Gr 10 Up—Pacifist Twyla is less than thrilled when she's assigned to the "Help a Vet" program for her required community service hours. Assigned to Marine Gabriel Finch, she finds him unwelcoming and mysterious, spending most of his time alone in a decommissioned silo. When he reveals to her the mosaic he has created out of artillery in the silo, Twyla's first impression of him is challenged. A stunning depiction of Uruk and Baghdad pre-war, with inspiration from The Epic of Gilgamesh, the mosaic is Gabriel's attempt to reconcile his feelings toward the war and to abate his PTSD. In an attempt to save his family's farm with the prize money, Twyla convinces Gabriel to submit the artwork to MOMA's "America's Next Great Artist" competition. Nationwide criticism and praise flood in, as the two separately reevaluate their purpose in life. Berkhout provides a realistic view of the complex effect wars have on veterans, and people's varying perspectives on the subject. Poignant descriptions ignite the setting. The characters have depth; readers will empathize with Gabriel as a survivor of PTSD, and will revel in the two's compassionate connection. Berkhout sensitively examines the loyalties we have to our ideals, to each other, and to our country. Some descriptions of war scenes may be shocking to readers.
VERDICT A recommended selection for its appealing and thought-provoking plot. Recommend to fans of Patricia McCormick's Purple Heart.
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