Extreme Flashbacks by Ralph Thomas.  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. There is drama all the way through as the first part of each chapter deals with the present and the second part of the chapter deals with the past. This is an outstanding and very thoughtful character novel. Not only does the author skillfully let the reader into the main character's mind, but most readers can readily identify with the supporting cast of characters as well. For a fan of the late 60's and the Vietnam War era, particularly the year of 1968, this book is a must read. Ron Wilson, the main character, is set on an unexpected weekend search to find his first love in Chicago, before he was sent to Vietnam. The reader is on pins and needles as Ron runs into obstacle after obstacle in searching for his lost love. The red herring in all this is the ambiguity of Ron's race. He literally does not know whether he is black or white, though this fact seems to be more of a problem for others than for himself. Then there is Ron's religious conversion which complicates everything. I read this book in almost one setting. It's one you won't be able to put down.