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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Ishmael Beah tells his harrowing story in straight-forward, direct language. More incredible than the story itself is his ability to write it at all. As a 13 year old child soldier "recruited" by the Sierra Leonean Army, he participates in horrific violence. His physical survival is perhaps a matter of luck, but the survival of a spark of sensitivity and gentleness is a testament to the resilience of children in almost any situation.
My one complaint about the matter-of-fact writing is that it made me as a reader feel divorced from the action, and Beah's emotion - which he reports on, but is not quite felt in the writing. I can see how this might be the only way he can go back to these events at all - living through them once is more than enough. My issue is a very small one and, on the whole, I found the book very affecting.
My one complaint about the matter-of-fact writing is that it made me as a reader feel divorced from the action, and Beah's emotion - which he reports on, but is not quite felt in the writing. I can see how this might be the only way he can go back to these events at all - living through them once is more than enough. My issue is a very small one and, on the whole, I found the book very affecting.
This is a very difficult book to rate because it is a memoir and the subject matter is so very difficult. I felt like the narrative started in the middle of the story and I would have loved more information about Beah's life before the war. It took me until about halfway through the story to really start becoming invested. I also wanted a longer ending. I wanted to read about Beah's journey to the States as well as more of his healing journey.
This is one of those reads I'm so happy to have read just to have a better education. I had a coworker friend from Sierra Leone and I had no idea what she might have gone through. She has since moved on and I'm sad I missed an opportunity to be more sensitive.
3.5 Stars.
This is one of those reads I'm so happy to have read just to have a better education. I had a coworker friend from Sierra Leone and I had no idea what she might have gone through. She has since moved on and I'm sad I missed an opportunity to be more sensitive.
3.5 Stars.
In 1993 when Beah was 12 years old he was thrust into a civil war in his home country of Sierra Leone. Rebel armies attacked his village and surrounding ones and he, with his friends, fled for their lives. They spent the next several months dodging the rebel soldiers who take pleasure in killing for fun and looting for food, etc. Eventually Ishmael, now 13, and his friends end up in a village that is protected by a Government Army fighting the rebels. But he soon learns that in many ways they are just as corrupt as the rebels. He becomes addicted to drugs, kills more people than he will ever be able to recall, and builds strong walls around himself so he doesn't have to feel. After a couple of years of this life he is mysteriously chosen to be rescued by UNICEF and taken to a rehab. At this rehab center he goes through an extensive detox and healing process as a result of his life as a boy soldier. Ishmael regains his life and is extended opportunities that take him further than he ever dreamed.
This is a compelling and moving story. Many of us have heard of "the lost boys" who were forced into being soldiers for rebel armies but this is the first memoir that I have read of one who voluntarily, kind of, joined an army that wasn't rebel but government, kind of. What struck me about Ishmael and the others fighting this civil war was how quickly they turned from living intelligent lives to those of thugs addicted to drugs and lusting for revenge. Ishmael speaks of knowing Shakespeare and excelling in academics prior to the attacks but all of that part of his life dissipates in the fight. And to regain it he had to battle many wars within himself. Very inspirational story of a boy who lived, lost himself, and lives again.
This is a compelling and moving story. Many of us have heard of "the lost boys" who were forced into being soldiers for rebel armies but this is the first memoir that I have read of one who voluntarily, kind of, joined an army that wasn't rebel but government, kind of. What struck me about Ishmael and the others fighting this civil war was how quickly they turned from living intelligent lives to those of thugs addicted to drugs and lusting for revenge. Ishmael speaks of knowing Shakespeare and excelling in academics prior to the attacks but all of that part of his life dissipates in the fight. And to regain it he had to battle many wars within himself. Very inspirational story of a boy who lived, lost himself, and lives again.
A very straight forward story recounting the author’s experiences growing up in a civil war-torn country (Sierra Leone) and becoming a soldier at the age of 13. It’s a heart-wrenching tale that at some points seems so outrageous it’s hard to believe it’s true. This book made me want wars to end, yet left me wondering how we can stop such atrocities from happening. It was a disturbing book in many ways, but it somehow seemed hopeful...hopeful that children of war can be rehabilitated, that they can reach beyond their suffering and emerge beautiful new creatures that can make differences in the world, if only they are given a chance.
This might actually be one of the more uplifting books that I've read lately. Sure, you have to make it through the horrible deaths of almost everybody that the author ever met - but the end somehow manages to bring the reader up out of the darkness without losing the message of the previous 200 pages. Seriously.
With that said, be aware that this volume does contain descriptions of how horrid human beings can be to each other. Do not read if you are already depressed about something...
With that said, be aware that this volume does contain descriptions of how horrid human beings can be to each other. Do not read if you are already depressed about something...
This book is a quick simple read giving you a peak into one boys difficult life as a young soldier. We read this in my book club and most felt that the characters were not connectable. I admit that this is he only book I've read on child soldiers and maybe this pales in comparison to some but I did enjoy it nonetheless.
This song inspired me beyond measure. This is the most I have ever felt moved by any story. I will read and reread this memoir.
I'm was so amazed at the journey that Ishmael's life took him on. He proved that children are resilient and worth fighting for. I am glad that I read this book!
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced