.wordpress.com/2021/10/02/conscientious-objector-by-wayne-r-ferren-jr/
As a Vietnam War veteran, I found myself reacting to Ferren’s story with a much kinder eye than would have been possible for me to do 50 or so years ago as the ensuing years have both blunted and sharpened my perceptions of the antiwar movement and those who took part in it. Which is why I recommend this book as maybe it’s time to see the other side of the coin.
GC, Amazon, May 30, 2021:
If you grew up in the Vietnam era, this book is a must read. If the Vietnam War was before your time, I still recommend you read this memoir. The culture of the time and political climate discussed in the book brings an understanding to the reactions of millions who both fought for or against the war. Wayne Ferren opens himself up to his readers, as he explains how he searched his conscience and how his background contributed to his decision to apply as a conscientious objector. The reader is held spellbound as he goes through the process explaining to the authorities in charge that he did not object to serving his country but objected to serving in a war that not only devastated lives but the environment. Experiences are detailed, anecdotes, original poems written by the author, and recommendations on how individuals may serve their country without actively being in the military are included. Wayne Ferren gives events that happened over 50 years ago relevance today. I strongly recommend that you read, Conscientious Objector: A Journey of Peace, Justice, Culture, and Environment by Wayne Ferren.
PF, Goodreads, October 12, 2021:
Conscientious Objector is a remarkable book. Though mostly a memoir by Wayne R. Ferren Jr., it is also a plaintive treatise about the senseless tragedies of war and in particular, the Vietnam War. Drawing from a 1950’s childhood like many in the baby boomer generation, with strong, multigenerational family bonds, Mr. Ferren grew to become a deeply talented intellect governed by a strong consciousness that never wavered in its commitment to peace, science, justice, and harmony, shaped by the cultural revolution of the 1960s. His perspectives on war, drug addiction, institutional racism, and marriage are not necessarily new. But as a single elegy, they tell a tale of a life fully lived resonating with a personal code of honor to be admired and emulated. That Ferren was also able to weave a very different coming-of-age trajectory of another brave man with (almost) the same name speaks to his skill as a teller of tales with profound relevance as recent history and a cautionary tale for the future. I recommend this book to all.
Steve Patchin, Amazon, September 29, 2021:
What Wayne Ferren, Jr. has created, with Conscientious Objector, is an incredibly detailed, thoroughly researched, and deeply contemplated perspective on an important period in U.S. history. One cannot but marvel at the profound intellect at play here that reveals important connections throughout Wayne’s life that led to his evolution as a human being, while at the same time shows the complex (and not so complex) details that made the Vietnam War what it was. And when all the chapters come together, what we have are the reasons why Wayne became a conscientious objector, and why he sees the world the way he does.
The perspective Wayne provides is revelatory in regard to the history of Vietnam and the likely reasons for the war in the first place. But the power of his perspective lies in all the threads of Wayne’s life that are woven into our history to become a larger tapestry that is Conscientious Objector. With this book, the reader has the opportunity to understand the thinking of an individual that led to impactful decisions that represent a considerable number of like-minded war dissenters, many of whom may have taken similar actions, but some of whom took the other course and died for their choices (or lack there-of).
This book is for multiple types of readers: those who already agree with Wayne’s perspective; those who might not agree and who would do well to look at life in a new way; and young people who have not experienced life and death decisions, those who may have to take a stand for their beliefs in the future.
BG, Amazon, October 23, 2021:
It has been said that the unexamined life is not worth living. Wayne R. Ferren, Jr. critically examines his life choices not only as a conscientious objector confronting ethical issues presented by the Vietnam War, but also concerns manifested in today’s struggle for the survival of our planet.
I recommend that you start by reading the three-page Epilogue first. Here he sets forth the newsworthy events during his struggle to obtain C.O. status. For those who lived through these moments, it puts one immediately “in the chute”. The author spares no detail as to his impressions, insights and sentiments during his struggle. In those days each of us of draft age had a decision to make. Many got the right birthday. Some fled to Canada. Others sought and obtained medical exemptions. This writer went right to the heart of the issue expounding a detailed environmental belief system striking at the inherent absurdity of war – its impact on our fragile lives as well as our delicate planet.
While the book’s graphic focus is on the author’s battle with Local Draft Board 8 in Camden, N.J., on a broader score he asks each reader to examine their own lives considering our pressing current political and environmental issues. At the conclusion he challenges “I offer this memoir as a contribution to the multigenerational effort to make all things better, to do that which is right . . . with the hope my portrayal of the individuals, experiences and events in my life and the times in which I have lived will inspire others . . . “. He has done just that for this reader.
