A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
I finished listening to A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Ishmael was a twelve-year-old boy in Sierra Leone when rebels destroyed his village. His family was lost to him, and he went on the run with his friends, also young boys. After months of hiding out from rebel and government army alike, starvation drives him into a village held by the army. He and his friends are inducted into the army in spite of the fact that they are just boys. They are given cocaine and marijuana and “brown-brown” - a mixture of cocaine and gunpowder - and indoctrinated in hate for the rebels. They were young boys, and they were turned into killers.
Ishmael’s story is amazing and heart-wrenching and it is important that it is heard. When Jon Stewart interviewed him on The Daily Show, he said, “This book made my heart hurt.” That is exactly what this book does.
Thankfully, there are people in this world that believe even killers can be rehabilitated. Ishmael’s story has a happy ending, but that is not true for every boy soldier.
You can read more about Ishmael Beah and his book at his web site.
Sounds like an incredible read/listen! :o)
(Love the look!)
December 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 amOh, my, it’s so pretty around here, Carrie!
I’ve hesitated for so long to buy this book. I know it must be a powerful story, but also so very painful to read.
I will read it, I just don’t know when I’ll be ready for it.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:54 amLisa - It was. Very moving.
Crissy - thanks, I thought it was a nice change for the holidays. It was a painful read, but worth it.
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:50 pmgoober in shnoober and pooper de doo.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pmthats what i think of the book… and you!
hahaha no im just kidding.
i had to read this book for school and i thought that it was a really sad book, but also really good. it made me cry.