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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Ouch. This book was....brutal. And descriptive...and a bit graphic....but a good read. This is the kind of book you make yourself read because even though you know it will make you uncomfortable and sad, you also know it is an important read and one that will allow you to understand a part of the world (history) a little better. If I based this book on details/content...I would not have read this, but I chose this book because I wanted to learn more about the civil war in Sierra Leon and more about life as a child soldier (how does one process that form of life...how does one return to reality after). It helped that a colleague pushed me to read this book so I would better understand that part of the world.
This is the story of Ishmael, a young boy, who is separated from his family during one (of many) upheavals in Sierra Leon--- goes on a long journey and ends up fighting with the army to keep the rebels (RUF) at bay. It is also about his rehabilitation and his attempt to live a normal life with his family. Notice I say attempt...no spoilers. You know he must have survived this egregious ordeal...he wrote a book about it. This book was interesting, but definitely not my cup of tea. I ended up reading a second book before bed so I could avoid...graphic details before drifting off to sleep.
This is definitely the kind of book I would recommend students read--- and I would hand to a friend.
Read: if you want to learn more about countries in West Africa...or read if you enjoy memoirs.
This is the story of Ishmael, a young boy, who is separated from his family during one (of many) upheavals in Sierra Leon--- goes on a long journey and ends up fighting with the army to keep the rebels (RUF) at bay. It is also about his rehabilitation and his attempt to live a normal life with his family. Notice I say attempt...no spoilers. You know he must have survived this egregious ordeal...he wrote a book about it. This book was interesting, but definitely not my cup of tea. I ended up reading a second book before bed so I could avoid...graphic details before drifting off to sleep.
This is definitely the kind of book I would recommend students read--- and I would hand to a friend.
Read: if you want to learn more about countries in West Africa...or read if you enjoy memoirs.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Alcohol, War
I love this book. I first read it in middle school, but never finished it. Although I never finished, I remember the impact and love I had for it with the little pages I’ve read. Now fully reading it as an adult, it still has the same effect. I’m sooo sorry for everything you’ve been through Ishmael and I hope nothing but the best for you and your future! May the Lord guide you through life and continue to help you heal❤️
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
This book punches you in the gut from the very beginning. A war torn land. Running for his life at 12 years old. Seeing the most vile acts of violence and depravity. Forcibly recruited as a solider and committing those violent and deprave acts. And then being rehabilitated.
I can't even imagine the things Ishmael Beah experienced. His experiences hurt my heart and brought tears to my eyes, for him and for all the innocent people who have to suffer. It makes me feel guilty for the life I have. Not that I have it, but that they don't.
I am happy Ishmael's story ends on a positive note, but so many, including friends and enemies of Ishmael, ended tragically.
I can't even imagine the things Ishmael Beah experienced. His experiences hurt my heart and brought tears to my eyes, for him and for all the innocent people who have to suffer. It makes me feel guilty for the life I have. Not that I have it, but that they don't.
I am happy Ishmael's story ends on a positive note, but so many, including friends and enemies of Ishmael, ended tragically.
A heartbreaking memoir. I would've like to hear more about how Sierra Leone got into a civil war to begin the book (rather than a chronology at the end) and also would have liked more focus and detail on Ishmael's rehabilitation.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
This book is excellent! It really makes you think about all the things that we Americans complain about in a single day and how we do not stop to think about how worse off we really could be!I Highly recommend this book to any!