Admittedly, I have had a lot of downtime lately, what with the holidays and all.  Work is slow, and you can only play so much Wii before pulling a muscle or five.  Consequently, yours truly has been tearing through some books at a blistering pace.  Hence the recent post on Outcasts United and today’s feature on another.  I promise not to inundate you with a discussion on every literary work that comes across my desk, but every now and then I find one that drastically changes my perspective.  A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is just that.

Occasionally, I am consumed by an overwhelming desire to fill in my knowledge gaps.  Assuredly, there is plenty out there that I am unaware of, but omission of major topics is completely unsettling.  This is why A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldierjumped out as I scanned the book aisle at Target.  Aside from the $9.95 price (a pretty good deal methinks), my interest was peaked since I had never read a first person account of the Sierra Leone conflicts.  Aside from a Kanye West song and a documentary on diamond mining, I actually knew very little about the region and its inhabitants.

As someone who ascribes heavily to what my wife refers to as “stupid humor,” this book comes as a drastic change of pace.  Do not expect to be thoroughly amused or entertained by what Beah has to offer.  This is a gritty, uncensored, and heart wrenching view into the mind of a 12-15 year old boy enveloped by horrible circumstances.  To call such accounts “sobering” would be a massive understatement.  It is straight-up unbelievable at times.  However, I strongly feel that everyone should give it a read.

Something worth noting is the author’s style.  Initially, I was a bit critical of the unpolished and elementary arrangement.  The stream of consciousness storytelling does not appear to be well thought out or carefully edited.  Paragraphs jump around with little regard to coherence or flow.  I wondered why this fella (who obviously did not grow up speaking fluent English) did not sign on a co-author to polish things up.

But then my perspective changed.  When Beah enters the war, you will realize that there is no other way to tell the story.  Sugar coating would only decry his intent.  What this child encounters is unimaginable, and the only way to truly experience all of it is through his eyes and his words.  So, if you decide to give this book a chance, I ask that you stick with it through the first 100 pages.

Ultimately, this is a story of hope and overcoming unquestionable odds.  There is a positive light to celebrate, but at the same time, you want to cry for the thousands of children who were less fortunate.  After reading A Long Way Gone, you will start to pay attention when the world news mentions warring African Nations.  Why?  Because Ishmael Beah has provided a personal connection to what is really happening.  And this is why I mention his book on DoGoodedness.  A big part of helping a cause and doing good around the world is believing in change; understanding the bad and fighting for what is right.  Through his memoirs, the author has opened the eyes of millions.

If you want people to take up your flag and make a positive impact, then give them a first hand account.  Put a face and a story on your mission statement, because then it is personal.  This, my friend, is why you want to call up Sarah McLachlan and adopt all the abused animals they show on the Humane Society commercials.

Give your audience a connection, and they will believe.

DoGood, and have a Happy New Year!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with comments, suggestions, or whatever: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.