A Long Way Gone

In my class we are listening to (slash) reading the memoir A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. It is an incredibly written, absolutely heart-wrenching account of his life, from young boy who loved rap music to becoming a child soldier and his journey to redemption. It has been interesting watching the boys in my class, the same age as Ishmael when he was fighting, listening to the story.

I have been listening to the story as an audiobook as well, mostly because I don't have time to sit down and read the novel. I have been listening to the story as I have been running, being alternatively horrified and laughing as I climb and descend the hills of the North Shore.

Tonight's run was a run that I felt should never end. Even though it was only 36 minutes long, I felt light and fully recovered, especially after a good adjustment and day off running yesterday. However, I made the mistake, today, of flipping ahead in the novel and briefly seeing what is to occur in the next chapter of Ishmael's life. So it was for two reasons that I didn't want my run to end.

Ishmael's story is remarkable, and after all the hardships that he has endured (and caused), it is a testament to his strength that he is able to sleep, let alone advocate about the plight of child soldiers.

A Long Way Gone
Interview with Ishmael Beah