leslie1187 's review for:

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

5.0

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I read this memoir for ENC1102 because that semester the author was scheduled to visit the campus for a book discussion, which I went to. I got to listen first-hand as the author explained his struggle from being a child soldier in Africa to being acclimated back into society. It was truly inspiring to have the chance to actually hear him talk and meet him. This memoir reads extremely well, like fiction in the way it grips at all of your emotions, refusing to let go long after you've finished reading. It isn't for the faint of heart, though, as the writing is extremely graphic in some parts as the author doesn't sugar-coat anything in the slightest. It also informs you more of what these children that are turned to soldiers go through (known as Invisible Children). I highly recommend reading this memoir.