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The author Ishael Beah start the book of by talking about how war always seemed to be occurring faraway or in a distant land. Continuing on he explains his childhood growing up in Mogbwemo and his first actual encounter with war. He was 12 and was traveling to a talent show in Mattru Jong along with his elder brother and friend. Ishmael describes leaving home not knowing he would never return. Along the way the stopped in Kabat, where his grandmother lived where they ate and then continued on. A day after arriving in Mattru Jong they were told their hometown had been attacked by rebels and Mattru Jong would be next. After hearing the news they decided to return to Mogbwemo to look for their families.

Beah begins to remise visiting his father 3 days earlier and picking his little brother up from school.

On the way back to Mogbwemo they decide to stay at their grandmother's house. After seeing many casualties fleeing Mogbwemo Ishael and his brother decided to return to Mattru Jong knowing their parents couldn't possibly be in Mogbwemo anymore.

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In the beginning of A Long Way Home the author Isheal Beah describes his life in Mogbwemo and how all the stories told about the war made it sound as if it was happening in a faraway and different land.

Although I can't completely relate to the author, it reminded me of all the stories I've heard on the news from American soldiers stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. I remembered one story from soldier who was in Afghanistan for six years. He described all the dangerous situations he had been in. I couldn't believe his story, the soldier explained how America was so detached from the war their soldiers were fighting.

Later on in the chapter Beah described his encounter with the war. He recounted the stories of his people who had been shot by rebel soldiers. The author described how the imaginary bubble protecting him from the war had finally popped. It made me wonder how our lives would be impacted if the bubble protecting us popped. How would our lives changes? Would they ever be the same agains?

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In the beginning of chapter 2 Ishael describes a dream had where he saw several dying and injured bodies. He had an AK-47 strapped to his back and was pushing a dead body in a rusty wheel barrow through a small town. After he arrived in a cemetery where he struggled to lift the body. When he placed the body on the ground he unwrapped the cloth covering the body. Then to realize he was looking at "one of his own."

Once Ishael wakes up from his dream, he tries to think about his new life in New York City, where he had been for over a month. He describes how his "mind still wanders across the Atlantic Ocean back to Sierra Leone." The author remembers a time when he and his squad attacked a village that had ammunition and food. His squad unexpectedly ran into another armed group. Ishael describes his group opening fire "until the last living being in the other group fell to the ground." The author describes sitting on the bodies and starting to eat the food they had been carrying along with the rest of his squad.

Ishael Beah tells about how during his first month in New York it was hard to sleep but staying awake brought back painful memories. Beah would stay up all night waiting for daylight, so that he could "fully return to" his "new life, to rediscover the happiness" he "had known as a child, the joy that had stayed alive inside even through times when being alive itselft became a burden. He states how he lived in three worlds: his dream, and the experiences of his new life, which triggered memories from the past.

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The part of chapter two which captured my attention the most was the end, where he describes how there where times in his childhood when being alive itself became a burden. A burden is defined as something that is emotionally difficult to bear. Some people might say they didn't had a happy childhood, but I don't think they would describe it as a burden. It terrible that when it comes to summarizing his early life he chooses the word burden. I can't even imagine what he experienced, but I can assume it dreadful.

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In chapter 3 Ishael and his friends are forced to stay in Mattru Jong longer than they had planned. Yet they knew they couldn't stay for too long, they had hear the rebels were stationed in Sumbuya only 29 miles away. Letter were soon delivered from people who's lives the rebels had spared during the massacre in Sumbuya. The letter said the rebels were coming and expected to be welcomed. When the news spread most people in Mattru Jong went into hiding in the woods. But Ishael and the 5 other boys stayed behind. After 17 days of hiding most people assumed the rebels weren't coming and soon the city was alive again. When the rebels finally arrived Isheal was in the kitchen cooking . At first the 6 boys weren't sure if the gunshots they heard were the rebels or "just soldiers testing their weapons." In a matter of seconds everyone was running in different direction, everyone only able to save themselves. "Mothers lost their children"and "families were separated." The boys decide to flee the city by taking the only escape route; crossing a wet and muddy swap. Ishael describes the risk of traveling with a group of boys, since young boys were recruited immediately. After the crossed over, the rebels sent some of their soldiers to catch people who were trying to escape. After about an hour a runnig, the rebels gave up.

