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RETURN TO EDEN describes the journey of a man and a country - from the devastation of war...through recovery...to healing. During the Vietnam War, I served as the commander of the five-man MAT-36 Army Advisory Team in the Mekong Delta. We trained, fought and lived with our Vietnamese citizen-soldiers. I can remember a few days that I didn't speak any English.

The cover photograph is from Tan Nhut Nam, the village I helped to defend in 1969. I took that photo on Christmas Day, 2004. The bunkers I remember are gone, as are all the sand bags and barbed wire. It is Eden...once more.

I've been a working actor for thirty-eight years (stage, film and television) and have worked all over the world and am recognized, all over the world. Yet through all those years, I also struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...or PTSD. I published this book to support understanding between veterans and their families, many affected by PTSD. I was served by having read the insights of other veterans and I wanted to put a human face on this devastating consequence of war. PTSD diminishes the quality of our lives, as well as the lives of those around us...and perhaps the thoughts of one soldier will help another to heal.

I ask all readers to share my book, once read, with someone in their life who's been affected by war. Sadly, that population is a growth industry.

Below the cover photo are comments from readers, many of them veterans. I've offered readings in high schools and colleges around the country; I then field their questions. This book is now used as a reference book in an Ohio High School and in a few libraries. Raising PTSD to the level of consciousness is vital, both for our soldiers and for those around them.

I'd probably travel to do a reading in your area code...try inviting me;) I hope you'll make your own personal commitment, whenever possible, to support assistance for our veterans. They truly 'gave at the office'.

If you'd like to read more of my opinions, visit my blog at tuckersmallwood.com

READERS SAY:

“Smallwood's description of the small universe of the Advisor is sharp and clear.”

“…the product of an independent and intense talent…”

“…an extraordinary account of his experience… a story that ranges across the Vietnam War, politics, and his own struggles to come to terms with his life…”

“I started reading your book about 11 PM and I finished reading your book about 3 this morning, I couldn't put it down.”

“You have also made me re-evaluate going back to Vietnam to get rid of many ghosts. I didn't have the courage before, but this book has given it to me now.”

“I just finished reading your book and all I can say is WOW! Exceptionally well written and extremely heartfelt.”

“I found it to be interesting and easy to read. Your writing style makes it seem as if the reader is sitting down with you having a beer while the story is being told.”

"I spent about 2 hours tonight immersed in your book and really enjoyed the journey. Brought back memories; rekindled my long-held desire to someday return to Saigon, Nha Trang, and Kontum especially.”

“Got the book! Read the book! Damn that's good!”

“Holy shit! I am stupefied. And only up to chapter 10 so far. Frankly, all those movies and other books about Vietnam were dramatizations. What you've done rings true.”

“Tucker's distinctive voice comes through loud and clear in this strong collection of essays which will make you chuckle and make you think. Tucker is frank, sentimental, unafraid of controversy and easy to read. You need two copies, one for yourself and one to give to a friend."

"An incredible master at not just living through some horrific experiences, but recalling them in such vivid detail, seeing it all for its pure truth, and putting them all onto paper for all of us to experience. I laughed, I cried, I stood silent. Thank you for taking me on this remarkable journey with you."