Fallen Angels loss of innocence
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Youthful Demise
Although not the most enjoyable experience, war sees a young man embark on many of his most dramatic adventures. Walter Dean Myers teaches his readers the hardships of war in his widely acclaimed novel, Fallen Angels. Readers follow Richie Perry, a young man from Harlem, through his struggles in the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, Perry faces many situations that have many strenuous effects on him, physically, mentally and emotionally. Readers witness Perry's progressive loss of youth as he encounters his first sight of death, comes face to face with a cold blooded killer, and hides out, cooped up behind enemy lines. Perry arrives in 'Nam a nave young male, not expecting to experience the difficulties that lie ahead.
Richie tries to prepare himself for war, but he has no idea how hard the first few deaths will hit him. First to go is Jenkins, a timid soldier who joins the army because of his family's long military history. On his first day in the unit Perry speaks with Jenkins briefly. Only a few hours later Jenkins trips a mine and dies almost instantly...