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Chapter 3 of A Long Way Home reminded me of all the shootings I have heard about in Sandy Hook Elementary, in a movie theater in Colorado and so many others. I don't think it's even possible to comprehend what it's like to be in one of those situations. It's terrible to witness something like it, not only is it unforgettable it scars you for life.

I don't understand what drives someone, in this case the rebels to kill others and think what they're doing is right. In chapter 3 while people were running for their lives "the rebels fired their guns toward the sky, as they shouted and merrily dances their way n town in a semicircle formation." I can't understand someone can find joy in the pains of others.

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In this chapter Ishmael and his friends travel through abandoned villages while looking for food. After a few days they were forced to return to Mattru Jong to get money they had left behind, so they could buy foods. When they returned they realized the town was almost barren and was unrecognizable. Then "they arrived in Khalilou (one of Ishmael's friends) house, where all the doors were broken, and the house was torn apart. The author describes escaping the city and having to watch his brother play dead, to avoid being shot.

That night they boys "were temporarily happy that" they "had money... to buy some cooked rice....for dinner. But when they returned they realized selling food in the cooked-food stalls, had ceased to do so. All the toruble they undertook to get the money, became useless.

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In chapter 4 when the six boys attempt escaping Mattru Jong, Junior(Ishmael's older brother) is forced to play dead. The author says "My heart throbbed with pain as I watch my brother lying on the ground, pretending to be one of the dead bodies. From they way the author described the experience you can tell it changed his relationship with his brother. You can tell Ishmael was really happy to still have his brother even though he had been separated from the rest of his family.

I can't imagine being separated from my parents and brother, while struggling for food and trying to stay safe. It's hard to imagine someone facing so many challenges at such a young age. I assume writing this book wasn't easy for the author. Be was forced to relive probably the hardest times of his life. Which makes me wonder if he wrote this book to inform or to heal from childhood trials.

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In the beginning of chapter 5 Ishmael and his friends are new city and have run out of foods. All six of them starving Ishmael says he was "so hungry that it hurt to drink water." They were walking in a single file line trough a grassland , "when suddenly three rebels rose from behind..and pointed their guns at Girbilla(one of Ishmael's friends). "They cocked their guns,and one of them placed their guns under Gibrilla's chin. The rebels teased him and then led the boys to a near by village. They walked in lines of three, with their hands on their heads while aiming his gun at their heads. The six boys finally arrived in a small house compound, where 15 other people were gathered. After some time "the rebels announced that they were going to select some people ....to be recruited." Ishmael and his friend Khalilou were chosen. But for some reason the rebels decided to start over and do a fresh pick. This time Junior (Ishmael's brother was chosen). Each of these boys were given a gun and forced to shoot the person in front of them. Behind Ishmael was Junior. Ishmael describes watching his brother's eyes turn red while holding back tears. Ishmael talks about how he himself started crying softly. To their luck "suddenly loud gunshot not far away ...were heard." This took the rebels by surprise. Everyone took the opportunity to run for their lives, when they rebels realized what was happening they started shooting. After almost an hour Ishmael found his brother Junior and friends. In the end of the chapter the six boys continue on quietly without discussing the day's event.

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In this the author describes the moment when one of the rebels walked over to him and raised his head up with his bayonet. Ishmael describes trembling so hard that his lips shook. While the rebels smiled back with no emotion. Chapter 5 made me wonder how the events in this book even occurred. Why didn't the government try to stop these rebels? Why didn't any other countries intervene? And most of all what caused this war? Could any of this stuff happen in the U.S? I didn't even understand how these rebels got ahold of these guns. It reminded me of the gun control debate going on now in DC. If our nation doesn't enforce stricter gun control, could these horrendous events happen his? Or is Sierra Leone an extreme case?

