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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Whew. Simple read, heavy stuff.Ishmael's mastering of English is so simple that it's powerful. I found myself underlining 3-4 word sentences that rocked my soul. His understanding of his situation is communicated in such powerful and heavy ways, it's almost as if his understanding of his situation is child like. He doesn't use large words or flowery poetic language. He makes statements.
His story, although moving, is such a common occurrence for those in Africa. Beah simply provides a voice for a political issue that desperately needs attention. Let it be an awareness piece, even more than that, let it be an action piece.
His story, although moving, is such a common occurrence for those in Africa. Beah simply provides a voice for a political issue that desperately needs attention. Let it be an awareness piece, even more than that, let it be an action piece.
I first read this back in 2012 and was part of my Everybody Reads Reading Challenge. Here's the review...
I’ve been hesitant to read memoirs ever since the whole Three Cups of Tea controversy. There were definitely some parts where I questioned the possibility of events really happening. Aside from my cynical point of view about memoirs, the writing was good. The subject matter- of kids becoming soldiers because of horrific circumstances- is hard to comprehend that it’s a way of life in some places, even now.
I’ve been hesitant to read memoirs ever since the whole Three Cups of Tea controversy. There were definitely some parts where I questioned the possibility of events really happening. Aside from my cynical point of view about memoirs, the writing was good. The subject matter- of kids becoming soldiers because of horrific circumstances- is hard to comprehend that it’s a way of life in some places, even now.
Sheesh! I really struggled with this one. I mean, I *liked* it but also not so much. This probably has more to do with me than with the actual book. I read it over a few weeks and that's almost always a disaster. The writing struggles to flow and I understand that's not exactly Beah's fault as he's not necessarily using an American style of English. However, the flow of language was disjointed and didn't make me want to read as much at one time. The story he's telling, though, is so important and a valuable voice that needs to be heard.
his was a very powerful book -- one that will stay with me for a very long time. I found it difficult to read in parts and I often had to set is aside to recover from its terrifying truths. Nonetheless, it is an important message that young Mr. Beah imparts and one that we best learn from. I do wish he'd carried on with his tale a bit farther than he did... I wanted to know how he got back into the US. Regardless, it was a fantastic book.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
When reading this book, one must keep some distance between oneself and the narrative, to not be overwhelmed by the horrors that are described. Fortunately, the writing style helps the reader maintain this distance. Writing in a very matter of fact style, perhaps even too matter of factly, Beah describes his efforts to avoid getting pulled into the civil war in Sierra Leone and his actions when he is eventually "recruited" to join the army.
The bulk of this book is quite bleak, by necessity. But Beah shows a talent for story-telling throughout, especially in the more hopeful sections of the book, when he describes his life before the civil war struck his village and after his "rehabilitation".
The bulk of this book is quite bleak, by necessity. But Beah shows a talent for story-telling throughout, especially in the more hopeful sections of the book, when he describes his life before the civil war struck his village and after his "rehabilitation".
I think this story is important I just wish it was written by a more gifted writer
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I read this memoir for ENC1102 because that semester the author was scheduled to visit the campus for a book discussion, which I went to. I got to listen first-hand as the author explained his struggle from being a child soldier in Africa to being acclimated back into society. It was truly inspiring to have the chance to actually hear him talk and meet him. This memoir reads extremely well, like fiction in the way it grips at all of your emotions, refusing to let go long after you've finished reading. It isn't for the faint of heart, though, as the writing is extremely graphic in some parts as the author doesn't sugar-coat anything in the slightest. It also informs you more of what these children that are turned to soldiers go through (known as Invisible Children). I highly recommend reading this memoir.