Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk: A Novel by Ben Fountain
The novel follows Billy Lynn, a 19-year-old soldier, who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. During the tour, they're honored at a Dallas Cowboys game, which exposes the commercialization and shallow appreciation of their sacrifices. Amidst the celebration, Billy grapples with his understanding of heroism, patriotism, family, and the stark contrast between the realities of war and America's perceptions.
The 2240th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 7th on A Premature Attempt at the 21st Century Canon (Vulture)
- 8th on The 21st Century's 12 Greatest Novels (BBC)
- 54th on Entertainment Weekly's Top 100 Novels (Entertainment Weekly)
- Best Books of the Decade(2010-2020) (Chicago Tribune)
- 100 Best Books of the Decade so Far (2010-2015) (Oyster Books)
- The 80 Books Every Man Should Read (Esquire)
- National Book Critics Circle Award - Fiction (National Book Critics Circle)