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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I've been putting off reading this book. Children forced into war seemed like a topic that would be difficult to digest - especially an account told in first person. And I was right, it was horrific. But it was also an important book for me, for anyone, to read. It's so easy for us, especially those of us so far removed from this reality, to ignore their existence - their suffering. This particular story is set Sierra Leone during the civil war. Ishmael Beah is about 12 years old when he is separated from his family by the war and starts on his long journey. He tells his story very stoically, but it is still gut-wrenching. After I finished I read more about Sierra Leone and history and cause of the their civil war. You should, too.
Highly recommended. Will give you much to think about.
Highly recommended. Will give you much to think about.
I don't rate memoirs cause it feels unfair to condense someone's life experiences into a simple 1-5 rating based on if it entertained me enough, and Beah didn't write this book for me to rate it.
My mind is incredibly conflicted on this one. Is it an absolutely incredible book? Yes. Did I enjoy reading it? Absolutely not. Anybody who has a strong enough stomach to read this without flinching truly lacks the humanity necessary to empathize and those who have a natural inclination to empathize, it's you and me bestie.
As a consistent fantasy reader, I've read my fair share of war, but of course it doesn't even compare. It's one thing to read about a legion of fake characters fighting, it's another thing entirely to remember that this book is a true account of a real person's experiences.
It's incredibly graphic, extremely heartbreaking, and consistently stressful. Since the beginning I've been awestruck that Ishmael went through everything he did and made it out on the other side with his humanity in tact.
This book is a wake-up call but also proof that kindness can still be found in truly awful times.
My mind is incredibly conflicted on this one. Is it an absolutely incredible book? Yes. Did I enjoy reading it? Absolutely not. Anybody who has a strong enough stomach to read this without flinching truly lacks the humanity necessary to empathize and those who have a natural inclination to empathize, it's you and me bestie.
As a consistent fantasy reader, I've read my fair share of war, but of course it doesn't even compare. It's one thing to read about a legion of fake characters fighting, it's another thing entirely to remember that this book is a true account of a real person's experiences.
It's incredibly graphic, extremely heartbreaking, and consistently stressful. Since the beginning I've been awestruck that Ishmael went through everything he did and made it out on the other side with his humanity in tact.
This book is a wake-up call but also proof that kindness can still be found in truly awful times.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Very gruesome. I would have also liked more of a conclusive ending as he was escaping Sierra Leone.
I think everyone should read this book to hear some of the awful realities of children and their families all over the world, and why they choose to do things like come to the United States.
I think everyone should read this book to hear some of the awful realities of children and their families all over the world, and why they choose to do things like come to the United States.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Torture, Violence, Murder, War
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
this was genuinely such a heart breaking story.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Drug abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Violence, Blood, Grief, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cursing, Vomit
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Torture, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Blood, Vomit
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
i didn't know what to expect, but this definitely hurt to read.
Ishamel is a brave soul to tell his story - both the good and the ugly. Thank goodness he was able to get out safely. A really important read!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is the memoir of Ishmael Beah who during the civil war in Sierra Leone was forced to become a government soldier fighting the rebels at only 13 yrs old. He was rescued from the fighting by UNICEF, and he was taken to a rehabilitation center for children soldiers. I'm split between motivating people to read it and telling them to avoid reading it. This is the most harrowing, yet worthy, experience I had in a long time in reading a book. It is a must read, but it is an emotionally heavy reading. If you are ready to read a heartbreaking, emotionally draining, yet hope-filled book, please do so. Be prepared to cry, to be mad at the world's evil, disgusted at the graphic images of heartlessness and violence, and to internally rage against the war's crimes and the devastation it leaves on its path and in people's hearts. Be prepared to rage against such dark evil that takes otherwise innocent children and turns them against their will into unstoppable criminals; however, be also prepared to celebrate human resilience for good will and healing, and to see a light of hope even through the darkness of the most extreme tragedies. Be prepared to see hearts turn around and lost, damaged children become whole again in spite of the depth of darkness they have experienced.
PS. After I've read this book, someone told me that some of the facts of the book have been challenged as inaccurate. I'd say, if you want, look up the case against Ishmael Beah's memoir to be informed, but don't let that issue become a barrier in seeing the whole picture which is the undeniable war crimes that were perpetrated at that time, not only against adults, but also against young, malleable children.
PS. After I've read this book, someone told me that some of the facts of the book have been challenged as inaccurate. I'd say, if you want, look up the case against Ishmael Beah's memoir to be informed, but don't let that issue become a barrier in seeing the whole picture which is the undeniable war crimes that were perpetrated at that time, not only against adults, but also against young, malleable children.