Wake Up the Night is an account of the author's experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War, the process of adjusting to life 'back in the world', and his involvement in the anti-war movement. The book records the military aspects of his tour of duty but also traces his transformation from teen soldier to worldly-minded adult. Using his research into the cost and politics of war, he takes to task the politicians who have led us into disastrous wars both past and present.