Just for Mom Friday

Wow!  Have you ever read a book that you just can't let go of?  One that you just can't wait to get your hands on and just can't put down?  I just finished that book.  It had war scenes, interpersonal conflict, and an international setting, as well as a true story told in a very gritty manner by the man who lived it.  If you haven't read it yet, you must.

Want to know what it is?  The book I read was "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah.  Beah tells the story of his personal journey from boy to wanderer to soldier and back through rehab.  Set in the country of Sierra Leone, this book follows his journey and tells of how he was recruited, trained to kill, and convinced to stay in the horrific life of a child soldier. Although a difficult read, the book clearly lays out the dilemma facing so many countries around the globe today: civil war being waged by children. 

I feel I can't do the book justice in this format.  It was a life changing read.  Beah speaks with such honesty and heart that you can't help but be gripped by his story.  If nothing else, I find myself moved to my knees in prayer for this children.  Recruited young, made to hate, convinced to kill... they've lost their youth and innocence.  One can only hope that the Lord will hear our prayer, move those of us with the time and means, and change their plight around the world.  Read it!  You'll love it!