Walter Dean Myers' Fallen Angels is a well-written tale of not only the tragedies of the Vietnam War and of the experiences of the typical black American soldier, but also an open-minded view of the realities of precious life and courageous death. The main character in the book, Richard Perry, is a young man fresh out of a high school in Harlem. When dreams of going to college and playing basketball don't turn out as he'd planned, Perry joins the army, and is sent to the front line in Vietnam. The rest of the story describes his life in the army: his arrival in the foreign country, the meeting of his squad, and the building of friendships and camaraderie. The dialogue between the soldiers is realistic, sometimes grotesque, and often humorous. Myers also vividly depicts the battles Perry fights in, using exquisite language so to bring the reader into the battle itself with the soldiers. He uses his expertise to show the pain felt by Perry and his friends. I do not mean physical pain alone, but pain of the aching heart and wandering mind, the tired body and longing soul. One example of such description is found after one particular battle when Perry says, " I had stood trembling in fear and waiting, and had run in near panic for the choppers and hoped and prayed for a few minutes more of life" (Myers 141). Another example is found during another battle, when Perry tries desperately to think of other things besides the war he is in. He remembers his Harlem home, saying, " It would be day and the park would be filled with kids, their screaming and laughter would slide along the light beams into the helter skelter world of monkey bars and swings" ( 246). For me, this book is one of great power and insight. It brought me deeper into the world we live in, a world of prejudice, violence, and love. It took me back to days before my time, teaching me about world history, as well as the story of a most interesting human being. One of the things I think I enjoy the most about this book is its display of humanity found in the depths of war. The feelings shared by Perry about his family and his life back in the World show compassion most people would probably not expect from a trained soldier. The story is like an elongated parable, teaching the reader a new sense of morality about warfare and violence. I'm not saying that these things are moral in themselves, but rather that love, tenderness and virtue can be found behind the scenes in the hearts of the men who fight in a war. It is for this reason that I highly disagree with the reviewer from Topeka, Kansas, who leads readers of his review to believe that he threw his copy of the book away because it was so bad. While it may not always be historically accurate by way of the use of guns or grenades, it is after all a work of fiction, and so is expected to quaver in its depiction of the war. It is an excellent piece of work; a product both entertaining and educational to read. I highly recommend you take the time and read Fallen Angels.


Fallen Angels Review   May 7, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Fallen Angels is a tale of five soldiers coming from different parts of the States to serve their country in the Vietnam War which is taking place in the 1960's.The book's main focus lays on a soldier by the name of Richie Perry a young kid out of the poor streets of Harlem (New York). Perry didn't have any intention to go to the army, he preferred college, but after not getting in he was left with no other choice. While in Nam the soldiers face racial conflicts between themselves that distracts them from the war. While having to fight off constant conflict barriers Sergeant Simpson, Lieutenant Carroll, and others are making an effort to come up with various tactics to defeat the Congs, as Peewee says. The characters must also deal with the physical abuse they go through while still having to participate in combat. The book in general deals with issues concerning violence and racism. Although the story wonders off into long spans of dialogue, it still keeps the reader entertained with its action-oriented themes. It contains inappropriate language for younger audiences, which is spread throughout the book.


A book for everyone   August 2, 2001
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I read this book because it is an optional novel for me to teach to my sophomores. I wasn't expecting much. I had it labelled in my mind as a "Vietnam War" book, a "boy's" book, and a "Black experience" book. What I found was a gripping novel about war and compassion, humanity and the humane. It was so great I read the whole book in one five hour sitting. Meyers uses humor at the exact moments it is needed, deftly manipulating the reader's emotions, and the character portrayals are so vivid I had the entire book cast with popular actors within a few pages! This is one of the best books I've read all year, and I'm definitely going to use it in the classroom!


Awesome Book Review of Fallen Angels   April 2, 2003
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

Bloodshed... Insanity... Action... Terror... Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers tells the tragic story in the trenches and at the front lines of the Vietnam War through the innocent eyes of Richard Perry, a 17 year old African-American soldier from Harlem. He is leaving behind his younger brother and loving mother. After his dream of going to college falls through, he volunteers for the service unlike fellow draftees in 1967.
Death comes knocking at his door, day after day, night after night. The real bloody horror of warfare nearly rips his heart out while mosquitoes eat him alive and the unsettling guilt and images keep him from sleeping. He develops strong bonds with the men who are there to experience every emotion, fear, and thought with him. His comrades, especially humorous PeeWee, keep him going with their love and bravery. These courageous soldiers all came to Vietnam for different reasons, but all hope to get out alive.
The author did a brilliant job reaching deep into your soul and giving you a whole different perspective of the Vietnam War with the graphic realistic details. He also kept you hoping everything would be OK thoughout the whole book.
I think this book is and honest portrayal of what really went on in Vietnam. Death, friendship, lonliness, and fear are some of the main themes that made me feel like I was there.
With all the raw language, gruesome death, adult conflicts, and some sexual issues, I would recommend this book for mature audiences. If you are interested in reading about the real devistaion of war or want a book with unmatched realism and heroism, you would not be able to put this book down.