Dear AP Language Students,
I hope you all had a productive and exciting summer. This year you will be required to check this blog for additional resources and assignments.
Your summer assignment was to read A Long Way Gone, by Ishmael Beah. Please briefly describe (in the comments section) your emotional reaction to the book. Were you affected by his story? Did you do any additional research after reading the book? Why do you think I assigned this book?
Thanks. I am looking forward to a great year!
Oh and P.S.- Mark your calendars!
English Language AP Test Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 at 8AM!
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Upon hearing that the book we were assigned to read would be the story of a child soldier, I immediately realized that it would have an emotional impact on me. Regardless of the fact that I approached reading the book with this mindset, I was still heavily affected by the immense trauma, and acts of violence emitted during the course of the novel. I found myself having extreme sympathy not only for Ishmael, but everyone unjustly effected by the conflict. It made me realize how much I really take for advantage. As an adolescent he lost everything, and had to fight just to survive. This story made me appreciate my blessings much more.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this book I found myself to be fascinated with becoming more aware of this horrifying dilemma that is reality for many. I looked up statistics and approximations on the amount of child soldiers and their conditions all across the globe. I found out that it is not a problem that is limited to Africa, it has ties in Asia and many other places. I think that you assigned this book so we could do just that, broaden our awareness about the World outside of the one we personally know.
-Joseph Fiddmont
I consider myself a cultured individual. I have traveled to many countries across the globe, but this book made me aware of an issue I knew little about: the use of child soldiers in warfare. I soon discovered that I have been fed glamorized stories from the mass media. No one can truly speculate about the situations of children in warfare unless they have physically been there to live through it. There is a huge difference between simply stating hand-fed information on an issue versus experiencing it. I was extremely affected by Beah’s story, which is filled with startling eye-opening accounts. He revealed his soul and poured it out onto the pages. Beah was honest with his readers, as well as himself in admitting that he executed terrible acts. This book opened my eyes to life outside of me, Los Angeles, and the United States.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this book, I was unable to empathize with Beah. It was impossible to place myself “in his shoes”, as I had no idea what it was like to be denied a childhood, and to be forced to grow up in a society filled with famine and warfare. I believe you assigned this book for us to become more open-minded and aware of stories like Beah’s and the hundreds of thousands of children with his story. The world does not revolve around North America and its problems. Our “problems” are simply minute compared to those of the children in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, who have two options, to either join a government or rebel army, or earn a bullet in the head.
I believe it is important to step out of the close-minded, narrow boxes we have built for ourselves and to recognize that there are individuals around the world who live horrid existences on a daily basis. There are billions around the world and I believe that it is important to recognize and sympathize with others less fortunate than you, and I.
-Saba Davis
I have not read this book because I joined your AP English class too late and wasn't able to recieve the assignment. After reading Joseph Fiddmont's brief synopsis of the book, I would like to read this powerful book on my own time. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be in your class! I appreciate you beyond what words can express!
ReplyDelete-Jamal Carter
Although waiting until the last minute to read the book I was suprised at how attached I had become to the novel. Within the first couple of chapters I realized that this book was going to profile very emotional and realistic events that are occuring across the globe. Even though I knew that our lives in America are very fortunate and privileged, I had no idea to what extent. This book opened my eyes and heart to the reality outside of my tiny bubble. The traumatizing experience that Ishmael was faced with at such a young age caused me to analyze the amount of courage and determination it takes for someone to survive his situation, and whether or not I would be one of the selective few to stay alive, physically and mentally. Although I did not physically do any additional research, I extensively searched my mind for analytical interpretations and viewpoints on the countries' horrible situation. I believe you chose this book because, since it is non-fiction, it caused us to truely think about the events of the world outside of our own.
