Blog Response Questions

Child Soldiers of Sierra Leone

1) How did you experience the book? It's not always helpful to talk about whether or not you liked the book, but rather how you felt as you were reading it? Were you pulled effortlessly into the book...or did you have difficulty getting into it? Why? - This book that I read was very powerful and moving. I felt like I am very lucky to live where I live and I am very blessed to have as much as I do. There are some very sad and excruciating scenes that made me feel hurt for the people having to go through that. I was pulled effortlessly into the book because I know some of the stuff that is going on over in Africa, like how they abduct children, brainwash them, and make them fight in the army. This author (Ishmael Beah), did a great job writing the book and telling his story of all the events that went down and in correct order.

2) Were you happy about your book choice? Why or why not? - Yes, I am happy about the book that I chose because it helped me realize how bad it is over there and how lucky I am for everything that I have. The worst moment of my life does not even compare to their best moment.

3) Which place discussed in the book do you find the most intriguing? Why or why not? - The place/village I find most intriguing is Kabati. I find it the most intriguing because that is the place where his grandmother lived and I really like her because I like the quote she said at the end of chapter 1. The quote was "We must strive to be like the moon." She said this means that to remind people to always be on their best behavior and to be good to others.

4) What central ideas might the author be exploring-the novel's themes? Consider ideas about the nature of love, the requirements of goodness, the meaning of justice, the burden of the past...basic human issues that are at stake in the book. - "War is Hell" - The first and most important theme is War is Hell. The horrors and tragedy that Ishmael relates to the reader are almost unbelievable. The atrocities committed against innocent civilians give new meaning to the idea of war as well.

"There is Always Hope" - In spite of all the terrible events in Ishmael’s life, he finds a way to overcome everything and find love again and meaning to his existence again. Also, with the work he begins at the UN, we can hope that other children will not be subjected in the future to the tragedy he had to endure.

"When Everything Else is Gone, There is Always Love" - Ishmael learns this the hard way. He has a kind of family unit with the soldiers that actually carries over into the love and friendship between him and Alhaji. Then, there is the love of Uncle Tommy and his family and their willingness to make Ishmael a son and a brother. Finally, there is the love of people like Esther and Laura who accept him unconditionally and welcome him into their homes when he most needed help and love.

5) What do you feel you learned from this project? Please consider the book, the technology involved with producing the project, or any other aspect regarding the project? - I feel like I have learned how to work and manage a blog (Technologically). From the book, I have learned, mainly, just to appreciate everything we have.

6) What was the most enjoyable part of the project? Please explain why you felt this way. - Personally, I think the most enjoyable part of this project, was mainly just learning about different cultures and how they work.

7) What was the most difficult part of the project? Please explain why you felt this way. - Personally, I think the most difficult part of this project was just either thinking what to write down for our blog "Diary Entries" or just manipulating your way around the blog, like knowing 'How To' work it and stuff.

Child Soldiers of Sierra Leone