Sunday, February 24, 2013

A Long Way Gone #2
Summary
In the Second section it talks more about ishmaels time as a child soldier. It talks a lot about the things going on that everyone could see and had to deal with and also talked a lot about things that only ishmael knew, things going on in his head. All the the things that ishamel had to witness and participate in were scarring for him at such a young age. Some things that happen would be absolutely horrific for anyone, but ishmael was 14 years old making it so hard for him to see and thing some about some of the things that he had to deal with everyday. Ishmael was a kind soul, this shows how things like this can turn even the best of people into a monster.



Review
I am still attached to this book. The book just gives you a sense of how good you have it and hearing about things like this is just horrible. Some people don't realize how good they have it and i am thankful that I don't have to go through what kids like Ishmael had to go through. The fact and matter of what they do is horrible and i think this book is amazing for anyone, whether you are 13 or 85 this book will be a great read. You really get to see what happens in other parts of the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I didnt think this book would be good for me, but as soon as i read the first two pages i was hooked, so if this topic even sounds slightly fascinating to you, then read it.



Focus
This week the focus was the authors perspective and part in the story. My Author, Ishamel Beah, is the main character, the book is written in his first person perspective. This book is an autobiography so the author wrote the book about himself. He Talks about all his memories as a child soldier in Sierra Leon, Africa. At age 14 he was taken and forced to be a child soldier. He has seen a lot of  horrible things and in this books he talks about his physical and emotional journey as a child soldier.

Sources
Here is a link to a child soldier picture gallery.
Here is a link to a video of Ishmael on CBS.

Monday, February 18, 2013

A Long Way Gone
Summary
A long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is a true story about the authors childhood as a child soldier in Sierra Leon, Africa. Ishmael was truly a kind soul but by the age of thirteen had been forced into violence like no other. Ishmael soon found out that he was capable of horrible things and found himself a completely different person.


Review
This book is exciting, educational, emotional and you wont be able to put it down. So far I am really enjoying this book. I think for a person like me who hasn't been exposed to a lot of things outside a small peaceful community this book gives a look at what can be found in places around the world that aren't as fortunate as us. This book is truly amazing and Ishmael tells a truly amazing story.




Focus
This week our focus was questions. Here are a few I had.
  • What has he done to help after he got out?
  • Is his childhood traumatic for him to talk about?
  • Was he ever injured or hurt?
  • Did he have friends as a child soldier?
  • Were there others his age or was he one of the youngest?
Sources
Here is a link to Ishmael Beahs foundation website. http://www.beahfound.org/Beah_Foundation/Home.html

And here is a link to a video of Ishmael Speaking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo