On to Africa! This story of the lost boys of Sudan was another fascinating tale of hope and perseverance. I found this book much easier to read than Three Cups of Tea, and more in line with First They Killed My Father. John's tale is another story of survival and overcoming a horrific childhood. This is another instance of recent events that I knew so little about as they were happening. Over 4000 young boys were effected by this civil war...was my head in the sand again?!
What amazed me over and over again was John's constant faith in God. I don't know if any of you read the "Acknowledgements" but his final line is: "God, who has blessed me so many times, has outdone Himself." It amazes me that someone who has been through so much has remained so full of faith. And...once again education takes on such importance. I wish our students could read this books just to get the message that education is paramount...and to realize how lucky they are to be in a situation where education is free and available to everyone.
I was a bit disturbed at times with his reflections on America and Americans. I think he was often right on the mark and that bothered me! I was also disturbed by the role (or lack thereof) of women in his reflections of this time. I realize he explains this in a few instances...but I still felt their presence must have been more significant than he told about...maybe one of our social studies teachers could address this!
Has anyone ever heard one of these "lost boys" speak...it appears many of them have settled in western NY...I wonder if they give public appearances? It would be fascinating to hear their story in person. (Afternote: I did find John's website and he does do personal appearances, closest one is in Skaneateles.)
I keep going back to our original thoughts on memoirs: "What is the relationship between our stories and our identity? To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?" Having never been a memoir reader, I have to say this blog experience has really opened my eyes to so much. Having read these courageous and inspiring stories I do feel as if I have witnessed history. I also feel that having read them I am more aware of the world around me. We live in a global society...but I don't know that I was always globally aware. These books have certainly enriched and educated me and hopefully opened my eyes to the world around me. I am so glad that I have read these stories, and will no longer be a stranger to this genre! Anxious to hear what you all thought.
Also, since we'll all be in the same building on the 27th perhaps we could get together that first day of school to wrap up the project? The meeting should take just a few minutes...maybe after the assembly? I'll email everyone for feedback.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
This is the second time I have read this book. Another book is escape from slavery which is on the same topic. You may want to read it also.
The US and I think the rest of the western world has always looked down on African nations. If the country had nothing to offer us we did not get involved. So Sudan,Rwanda, Niger, Nigeria, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Ethioopia , Congo and Somalia have all had disturbing incedents that may have been tempered if the West had applied more pressure to stop the fighting. We have seen genocide, child soldiers,opressive regimes, civil wars ( among warlords)stravation women's rights denied and lack of health care.
The only thing I liked about Three Cups of Tea was the importance of education for a society and its people to progress. It is the one thing that carries over to Africa. Education is the key.
We see pictures of the poor villages and often think how "backwards" they are. Unfortunately this is not by choice that they live without modern conviences. It because they are kept from getting an education. Many nations prefer an uneducated population that they can manipulate and use to their benefit. OFten a village may send one child for a college education and often that child does not come back.
A friend taught in Niger. It is a priviledge to go to school in Niger. IF a student does not keep up there are others who would like the priviledge. She said all the students behaved and were eager to learn. It was not easy as they had to get up at 5 am do chores , walk to school, study then walk home for lunch, walk back stay until 5 pm go home do thier work and thier homework. Could you imagine our students doing that?
Back to this book. It is amazing how someone could live through the atrocities happening in Sudan and become a productive individual with hope for a better life.
I agree with both the intro comment on this book and with Cathy...this was a great one. I completely enjoyed reading this much like I did the others.
The notion of education being "the answer" is obviously loud and clear. Just as Cathy said, the more uneducated people are, the more manipulated they can be! Again, I wish our students realized the advantages they have!
This modern piece of non fiction and it's message of faith is so similar to that of the first pieces of literarture ever to be recrorded. I am preparing for the 3-1-3 World lit class right now, and when I go back to review Gilgamesh and Beowulf I notice that the faith and pride that exist in these heroic epics are truly the reason we read them. To allow students to make those connections with real life stories is so necessary. I'd love to add this read to the end of my reading list when I enter more into the African segment of literature. Kathy J. has agreed to help me set up a blog with students this year. What better way to have our young people talk about the history and how it relates to our present and future. I'll wait to hear from Kathy for our wrap up meeting:)
This book is the easiest for me to read. I have to admit, I'm not done yet but am thoroughly enjoying it. John Bul Dau's attitude is so inspirational! "That which doesn't kill us , makes us stronger" is evident in this man. His appreciation of libraries, as related on pp.154 & 155, is endearing. I know we want our students to be more appreciative of their education but are we, as adults, appreciative of all that we have and the opportunities our children have? It seems we always want more, and I am speaking collectively as a society, and easier means. I do believe children, students, take a lot of their cues from the adultes around them. These readings have definately opened my eyes and I have pledged to myself to pay more attention! and to better spread the word on what I read and observe.
That last Cathy comment was from Cathy M. Sorry I forgot the initial.
I had recently listened to the NPR interview with Lopez Lomong, the Lost Boy who immigrated to Tully, NY, became an Olympic runner and carried the American flag at the Opening Ceremony. Another incredible, moving survival story.
Has anyone seen the movie of God Grew Tired of Us?
I have really appreciated and learned from this Blog. I do intend to follow up with Pennies for Peace as a possible way for students to become involved with the world about them.
Thank you very much,
Suzanne Shearman
aka Happy Librarian
Suzanne Shearman
It reads so easy and then I have to stop and realize what was just said, the reality of starvation, murder, total exhaustion, and the daily choice to keep going and live. I remember the push for relocating Sudanese refugees in America and the loud protests from communities rejecting these "uncivilized" homeless people. How arrogant we Americans are, taking our safe, comfortable, stable, affluent lifestyle for granted and refusing to become involved in the "distastful", inconvient needs of fellow human beings. Books such as this will, hopefully, open our eyes to the suffering of innocents and force us to respond appropriately.
Posted by John N.
After reading all of our memoirs, I loved God Grew Tired of Us the most. I teach Night, so I am keeping this novel out of the equation, but of the remaining three, this one captivated me the most. I could feel the terror as our narrator walked endlessly towards Cambodia, and perceived safety. I cringed at the beatings he, and Abraham, took along the paths. It took so much courage to keep going, especially from Abraham. He did what was right and took John and the women with him, but he didn't have to. Courage, simply put.
I could clearly see the struggle John went through as he dealt with his feelings towards God and his faith. I know the connection exists between Eliezer from Night, and John from this book on this idea. Faith can be shaken, but it takes the human spirit a long time to lose it. I don't think I would be strong enough to make it through these endevours, or to continue to pray as John did. I would have been to angry with God, and given up far quicker if I was in this situation.
I think after reading all of these memoirs that it has become clear to me that atrocities happen at a far too common of a rate, and most go unreported, or simply unnoticed. Perhaps it's because we're too busy? Perhaps it's because we simply don't care due to the region being "so far" from us? I don't know the answer here. I always, however, do love learning about Africa, and maybe that's why this book caught my attention so much. It is such a torn and broken land, and more continues to be known about it with each passing day.
The RED campaign for clothing and other items is one way to help. I know it doesn't have a full connection here, but with each purchase of a RED branded piece of clothing, piece of electronics, and so on, a section of the purchase goes to help fighting AIDS in Africa. It's been going on for about three years now, and vendors such as Gap, Motorola, Apple and American Express have signed up as supporters. I guess in ways like this, we can all help to fight issues in some way, shape or form.
Post a Comment