The Story of an Author

At the beginning of June, I received my freshman reader book; that book was A LONG WAY GONE. At first, I did not want to read this book because I am not much of a reader. I do not like to read, but there was just something about the book and the background story that as the month went on, made me want to read it. Ishmael Beah, the author of this memoir, seemed like a very troubled yet interesting man. At least, that is what I felt in the reading. When I finished the book, I was shocked at what goes on in this world and how very few people truly know about it. I just thought to myself that I would like to meet this man. Then my wish came true. On Tuesday, September 15, Ishmael Beah came toe Emens theater at Ball State University. Not only were my eyes opened when I read the book, but they opened even more so when I listened to him talk a little about his life. How he could have grown up in a peaceful village, just to have it destroyed when he was a child. Then to be running from those who destroyed the village, the RUF, the Revolutionary United Front, and lose all those people dear to his heart. And then how he joined the army, becoming a cold-blooded killer, and suddenly, being taken away to become a normal child again. All of this happended over a period of four or five years, and then he was able to be himself again; peaceful, good-hearted, and intelligent.

"After coming out of the war, I had insomnia for many, many years. Just recently, I have been making progress and I can finally sleep four to five hours every night." -Ishmael Beah

Just watching him at the stand inspired me to just think about what may be going on out there in the world, that most of us are protected from. To truly think how many things we take for granted in this world is overwhelming. He has opened my eyes to the real world, and maybe someday, I will be able to do something about harm that is out there towards people and the environment. Hopefully, someday more people will get over their fear and actually bring aid to the other worlds not of their own.

"Only when we find ourselves in these circumstances, do we realize how strong the human spirit really is and how difficult it is to destroy."
-Ishmael Beah