August 7. 2024 - Reviewed by Carolyn Davi for The US Review of Books

"I would suspect that most people, at some point in their lives, have experienced at least one highly improbable event."

Hogan was an early "boomer.” He was born in the late 1940s to young parents and was one of three siblings. The family's religious backgrounds and beliefs were mixed but were in other ways similar to many middle-class families of that era. Grandparents and cousins were on hand, and security, love, and some diversity in numbers were in abundance. Two "coincidences" had profound impacts on Hogan's early life. First, he felt he should move some boards with protruding nails/spikes in them, so he did. As he fell to the ground later on—right at the place where the boards had been—he reflected on what might have happened had he not obeyed his warning. Another interesting occurrence was his agreeing to a "blind date," which led to his meeting his future wife, Georgia.

The Vietnam War was an education in Hell and exposure to toxic substances. Hogan's and many others' health and quality of life were permanently and increasingly debilitated by the chemicals to which they were exposed. During his tours of service, Hogan experienced more coincidences: more psychic warnings of life and death, horror and healing, as well as a quest for faith and a way to share it. It is significant that each chapter begins with the words "A Time To ...,” which allude to the well-known passage from the biblical book Ecclesiastes.

This relatable autobiography contains the significant life experiences of a man who is a member of a large group of veterans who—because of circumstances over which many were victims as well as participants under order—were ignored, misunderstood, and vilified. The challenges of the Vietnam veterans are a major part of the legacy of the United States’ involvement there, and Hogan’s book effectively reminds readers that these should be remembered and the veterans themselves honored.

June 224 - Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite - Five Stars

Patrick Hogan’s autobiography Coincidence, You Say? is a compelling narrative that traces the author’s life journey from the quiet streets of a small town in New Jersey to the harsh landscapes of Vietnam, back to his roots, and eventually with the Teaneck Police Department. Through vivid narration and photographs, Hogan invites readers into a world shaped by coincidences, chance encounters, profound challenges, and the resilience of the human spirit. His story will resonate with anyone living in the Vietnam era or interested in the conflict that pitted soldiers against American citizens. Hogan offers readers more than a textbook overview of the Vietnam conflict and its aftermath on physical and emotional health and finding one’s place upon returning to civilian life. He provides an in-depth look into Agent Orange, the herbicide mixture that became synonymous with Vietnam, and how it impacted his life and those who served when the government used chemical warfare.

Coincidence, You Say? is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of embracing the unexpected, and the enduring impact of life experiences. Patrick Hogan’s narrative reminds us that our paths are shaped by coincidence, chance, and choice, moments stitched together into who we were and who we came to be. The linear narrative flows effortlessly, and readers will appreciate Hogan’s sincerity and authenticity. There is some graphic content that readers might find disturbing, but he doesn’t sanitize his experiences. Hogan has penned a memorable and educational autobiography that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

June 2024 - Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers’ Favorite -Five Stars

Patrick Hogan's story captures his youthful days, his taxing experience of war, and his search for God. Coincidence, You Say? begins with a depiction of Patrick's childhood and his experience of bullying in high school. When he turned sixteen, he thought he wanted to work with horses for life. However, his path led him to becoming a soldier and joining the war in Vietnam where he experienced exposure to pesticides and chemicals that led to persistent health challenges and battles with the Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA) later in life. Hogan's journey brings him to face many challenging moments in his role as a police officer. Wherever Patrick found himself in life, he realized he was drawn to God and some astounding miraculous incidents that caused him to ask the question, "Was it just a coincidence?"

The author's vulnerable tale takes us through eye-opening anecdotes and details that expose uncomfortable truths about the Vietnam War. It's sad that Patrick Hogan, like his fellow soldiers in the army, fell prey to buried lies and selfish interests and experienced serious health challenges that kept resurfacing. Readers will enjoy the book's orderly nature since the stories are neatly arranged into titled sections and often follow a chronological order. These highly engaging stories depict Patrick's busy life brilliantly. I enjoyed the high-stakes missions and the suspenseful scenes involving police arrests and dangerous criminals. Additionally, Coincidence, You Say? inspires building faith and choosing kindness; Patrick's spiritual exploration shines a light on the importance of opening our minds to life's abundant miracles. Experience an unforgettable life story with this riveting, nuanced, and touching memoir. You'll love its deep dive into history, thought-provoking political subjects, and profound spiritual insights.

