Let me start by saying that everyone should read this book. It is a humbling experience, reading about the life Paulino Mamiir Chol (and thousands of others) led from such an early age. Chol is about 1 year younger than me, which means that while my life was consumed with Star Wars and baseball cards, he and so many others were separated from their parents and on the run from a war they had nothing to do with. While my biggest worry was girls and drinking, they were living in abject poverty under the worst of conditions, wondering if they would eat that day or if someone would kill them. When you think about the differences in the lives led by so many of us in the U.S. and literally millions of others elsewhere on our planet, it can leave you feeling hopeless for our species. Yet, Paulino never gives in to self-pity. He acknowledges that the plight of the Lost Boys was unfair and difficult, but his overall tone is one of hope and of doing the right thing, regardless of circumstances. I can’t imagine having gone through what these young boys did or having to become adults at such a young age. It makes me doubly sad to think about how my own son could have had to endure all this, but for the location of where he was born. Unless you pay absolutely no attention to world events, you have some idea of the horrible conditions and unforgivable acts that occur in other countries, especially on the African continent. However, until you read first-hand accounts, you don’t really understand. I suppose you can’t truly understand unless you lived through it.

Paulino Mamiir Chol begins his story as a 7 year old, when the Sudanese Civil War took his and many other children’s families from them and left them afraid and alone, walking hundreds of miles across Africa to “safety” while being devoured by lions as well as the war. Those who survived their journey to Ethiopia and Kenya lived for many years in refugee camps, where they still had to fight to survive. It is a testament to the resolve of these humans that they were able to make it to adulthood at all, much less become good people, as so many did. Chol details many of the hardships that had to be overcome and his role in helping to keep the Lost Boys alive and reinforcing the need to do what is right. Sometimes, it feels like Chol is “talking himself up”, but I don’t think it’s his intent to be self-aggrandizing, it’s just his way of getting across what happened and his role in events. The only complaint about the book as a whole is that it’s sometimes hard to follow, since the story jumps around in time over the 20 year period of Chol’s odyssey. It’s a small gripe, but I feel I have to mention it since this is an honest review. This in know way detracts from how powerful this book is and the story held within it’s pages.

This is not a happy book by any means and there are often things you will read that will make you sick, but it is inspiring to know that there are people who can go through so much and not become bitter and hateful. Paulino Chol did his best to save a lot of young boys and it’s clear that many would not have made it if not for his help. Personally, I’m glad that Paulino made it to the United States and is able to lead a better life. I’m also proud to have him in my country. I think a lot of people in the U.S. could learn a few things about real hardship by reading this book, especially those who are so dead-set against immigration to our country. Thanks to Netgalley and the Mach Foundation for sending me a copy of this book. It was not an easy read, but I believe I am a better person for having read it.

Before I end this review, I would like to note that, per the description of the book, “all proceeds will go to the Mamiir Chol Foundation (MACH), which will provide funds to villagers in Twic County for clean drinking wells, clinics, schools, and community centers. Proceeds will also support organizations working for human rights, homeless children, widowed mothers, disabled people, and to protect women and girls from sexual abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence.” As such, I will be buying a copy and will give it away to someone I know, since I received my digital copy for free.

This book will take you to the exact place it happened. The way it was narrated and described will bring all emotions. From feeling sorry as to why it has to happened to being inspired and hopeful. As this one young boy naturally leads. A must read.