Child soldier and author of "A Long Way Gone" Ishmael Beah speaks with CBS News about his experiences in Sierra Leone and his hopes for the future of the country.
Ishmael Beah is a real role model he came out of something that was so traumatic and horrible that is could make a person break. Instead he came out hopeful and loving and considerate. His story will forever be in my heart. He didn't deserve what happened to him and I'm sure he knows. He gives me faith in humanity.
I read his book many years ago but it is different hearing it straight from his mouth. It's a summary, but anyone can understand the horror that Ishmael and his child soldiers have been through. Amazing and very heartwarming that he was able to get back from all that be so educated and articulate
Considering what he went through he seems incredibly level headed and grounded. Also he seems to be a very intelligent and kind. I really envy his resilience...
He came to our school and spoke my freshman year of college. It was such a powerful and moving speech that I could have sworn I felt his words become part of my soul. I am still kicking myself to this day that I missed the opportunity to speak with his face to face. I'm always hoping that he'll come back and speak again so I can get him to autograph my book.
It's amazing how he turned out, largely due to the steely resolve that has been instilled in him, just like he was describing towards the end of the video. At times, I thought I was reading some kind of horror-fiction novel, and I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened to someone. Overall, it was a fantastic book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
+The Archetype I know right? Anyone can draw on some traumatic experience they had at one point in their life and say that it changed them forever but then here's this guy still able to smile after experiencing hell on multiple fronts.
I read his book in high school and I read it now while I’m serving in the Navy and it’s one of the best books I have ever read. Thank you Ishmael for creating A Long Way Gone and I respect you highly for everything you went through.
A Long Way Gone has to be one of the best books I`ve ever read, not only is it inspiring but its truthful and its surprising that a child that went through so much can pour out so much emotion and truth, bless the children in Africa that are consumed and become child soldiers.
i am on ch 18 of this book and i am very thankful for this awakening i never realized before... this is one of those great true stories that inspires you to help bring about some good change in the world good or small... thank you very much for the publication of this great story=]
I don't understand why people must trash talk this amazing man. Life turned out great for him after escaping the war. I understand that other people should have been helped out as well but the fact that this one man made it out alive is a miracle. He's not fabricated. GROW UP PEOPLE.
for real. i'm s/leonean. i praise the guy for his success out of a bad experience. but the book is so well written and straight forward... my goodness. indeed "everyone in the world should read this book." i did cry tho :)
I've read his book. Its fantastic (in a horrible way) i felt with the boy the whole story. Im glad he survived and got thru' everything. He deserved it. Peace
I read the book 12 years ago. One of the great book I’ve ever read. Do whatever it take to keep his family member surviving. This is happening at the other side of the world ☹️
His book is a very shaking experience. Not exactly easy reading. We read it at my school and he came and spoke to us and signed our books. It's a surreal experience to think of things like this happening in other countries. It's easy to feel removed when you have a bed to go to every night and food to eat during the day and nothing more troubling to think about that school or work.
I’m reading his book now. I’m haunted by the part where his friend says something like “every time we face death and I accept that I will die, even though we have survived, every time a part of me dies.” Truly chilling and horrific.
had to read his book a long way gone and it really got to me this is a great man and he should be president of serria leoan and if you have not read that book you should go and buy it
American's have this common belief that war and bloodshed are so distant from our lives. We have this mentality that what happens in other countries doesn't matter. Reading this book opened my eyes in the sense that I realize and am more aware of the atrocities and acts of terror that happen every single day all around the world.
hes not a killer hes a surviver of the war and told his story, its not like he wanted 2 kill any1 he was forced into the army and fed drugs. hes bin thru a lot and im happy 4 him now 4 living in the US
@tigerman6911 I agree, I just recently finished this book for my english class and was greatly touched and inspired by his story and his bravery to come "out od the woodwork" so to speak. And tell his story to help other child soldiers.
