The New York Times released their editor's top ten books of 2012. This is my favorite of the list.
"Stunningly beautiful and haunting at the same time, THE YELLOW BIRDS will tear into your soul, open your eyes to the horrors of war yet leave you wanting for more from Kevin Powers. His writing is some of the best in literature; intense, concise, with each word chosen with such care that you keep every one close to your chest. I read this straight through on July 4, an utterly appropriate day to read a book on the Iraq War. Fireworks at night drove me inside as I thought of the men in THE YELLOW BIRDS and the shrapnel and mortars became too real for me. Powers had brought the darkness of war to life in such a way that you can almost smell the dirty water in the ditch and the blood spilling out of the young soldier as he wails for his life. Powers' writing has me in awe of not only his talent, but his experience in war and the aftermath leaves me stunned." -- Annie Philbrick, Co-Owner, Bank Square Books and President, New England Independent Booksellers Association
