Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Though it's not the type of book I would normally choose for myself, I'm glad my new book club got me to read it. For such a terrible story, I really loved the way it was written and the levity that was peppered in every time it was getting a bit too heavy. I found it really easy to read. And truly eye opening, since I knew next to nothing about the Lost Boys. So happy to have read this and had a great discussion about it, too!
This book is amazing & based on true events. The main character's humor and perseverance is incredible.
http://www.vadfoundation.org
http://www.vadfoundation.org
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So different from a Heartbreaking Work...and so incredibly well-researched. The main character is astounding. Resilient and brave.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow. This book should be required reading. It's well written but what really gets me is the story - what the main character and so many of his peers have gone through. I can't believe I was not aware of the atrocities that are occuring today and the minimal amount this is discussed in the media and just in everday life. I can't stop talking about this to everyone I meet. I constantly find myself trying to come up with ideas of how I can help all the people who are experiencing this nightmare. Or even how I can get the word out about what is happening. Needless to say, this is one of those life changing books. One of those that stirs you all up inside and has helped me remember to keep perspective on what is really important. Everywhere I look I see how much we have and the possibilities we can each give as individuals.
Heartbreaking yet inspirational. Frustrating that our world can look like this and so little seems to be able to be done. Sad that very tragic things can happen to very good hearted people.
I don't know that I should shelf this under historical-fiction or memoir. If only 1/2 of this story is true it's worthy of being considered non-fiction as it's really changed my perspective on refugees. It used to seem oxymoronic that any country should shutout the strong people who found the wherewithal and had the courage to leave their homes to find a new country now it seems shear lunacy.
Just by telling his story Valentino Achuk Deng has made the United States greater.
Just by telling his story Valentino Achuk Deng has made the United States greater.
"I do not want to be a bother to him, to Deb, to anyone. I want to be independent and move through this world without having to ask questions. But for now I still have too many, and this is frustrating to one such as Julian, who feels he knows the answers and knows me. But Julian, you know nothing yet."
I loved this novel - based on a true story - about a Lost Boy of Sudan. Eggers did a wonderful job of structuring the "retelling" of the Valentino's life experiences. The novel switches back and forth between his present day life in America (Atlanta) and his past in Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya), which I found kept me more engaged than a more typical linear story. I finished the novel feeling inspired to embrace life, and with a greater understanding of the wars in Sudan.