I was talking with my work buddy about "A Long Way Gone" and the atrocities children in guerilla wars have lived through. In Los Angeles we have people who have escaped many terrible wars. Rather than be impressed by the resilience and redemption of humanity he basically summed it up by accusing them of bringing those problems with them. Sometimes I'm so embarrassed by some Americans.
he lost his childhood and lost his family he been through so much in his life and im not sayin what he did was right but i hope he overcomes what ever happened to him
Yeah, most school cirriculum has a way of taking the joy out of reading, but this book reminds one. If you're looking for something else of this caliber, I recommend "Ghost Soldiers" by Hampton Sides.
Sad history, it comes directly from him, his own history . i like the The Long Way Gone When we first met at Oasis Book English Language Center in Nouakchott (Mauritania i was reading it.... :) :)
You might want to check into Ishmael being, "deprived of formal schooling...seeks to return to his people." Oberlin College Royalties enough for a plane ticket home. Not trying to diminish these atrocities one bit. But, do remember, he was a soldier/survivor who could be vicious or blend in. That doesn't go away.
fck how sick this is. just watched the movie blood diamond and its so horrific and the worst part is that its all so hopeless and to be able to help we have to come up with something clever SOON cause saving a kid or two wont solve this problem!
This book is seriously some brutal shit. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject, some of the things he does would make Rambo look like a pussy, and he only saw combat from ages 13-15
@nicknkub Ok. I'm reading his his now and I am almost finished. The suffering he went through was agonizing! He ENJOYED kill people O_o (that was back then at the age of 15). Now he is different and is helping young kids involved in wars. I am happy for him :3.
@ktittykittylicklick9 I know what you mean, but if you did read the book you would know he spoke English since he was a child before the war reached him even.
dont get me wrong, i dont want 2 argue eather. its just that i have read about this situation. yes there are many reports of Americans doing such things. but... you cant just read somthing THAT dromatic and just suspect that its true.
I love how this book was made by someone who's had this experience and not just some random person who decided to write about child soldiers
fr!!!
Ishmael Beah is a real role model he came out of something that was so traumatic and horrible that is could make a person break. Instead he came out hopeful and loving and considerate. His story will forever be in my heart. He didn't deserve what happened to him and I'm sure he knows. He gives me faith in humanity.
I read his book many years ago but it is different hearing it straight from his mouth. It's a summary, but anyone can understand the horror that Ishmael and his child soldiers have been through. Amazing and very heartwarming that he was able to get back from all that be so educated and articulate
I'm reading this book right now. It is very very sad. I couldn't imagine what he and all those other people have been through.
I'm in 9th grade reading the book right now. very sad
I’m now I’m 9th and reading this book haha
Hah losers I’m in 8th
@@tramp7482 are you graduating or becoming a senior?
Considering what he went through he seems incredibly level headed and grounded. Also he seems to be a very intelligent and kind. I really envy his resilience...
Same, I wish we could all have the same amount of resilience as him💯hes an inspiration
I remember reading his book back in 2008. The most moving book I’ve ever read
yeah we read it freshman year in college at UT Knoxville and he came and spoke. A great book it changes your perspective
He came to our school and spoke my freshman year of college. It was such a powerful and moving speech that I could have sworn I felt his words become part of my soul. I am still kicking myself to this day that I missed the opportunity to speak with his face to face. I'm always hoping that he'll come back and speak again so I can get him to autograph my book.
He is so strong
he's a strong soul may allah watch over him n give him the love & care he lost as a child .. amazing book !
I've just finished reading his book three days ago......
I'll give it 8 out of 10.........great book
It's amazing how he turned out, largely due to the steely resolve that has been instilled in him, just like he was describing towards the end of the video.
At times, I thought I was reading some kind of horror-fiction novel, and I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened to someone. Overall, it was a fantastic book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
+The Archetype I know right? Anyone can draw on some traumatic experience they had at one point in their life and say that it changed them forever but then here's this guy still able to smile after experiencing hell on multiple fronts.
I want to hug him, and apologize for everything he's been through.