ReplyDelete-Sundae Holmes
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen finding out that we had to read a book about a child soldier I immediately became uninterested, but once I started reading the book I became attached.Ishmael Beah's story made me have a better appreciation for my life. He was very young and not only was he a soldier but he also lost everything he had. I sometimes take the things I have in my life for granted and having read the trials and tribulations he faced it made me realize that nothing should be taken for granted. By reading Ishmael Beah's story it made me have a great sympathy for him because no boy at the age of 12 should have to go through what he went through.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Beah's story I immediately wanted to know more about his life after the war and as an adult. I researched more about the wars that young boys had to participate in by force. I think that you chose this book as our summer reading assignment because you wanted us to be able to open up our minds to something that we are not used to reading. I think that it is important for us to open our minds to non-fiction reading so that we can see what it is like for people in other countries and realize that we have luxuries that other people aren't lucky enough to have.
-Adia Brady
This book was extraordinary and very truthful. Upon reading this book I had mixed emotions,due to the fact that a child had to experience so much at an early age. I had feelings of anger as well as sadness. I was surprised to learn that the rebels or any human being, for that matter, can kill another without any remorse. These people killed children and their families and laughed.
ReplyDeleteThis really stuck with me because I can barely kill insects. The fact that they were able to kill another human being hurt me. I believe this book was assigned to show that violence or war truly does not solve anything. The fact that these people were killing for their lives was a very valid excuse. But, taking other people's lives, left lasting affects on each one of them.
Although this book was gruesome and had very depressing truths, it opened my mind to more reasons I should be appreciative. Although our society is no where near perfect, the fact that there are certain laws, to prevent this type of tretment to human beings, makes me feel very grateful. This book educated me to a world outside of my own, and told the sad truths about a boy's life in Sierra Leone.
He was not able to come back and function regularly in society after this war had occurred. He had to go through counseling for years. This also make brings me to the conclusion that war and violence does not solve anything rather its revenge, or what is perceived as an important cause.
-Lorina Kegler
A Long Way Gone had changed my perspective on alot of things in my life. Simply reading about all of the challenges that he had to go through was amazing. Entering war at a young age is rough enough, but the drug abuse, seeing your friends' and family's executions and running from bush to bush attempting to stay alive is rediculous. This book has been an inspiration to me because I have realized that I am blessed and the things that I complain about are nothing compared to the things Ishmael had to put up with. I think you wanted us to read the book to turn on the lights in our heads so we would realize how things are in other countries and appreciate our freedom and safety that we have here and now. The things we have here in America are privilages.
ReplyDelete-Philip Williams
The book was such an experience! Just the first twelve or so pages had my heart sunk. I felt like I wanted to put the book down because of all the tragedy and pain that Ishmael was put through. Of course, I kept reading, but each time I seemed to notice a glimmer of hope, I was brought back to desperation. The book caused me to connect with the author in a way that is EXTREMELY uncommon for me to do. My typical reaction to a book is that it is either well written or not, and that I would either recommend it or not. This may be the first book that I would strongly reccomend that EVERYONE read (at the appropriate age, the content is a bit mature).
ReplyDeleteMy research was a bit unsettling. I could hardly find any genuine critique or review of the book, I only found criticisms baring something along the lines of "It is highly unlikely that this story is true..." and provisions of some sort of link to a website they would use as evidence. I must admit, that those comments nearly took away the impact the book had on me and we may never know if his story was entirely true. However, I was able to find Ishmael Beah's personal comment on his book and his explanation of his reasoning behind writing it. Nevertheless, the book should leave a lasting impression on anyone with a good conscience.
I believe you assigned the book so that we could stray away from classic fiction and into literaure that more directly reflects reality. This book gave us a connection to literature the way no other book has before, or at least it did for myself personally. I am grateful that you gave us this book as an assignment because it opened my narrow mind to literature and showed me that not all of it is analytical and bland, some of it simply speaks reality to not only probe the mind, but the conscience.
-Talayne Gardiner :)
I can relate to Sundae in a way because I also picked up the book at the very last minute and could not put it down. This novel kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. I became deeply interested in Ishmaels's story and I am proud to say that it changed my view of certain things in life. There is soft news and hard news. This book was definintly filled with tons of unexpected hard news from beginning to end.