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I think the author purpose is to open the eyes of the reader to the struggles of others around the world. Before chapter 1, there is a small excerpt from the book where Ishmael American friends ask him why he left Sierra Leone. They ask him if he witnessed any of the fighting and to tell more about his early life. You can tell Ishmael and the Americans have lived and know two completely different sides of war. His friends thought seeing people running with guns would be cool, later on in the book you can tell Ishmael Beah doesn't. I think this book was Ishmael's way of expressing and explaining how war changed his life forever. But after chapter 4 I began wondering if simultaneously he is writing to heal from the war which tore his life apart.

**After Finishing the Book***

In the last few chapter of A Long Way Gone when Ishmael arrives in New York City and reaches the embassy, he was shocked to see how little people know about the war in his country and the struggles of young boys in Sierra Leone. I think those experiences inspired this book. I assume the author hopes his book will open the eyes of the readers to the events around the world.

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One day when Ishmael and his friends where traveling through a village a few "muscular men sprang from the bushes onto the path in front of," them. The men raised "their machetes and hunting rifles,the ordered" the boys to stop. Ishmael figured out that "the men were the voluntary guards of the village and had asked by their chief to bring " the boys back. They were questioned about whether they were spies of rebels. When the chief was convinced the boys were no harm he offered them fish and cassava. They even offered Ishmael and his friends a place to stay in the village. But the boys graciously declined the offer knowing "the rebels would eventually reach" this village too.

So the 6 boys decided they would continue on a path through a thick forest. They eventually passed by the town where Gibrilla(one of Ishmael's friends)'s uncle lived. So the boys decided the stay for some time. The boys were assigned a portion of the bushes to cut down. They stayed in this city for over three months. But the boys knew "all their hard labor ...in the end would all be ruined" when the rebels arrived. When they finally did Ishmael was separated from his friends. It was the last time he saw Junior, his older brother.

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In the end of the chapter we read that during an attack on a village Ishmael and his friends were staying at, Ishmael was separated from Junior his older brother. I can't imagine what the rest of the author's journey will be like with no family or friends. How will he deal with the isolation? I wonder if Ishmael will met someone on his path, who will help him out. I can't imagine what it would be like at age 12 to be all alone, in the middle of a war. I wonder if Sierra Leone has any resources to help kids like Ishmael who were separated from their family. While reading this book it dawned on me how responsible these kids are. They are forced to live and protect themselves. It's hard to imagine that they're early teens or preteens.

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In chapter 7 Ishmael describes what happened when the rebels attacked, the city he was staying at. Since it was 8pm most of the villagers had gone to the local mosque for the last daily prayer. When the worshipers realized the town was being attacked the quietly left. Many tried to warn the imam, but was praying. When the rebels captured the imam they burned his body and left his remains in the village square.

During the attack Ishmael and his brother were in the verandah room. Since the attack was sudden, the author didn't have time to search for his brother. So he decided to run into the bushes by himself. In the morning he found his friend Kaloko and together returned to the city. The two boys hid in the bushes for many days. Eventually Ishmael decided to go to a place "where at least there was some peace." Kaloko decided to stay in the bushes. The author described his emotions walking alone for 5 days by unknown villages.

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In chapter 7 when Ishmael chooses to continue his journey alone he immediately "felt as if " he "was being wrapped in a blanket of sorrow." The author describes fearing for what the future may hold, while hoping to run into someone he knew. He remises about the house warming ceremony his father held. The author recalls he father saying he hoped his family would always be together. This chapter made me realize how lucky I am to have my family all together. I can't imagine what living without my parents or brother would be like. I have never really felted physically separated from my family. The only time I actually feel separated from them is when I realize that other than my parents, brother and I, my whole family lives in India and how I only see them once every 2 or 3 years. Even if Ishmael is able to reconnect with his family, I don't think their relationship will be the same.

When the author describes the attack on Kamator in chapter 7 he tells about how the rebels burned a local priest alive. In chapter 5 it said the rebels expected support from local villages because they claimed to be fighting for them. But I still don't understand what the motive of the rebels is. Why are they so ruthless, insensitive and disrespectful? You can tell these rebels aren't afraid of anyone and truly believe they are doing the right thing. Their ruthless treatment of the imam, a highly respected individual in Islamic societies, shows the rebels' disregard for the village's structure and morality.

