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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
A truly disturbing look at the life of a child soldier. Lots of very graphic violent scenes coupled with the innocence of childhood, and then the heartbreaking way the war changed him. Ultimately, his inner strength and determination gets him out of his country and into the United States. Very compelling. Not a book I would allow Matthew (my 10 year old) to read - and I'm not very conservative! It's just too violent for children.
So sad this happens to so many children in this world. Thanks to Ishmael for being brave enough to tell the story.
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Violence, Murder, War
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
An incredible memior. It was told so beautifully and while dark, I was still provided hope. I was moved by the characters and the story of Beah. It was perfectly informative and poetic.
Absolutely amazing story. A great book - could not put it down. You will be amazed with what this kid has been through.
After picking it up off the shelf at the bookstore numerous times, I finally bought this book. I have a coworker from Sierra Leone who left the day Freetown was invaded by the rebels, so I wanted to learn more about the civil war, but I also wasn't sure I was ready to read about child soldiers and the atrocities committed upon, and by, them.
I ended up loaning the book to my coworker and we had a good talk about his experience verses that of the author. The author describes his life in the rural part of the country, where the rebellion originated, and being forced to fight with the "army" against the rebels. Drugs and violence become the everyday life of child soldiers and the line between the good side and bad side of the battle becomes extremely blurred.
I ended up loaning the book to my coworker and we had a good talk about his experience verses that of the author. The author describes his life in the rural part of the country, where the rebellion originated, and being forced to fight with the "army" against the rebels. Drugs and violence become the everyday life of child soldiers and the line between the good side and bad side of the battle becomes extremely blurred.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
i was in absolute tears through this whole book. a very important read and a very well written piece of literature