ReplyDeleteI was once twelve, and i could never imagine ever going through anything close to what Ishmael went through. He was truly a brave young man. He didnt have the option of being a normal kid, but later, he did have the option of restoring his childhood and he took advantage of that.
After reading the book, I did do a little bit of research, but i only found small facts that i already knew. I also saw many photos, and he did become a handsome young man. I think you assigned this book to us, so that we could get more than a glimpse of reality but also an understanding that there is more to life. Ishmael never gave up on himself, everything he did, good or evil, was always fulfilled. If twelve year old Ishmael survived through this, than nothing is impossible.
-Bria Goodall(:
When I first heard about us having to read A Long Way Gone; Memoirs of a Boy Soilder I knew right from the start tht I wasnt even going to attempt to read the book. Due to the simple fact that stories about the war and soilders do not interest me. But instead of giving up and not even giving the book a try, I looked at the cover and realized that it was about a black mans journey as a soilder so I gave it a try.
ReplyDeleteTo be totally honest I had never even thought twice about children fighting for their lives everyday and running for their lives. Learning how to blow off the enemies head rather than go to school and get a decent education. Making me not only realize that I am fortunate and blessed but I can do more with my life. This book has brought out prts of me that I didnt even know existed. One minute I would laugh at somethign one of the charaters said then the nexte I would feel my eyes tearign up because someone had gone though something and couldnt quiet get out. simply saying that we as Americans give up to easily and we dont know how to live our lives to the fullest like someone who is running for dear life maybe doing right now.
With me being a person who is really into black literature. I found out alot more about my culuture than just I am black but I also found out that no matter what age you are your life means some thing and no matter what we thing there is always some one out there that cares. Also I didnt do any futher research due to the fact that I am constantly reading Black literature and I figure I will learn this ome where down the road as I continue to read. But this book only goes to prove a fact that no matter what situation you are in and no matter what your circumstance no one and nothing can hold you back for what you believe in.
-Marquelle D. Camp
Unlike most of my peers, i dont make any emotional connections to the books i read or see a deeper meaning behind the words on the page. I read because it is a chore i am assigned to do. Despite this i can still apriciate a good story, and the trials and tribulations that Ishmael went through are incredible. Not many people can honestly say they could go throught losing their faimly, wars, and drug adictions at such a young age and still come out such an accomplished person with an amazing story to tell.
ReplyDeleteUntil today in class i didnt understand why you assigned the book. Even though we personaly haven't had to gone through hardships like Ishmael we can relate to his hardships through problems we have in our neighborhoods. Gangs waging wars against eachother in the streets our the deaths and fighting we see in our lives. The lives gangs destroy with selling drugs are the drug addictions we see in our day to day lives. Even though our hardships arent the same as Ishmael's we can draw paralles to them and thats why you assigned this book.
-Sean
Prior to receiving this assignment, I had already grown to mistrust memoirs due to a multitude of autobiographical works that were found to be either completely or partially fabricated by their authors. In fact, though I had not yet read A Long Way Gone, I had heard the title mentioned specifically, in a forum featuring those who doubted the validity of Ishmael’s tale. But as I began to read, I managed to push aside my skepticism and became thoroughly engrossed in the text. As I often visualize vividly while reading, I felt deeply disturbed and even cringed a few times during the more graphic descriptions included in the memoir.
ReplyDeleteReading Beah’s story prompted me to watch the news and read the newspaper more regularly so that I would remain informed as to what is occurring globally.
Upon finishing A Long Way Gone, I first researched the war in which the memoir was set in order to better understand the story’s context. Then, I googled Ishmael Beah, due to my curiosity concerning what became of him after he escaped to Guinea, and afterwards New York.
I think that this book was assigned in order to assure that we thought critically and read at least one book of “literary merit” during the summer. Also this book helped prepare us for a year of deciphering texts in which the author’s purpose or position is not plainly stated but must be discerned by a careful reader.
