Literacy+Review



= = = media type="file" key="Lil Timia.mp3" width="240" height="20" = = Sunrise Over Fallujah, by Walter Dean Myers, is a novel about a young boy recruiting in the Fallujah War. So I personally thought that it would be your everyday no-signifigance, action packed only type of book. To my astonishment, it held a lot of different lessons to be learned and meaning in such depth, you had to read the book to get a complete understanding of it. The saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover," stated as true, upon my first opinions then, completely different, final opinions over this novel. In this book you will get a whole new definition of the word "hero," and it will either change or reinforce your ideas over life, reality, and war. = = ﻿This book is regarding an eighteen- year old boy, just out of high school, by the name of Robin, nicknamed Birdy. He goes against his father's wishes of going to college, and follows his heart, thus signing up for the army and then declining on a well known, but always indivisualized journey. Throughout this journey he gains many new companions, but gravely loses a few special friends along the way. = = Birdy is described as a laid back, lazy type of guy, with few words to say, but many thoughts to explore. He is assigned to a Civil Affairs unit, who's job is to win the hearts and minds of the Iraq people during and after the war. He has two essential friends in the story, who're also part of the main characters. They are all on the same squad and team, strengthening the decision to rely on each other and lead each other on different circumstances. =

**Marla Kennedy, a female soldier makes herself known to Birdy, with her unstoppable confidence and great humor. She's as tough as nail, looking more like a soldier than any on the team. Though she creates a rock hard facade, there's something deeper underneath. These characteristics attracted her to Birdy.** = ﻿Charlie Jones, nicknamed Jonesy, is a blues singing man. Being musically talented on the guitar, whenever he can, he will speak of their experiences with lyrics, created by the mind, and tune. Most of the time noone can figure out what he's saying, but in the end, it all begins to make sense. Jonesy's rich soul and inspired songs were the mental anchor that kept Birdy grounded and sane during the dreadful, but also interesting voyage. This character's ending facet will be the one to define you of a new hero. = = This riveting paper back will keep you up at night with curiosity, and the ending will make you cry with confusion and then relief. You will change along with the characters in the book and laugh and smile at their many sarcastic comments and jokes. I think the audience of this novel, is of those who like war and influential books, those who want a change of heart and mind. Those who don't mind to cry and accept the unaccepted. These human beings would be the people who would enjoy this book.To wrap this up, I will say that this book will crush and rebuild your heart, with a new relinquish of apprehension. = = = = Written by: Timia Bethea =

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