In this chapter Ishmael also loses contact with his brother and friends, leaving his isolated and all alone. The author is forced to muster the strength to continue on and keep walking

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As Ishmael continues on his journey he sees many dead bodies covered in blood. He finds a mysterious fruit, which he is forced to eat and is worried it could be poisonous. The author recalls his grandfather's extensive knowledge on herbs and wishes he had paid more attention to him. Close to a month after being separated from his brother Ishmael runs into a group of boys who went to school with him. At first Ishmael was worried about the dangers of traveling in a group of 7 boys again. Eventually Ishmael decides to join the group to avoid being lonley.

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In the beginning of chapter 8 you can see that Ishmael struggled through the overwhelming loneliness of his journey. He spent over a month not talking to anyone. I wonder how he survived a month in isolation. I think it's great that he is now traveling with other boys, hopefully it makes the journey easier.  I think this chapter is an example of a man versus man conflict.You can tell the author is forced to "fight himself mentally for survival." In this chapter "Ishmael becomes his own worst enemy."

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In this chapter Ishmael's group reach the ocean and stay in town close by. When they entered the village they were attacked and driven out of the town without their shoes. The boys were forced to walk barefoot in the sand in 120-degree temperatures. They run into a man who feeds and shelter them. For close to 5 days the man feeds and cares for them. When the village chief realize this boys were in the village they were again tied up and brought to the chief. When the chief sees the rap cassettes in Ishmael's jacket, he realize they are only children and lets them leave

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In the chapter the reader sees how the civil war in Sierra Leone has changed the country. It has shaken their cultural and social structure. No longer can children be trusted. Never would anyone in the U.S suspect a group of young boys as crazy gunmen. It's terrible to see how this society can't trust anyone. This villages are only left with each other and are forced to protect one another. I would have assumed that sine Ishmael's had reached the ocean, that the boys would be trusted and welcomed. It's sad to see that the rebels have almost attacked ever village. I wonder why they are even revolting like this in the first place

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In chapter 10 Ishmael and his friend continue on, Ishmael thinks constantly about his family. He and his friends Musa, Alhaji, Kanei, Jumah, Moriba, and Saidu share how the rebels attacked their village. The story are gruesome and terrifying. Ishmael soon understands why the boys are quite so often, to protect themselves from their past. Further on in the chapter Saidu falls ill and can't speak. As a result of Saidu's condition the boys decide to stay in a village for a day. A lady they meet in the village, tells the boys how their families are. The lady tells Ishmael that Junior passed by the village recently. Later that night Saidu passes away. In the end of the chapter Ishmael is excited to continue on and hopeful to see his brother.

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In this chapter Ishmael is told that his brother recently passed through the same village. I really hope the lady isn't joking and trying to fool the boys. I think it would be great if Ishmael is reunited with his brother. But I still think the lady who told Ishmael and the others about their families is suspicious. It seems weird that she knows about all of the families. I'm guessing she is a gypsy. I also thought is was interesting how the Ishmael realizes his friends are quite to protest themselves from the passed. At first it seemed like denial, but then again it's hard to put yourselves in the shoes of these boys. They have lived through things most people can't even imagine.

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In chapter 7 Ishmael Beah is separated from his brother during the attack on Kamator( a village which the author spent 3 months). He was officially separated from his family. After that point in the book, you can tell Ishmael grew up in a family which believed in the importance of family. Even though Ishmael and his brother Junior didn't talk much during their journeys they were still important parts in each other lives. I think Junior and Ishmael had a really close and loving relationship, but it was only after they were separated that Ishmael realized the importance of his brother. I wonder how Ishmael's life will continue without his parents and brother.

In chapter 7 Ishmael recalls the house warming ceremony his father had held for their new home. His father had mentioned that his only wish was that his family would be together. It's sad and ironic how the exact opposite of Ishmael's father's dream happened. I think Ishmael's understanding of his father's wish only made sense to him when his family was separated.

