A review by tfelmet
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

dark emotional sad fast-paced

Another book I’m not going to rate… I first read this book in a 9th grade ELA class. I have thought about it often in the 9 years since, and I wanted to re-read it as an adult. Reading this book you are absolutely shocked and horrified at the things Beah goes through- that the country is going through. At times, it is very blunt, detached, unemotional, etc. which makes it more shocking to read. This is a true account of events by a person who has experience unimaginable psychological damage- who has committed acts that would destroy most people (and many have been destroyed by the experiences he went through). It is harrowing. I can’t give it stars because it’s really not about enjoyment or if it’s a well-written book or whatever else you rate based on. It is an important, eye-opening story that will stick with you.