June 2024 - Reviewed by Rob Laymon for Reader Views - Five Stars

Walt Whitman said there is no trade or employment but the young man following it may become a hero. Patrick Hogan followed several, and seems to have become a hero at all of them. A horse handler as a youth, an in-country soldier in Vietnam, a career policeman in Teaneck, NJ, a scrimmager with the Department of Veterans Affairs, a seeker after God—Hogan seemed to make glory of many roads.

Or maybe it’s the careful appraisal of one’s own life that reveals the hidden heroic in it. Either way, “Coincidence, You Say?” charts a fine course among the many baffles and triumphs of Hogan’s long career on the planet. One could almost call it an autobiographical call to action, as it presents not only the details of Hogan’s enterprise but also the value of putting them in print. Would-be writers take note.

Granted, Hogan’s lucidly written and splendidly edited prose sets a high mark for imitators. His sharp and regular paragraphs, marching like a grenadier down the page, bespeak uncommon discipline with a pen. His knowing mixtures of conflict and resolution save a humble story from the commonplace. His devotion to this project, and the obvious effort it required, suggest a courage that other writers might do well to appropriate.

Born in Newburgh, NY and raised in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Hogan grew up loving guns and animals. During his teenage years, he wrangled horses at the Blue Ridge Riding Academy and later at Johnny Ray’s Show Stable near Paramus. With the Vietnam conflict developing into a war, he enlisted in the Army and found himself stationed in South Vietnam from September 1966 through June 1969, earning the rank of staff sergeant E-6.

Enlisting in the military forced me to grow up fast,” he writes. “The army taught me honor, accountability, and discipline. The classrooms of Vietnam taught me patience, perseverance, focus, and commitment.

It also showered him with the many toxic chemicals used in military-grade herbicides and insecticides, leading to a long battle with the DVA over service-related health issues, about which he wrote his first book, “Silent Spring—Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War.”

Through it all Hogan maintains the geniality of a close friend whose intention is only to spare you the headaches he has faced. As the charming account of a life studiously run, Patrick Hogan’s “Coincidence, You Say?” rewards that friendship.

June 2024 - Reviewed by Justin Gaynor for Reader Views - Five Stars

There are three separate stories being told in Patrick Hogan’s “Coincidence, You Say?”   The first story simply recounts the unusually action-packed life of the narrator/author as he moves from the horse corral through the Vietnam War, police work, and finally retirement.  The second provides a detailed account of the medical issues suffered by many veterans exposed to massive doses of highly toxic herbicides and pesticides in the jungles of Vietnam.  In the third, we travel alongside the author on his quest for meaning through his faith in God.  Any of these could have been a complete book in itself.  In fact, the story of the chemical poisoning was told in more detail in his earlier award-winning book “Silent Spring – Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War.”

Hogan draws us in by making us feel like part of the family.  The first portion of the book describes his upbringing in northeastern New Jersey.  It felt like a visit to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, flipping through the photo album and learning about family history.   I should have brewed up some hot chocolate with marshmallows to make the experience complete!  Like many high schoolers, he doesn’t quite know what to do with his life, but given his affinity for horses and skills in working with them, he left high school to become a stableboy.  New Jersey was more open in those days, and he even compared his hometown to Mayberry in the old TV show.

But Uncle Sam has other plans, and he soon finds himself in Vietnam.   He manages to get married amidst his three tours of duty and joins the police force upon his return to the United States.  Police work is a necessary evil in our society, but he manages to relay some stories in a charming way:

Good news travels fast because one afternoon, while I was in the office doing paperwork, I received a call from an attorney. He stated that he was representing Stanley and wanted to make an appointment to bring his client in to discuss the arrest warrant we had for him…This was the first time we ever had a burglar make an appointment to come in with an attorney. We showed them to our interview room. After the introductions and pleasantries were out of the way…

“Pleasantries” is an interesting way to put it.  I’m sure it was more pleasant for the police than for the burglar!

