Inspirational Reading

I've just finished reading two books that I think everyone should read if they get a chance.

What is the What by Dave Eggers is about a boy (Valentino Achak Deng) who was one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Although I had heard the term "Lost Boys" before, I didn't realize the trauma and suffering they experienced at such young ages. It's amazing the experiences people have outside of the U.S. and that most people in the U.S. have never heard these stories. We live such a cherished life. It's hard to appreciate it until you learn about the difficulties people have in other countries. I love living in this country and these books made me appreciate it even more. All of the proceeds of this book go to the Valentino Achak Deng (VAD) Foundation, which is building schools in Sudan and helping Sudanese immigrants in the U.S. obtain college education.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ismael Beah is about a boy who survived the civil war in Sierra Leone only by becoming a boy soldier. It recounts the trauma of Ishmael running from the rebels, being threatened by village people who were fearful that he was a boy soldier, to actually becoming a boy soldier who thrived on drugs and killing the enemies who killed his family. He also talks about how UNICEF withdrew him and many other boy soldiers from the war, which they weren't happy about. And, how hard it was to rehabilitate into "normal" society again. Fortunately, he had an uncle alive who took care of him after he withdrew from the war. But, it wasn't long until the war came back to him again. I'm amazed at the strength these boys had to maintain some sort of sanity amidst the insanity. Click here to learn more about the book.

Both of these books inspire me to be more grateful for the comforts of my life and my family. If you get a chance to read them, maybe they can inspire you too!