-Taylor Johnson
I knew from the day that you assigned the book that it wouldn't interest me and that I would have to force myself to read it. Through reading only the first chapter I completely became attached to the book and I wanted to know more about Ishmael's story. All the challenges and struggles that Ishmael was faced with made me realize how much I am grateful for my family and just to have a place to live. Not only did he loose his home but he lost the people that meant the most to him. I couldn't imagine living my life wihtout my parents or my sisters and brothers.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the book I did do some research and I was shocked at what I found out. I had a slight idea that this was happening but I didn't know the extent as to which it was occuring. Not only did I see some horrible images but I saw that this isn't just happening in Africa but there are many other people that have a similar story to Ishmael's and some stories were even worse.
I think that you assigned this book to inform us about what is happening around the world. Often times many people take things for granted and are quick to judge one another. Every person has a story and in order to understand them you have to understand where they are coming from.
Re'Nada Smith
Upon hearing the summer assignment, I immediately became excited to begin the reading. However, never did I think I would read something so hopeless but yet so hopeful at the same time. My emotional reaction to the book varied as the story continued, for the ups and downs in Beah's journey seemed to affect my emotions in such a way that I felt I was taking the journey with him. While reading the book, I experienced what seemed like every emotion known to man. I (almost) cried when he fought not to, I became enraged at the fact that the war followed him every where he went and tried to go, but became hopeful and inspired upon hearing of his rehabilitation. The book had an enormous impact on my life, and I find myself personally affected by Beah's perserverance.The vivid images of the war and the ruthless slaughter of thousands of people painted a permanent image in my mind of how truly spoiled we are as Americans, in that the situations we consider to be "extreme problems" for the country are only as serious as untied shoestrings compared to what other countries are going though. Also, I will permanently remember the immense amount of hope Beah demonstrated as he kept fighting for his life and never gave up.
ReplyDeleteI became deeply saddened by the research I conducted after completing the reading. I discovered that over 50 countries are recruiting child soldiers and over 300,000 children are serving for both rebel and government forces. I believe you assigned this book, yes, to broaden our knowledge of world events, but also to steer our focus away from literature and onto books that will shape and educate us as students and eventually develop us into genuine people with adequate knowledge of the world outside of the sheltered United States.
-- Vaughan Higgins
when I first picked up this book to read it,I got attached to it immediately as Bria and Sundae would agree.The different events that too place were heart rendering and it made me realize that at the end of the day no individual should let their failure in the past hinder them from having a bigger and brighter future.My heart went out to Ismael because his story showed me a whole new perspective on what goes on in other parts of the world.I cried a few times because of the live damaging events that not only Ismael had to go through,but all his other peers that went along this journey with him.
ReplyDeleteOf course I did research on the book to see how Ismael life turned out after all.While researching i saw some images that made me feel more enthusiastic about Ismael's life journey.I also found out that those kind of wars do not only happen in Africa but in other parts of the world.
I think that Ms.Kav assigned this book because she wanted to highlight how our journey to taking the AP test is gonna be like.Although we would not have such events that would harm our bodies ,It highlights the fact that anyone can have hope and upon recognizing our strengths and weaknesses we can be able to accomplish any life goal.Additionally i think that she assigned this book to make us knowledgeable of what goes on in other countries besides the one that we live in. :)
Carlissa Kyte
Looking at the book and its cover, I thought this book might be very boring. But as, I opened the book the first thing I seen was the map showing Sierra Leone. I never heard of this place so, I researched it and seen information about the war. I immediately went to the book and started to read it. I couldnt put this book down because, one thing happen then the next thing happen.This book just reminded me of movies like "Hotel Rwanda" and "Blood Diamond". The way Ishmael explains things in this book, I can only imagine the thing he has seen
ReplyDeleteMy emotions toward this book was shocking and saddening at the sametime. This book showed me that not all the kids in other countries are have the oportunities we have. When i was 12-15 i was riding my bike, spending time with my family and friends, and school. I wasnt doing marijuana,"brown brown", or even killing people. Ishmael was alone and suffered so much and he had the strength to overcome his long suffering. I put myself in his shoes and I knew for a fact that i couldnt handle half of the stuff that Ishmael went through.
