“They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.”
― Tim O’Brien

With the 30th anniversary of The Things They Carried upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on the work that became an instant classic for generations. Written by Tim O’Brien, this collection of short stories tells the different experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War and the memorabilia which hold great value to them. Every object is unique and reflects each character’s personality and their past.

Lieutenant Jim Cross carries love letters from a woman who doesn’t really love him, and though he accepts this, he struggles to let her go. Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriend’s pantyhose, and Dave Jensen carries soap and dental floss. These objects, no matter how flimsy or seemingly insignificant, prove to have a much larger impact. The memorabilia act as objects to help the readers understand the character, plot, or theme of the piece.

In honor of memorabilia in the Things They Carried, we created a list of objects that serve such a purpose in some of our favorite books.

The guitar in A Song for the Road by Rayne Lacko

A sentimental object carried throughout this novel is a guitar. It has an important meaning to fifteen-year-old Carter Danforth, as it was the guitar that belonged to his father. After a tornado destroys his town in Tusla, Carter uses the money his mother had hidden away to buy back his dad’s old guitar instead. He hits the road to Santa Monica to find his father, instead of living with his aunt as his mother told him to. The guitar is more than just an object of entertainment in this story; rather, it serves as memorabilia of familial love.

The Book of Sophia in Ocean’s Fire: Book 1 of the Equal Night Trilogy by Stacey L. Tucker

The wisdom of the high priestesses was lost for centuries until the Book of Sophia finally resurfaced. Inside contains hidden truths about history and knowledge of events that are yet to come. It’s up to Skylar Southmartin to discover her destiny within the pages of the book. As she struggles to control her strong power, she must unravel her family’s secrets and destiny. The Book of Sophia is memorabilia of the priestesses, but it also brings great meaning to Skylar and her journey.

The tape of Becca Night Live in The Cast by Amy Blumenfeld

Important objects come in all different forms, including old video tapes from the ninth grade. Twenty-five years ago, a group of friends produced a Saturday Night Live-style videotape to cheer up their sick friend, Becca. On the anniversary of their taping, the friends reunite to celebrate Becca’s good health. But things do not go as planned as friendships are tested and crucial life decisions must be made. Becca Night Live may be immortalized in video—but can their friendship last as long?

Forks, Spoons, and Knives by Leah Decesare

Amy York was taught that there were three kinds of boys: forks, spoons and knives. Using this classification system as she goes off to college, she and her roommate navigate heartbreaks and soul mates. Forks, spoons, and knives serve as objects to remind Amy of her father and his wisdom. She uses his words to not settle for butter knives or sporks, but to find her perfect steak knife instead.

The Fairy Coin in Wendy Darling Volume Three: Shadow by Colleen Oakes

The third installment of the Wendy Darling trilogy tells a dark and gritty version where Peter Pan may not be the childhood hero everyone remembers. It’s up to Wendy to destroy the Shadow, something she and Peter hold close to their hearts. The Shadow represents more than just darkness, but also freedom—something that Wendy has longed for. In order to destroy it, she must find the fairy coin and the song of the Shadow. But within the lyrics holds secrets of the past that Wendy must discover if she wants to free everyone in Neverland.

Sushi in The Sea of Japan by Keita Nagano

The object of sushi means so more to Lindsey than just a delicious meal. When Lindsey begins teaching English in the small town of Hime, Japan, she meets Ichiro. After she slips into the water and hits her head, she is saved by a fisherman who is the older brother of one of her students. She begins to work with him on his boat where she learns about the overfished bay. As she begins to apprentice as a sushi chef, it becomes more than just a symbol of a new friendship, but also the catalyst for Lindsey to fight for her new home.

What are some of your favorite memorabilia from novels?