John Podlaski

Written with great attention to detail, putting the reader solidly in John’s shoes.Cleverly Written, Dynamic Story TellingJohn survived Vietnam, but first, he survived Detroit     This collection of short-stories depicts growing up in 1960s Detroit, capturing the author's childhood adventures—alone or with friends—often marked by both fear and excitement. Vivid descriptions br...

Detail-rich story that keeps the reader engagedGreat introduction to the life of a young man heading to warThought-provoking memoir with smiles and tears     Mr. Podlaski is well-known for the accounts of his time served in the Vietnam War. However, this short story allows readers to see the beginning. He shares the emotions of being drafted into the U.S. Army on 2-27-70 and how it ...

Realistic and well-written
Great story written by an excellent writer.
Podlaski draws readers into the meat of his stories immediately.

John Kowalski makes it home from the Vietnam War in one piece, and his battles are finally over. Or so he thought. Home for less than a week, John must defend his family from a pair of unwelcomed thugs hell-bent on revenge.

This book is perma-free on Amazon.

The author’s style of writing engages all the reader's sensesThis evocative, descriptive micro-read will trigger memoriesAuthor, you got me believing in the bogeyman again!     As a reward, two fourteen-year-old boys are offered a great first-time opportunity to sit up front in the open and watch a movie at a local drive-in theater. Little did they know the movie would affect them...

2025 International Impact Book Award Winner.John writes powerful descriptions of people, places, and things.Gripping story that keeps you in the moment. The author paints a vivid picture that has you right in the middle of the action.Thrilling with a lurking sense of constant danger and death.In this page-turning story of bravery, fear, anger, and determination, the soldiers come to life.Realistic...

Amazon #1 Best Seller in its category for several weeks.2020 Rave Review Book Club Awards: BOOK OF THE YEARJohn Podlaski tells a military story like few others can. He is a gifted writer and will make all of your senses come alive.Written with great attention to detail, putting the reader solidly in John’s shoes.Cleverly Written, Dynamic Story TellingAn amazing story that brought a night of terr...

A painfully accurate description of the life of a combat infantryman serving in the jungles of Vietnam.For those who never served, it’s an eye-opener. For those who did, it serves as a reminder of that life long ago."Cherries" presents an unvarnished account, and upon completion, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the trials these young men faced throughout the year.It's a narrative tha...