Thank you Ishmael Beah for sharing your story❤️I was really touched by your book A Long Way Gone, Its honestly one of my favorite books
I read his book in high school and I read it now while I’m serving in the Navy and it’s one of the best books I have ever read. Thank you Ishmael for creating A Long Way Gone and I respect you highly for everything you went through.
A Long Way Gone has to be one of the best books I`ve ever read, not only is it inspiring but its truthful and its surprising that a child that went through so much can pour out so much emotion and truth, bless the children in Africa that are consumed and become child soldiers.
Ishmael, i am sorry for what you have been through. you are my hero, and one to many others. thank you for your book.
I just finished the book 📕📗📘📙
I read the book and it was very awesome.
i am on ch 18 of this book and i am very thankful for this awakening i never realized before... this is one of those great true stories that inspires you to help bring about some good change in the world good or small... thank you very much for the publication of this great story=]
I don't understand why people must trash talk this amazing man. Life turned out great for him after escaping the war. I understand that other people should have been helped out as well but the fact that this one man made it out alive is a miracle. He's not fabricated. GROW UP PEOPLE.
im usually not a reader but this book was really good
"Everybody should be like a moon"
Great personality, i've learned too much with your book
for real. i'm s/leonean. i praise the guy for his success out of a bad experience. but the book is so well written and straight forward... my goodness. indeed "everyone in the world should read this book." i did cry tho :)
Read the book if you haven't.
I've read his book. Its fantastic (in a horrible way) i felt with the boy the whole story. Im glad he survived and got thru' everything. He deserved it.
Peace
This man words are very sincere and passionate. I wish him well. He has a strong and wise spirit
read the book yesterday. passing it on to my friends. if we are all aware of these events and wish to continue to face ourselves than we must act.
I read the book 12 years ago. One of the great book I’ve ever read. Do whatever it take to keep his family member surviving. This is happening at the other side of the world ☹️
I love his book...it's unbelivable...unbelivable...
His book is a very shaking experience. Not exactly easy reading. We read it at my school and he came and spoke to us and signed our books. It's a surreal experience to think of things like this happening in other countries. It's easy to feel removed when you have a bed to go to every night and food to eat during the day and nothing more troubling to think about that school or work.
I’m reading his book now. I’m haunted by the part where his friend says something like “every time we face death and I accept that I will die, even though we have survived, every time a part of me dies.” Truly chilling and horrific.
life changing book. amazing just beautiful.
he is one amazing man to over come all of these things
im reading his book now,amazing
This man has seen the WORST of the WORST in this world and honestly he seems really level headed it seriously amazes me💯💯💯
I read this book as a sophomore and it was the saddest but yet most interesting thing I’d ever read
I cant wait to talk with him today here at EKU.
what a hero
had to read his book a long way gone and it really got to me this is a great man and he should be president of serria leoan and if you have not read that book you should go and buy it
reading his book for school right now
mr beah is extraordinarily articulate.
American's have this common belief that war and bloodshed are so distant from our lives. We have this mentality that what happens in other countries doesn't matter. Reading this book opened my eyes in the sense that I realize and am more aware of the atrocities and acts of terror that happen every single day all around the world.
hes not a killer hes a surviver of the war and told his story, its not like he wanted 2 kill any1 he was forced into the army and fed drugs. hes bin thru a lot and im happy 4 him now 4 living in the US
GOD BLESS FOREVER🙂❤️
Ishmael ur book is awesome and it really inspired me..
im going to go see him tomorrow in oregon
FUCK he was in Oregon at that time when i just read Long way gone??
this is the best book alive
Thanks for wisening up ur welcome.
This book is a really good and informative read.
Acabei de ler o livro muito longe de casa, gostaria de pedir que esse livro virasse um FILME, Joselma, BETIM Mg. Brasil.
how could you dislike this video?
VERY BRILLIANT...........THANK GOD THIS MIND WAS SAVED,,,
@tigerman6911 I agree, I just recently finished this book for my english class and was greatly touched and inspired by his story and his bravery to come "out od the woodwork" so to speak. And tell his story to help other child soldiers.