I imagine that Ms. Kavanagh appointed this book so that, we can have a understanding that us, as people have journey's in life. It shows me that everybody's journey is not easy and that we do have to suffer but we can overcome it just like Ishmael did in his book. It just demonstrates to me, that through my journey I will have to face the unexpected and that I will need to be prepared. This book gives us a feel to how it is in Sierra Leone. Just shows how blessed we are as a country to not have to deal with those issues in our country.
Da'Neane Bell
Like some, I also waited until the last minute to read the novel. I was quick to judge the book by its cover and I thought I would not be interested in it, but I was wrong. Once I began reading, I could not stop. Ishmael’s story was very emotional. Never would I have thought that a boy so young would have to go through the struggles and hardships that he went through. I began to really appreciate the people and everything else in my life. While reading, I tried to picture myself in Ishmael’s shoes, and it was impossible. The fact that Ishmael was able to go through that and still be able to achieve shows how strong he is. After reading the book, I did not do any additional research. I did tell my family about the book and they decided to read it. I was excited that they were as interested as I was. I think you assigned this book to us to show us a part of the world that we have not been open to. Many people take things for granted in their life, and this book shows you that even though you may think you have it bad, you are doing better then other people in the world.
ReplyDelete-Blake Le Dent
Morgan said....
ReplyDeleteI haven't got through the entire book but from prior knowledge of the book , I like it. Writing can be used as a tool to let out everything you feel. It can be used as an outlet. I wasn't too enthused about reading a "sad" book but I think its good write down your worst moments in life. When you come out of them and look back , it makes you feel good. I personally, use my writing to speak out and express myself. My writing gives me peace of mind when I'm going through hell and the book showed what this boy went through and how he got through. If he were real and read this book, he'd be somewhat proud of himself because he made it through
I read this book in my 9th grade English honors class at Inglewood high and I loved it. My teacher was from Sierra Leone that's why she had us read it. I was very affected by Ishmael's story, because that was just horrible for someone like him at his age to experience what he did. I Felt Ishmaels pain and sorrow due to the diction he used through out this book.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this book, I was very amazed and alert of what was going on, and I felt sympathy for everyone who had to go through that horrible trauma. I didn't do much research but I kind of pictured what was going on after seeing the movie Blood Diamonds. I also referred this book to some of my friends and told them a little about it, because Ishmael’s story just made me motivated and determined to not give up on life.
I think you assigned us this book so we can know about other important things that we don’t know about, and also so we can be aware of what was going on with innocent young children our age and younger. Also so we can appreciate life more, because this could be happening to us.
- Tara Harris
Before I began to read the book I was not very interested in the book. I thought it was going to be your every day "I had a hard life , now I am a success story." I was right. Ishmael had a hard life and now he is a success. But to say Ishmael's life was hard is an understatement. Hard is trying to figure or a difficult problem in AP Calculus or trying to figure out a diffucult puzzle. Ishmael's life was full of tragedy. I could never image myself witnessing innocent people being killed right before my eyes or watching villages being burnt down and destroyed. Ishmael was on his own at the age of 12, an age where I still needed my parents to do things for me. Ishmael didn't even have his parents. I thought my problems in life were bad but I realize that there are kids all over the world who go through struggles that make mine seem minor. After reading A Long Way Gone, I was not impressed on Ishmael's success, but I was amazed of his strength and courage to try and change his life, because not everyone has strength and courage. In my opinion those two principles are vitures that do not come around very often. Kids in American need to start cherishing the luxuries and freedoms that we have because we are very blessed and fortunate to not have to experience the tragedies that go on in other countries, especially for the kids in Sierre Leone during the civil war. Ishmael's story made me appreciate my life, friends, and family because one day they may not always be there.
