The Yellow Birds / Kevin Powers 226 pages

For all those who have followed the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past decade or at least knew there were two wars going on, read this book.  The story follows two soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, who become friends (or really, acquaintances) from basic training through their deployment.  Throughout the book, you learn the struggle soldiers experience when they are deployed (IEDs, mortar attacks, fire fights, girlfriends writing the “Dear John” letters) and what happens to them when they return home as well as what happens to their families.  It takes place between the years 2004-2005, a period where the military and government did very little in response to PTSD and mental health.  The Yellow Birds can be a heavy read and somewhat depressing at times (be sure you have a light, humorous read next in line) but it is also one of the most beautifully written books on the Iraq War.  I have read many books written by soldiers or about soldiers during the current conflicts, but this one really stood out to me because of the way it was written… the writing itself, the flow of the words, the vivid illustrations make you feel as if you are there and really immerses you into the mind of the main character.