On The Wings Of Heroes
A Telegram by Will Vestal
Summary
This novel, taken from the first person point of view of Davy Bowman, who lives as a teenager during WW2. While the in the first few chapters of the book it seems joyful and prosperous, as soon as Bill Bowman, Davy's brother, leaves to go to war, most merriment falls away. First, collecting scrap, then paper, and even leftover grease. Not to mention the notable story of how "Beverly" and her goons were brought down by Mrs. Titus, using clever tricks and traps. And through it all, Davy remains almost untouched, still the impeccable optimist.
Evolution Of Davy Bowman
Davy Bowman led a simple merry life prior to the second world war. He played tag and was, well, a kid. But war hit America like a rock. Davy was forced to learn that things aren't limitless, nor are they easy to come by. Over the course of the war, he grows up. Now while it is a slow change, it is very noticeable. Thanks to his dad and brother being great role models, Davy prospers. He becomes thankful, and helpful, doing anything that anyone asks of him, knowing that they would do the same for him. The theme that I hope Davy Bowman would agree with, is that war does change people, and sometimes it is for the better.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan on December 9th, 1941. While Davy, the protagonist of the story, was not directly affected by the attack, the shock-waves ran deeply into his life. The attack brought the U.S into the war, thus making rationing a way of life. Things got tough, but Davy's strong personality, let him role withe the punches. Ultimately, Davy was forced to mature, in order to serve his country. That is how the attack on Pearl Harbor affected Davy's way of life.
Recomendation
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a realistic approach to WW2 life at home in the U.S. While being written in the very near past of 2007, Richard Peck incorporated the slang of this era. Even to the point of knowing this period well enough, that he could think of terms like "eight to five orphans" to describe the children of men and women who gave all the time they had to the war effort. I would give this book 5 out of 5 missing wiper blades, all of which Davy stole from the "big shot".
Citation
- http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/USS_California_sinking-Pearl_Harbor.jpg
- Peck, Richard. On the Wings of Heroes. New York: Penguin Group, 2007. 148. Print.