A number of anecdotes are included, but it’s best to read these in Hogan’s own words rather than being summarized in a review.   These include stories about rescues, murder, riots, and other mayhem.   He made it through his entire career without firing a shot at a suspect, which may have been luck or may just tell us something about what kind of man he is.

The second book-within-a-book concerns the many health problems he suffered, beginning immediately after his deployments in Southeast Asia.  It is hard to reconcile a man who can make it through Army Boot Camp, and survive three tours of duty in a hostile country with one who, shortly thereafter, could not even swallow his food without surgical intervention.   He offers up compelling evidence that most, if not all, of his many unusual health problems can be attributed to herbicides and pesticides sprayed onto jungles (and the troops within them) throughout the war.   The most well-known of these, Agent Orange, is bad enough; but what’s worse is that safe manufacturing practices for these nasties were ignored, and as a result, the sprays were spiked with a large number of contaminants that were even more damaging than the intended ingredients.  The reason for this sloppiness is that it increased the profits awarded to the chemical manufacturers.

Does this part of the story have a happy ending?  Well, that depends.  An unknown number of honorable veterans died from their medical trauma in the decades following the war but were not accorded the honor and remuneration of those who fell in battle.  These soldiers were each individually pitted against a faceless and pitiless bureaucracy which at one point even demanded proof that he actually served in Vietnam!  Crazy; and makes the reader wish this were a novel rather than a memoir.  Eventually, though, after decades of effort, the Division of Veteran’s Affairs acknowledges partial complicity in his health issues and helps to compensate him and his family for their troubles.

These two quotes sum up his feelings about his military service:

It would have been much better if our elected officials had chosen to bite the bullet and throw the chemical companies under the bus rather than the veterans who were exposed to their nightmarish military concoctions.

And later, in a letter to his grandson who elected to join the US Marines:

Being a veteran has to be earned, just like anything else in this life. It can’t be stolen—although some will try—and can never be taken away. Being a veteran has no monetary value, but at the same time, it is priceless.

People react differently to lives filled with struggle and violence, and the third portion of the book encourages us to accept the reality of God and the devil, and to use this belief to guide our behavior.  Hogan, far more than most people, has seen humans at their best and at their worst, and it is comforting to know that his faith has finally granted him a measure of peace on earth.

Anyone who is interested in social justice, respects our veterans, and feels a call to God will find many things of value here.   That the man telling the story is a good writer and a fundamentally decent human being adds a great deal to the pleasure of reading it.

JUNE 14, 2024 - Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite - Five Stars

Coincidence, You Say? is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography, military, and cultural writing genres. Penned by author Patrick Hogan, this emotive work delves into the lives of soldiers and police officers, exploring themes of youthful rebellion, love, courage, and resilience. Hogan recounts his own life, from joining the Army during the Vietnam War to becoming a police officer in New Jersey. His story is marked by strange, coincidental events that defy logic yet significantly shaped his life. The book reveals the harsh realities faced by military and police personnel, shedding light on government actions during the Vietnam War and the demanding nature of police work. Hogan offers a lot of truth, empathy, and honesty in an eye-opening journey into his personal life, career, and the broader experiences of soldiers and police officers in the U.S.A. today.

The blend of personal memoir and exploration of larger themes like resilience and duty was both engaging and thought-provoking. The narration is bright and friendly, handling difficult subject matter with clarity and ease. Hogan's account of enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War, and later transitioning to a police officer, painted a vivid picture of the challenges and sacrifices inherent in both of these roles, showing a lot of his natural personality and letting his best qualities shine through for readers to connect with him. The coincidental events that peppered his life added so many interesting twists that were unexpected and very poignant, highlighting how seemingly random occurrences can profoundly alter one’s path. The revelations about the US government's actions in Vietnam and the rigorous demands of police work were particularly striking, providing a deeper understanding of these professions' complexities and a broader view of culture that will certainly have an impact on how I think about things. Patrick Hogan's ability to convey the emotional and psychological impact of his experiences made this book not only informative but also deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression that readers who enjoy memoirs and challenging, thought-provoking works will appreciate. Overall, I would certainly recommend Coincidence, You Say? to fans of well-penned, warm, and engaging memoirs everywhere.

