I wanted to like this book more than I did. I had heard good things about it, but I found myself having difficulty getting into it. It was not an easy read for me. It seemed more like a book you would read for a college class than a book you would read for pleasure. The language was a bit flowery and dense for me, so at times I found myself thinking, "Would you just get to the point already?" I did like the way that the book evolved, giving you a few more clues as to what happened with each passing chapter. It definitely built up suspense and drama for the end result of what actually happened to him in Iraq. I would be curious to know how close this is to the real experiences of our soldiers there, but I don't think I am actually curious or motivated enough by this book to do further research. The five stars is for the complex and abrupt emotions I was left with, which were totally unexpected. I didn't immediately get sucked in to the story line, and the author's style isn't completely polished. But I can't remember another book having affected me so much despite my slight dislike of the way it was written. The author makes the feelings of war seem so accessible to a reader who has never experienced military life.
What do You think about The Yellow Birds (2012)?
The dirty secrets of war and the sheer burden of humanity.
—Carolyn
A little too much "if I knew then what I know now."
—gabbs