I was talking with my work buddy about "A Long Way Gone" and the atrocities children in guerilla wars have lived through. In Los Angeles we have people who have escaped many terrible wars. Rather than be impressed by the resilience and redemption of humanity he basically summed it up by accusing them of bringing those problems with them. Sometimes I'm so embarrassed by some Americans.
I had to read this book in the 9th grade
I didn't read it til college
I read this book in 8th grade
James Coleman I read this book during 7th grade and it fucked me up
da boss Same
Anne Jean Yes
he lost his childhood and lost his family he been through so much in his life and im not sayin what he did was right but i hope he overcomes what ever happened to him
this is an amazing book READ IT!!!
Corin Davidson yes sir
I love his book
I'm reading this right now in 7th grade English Class
his book a long way gone was interestingand i think he had alot of courage to write it.
Ishmael Beah is my hero :]
yeah i had to too, it is a very good book, i couldn't belive it almost
I am shocked to the fact that they became to think the other soldiers as family.
Yeah, most school cirriculum has a way of taking the joy out of reading, but this book reminds one. If you're looking for something else of this caliber, I recommend "Ghost Soldiers" by Hampton Sides.
Sad history, it comes directly from him, his own history . i like the The Long Way Gone
When we first met at Oasis Book English Language Center in Nouakchott (Mauritania i was reading it.... :) :)
Anyone else sent here by your 8th grade writing teacher?
ok. you proved your point, Well done.
Peace
-RuMafia
good job
you down with OPP?
Read the book in college. Then my class watched the movie “Blood Diamond”
You might want to check into Ishmael being, "deprived of formal schooling...seeks to return to his people."
Oberlin College
Royalties enough for a plane ticket home.
Not trying to diminish these atrocities one bit. But, do remember, he was a soldier/survivor who could be vicious or blend in. That doesn't go away.
fck how sick this is. just watched the movie blood diamond and its so horrific and the worst part is that its all so hopeless and to be able to help we have to come up with something clever SOON cause saving a kid or two wont solve this problem!
its very good book
read it in dutch
@heezychilla I don't think that's what people are saying. They look at the strength Beah had and that inspires them
2:40 is it a child head at the bottom in the middle ?
This book is seriously some brutal shit. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject, some of the things he does would make Rambo look like a pussy, and he only saw combat from ages 13-15
You don't get the whole point of it..
so very sad.
hard to believe this guy is only 30
wisconsin
@nicknkub Ok. I'm reading his his now and I am almost finished. The suffering he went through was agonizing! He ENJOYED kill people O_o (that was back then at the age of 15). Now he is different and is helping young kids involved in wars. I am happy for him :3.
Oh ya.. he actually didnt live this life
I heard that as well
Where’d u hear this?
What do you mean?
RPZ Mme Huitric !
@WKaliberr you have no idea
@SarahLovesYOU1117 Lol I remember him stating in the book that he hates it when people do that.
Mambu's family didn't take him back thus he went back to the frontlines...
@rechedelphar i really agree with that i heard about this and i could only say wow in a veryyyyy bad way! i have respect for him 2
@ktittykittylicklick9 I know what you mean, but if you did read the book you would know he spoke English since he was a child before the war reached him even.
they have weapons dealers that sell anything from guns, to explosives and even vehicles. U could say they r merchants of war.
Love to debate, hate to hate.
:P
@WORLDPEACEISHERE96 Don't you post a comment with the intention of people acknowledging it? And are you not prepared for anyone to disagree with you?
almost 1mil subs les go bois
GOD BLESS!!!
@blacklightning98 Yeah it's an amazing book
humanity is sick
also there are a Pirate Children, 90 % of Somalian Pirates are Children
dont get me wrong, i dont want 2 argue eather. its just that i have read about this situation. yes there are many reports of Americans doing such things. but... you cant just read somthing THAT dromatic and just suspect that its true.
@blacklightning98 Ok fine, true or not, it doesn't need to brought up here is what I was trying to say
@WORLDPEACEISHERE96 I'm not tryna pick a fight, I'm just saying that that comment kinda rubbed me the wrong way. Let's leave it at that