Comments on: Book Review: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

By: Don Fruhwirth

Don Fruhwirth — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:26:25 +0000

this book is really good, and i think they should put it on reading lists for middleschool/freshmen in highschool at least. it would really put them into perspective with how good they have it in life. this book teaches many good lessons, and awakens people to reality. 5 out of 5.

By: Rebecca Joines Schinsky

Rebecca Joines Schinsky — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:42:45 +0000

You know, I’ve read that article as well, though I didn’t come across it until long after I read this book. I don’t know who is telling the truth here, and I’m inclined to believe it’s somewhere in between the two versions of the story. I in no way endorse writers presenting falsified facts as the truth, but I think we can respect Beah for bringing attention to an ongoing issue many people would not have otherwise known about.

By: K

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:51:16 +0000

Dear Rebecca,
You seemed like the kind of person I may be able to ask about a sudden conflict I have. I discovered an article about how The Australian had stated that A Long Way Gone is not very accurate. It explained how certain events happened at later points in his life, such as the attack on his village in 1993 actually taking place in 1995 and that he was also only a soldier for two months- not two years. I’m really sure what to make out of this… my complete love and respect for this book has been put on hold. I understand how it may be simply a mix up of dates and he still went through what he went through, but I’m still not able to look at it the same. What do recommend? Who should I believe?

By: Rebecca Joines Schinsky

Rebecca Joines Schinsky — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:28:22 +0000

Seriously? You think your stuff is more important than homework and mine isn’t? You think I have the time to do your assignment for you? Get off the internet and go read your book.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:09:39 +0000

ugh. i got to do a progect on this and its due tomorrow!! crap.. book is good so far i should have finished it along time ago. but marching band got in the way. i have to write a time line about at least 10 events and explain the significance of each event and and why its is. and Write a annotated bibliography of 3 current world conflicts that include child soldiers. and draw that map of Beah’s travels and write a brief description of why each place is important to the narator. OMFG. I only got the map part done. im so screwwed. HELP ME PLEASE?? :’(

By: Book Club Party Ideas for A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah | ButteryBooks.com

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:50:49 +0000

[...] “Beah successfully takes into the consciousness of a young boy who does not really understand what this war he’s fighting is all about, a boy who can only afford to think about one day at a time and what he needs to do to stay alive, and he writes with great grace and immediacy.” – The Book Lady’s Blog [...]

By: Andrew L

Andrew L — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:18:11 +0000

I am a 16 year old boy that only reads when forced, and when my teacher told me I had to read and write a paper on it, it was the last thing I wanted to do. When I started to read it I could not put it down. Ishmael Beah did a great job recounting his tough past, it really opened my eyes to how lucky I am to be born in a free country with a strong moral structure. Great book I would read it again!

By: 2009 Reading Challenge Wrap-Up « The Book Lady’s Blog

2009 Reading Challenge Wrap-Up « The Book Lady’s Blog — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:04:34 +0000

[...] 10. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah [...]

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:41:07 +0000

I loved your beautifully written review — and the Margaret Attwood quote is scarily apt. I hope there will be a follow-up, too. I want to learn more about his rehabilitation and his humanitarian work.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:25:37 +0000

Interesting review and seems like there are a lot of difficult but colorful scenes to read. Although I have not yet read the book I will be sure to add it to my list. I would guess that if you have interest in reading A Long Way Gone, another excellent book to read would be What is the What by Dave Eggers.