I loved this book. I learned so much about the collective Lost Boys of Sudan, through the particular journey of Valentino Gone-Far Sleeper Achak Dominic Deng. In the past I have had my quibbles with the write Dave Eggers, but all is absolved with his undertaking of this project which goes so far beyond the mere novel!
http://www.vadfoundation.org/
http://www.voiceofwitness.com/
http://www.826national.org/
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/
Not only did I learn and weep in empathy, but I got great advice for one of my 7-year old twins who has trouble getting to sleep some nights, on page 33: "Imagine your favorite morning! Now your favorite lunch! Your favorite afternoon! Your favorite game of soccer, your favorite evening, the one you love most! He said this while walking along our line of sitting boys, taking to our heads. Now create in your mind the best of days, and memorize these details, place this day center in your mind, and when you are the most frightened, bring forth is day and place yourself within it. Run through this day and I assure you that before you are finished with your dream-breakfast, you will be asleep. I tell you, this method works. It slows your breathing, it focuses your mind."
In addition, I gleaned advice for good, obedient, well-trained girls who may one day I fear be taken advantage of in this cruel world, for precisely those very traits: "Reach upward, attempt to do better... Always be grateful for what pleasures you have enjoyed, what joys you have yet to experience. Do not take opportunities as they come, but at the same time, do not trust too easily. Look past who is at the door before opening it. Try to be fierce. Argue when necessary. Be willing to fight. Do not smile reflexively at every person you see. Live as a good child of God, and forgive him each time he claims another of the people you love. Forgive and attempt to understand his plans for you, and do not pity yourself."
http://www.vadfoundation.org/
http://www.voiceofwitness.com/
http://www.826national.org/
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/
Not only did I learn and weep in empathy, but I got great advice for one of my 7-year old twins who has trouble getting to sleep some nights, on page 33: "Imagine your favorite morning! Now your favorite lunch! Your favorite afternoon! Your favorite game of soccer, your favorite evening, the one you love most! He said this while walking along our line of sitting boys, taking to our heads. Now create in your mind the best of days, and memorize these details, place this day center in your mind, and when you are the most frightened, bring forth is day and place yourself within it. Run through this day and I assure you that before you are finished with your dream-breakfast, you will be asleep. I tell you, this method works. It slows your breathing, it focuses your mind."
In addition, I gleaned advice for good, obedient, well-trained girls who may one day I fear be taken advantage of in this cruel world, for precisely those very traits: "Reach upward, attempt to do better... Always be grateful for what pleasures you have enjoyed, what joys you have yet to experience. Do not take opportunities as they come, but at the same time, do not trust too easily. Look past who is at the door before opening it. Try to be fierce. Argue when necessary. Be willing to fight. Do not smile reflexively at every person you see. Live as a good child of God, and forgive him each time he claims another of the people you love. Forgive and attempt to understand his plans for you, and do not pity yourself."
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