He writes “Each of us is challenged in life, it’s how we respond that matters”.
I encourage each of you to accept his challenge. Examine the author’s critical review of his decisions and simultaneously detail your own self-examination. A must read for those of draft age during the 60 ‘s and early 70’ s. A highly suggested read for those concerned with the survival of our planet. (How will your life book come out?) You will be thoughtfully provoked and fully rewarded for your time and introspection. Read the book.
Barbara Smith, Amazon, November 1, 2021:
If you lived through the turbulent 1960s and 70s, you were either for or against the Viet Nam War — there was very little ambivalence. But the great majority of us never had to put our lives on the line, whether because of the draft or the desire to serve one’s country right or wrong.
Assuredly very few of us would have been prepared to take the deep spiritual and intellectual dive that Wayne Ferren took in his profound answer to his country’s call for service. His decision to apply for conscientious objector status was informed by his environmental activism, expansive scientific knowledge and intellectual rigor.
This book is a multifaceted, erudite but thoroughly engaging and inspiring memoir of one young man’s journey through a historically consequential time, as the country was being buffeted by environmental, social, and political challenges to the status quo. It should be required reading for any serious consideration of our Viet Nam entanglement and it’s unfortunate consequences. And for anyone seriously interested in a rich, fascinating and challenging period in American history and how it relates to where we are today.
Conscientious Objector is a compelling read.
“A necessary read for every young person considering entering the military.” TF, Scotia.
“An in-depth look at the effects of war on the planet and on those who served and those who objected.” KO, Santa Barbara.
“This book is a well-researched, artfully-constructed memoir.” TG, Reading.
“This is a remarkably detailed memoir by a remarkable individual who was in the thick of the society-changing events of the 1960s and 1970s. Although it is focused on the author’s journey to get his draft status changed to Conscientious Objector to fulfill his alternative civilian service, the author’s narrative illuminates a very interesting time of life in the United States, a profound time of societal change.” TM, Carpinteria.
“I am definitely struck by how unapologetically the author holds onto much of the sixties world-view—peace, love, civil rights, the environment—without seeming out-of-date or naive.” CH, Albany.
“The book has the air of a documentary. The voice is consistent, the organization is logical, and the storytelling is vivid. It gives a rich and colorful texture…This is a story that needs to be told to balance the scale. Conversations regarding peace and the environment are critical in any era.” JW, Las Vegas.
“The book created much self-reflection over my own journey.” BG, Gainesville.
“Ferren’s memoir is a worthwhile account of an amazing period of time, and a unique approach to conscientious objection. The larger themes make this a statement for the future, not just how it was back then, but how it might be and should be.” WG, Mount Laurel.
“A very stirring and compelling read. The author’s writing really flowed and the drama built to the great conclusion.” MC, Santa Barbara.
“Ferren’s path confirms that we do have the power of choice and in order to make change, we must exercise that power. This power resides on every person that has ever ‘fought’ for change in a non-violent way…It is very rare to learn this much about an individual’s lifetime experiences and commitments to the cause of peace.” DS, Boise.
“I enjoyed the book with Wayne’s voice in my ears. His recounting of his life and work is fascinating.” JL, Goodreads.
“The writing and editing of this book are well done.” TW, The VVA Veteran.
“Enthralling! A remarkable story!” HM, Las Vegas.
“This is an exciting story of one young man’s sincere efforts to live life in harmony with all humankind and in balance with nature.” JB, Philadelphia.
“Fascinating in depth exploration of the ripple effects of the Vietnam War on people and cultures. I loved the deep dive into Vietnam’s history and culture. This great book was hard to put down.” WS, Amazon.
“A very good book. I recommend it to any of us who grew up during the tumultuous period…During my college years, I was exposed to the philosophy of the Manhattan College’s Peace Study Program and realized that peace is an alternative to war.” RW, LinkedIn.
“I felt a new path to knowledge was opened, new insights about a land rather than Vietnam as simply a war…Life as a tapestry has fine threads that tie us all together.” HJ, Seward.
“A monumental work from several perspectives…For anyone interested in conscientious objector status, it is a rich resource.” SB, Santa Barbara.
“I enjoyed reading the book. It is apparent the author worked to re-create a long, variegated story. Many will find it interesting and will relate to many of the author’s experiences and challenges.” MC, Santa Barbara.
“The book successfully captures the essence of those turbulent times—the culture, the music, the activism, and especially the injustice. The author was in the midst of it all and brings the reader along with him.” JA, Narberth.
“This memoir is very moving and timeless. So many lives are impacted by the few who decide for us.” GC, Tabernacle.
