Fallen Angels

Gritty. Real. Explicit. Heartrendingly Sad. Terrifying. War.

Richie Perry, a 17 year old Harlem graduate, can't afford college nor has any good job prospects - so he enlists in the Army hearing that the war in Vietnam is ending soon. Although his relationship with his Mom is not good, Perry hates to leave his kid brother. When he arrives in Nam he soon joins a ragtag group of young men, most under the age of 20. At first the heat, bugs, and the monotony set in, then as the skirmishes and deployment begin, things get hot and heavy. Casualties mount, including those in his squad - good men who were in the wrong place, wrong time. Troops hurt and maim, by accident, other squads. Fear is a constant, heavy companion and Perry questions the war and himself. Overriding it all is the question - will he and his buddies make it back to the "world?"


Myers lays Perry thoughts and fears down so easily that it's hard to read without wincing. You can't put down the book, but the pain, confusion, and terror is right there in your face. I had to come up for air every once in awhile and think on the words I just read.....

It is said that in war, no one wins...

On the list of banned books due to "vulgar language, sexual explicitness, or violent imagery that is gratuitously employed."