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In this chapter Ismael and the other boys struggle to move on after the death of their friend Saidu. At the same time the boys are hopeful to see their family. Finally they approached a "village where seeing " there "families were a possibility." They ran into a man named Gasemu Ngor. He used to live in Ishmael's town was know as a rich and notorious man. Gasemu recognized Ishmael, and asked the boys to help him carry some bananas to the village. Gasemu also told Ishmael that his parents and brother were staying nearby and would be happy to see him. The man told Ishmael which village his family was and Ishmael hurried to see them. As he was going down the hill, he heard loud gunshots. The boys dropped the bananas and began running. After the gunshots stopped Ishmael begged Gasemu to go to the the village. Gasemu refused but Ishmael persisted. By the time he got to the village it was in flames. When the found the house where Ishmael's family was staying "the fire had consumed all the doors and window frames. Ishmael's entire body went into shock and he ran inside the house. All the rooms where burned and the rooms were filled with ashes. They couldn't find any solid form of a body. Ishmael became furious and started punching and kicking the burning walls. Eventually his friends had to drag him out. He got so angry he punched Gasemu for wasting their time and making them carry bananas.

They hear the voices of rebels and hide. The boys hear the rebels celebrating after attacking the village. Once again gunshots start and the boys run. When the boys finally stop, they realize that Gasemu has multiple gunshot wounds. They take him outside the village, where he dies.

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Personally I thought this chapter was the saddest so far. After Ishmael was separated from his brothers and parents there was at least hope that they might be living. I wonder how the death of his family will change Ishmael. It's easy to say that he isn't taking the loses well, but who would. Whether or not your close to family, losing all your family in one day is heartbreaking. I've got to admit was excited when Gasemu told Ishmael that his family was staying near by. I was excited to see the reunion. It really feels as if everything was going wrong in this boys life. He had literally nothing. I wonder what will push him to keep going in the following chapters.

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After a few days Ishmael and his friends are captured by a group of Sierra Leone soldiers. The soldiers take them to Yele. In general the town seems like a happy place with children playing soccer, except for the countless orphans. The boys are told to work chopping food, fetching water and cleaning the dishes. Close to a month later the rebels surround Yele and the soldiers command all the boys and men to join the army. The boys are trained and taught how to use AK47s. The lieutenant continuously reminds the boys that by killing the rebels they are doing justice to what was done to their parents.

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I'm not exactly sure about how I feel about giving these young boys guns. I understand that making all the boys join the army is the only way to protect the city but, I have a feeling giving them guns will take the innocence from these children. I wonder what other options the army had. I worried how joining the army will change the boys. It's terrible that a village which at first was considered peaceful because chaotic and where their futures as soldiers is deterimined. I wonder if the boys will attempt leaving the village.

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In the beginning of the chapter the soldiers and given the day off and told it was probably the last holiday they will get anytime soon. When they are called back they are given guns and ammunition, along with a white pill which is supposed to "boost there energy." The boys start fighting and Ishmael kills a rebel for the first time. That day two of Ishmael's friends Musa and Josiah are shot.

At night Ishmael falls asleep quickly, but soon gets nightmares and picks up his gun and starts shooting inside his tent. Two soldiers come in slash water on his then feed him with more pills. The following days come with more battles.

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My first question while reading this chapter was, what exactly are those pills? I have a feeling the more often it's given to him the more addicted Ishmael will become to it. I was surprised how many guns the village has readily. They had at least one for each of the soldiers. In surprised that in a town that was slowly running out of food, they had plenty of guns. I wonder if the army will run out of guns and what will happen next. I wonder if Ishmael will get injured in the war.

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In chapter 14 Ishmael starts turning into the older soldiers. He starts smoking marijuana , takes more energy pills and snorts a mixture of gun powder and cocaine. Ishmael starts watching violent movies along with the other soldiers and starts having a hard time sleeping. Whenever they run out food they would attack a rebel camp. The lieutenant excuses the attacks saying that they are fighting for the defense of the country. One day the army attacks a rebel prison and Ishmael participates in throat slitting competition and wins. he is awarded the title of junior lieutenant.