June 11, 2024 - Reviewed by Annabell Samuel For Online Book Club- Five Stars

One of the beautiful things I've seen is that war veterans can now pen down their personal experiences and publish them as books for public consumption. Over the years, there's been a dichotomy between what the media says about the events of these wars and what the key players have to say. So, with veterans sharing their war experiences, we can compare personal accounts with official publications to see where there are information gaps. On this note, I express my joy in reading "Coincidence, You Say?" by Patrick Hogan.

In this book, the author shares his experiences during and after the war. He also tells the tale of his time at the Teaneck Police Department. He also spends a significant portion of the narrative talking about his health challenges, struggles with the Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and his faith in God. This book is a compendium of an emotional and spiritual journey.

I already stated that I was happy to read this book, as I would always jump on any book with personal accounts of war veterans. However, this book was more about the author's life after the Vietnam War than his experiences during the war. While the author shared a few of the things he experienced in the war, like the spraying of pesticides in Vietnam that made some veterans like the author sick, this narrative was more about the life of a veteran after the war. The author's experiences were not far from what many other veterans had shared. However, what readers can take away from this narrative is the hope that a lot has changed for the better since the Vietnam War, especially when it involves how veterans are treated.

A key thing to note about this book is the author's strong faith in God and the Bible. He is very vocal about his faith and uses this book as an avenue to share the message of Jesus Christ with interested readers. However, there is more to this book than the author's unequivocal expression of his faith. Some readers will enjoy the stories about his days as a police officer. I like that the author isn't biased about the relationship between the police and the people. However, he uses practical examples to show how a police officer's job can go a long way to save lives.

This book is riddled with pictures. It is untrue to say that every page has a picture, but it feels like the pictures are everywhere. While I appreciate the author's inclusion of pictures, the frequency can be distracting. Sometimes, after looking at a picture, you might want to go back to the texts preceding the picture before continuing with the texts after the picture. However, this is a subjective opinion and does not negatively affect the book's rating.

The book is exceptionally edited. Regardless of the minor concern about being distracted by the frequency of the pictures, I rate it five out of five stars. Lovers of veteran narratives will enjoy this book.

May 28, 2024 - Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite - Five Star Rating

Patrick Hogan, a Vietnam War veteran, shares his life story in this tell-all autobiography, Coincidence, You Say? Growing up in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, Patrick had a typical small-town upbringing with an eventful childhood. His love for animals led him to a job at a barn, where he met his future wife, Georgia. Patrick enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and soon found himself stationed at Cam Ranh, Vietnam. He unwittingly exposed himself to harmful pesticides and Agent Orange in Vietnam, leading to lifelong health issues. After returning to the US in 1969, Patrick started a family with his wife, Georgia. He began his new career as a law enforcement officer, which led him to witness some extraordinary situations, including the aftermath of a teenager's death. Now, a lifelong battle with the DVA awaits as his health deteriorates further.

Coincidence, You Say? is an illuminating autobiography of a man who refused to let life's curveballs keep him down and continued to fight with resilience, courage, and integrity. Patrick Hogan has lived a remarkable life filled with extraordinary events that shaped and molded him into the man he is today. In this book, the author gives a vivid and unflinching account of his life, leaving nothing unexplored. Hogan's story highlights the plight of Vietnam War veterans whose sacrifices to defend their country often went unnoticed by the US government and, to an extent, even the general public. He is particularly critical of the DVA and its reluctance to help veterans get the care and support they need to heal from the mental and physical toll of war. In conclusion, I found this to be a very inspirational and thought-provoking autobiography. Highly recommended.

