How My Vietnam Era Experiences led to my Novel

By Naomi E. Kennedy, Award Winning Author of “The Boy with the Best Laugh”

After 13 years of writing and research, and one year of completing the editing and publication processes, I am finally here! 

The early years, (1966 – 1971). I watched friends go off to war never to see some of them again. A few came back home, eventually, but they were not the same. One friend went “underground”; he said as a conscientious objector. But, today I know the truth  ̶  he left as a draft dodger. And, he was ashamed. 

(2008). I felt it was important to explore what these men endured as draft dodgers. I began to research and discovered groups of men who shared their lives and their experiences with each other since the end of the war. Many of them remained in Canada; in fact, 60,000 to 100,000 men! Eventually, I met someone through one of these groups and we started e-mailing each other. This enabled me to explore and think about these men. I was in story mode. But, could any one of us imagine the guilt, fear, confusion, embarrassment, relief, sorrow, and mix of emotions one might go through? Initially, my story was about the Vietnam era and what I went through. And then it hit me. The story began!

(1969). Looking out the window from the college I initially attended, I saw police permeate the grounds as the riots developed. I was scared. There was chaos everywhere and every day. Constant fear prevailed on many campuses. Drugs were rampant, all around me and in front of me. LSD was handed out like candy, pot was in the air, and I felt lost.

People seemed weird. Nobody seemed normal anymore. I became quiet. Hippies were dressed in colorful garb. Long hair was worn on boys and men. And, strange talk was spoken. Hey man, groovy, what’s happenin’. Want a joint? Far-out! 

Pop music fused with rock music. And then, of course, there was Woodstock! The largest music concert in history at the time. An estimated 300,000 to 500,000 attended! Drugs, nudity, insanity, everywhere! Oh, and let’s not forget… every band imaginable was present! Rock music became a culture in itself.

(2008). My inspiration of Lillie, the character who portrays an autistic child, came from those with spectrum disorders who have achieved great success. Lillie became my friend and mentor into the world of autism. 

When I started my research on autism, I thought I would solely read about Temple Grandin and her contribution to the welfare of animals. She is a doctor of animal science, an author, and an autism activist. I never expected to find many more noted individuals diagnosed with Autism. My character, Lillie, was one amongst so many greats! I wonder how she would feel about this incredible discovery?

The list is long and mind blowing. Charles Darwin, Emily Dickinson, Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Beethoven, and Benjamin Franklin, are amongst the numerous accomplished individuals, including, current day well-known and respected celebrities in television, theatre, and comedy. 

I had no idea a story would develop from my journey during the 70’s. At first, I expressed myself through poetry, then short stories. I started slowly with the novel, unaware that I was writing about this era. At the time, I was too close to understand what was obviously in my subconscious, but all at once it came flooding out! Character after character. I didn’t know these people yet. The germ was initially about a close friend. His life did not parallel Adam’s, except with alcoholism. There are a few moments and memories that I have shared with all of you about my life during this era. The majority written, though, is fueled by my imagination from this horrendous time in our lives.

(2022). After the publication of my book, I had some negative feedback regarding the subject of draft dodgers. Surprisingly, men expressed their anger. They opposed the writing of my novel. Women’s reactions were all favorable. I understand and have compassion for both sides. I did not write my book to offend or upset anyone. I wrote this story to share one man’s journey. I, personally, am very grateful and proud of our armed services, just as the rest of the nation is.

We are all just human beings. We are all different and yet similar to one another. Some of us are filled with fear. Some of us are brave. I wrote this novel to enlighten readers about another man’s life, a man filled with fear. The motivation was to share my experiences with readers and explore their feelings. I am grateful to have finally finished my novel and to hear more about how people remember the Vietnam war era and what they went through. I welcome everyone’s thoughts and feelings and experiences.—

Naomi E. Kennedy

Biography

Naomi Kennedy was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York. From an early age she wanted to become a jazz vocalist. While studying music at Queens College, she received news that Queensborough Community College was one of the first schools in the United States offering a Music Therapy program. She enrolled in this program for three years, which eventually led her to pursue other passionate interests.

She earned her BA in Art and Journalism at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. To this day, she integrates music therapy into student art lessons. Kennedy is a woman of many colors: a novelist, freelance writer and editor, poet, visual artist, and jazz vocalist.

In 2008, Kennedy began writing about her experiences during the Vietnam era. These memories were important and close to her heart. After thirteen years of research and writing, the novel finally came to fruition. Currently, she is working on a sequel. Her son, his wife, and her grandson, live in upstate NY. Kennedy resides in Cornwall, New York.

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THE BOY WITH THE BEST LAUGH

…. the train made a stop at the border. My heart was pounding. Two military policemen boarded the train and searched each car, finally taking a person into custody. My car was spared, but …. What‘s going on?

1970, Vietnam era. Adam’s life changes forever when his lottery number is selected. Terrified, he flees to Canada as a draft dodger. He leaves behind all that matters to him ‒ his childhood sweetheart, Liz. Desertion of his country fills him with disgrace. Alcohol becomes his escape.

After college, Liz starts her own business, Elizabeth Bloom Advertising. Soon after, she meets Tom, a book developer. A whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage. Does she know him well enough to trust him?

Six years later, when Adam returns home to the United States, an affair with a woman results in the birth of their daughter, Lillie. By the time she turns one, she is enamored with classical music, especially violin sonatas. As time passes, Lillie is diagnosed with autism. In an age of unawareness society shuns her. Does she let this stand in the way of her dream to become a violin virtuoso?

Six years earlier, unbeknownst to Adam, Liz is pregnant and raises their son, Will, on her own. Does Will know who his father is? At 9 years old, Will has run away from home, and now he is in danger.

Liz’s college friend, Anne, finds her identity after her husband leaves her for another woman. A court fight begins when a judge questions her ability as a lesbian to raise her two children. Does she have the fortitude to persevere and fight?

All their lives are connected by one man.

The Boy with the Best Laugh is a moving story in a turbulent time in history when our country is at war; an unnecessary war of atrocity.

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