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In this chapter it really dawns on you, how Ishmael has changed into a completely different person. In the beginning of the book he was a nice, calm boy could could barely watch the suffering of others. Now he is slitting throat for fun. I disagree with the lieutenant, his army is no longer fighting for protection, for themselves of for the nation, they're now fighting for the fun of it. Even if the attacks stopped (which if seems as if it might) I doubt this army will stop fighting. It really shows how a group of mean and crazy people can ruin almost a whole nation. The evilness and hatred has infiltrated through this society. I really hope things change and soon.

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In the beginning of this chapter Ishmael lives starts changing he has no clue what day it is and kills and no regret. He survives with the mentality to kill or be killed. But at age 15 his life starts to shift. His lieutenant lines the boys up chooses some to join men wearing UNICEF t-shirits. These men promise to put the boys in school and provide them with food and shelter. The boys are sent a compound in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His friends run into many other groups of boys and fights break out.

later Ishmael and some others are sent to rehabilitation home, with still no clue why.

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FINALLY! This was probably my favorite chapter so far (other than the fighting and shooting). I so happy to see that UNICEF is stepping in. Ishmael seemed like such a nice kid in the beginning of the story, he deserves a better life and I hope UNICEF can do that for him. I wonder how they will handle these crazy boys. You can see them struggling to calm down the boys already. Hopefully they have more luck in the next chapters.

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In the beginning of chapter 16 Ishmael writes about his first few weeks at the rehabilitation center. He describes hating to be told what to do. Ishmael talks about being unhappy because he didn't have his guns. "The nurses and the staff members came to talk to" them but the boys "chase them out of the dining hall and beat them up." The author also describes the withdraw he suffered from without his usual dose of marijuana and cocaine. It got so bad that he broke into a hospital and stole some pain relievers. Still they didn't satisfy his need. One day he and his friends "decided to break the glass windows in the classrooms." Unlike everyone else Ishmael broke the glass with his hands, therefore he had to go to the hospital. He was surprised how nice the nurse was, but it annoyed him. After he recovered, Ishmael and 2 other friends snuck out and travelled to Freetown. During the chapter Ishmael continues to recall his previous life as a soldier.

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This chapter really shocked me I didn't think the rehabilitation would have taken so long. I was surprised to see how disrespectful Ishmael and the other boys were to the UNICEF employees. These employees are volunteering there time and it's terrible to see them being disrespectful. I couldn't believe they were willing to forgive the children, even after they bet them up. It's really inspiring to see how compassionate these volunteers are. I hope the boys will start respecting them, and realize the volunteers are trying to help them.

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In chapters 11-16 you can start to see the author's beliefs start to shift. Ever since he was forced to join the army he became cruel and completely inconsiderate. In the first 10 chapters he was devastated when he saw dead bodies, and felt bad for them. His view on war changed. In these chapters he shot countless people, and was able to continue his day as if nothing happened. He has been brainwashed to believe killing is sometimes justifies and that there where only two options to kill or be killed. Ever since that first gun was placed in his hands, his beliefs, ideals and opinions on war changed. He was convinced that killing others was the only way to avenge for the death of his family and loved ones

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In this chapter Ishmael writes about the his first change in behavior. While he was in the hospital his nurse, Ester, gives him a Walkman and a few Bob Marley cassettes. Soon Ishmael opens up to the nurse and tells her about his past. Ishmael tells her about a time when he was shot in the foot and had to get surgery. The nurse pities him, and tell him what he was forced to do wasn't his fault. The comment angers Ishmael and it's obvious he is outraged and offended. But later on in the chapter, Ester continues talking to Ishmael. In the end of the chapter, Ishmael admits he started looking forward to the sessions.

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It was amazing to watch Esther's breakthrough with Ishmael. Honestly I was so excited for him. I hope this changes the way Ishmael treats his teacher and other faculty members. Once again I was astounded by the dedication of the faculty. When Ishmael recalls his experience as a soldier, Esther started crying in sympathy. I think that what the other boys also need, they need someone to listen to them and be willing to understand their experiences. Ishmael is lucky to have Esther.

