What readers think of A Long Way Gone, plus links to write your own review.

I would rate this book 108,079,832, if i could. I don't know what it is but this book just amazes me. I think because it really happened. I read the book in 2 sittings and when i finished it i wanted to read it again. The way Beah wrote the book and explained everything and everyone around him is awesome. He writes in a very mournful and regretful tone, yet relives at some points and very well educated. I would recommends this book a = to anyone!!

This book was the most compelling piece of literature that I have ever read in a long time.

The imagery, was very well written that as a read it (in my busy office) I felt like I was walking with Ishmael throughout his journey, I was empathetic when he lost everything that meant something to him and I read into everything that he didn't understand and interpreted it into my own life.

This is something that the younger generations of inner city children and young adults NEED to read not only for a rude awakening, but to understand the perception of Americans that is broadcasted to other countries and how they should make an effort to change that image.

"A Long Way Gone," hits closer to home than I expected and will recommend this to anyone.

I would never have understood how a child could become a willing killer if I hadn't read this story. It is a remarkable description that makes you not only believe, but also understand how it happens. I want young people to read this story, not only to know how good they have it in the US, but also to become aware of the circumstances in which others are trying to survive.

Beah is an exceptional writer who has gone through horrific obstacles in his life. At such a young age he had engaged in things that adult soldiers do not engage in. I praise Beah in having the courage, dedication, and heart to write such a great book. I hope that a movie is made on behalf of this book, it would be a movie worth seeing and maybe the American public can become more aware of the dismay and treacherous conditions in Africa. This is still an ongoing problem throughout most of the country, as most people are not aware of. Buy and read this book, it will enhance your idealistic views.

I just this evening finished this book and I must say it left me feeling quite humble about what I consider the "bad things" in my life and very much appreciative of the now oh so obvious blessings that I have. The author takes us into a world that many, if not the majority of us cannot and thankfully will not ever experience first hand. A world that should be made aware to all and not simply ignored. It is a strong show of the ability of the human spirit to survive against the odds. It also shows, very well I might add, the ability for the human spirit to find itself again and the fragility of us as humans and our need for the love, understanding and patience with each other. My hat goes off to this young man who has written his story, full of atrocities, in such an eloquent and heart felt way.

The book A Long Way Gone is one of the best books I have ever read, ( and believe me i have read a lot). While reading this book I cried about 3 or 4 times, it really got to my emotions. Ismael Beah is a really good writer, He uses his words in a very descriptive way, I was really on the journey with him. Everyone should read this book to remember to never take anything for granted, and to always remind yourself of the injustices what is happening every day in one situation or another.

I am so deeply touched by the book. I keep pondering on one single question...how does one regain their humanity after going through such pain and sorrow. I have been through the war myself, not to the extent that Ishmael has. I commend him for bringing this out in the open, i can only imagine how much guts it took to write a story like this. He is a proven example that no matter what you through in life, there is always a chance of things getter better and brighter...there is always a second chance.

This is a very important book that I believe everyone should read before contemplating waging war on any country. What makes this book so compelling is the portrayal of this young boy born in 1980 enjoying all of the same activities that my own son born in 1980 was engaging in before the war reached his village. As I read this biography I was incredibly touched by the honesty that Ishmael Beah is able to express. This book breaks through any delusions that war is glamorous or that being in combat is a good way to distinguish oneself. Survival in such circumstances is ugly, terrifying and no one lives up to the fantasy of heroism. The personal aftermath of any war is marked with mental illness, addictions and broken lives. Ishmael Beah may be one of the most important spokesman for peace of the 20th century.