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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I think this book would have been a lot better if he had written down his story, but then waited 20 years or so to reflect on it, added that dimension, and then had it published. There really was no depth to what he wrote - it was too matter of fact and for being through so much as a child, it really deserves more attention.
A friend recommended this to me, and I really liked it. I expected to hear more about the "boy soldier" part of his life, which is probably why I didn't love the book. I did love the ending, though -- very poignant.
This book was so difficult to read just on the violence the rebels inflicted on Ishmael, his family, his friends, and his friend's families. I haven't ever read book like this, that talked about the violence going on in Africa; the rebels had no remorse for anything. I often wondered how the rebels had no guilty conscious of what they did or if they had families or kids themselves. It's horrible what Ishmael and countless other had to endure day in and day out to try to survive. Kids shouldn't have to go through all this. I was extremely happy to see when Ishmael finally got to the village where the Government Army was because he had shelter, protection, and food, but in a way was disappointed that they used kids as young as 7 years old to fight in the war against the rebels. I understood their purpose, but it was a never ending cycle. I was even more elated when UNICEF came to rescue Ishmael and some of his friends even though Ishmael and his friends were reluctant to accept the help at first. I understood their fear and not being able to trust anyone. These kids endured great tragedies. Overall I am very happy that this story ended with happiness and Ishmael was able to get the help he needed and that he's an advocate for all child soldiers in Sierra Leone. i would definitely recommend this books to anyone, and don't bother getting it on kindle for a cheaper cost, there's just some books that you should buy and keep on a shelf.
What did I think?...so many things. I dreaded each new chapter of this book because I was so afraid of what would happen next. Ishmael Beah recounts his experience fleeing ruthless rebels, fighting for the government army while being brainwashed, high on drugs, and numbing himself to the loss of family and friends in Sierra Leone. How in the world do you overcome that and heal??? Ishmael's is a compelling story about children of war. If I ever feel I have something to complain about...this book reminds me I DON'T.
This is a hard book to read and harder to enjoy because of the heavy topic, but it is another good reminder that we ocassionally need to step outside of ourselves and our relatively safe and comfortable lives and realize that there are people and places in such turmoil. Also, the story of Ishmael's journey from innocent child to refuge to soldier and then his subsequent deprogramming and return to a "normal" life is very compelling.
It took longer than expected to read this book--after all, it's not terribly long. The content, however, is emotionally draining, and I often found myself only able to read a chapter or two at a time. Nevertheless, the Ishmael Beah's story is fascinating--heartbreaking, horrifying, distressing, and inspiring. That a young boy could go through that hell and come out of it not only alive but (eventually) sane is truly amazing. My only real complaint is that the book ended where it did--I want to know more!
borrowed it for a little while early in the year (maybe for an essay?) and just did not feel like finishing it
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced