Sunrise Over Fallujah

By: Walter Dean Myers

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson

Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers presents a compelling novel that looks at America's occupation of Iraq through the eyes of those who live it first hand. Charged with building up relations between the U.S. military and the Iraqi people, a team of soldiers strives to make real connections and bridge the divide between two very different cultures. On constant guard from frequent suicide bomb attacks and deadly skirmishes, their situation reveals a tragic human toll.

©2008 Walter Dean Myers (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC

Excellent, moving account of soldiers' lives.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The author describes the lives of soldiers in Iraq, members of a squad of civil affairs soldiers, in 2003. They are working to "win the hearts and minds" of Iraqi citizens, but their job is no less dangerous than many other soldiers because it is rarely clear who is friend and who is foe. The ambiguity is exasperating and often dangerous. In simple but clear language, the story is told in first person through experiences and through letters back home. The dialogue is realistic as it is often very humorous. I was finally able to start to grasp how it might feel to experience life as a soldier in Iraq. For me, it was eye-opening and very worthwhile.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the use of the language and the realism of the dialogue. Instead of using persistent swear words, the author simply showed us the frustration, confusion, the comradship and the cynical humor that men who are constantly together often use. The protagonist, Robin, is often pensive, observing as he is participating, trying to think things through.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked all the scenes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I would have if I could have. The narrator set the perfect tone for the story. Very well done.

Any additional comments?

Very highly recommended. I will certainly be looking for any other books by this same author.

Unexpectedly good

Great view on the effects of war.

Lets you to feel the fear, the confusion, the grieve. All well packaged in such a way that you find the confusing beauty a-mist the terror.

with a well rounded over arching theme.

Recommended if you are looking or a tear jerker with good emotion and character development.

one of the best I have read in recent years.

This makes modern warfare very real, and shows a young person's perspective. I don't take time to review a book unless it's really worthwhile.

Still Waiting....

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I just kept waiting for something to happen. There was nothing that really made me connect with the main character.

What could Walter Dean Myers have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

More character development. The underlying conflict between the soldier and his father never developed fully.

Was Sunrise Over Fallujah worth the listening time?

Sure, but it left me wondering why the book was written/published.

Any additional comments?

Not the moving account I had hoped for.

no surprise

This is an interesting first hand story from a soldier who learned tht war is never as romantic as it seems.