Tim O’Brien Talks Impact of The Things They Carried and Inspiration for America Fantastica

Author Tim O’Brien talks about writing his books in the middle of the night, the hope he had for the impact of The Things They Carried and whether his adult children have read his work.


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Tim O’Brien Talks Impact of The Things They Carried and Inspiration for America Fantastica - Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers

[RubyRedDances]

Thank you for hosting serious writers.

[KeithShelley]

I was very lucky to have been assigned The Things They Carried in high school and again in college as a creative nonfiction writer. Thank you, Tim, for giving the world such a beautiful, seminal, heartbreaking work. I’m really excited to read America Fantastica. And thanks, Late Night, for bringing authors onto the show!

[arcangellopez]

Was there during the taping, Tim was so heartfelt and genuine. Stole the show for me!

[kleerude]

I was assigned “The Things They Carried” in my tenth grade English class. I remember being so unenthusiastic about it—the Vietnam War seemed so remote to me. Within a few chapters, though, I was completely won over, and it’s become a book that I revisit over and over.

[anastasiabeaverhausen]

I love talk show hosts who read. Thank you for having authors on the show.

[angelajanusauskas]

Tim O'Brien has educated generations of Americans about the nature of war and the psychological repercussions of it. The format of The Things They Carried is the perfect way, maybe the only way, to let us appreciate the soldiers' experience. Thank you for writing, Mr. O'Brien, and thank you, Late Show for featuring this thoughtful man.

[joshuaf.]

The Things They Carried was a book that opened my eyes to the experiences of past combat vets and helped me come to grips with my own combat experiences. Thank you, Tim, and thanks Seth and Co. For having him on.

[santinau]

I read The Things They Carried in high school and it became one of my favorite books as well as making me a huge fan of Mr. O'Brien. Great interview.

[cheriecool-rudd]

Tim O’Brien is one of my top two favorite authors! I can’t wait to get this book. Thank you Tim for your bravery. ❤

[andrewrodgers]

Words of wisdom from a veteran. Thank you Tim and thank you Seth for having authors on.

[hepcatliz]

LOVE writers talking with Seth! Reminds me of old Craigy Ferg days, serious discussions about writing. And also, thanks Mr Meyers for getting closer and speaking louder when you realized Mr O'Brien wears hearing aids. Nice to see sir, chapeau ❤❤

[susan]

One of the most profound and gorgeously written about war...should be on everyone's reading list.

[theclawlives]

I had to read The Things They Carried in high school and I loved it. Finding out he was from MN was an added bonus

[thatgirlnamedtim]

I read The Things They Carried in college and loved it so much, it solidified my decision to change my major to English. Then, my senior year, Tim O'Brien came to my university and I was lucky enough to sit front row. After the event, I was able to talk to him and tell him how much his book meant to me, as well as take a picture with him and have him sign my book. It was awesome!

[stevenfehr]

I always enjoy when talk shows have authors on. The Things They Carried is really well written and makes you feel like you are in those veterans' shoes but still can never fully comprehend the awful things they went through.

[arthuradjemian]

Tim is my wife's brother (Kathy). He usually uses her name as one of his characters in his novels. A very humble, honest and sincere man. Not a shred of arrogance or being entitled. I noticed he looks alot like his dad as he's gotten older.

[escengn]

The Things They Carried is a jewel of a book, no matter the age. Thank you, Timothy! Your work is inspiring.

[rabbit]

I'm an American living in Japan for almost 22 years so I try to make a point to watch these other guests, helps me keep a pulse on America. Wish his book was available here, I could use something to read.

[mnchls]

Glad to see Tim's still at it! I was always wondering when he'd follow up July, July (from 2002). I know he had some kids later in life (unexpectedly, if memory serves), but of course he's still sharp as a tack and so delightfully witty. Easily one of my all-time authors. Things They Carried, Cacciato and especially Lake of the Woods were formative to my high school and college literary experiences. Great rapport here with Seth too—what I'd give for a full hour of them talking shop!

[kevinfisher]

The Things we Carried is hauntingly good. Read it as a freshman in college and it was crushed me. A wonderful book. But I was the age of the characters in the book at the time and it made me feel as though I was not doing anything with my life. My professor was wonderful and she and I worked through it and helped me to understand that is what happens when an author writes a near perfect book. It left a lasting impact on me, and I have owned it for 22 years since but haven’t been able to re read it because of this impact. I think I probably should revisit it. Such a damn fine book