May 22, 2024 - KIRKUS BOOK REVIEW:

A Vietnam War veteran and police officer explores how seemingly small events led to changes in his life’s trajectory in this memoir. Hogan begins by giving readers an overview of his bucolic childhood in New York and New Jersey. He later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to ’69, and then tried to become a police officer in Teaneck, New Jersey, but he was initially ineligible until a state law allowed those with corrected vision to apply. This, he says, was one of a series of small moments that changed his life’s direction. He writes of how, during a decades-long career in law enforcement, he had a great impact on many people’s lives; for example, in a few cases, he notes that he de-escalated situations in which an impoverished person had committed a crime simply from wanting the free meals one receives in prison. He also tells the story of the first time he put someone behind bars, which prompted a realization about how an arrest can affect an entire life. The book then shifts to an account of how he experienced the debilitating effects of the defoliant Agent Orange and other chemicals in Vietnam and his struggles with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to receive due compensation. Hogan ends with how his life experiences influenced his religious faith: “I am sure many will chalk much of my life up to twists of fate and luck. While they would say coincidences, I would say acts of God.” Overall, the book is straightforwardly organized and effectively supplemented by full-color photos, including images of family members and the author’s Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. The last quarter of the book, however, is dominated by how Agent Orange affected the author’s life and the research he did when dealing with the VA, which diverts some of the focus from his views about coincidence. Still, the work is easy to follow; it will likely appeal most to readers who share the author’s religious beliefs. An earnest collection of anecdotes and reflections on a long life. A Vietnam War veteran and police officer explores how seemingly small events led to changes in his life’s trajectory in this memoir. Hogan begins by giving readers an overview of his bucolic childhood in New York and New Jersey. He later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to ’69, and then tried to become a police officer in Teaneck, New Jersey, but he was initially ineligible until a state law allowed those with corrected vision to apply. This, he says, was one of a series of small moments that changed his life’s direction. He writes of how, during a decades-long career in law enforcement, he had a great impact on many people’s lives; for example, in a few cases, he notes that he de-escalated situations in which an impoverished person had committed a crime simply from wanting the free meals one receives in prison. He also tells the story of the first time he put someone behind bars, which prompted a realization about how an arrest can affect an entire life. The book then shifts to an account of how he experienced the debilitating effects of the defoliant Agent Orange and other chemicals in Vietnam and his struggles with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to receive due compensation. Hogan ends with how his life experiences influenced his religious faith: “I am sure many will chalk much of my life up to twists of fate and luck. While they would say coincidences, I would say acts of God.” Overall, the book is straightforwardly organized and effectively supplemented by full-color photos, including images of family members and the author’s Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. The last quarter of the book, however, is dominated by how Agent Orange affected the author’s life and the research he did when dealing with the VA, which diverts some of the focus from his views about coincidence. Still, the work is easy to follow; it will likely appeal most to readers who share the author’s religious beliefs. An earnest collection of anecdotes and reflections on a long life.

January 24, 2024 – Beta-Book Reader’s review from: Literary Titan

Your manuscript has resonated profoundly with me. The engaging narrative, enriched by personal anecdotes and vivid photographs, offers a compelling glimpse into your life's journey, from your early years through your experiences in Vietnam and as a police officer.

Your exploration of the health impacts of pesticides and herbicides, interwoven with personal stories, adds a deeply human element to the book. The structure of the manuscript facilitates an easy and intriguing flow of ideas, though I suggest an introductory note to better prepare readers for the tone shift towards the end. This would enhance the transition into the significant themes of government accountability and personal health struggles.

The inclusion of animal-related content was particularly touching and relatable, adding a unique flavor to your autobiography. While the pacing is commendably consistent, integrating more photographs within the chapters could further enrich the reader's experience.

Your book not only provided me with a greater understanding of the issues discussed but also allowed me to empathize with your struggles and achievements. The final sections, particularly your reflections on government acknowledgment and personal triumphs, are powerful.

Thank you for sharing your journey; it has been an enlightening and engaging read. Your story, undoubtedly, will inspire and inform many readers.