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In chapter 18 Ishmael writes about how the boys in the Benin Home(the rehabilitation center) were preparing a talent show for officials for UNICEF and some other non-governmental organizations. Esther who has now designated herself has Ishmael's sister, encourage Ishmael to sing a song. INstead Ishmael decides to recite a Shakespeare monologue. Mr. Kamara the director of the visiting organization is impressed with performance. He later asks Ishmael to become a spokesperson for the organization. Eventually Ishmael agrees and talks at a gathering in Freeland about child soldiering. He emphasizes that children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings if given a chance. In the end of the chapter Ishmael's social worker Leslie finds Ishmael's uncle Tommy(who he has never met before). At first Ishmael isn't convince that Tommy is his relative, but when he see's his uncle's sincerity he changes his mind.

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I was so excited to see Ishmael reconnect with a friend and his uncle in this chapter. If seems like things are starting to turn around for him all of a sudden. It was interesting to read how Ishmael was first hesitant about starting a relationship with his uncle, because he wasn't used to lasting happiness. I wonder how Ishmael's job as a spokesperson will change his society and himself. I am also curious to see if Ishmael will end up leaving the rehabilitation center, to move in with his uncle.

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Ishmael writes in this chapter about leaving the Benin Home and moving in with Uncle Tommy. He struggles with adjusting to his new life. It's obvious Ishmael isn't used to stability and happiness. Often Ishmael is alone and quite. One of the his cousins Allie and him sneak out one night to a dance. Ishmael starts meeting girls in the following weeks, but most of the relationships end when they ask about his past. leslie resurface and tells Ishmael to apply to be part of a delegation who tell their stories at the UN in NY. The board is compelled by Ishmael's story to give him a place. In the end of the chapter Ishmael is invited to visit the US.

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I found the situation in chapter 19 quit interesting, for once Ishmael was eager to tell his story. You could tell he was shocked to realize how little others knew about the conditions in Sierra Leone. I think in this chapter Ishmael realized his story had purpose. I wonder what Ishmael's future hold as past of the delegation of children. I was surprised to see how in this chapter Ishmael is beginning to the welcome the opportunity to become a symbol for boys soldiers in Sierra Leone. I feel he is beginning to understand the changes his story, can make to the world.

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In this chapter Ishmael arrives in New York City. He finds the city amazing, but different than what is had thought. He meets other delegates. They share their stories, about how war tore apart their childhood. Ishmael also meets Laura Simms, who invites the children to share their stories

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It cool to see Ishmael interact with kids with similar childhoods. It's seemed that it made him less ashamed about his story. I wonder what the delegate plan on using their stories for. I wonder what Ishmael found most interesting and fascinating about New York. I am also curious to know when he will return to Sierra Leone.

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Ishmael returns to Sierra Leone early on in chapter 21. He begins a new school year and all the students know about his past. Therefore they are all afraid of him. On May 25, 1997 Ishmael wakes up to the noise of gunshots. his first thought was that war had reached Freetown. By the end of the day, the civilian group overthrows the group of rebels. Sadly many were killed. Ishmael sneaks out of town one day, with a friend to by food. Gunmen open fire at the market , but Ishmael survives. A few days later Uncle Tommy falls ill. Days later he passes away in Ishmael's arms. Ishmael later decides to contact his friend; Laura, she help him escape Sierra Leone illegally. In the Sierra Leone embassy in Guinea Ishmael is given shelter as a war refugee.

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Overall I found this book quite thought provoking. It really make me rethink the way I view a lot of things. I never realized how much I was blessed with. I have my a great family, friends and teachers. I had so many things Ishmael had but later lost. This book opened my eyes to the war in Sierra Leone and the effects of war on children. I never realized how lucky I am to live in America with freedom and protection. I hope others will read this book too. I honestly think everyone can learn something from it. It has definitely changed my perspective.

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I think the core belief the author, Ishmael Beah based this book about what that "children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings, if given the chance"(pg. 169). His life itself is proof of that belief. Personally I believe every child who had had their innocence sucked out like the author, should be given the chance to outlive their suffering. I believe that is the task of our generation, to provide a safe and protective environment for children across the world. No one deserves to have their lives ruined like Ishmael or any other kids in his story. Our society need to learn for his life and beliefs, he has witnessed these events first hand and has seen the results. These kind of events need to stop, if we want to move forward in society.