War has long been a subject ideally suited to storytelling. Almost all great conflicts have timeless novels to their credit, but where is the great modern war novel? Maybe we’re still too close to the events for many to emerge, but Ben Fountain’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk is the first great book I’ve read about the Iraq war. Fountain finds the right note, mixing in plenty of humor with his authentic dialogue and grim subject matter. Billy Lynn, a virgin and member of the heroic Bravo squad, is paraded around like a trophy at a Dallas Cowboy’s game. Through inebriation, violence, sexual exploration and soldier camaraderie, Fountain shows us the absurdity of two Americas: The America fighting the war and the one “supporting the troops.” In the end we’re left with questions about loyalty, duty, and freedom. But make no mistake, the novel offers no answers - it’s much too smart for that. - Danny