Book Review: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Genre: Memoir
Ages: 14 and Up

     This book was absolutely amazing. It's a gruesome, yet heartfelt account of Ishmael Beah's childhood in Sierra Leone during a bitter civil war. Every event that is described in this memoir is so precisely detailed, that as a reader you can almost picture yourself standing there alongside the author. I'll admit, that at time the descriptions can be a bit gory, but it only adds to the depth of the memoir. This book is one that we all should read, because it really opens your eyes to the cruelty that exists in this world, but also the redemption that can come after all is said and done.

About:
     Ishmael Beah had a perfectly enjoyable childhood, that is, until rebel soldiers attacked his village at the age of 12. After that day, his whole life was turned upside down. Trying his best to preserve his life, while wandering through the wilderness, everyday became a game of survival for Beah. When he became 13 though, things really started to change for him. No longer was he a civilian on the run, but a child soldier on the front lines. For years, all Beah ever did was kill. At 16, humanitarian workers from UNICEF came and removed Beah from the war. With time, he was able to heal, and share his past experiences for the betterment of others.

     Have you read this book before, or another one similar to it? If so, please feel free to tell us what you thought about it right here at Reading Soup, or on my Google Plus profile page! It's always a pleasure to hear your thoughts and opinions on different books. Have a great day, and keep on reading!

- The Soup Chef