ReplyDelete- Ayrica Sawyer
First of all let me start off saying that I apologize for not completing the book. Even though I didn’t completely finish reading the memoirs of a child solider, I did however read enough to understand the agony and pain that Ishmael Beah. From what I've read so far this book is extremely vivid and filled with horrible memories of his life as a child soldier. When reading this book I couldn’t help but become emotionally drought. It made me realize that my troubles are nothing compared to Ishmael's troubles as a child. I believe that you assigned this book for us because you wanted us to really feel what Ishmael felt. I'm looking forward to finishing this book now that my interest has spiked. Thank you for assigning this book Ms. Kavanagh!
ReplyDelete- Jay Carter
Reading this book was a very emotional experience for me. It made me cry, cringe, and smile all at the same time. It's very detailed in its descriptions of war, which really impacted my emotions. His story made me realize just how blessed I am to live in the country I do and the lifestyle I live. I did do some research after reading the memoir on the conflict in Sierra Leone and how it was started and affected the people. I feel that it is an atrocity that the revolt was able to last as long as it did and was able to hurt so many people. People were separated permanently from their families and killed for reasons that did not make sense at all. I feel that you assigned this book in order to show us how much the detail in a book can influence emotions and view points. His story makes me want to think on a more global level and improve my knowledge on the problems around me. I find myself now wondering what I can do for others instead of just focusing on myself.
ReplyDelete-Candace Lee
Although I started the book just days before school I must say that I highly enjoyed this book and that it touched me in a deep and powerful way.
ReplyDeleteTo just say that it affected me would be an understatement as it made me take time out and be thankful for my childhood and not go thought the experiences that pledged poor Ishmael. I'm thankful for still having my family with me and never being involved in war at a young age. Something that Ishmael had to live thought.
I think you assigned this book as a reminder that we have it easier then most others in this world and to open our eyes to such tragedy and pain. I gladly appreciate this wake-up call and feel sorry for getting it so late in summer
Kenzel L. Jones
Throughout the duration of the book, i felt highly remorseful for the young Ismeal Beah. For someone to go through all that he did as a child shows high will power. It saddens me to know that there are children in this world that who have to go through all of those trials and tribulations on a day to day basis. Personally i don't believe i would have had the strength to make it even a day in those harsh conditions.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, i did no additional research, but i recently watched a movie which related to the book in many ways. The movie was called Blood Diamond, and it too involved plenty child soldiers in Sierra Leone. I believe the book was assigned to to read to open students perspective on a lot of other violence going on in the world. In addition to that, i believe the purpose was to make students aware of how blessed they really are.
-Jaja
When the book was assigned to me I didnt think I would like it. After reading the first couple of pages I was quickly interested and could'nt put the book down. It's was nothing like I expected it taught me to always value what you have no matter how big or small it maybe because it could be taken away from you like Ishmael. This book also help get my priorities in line and really help me see what's really important in my life.
ReplyDeleteI believe the book was assigned to show us the reality of the world and how fortunate we are compared to others and see how much we really have and also to be thankful for what we have and the people in our lives.
In addition to reading this book i did reseach afterwards and found out that he is now a Human Rights activist and have completed college here in the United States at Oberlin College. I'm happy I had the opportunity to read this book that taught me a great deal of values and life long lessons that I will now cherish.
-Asia
A Long Way Gone was a book that gave me so many emotions, but two of them were sadness and joy. This nook brought me sadness because of what Ishmael had to go through and how he had to see his family get killed, but it brought me joy because he didn't let the war in Sierra Leone conquer him and send him on his way to death and how he escaped for New York to get a better life.
ReplyDeleteThis book has led to find information in this war and how there are many that still
exist today worldwide.
Even though I wasn't in your class when you assigned the book, I believe you assigned this book so that we can hear or read about someone who experienced first hand this gruesome war in Sierra Leone and how through faith and courage he was able to flee from danger.
This book has l