I liked this ... it wasn't "the most wonderful book" as so many seem to be saying. Would I recommend it to others? If they were interested I wouldn't dissuade them at all, give them a thumbs up, but I don't know that I'd really go out of my way, rave about it. It did give me a better understanding of the Vietnam war (the actual war, the protests and feelings in the US), and of women in wartime. I didn't really feel compelled to save quotes, or a huge desire to discuss it with others, or have a copy to keep. I was able to get the audio and kindle copy from the library (although there was a bit of a wait as it's quite popular and a new release). 

Julia Whelan narrating ... I think I'll have her statement of "the women" emblazoned in my brain. 3rd person/past tense ... pretty much all from the MC/Frankie's POV. It stayed chronological throughout. Simple numbered chapters (38 of them). No headers, the book was divided into two parts - the first part is her home/then war/then back home experience, and part two is when she leaves her home to stay with Army girlfriends, working, and getting into protests and such.

There was the romance, first with Jamie Callahan. Things don't really progress because he's married, then shot down. Then Rye, again, not getting involved because he has a girl back home. Then that is resolved, but ...  SPOILERS

boy, I think all the readers HATE Rye in the end! It did feel a little convenient to have Frankie get involved with the prisoners of war campaign, even though she didn't have a loved one in that situation. Except surprise, she does. Rye is alive! And then in the end, surprise, so is Jamie! I was just waiting to have her brother also be a POW, and not KIA as indicated earlier. Why not?

Just for informational purposes, I keep track of proFanity ... 2x. There was a lot of drinking, drugs, smoking. I have some strong personal biases against smoking, just can not stand the smell, and it's such a turn off IRL, it also is in the pages of a book. I just can't quite connect with a smoker because the revulsion is so strong. Similar feelings toward drinking/drugs - I just hate it so much. So, I struggled some, just even liking the character and caring what happened to her. Thoughts of suicide ... another struggle (more that in I agree, sometimes what is there left to stay for?) Maybe TOO much relatability with that one. 

One other thing to admit here - I was a bit "off" during my listen, just some personal stuff going on. That can impact the enjoyment, even the absorption, of a book. So bad timing there, who knows if that affected my feelings ... even I really don't know for sure. 

I think I'll remember and appreciate the information given ... always a little easier for me to absorb in a novel than a list of facts/history lesson.  The Author's Note was short and sweet, not quite as informative as some. No discussion questions at the end (a new trend I've been seeing, and one that I like, they often do make me stop and think, delve a little deeper).

There are some words/phrases I take note of ... one is "mullioned windows" ... I don't remember the first book I noticed it in, but after looking it up, it's one that catches my eye/ear. It was right there on the second sentence (and once more later on). Of no importance, just a term that stands out to me now. Also roiled (it's in 90% of books I think!) and cerulean. There was no smirking!