Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
not an easy read, but one everyone must try. the only way to stop stories like Ishmael's is for the world to be enraged about the situation that is becoming all too familiar in various african nations
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
OMG I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! It's so amazing and raw and I'm so glad my school put this on the summer reading list. This book really gave me an inside look on what is happening in different countries. I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! I can't wait to have a discussion with my classmates on this book.
I wrote out a whole thing about this, and goodread pooped out on me. In summary, it was very enlightening. A human interest aspect, not political or history lesson of why. My knowledge of this topic is limited to this and the movie Blood Diamond, which between the two show a somewhat broad picture of the horrible things people experienced. The story was confusing to follow a couple of times, but overall it was just very straightforward and matter of fact about events.
Beautiful prose that conveys the horrors of war in a manageable but jarring way. The story is told plainly with the heartbreaking sort of details that a child would include. It is moving, beyond the superficial impact of a war story.
The story matter is incredibly difficult, but incredibly important. This book gives a voice to an overlooked atrocity.
The story matter is incredibly difficult, but incredibly important. This book gives a voice to an overlooked atrocity.
This book is horrifying. An account of traumatizing and genocidal war and the emergence of child soldiers. Ishmael Beah has created a life for himself with such courage and determination; the guts of an incredible survivor. As terrifying as this subject matter is, it's essential that awareness is spread and this practice is ended.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Brutal in so many ways. What a heartbreaking memoir showing the ways in which war devastates children, families, homes, and spirit in irreparable ways. What I found truly remarkable were the ways in which Ishmael included details of he and his acquaintances still attempting to play and be kids while going through circumstances, fear, and uncertainty that no person, let alone child, should face. For him to still remain fighting for himself after losing his family, friends, trust, childhood, uncle, and home all within a few short years is difficult to wrap my mind around. Let alone the amount of death witnessed and caused throughout. Bravery and resilience doesn’t even cover it.
I also couldn’t believe the fact that rap music cassettes had saved his life not only once, but multiple times in his journey. I hope that music still helps heal him.
I also couldn’t believe the fact that rap music cassettes had saved his life not only once, but multiple times in his journey. I hope that music still helps heal him.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced