Unhinged - a micro-read

The author’s style of writing engages all the reader's senses
This evocative, descriptive micro-read will trigger memories
Author, 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 in ways neither had imagined nor would ever forget.

Pick up a copy to find out what happened.

EBOOK IS FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

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unwelcomed - a short story

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.

PERM FREE ON AMAZON AND KINDLE UNLIMITED

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2-27-70 - a short story

Detail-rich story that keeps the reader engaged
Great introduction to the life of a young man heading to war
Thought-provoking memoir with smiles and tears

Mr. Podlaski is well known for his accounts of his service 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 impacted not only him but also his family.

If you want to know what these ‘soon-to-be soldiers’ experienced at the Induction Center, then this book is a good place to start.

EBOOK IS FREE ON AMAZON KINDLE UNLIMITED

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Death in the Triangle - A Vietnam War Story

Amazon #1 Best Seller in its category for several weeks2025 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 and gritty. The author is a great storyteller“When Can I Stop Running?” is the forerunner to this book.Only a couple of hours had passed since returning to the firebase. Now, the sleep-deprived and weary First Platoon soldiers must go back ...
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When Can I Stop Running? - A Vietnam War Story

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 terror into perspective.Step into the shadows of the Vietnam War and join two young soldiers, alone in a listening post (LP), in the pitch-black jungle of Vietnam. The night seems to go on forever, and when nothing is happening, John Kowalski’s mind wanders back to frightening memories of situations h...
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Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel

Amazon #1 Best Seller in its category for several weeksA 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 that grips the reader throughout.In 1970, John Kowalski was among many young, inexperienced soldiers sent to Vietnam to fight in a war that was already controversial. Referred to as “Cherries” by their veteran counterparts, these recruits were ...
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About the author

John served in Vietnam between 1970 and 1971 as an infantryman with both the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division and the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. The Army awarded him the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, among others. He spent 50 years in supplier management roles across the automotive industry and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2004. John is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and the Rave Reviews Book Club. He and his wife, Jan, live in Sterling Heights, MI, and recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Both retired in 2013 and enjoyed not working. That ended with the birth of their only grandchild in 2018, when they began caring for Scarlett while her mom, a single parent, worked. John has published six books: three about his Vietnam War experience (all achieved #1 Best Seller in their category for several weeks on Amazon), and three short stories based on his personal experiences. In his spare time, he manages a renowned Vietnam War website, contributes to social media platforms, and attends writing seminars to hone his craft.