by Starbucks Book Break Moderator
Member since:
September 29, 2006

Transcript of "Live Chat with Ishmael Beah," 2-4pm ET March 13, 2007

March 13, 2007 01:39 PM EDT (Updated: March 13, 2007 04:22 PM EDT)
views: 650 | rating: 9.7/10 (16 votes) | comments: 85

Ishmael Beah, activist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, joins us for a live chat in the Starbucks Book Break group.  As a child in Sierra Leone during the 1990s civil war, Beah witnessed brutal crimes and was groomed to become a ruthless child soldier for the national army.  

This is not just the retelling of an African war, though.  At age 16, Beah was rescued by a UNICEF mission, which placed him in a rehabilitation center and he eventually immigrated to the United States.  Beah recounts his war experiences and his reformation with an unfiltered and frank truth.

Beah has been traveling extensively for the past month, from lecturing on his US book tour to testifying at the recent UNICEF conference in Paris.  Please join us in welcoming him to Gather.

 

To participate, here are some helpful tips: 

1)    Use the comment tool below to post your questions and comments. To see new comments and keep up with the discussion, you will need to periodically refresh your screen. You may refresh your view by using the refresh button on your browser, or the F5 key on your keyboard, or through the Ctrl+R key (on Windows) or CMD+R (On Mac) key combination. 

2)    Once you have posted a comment to the conversation, refresh your screen (see above). Don't worry about accidental double-posting of comments, as Gather technology prevents doing so without a screen refresh between posts. This will ensure that you can more quickly "chime in" with your thoughts.

******************************************************

More About the Author >>

Become a Starbucks Book Break group member >>
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 85

Starbucks Book Break Moderator Mar 13, 2007, 1:40pm EDT
Ishmael, welcome to Gather! We are very pleased to have you with us this afternoon and look forward to hearing your responses to Gather member questions.
Tiana W. Mar 13, 2007, 1:58pm EDT
Hi Ishmael!! I know I just saw you at the event in Davis Square, but there wasn't enough time to ask my question. I saw your VH1 documentary and wanted to know what yoru conversations were like with the young men still living at the rehabilitation center. Were they inspired by the things that you have accomplished? You were really blessed to be able to not only overcome gargantuan obstacles, but you were also able to make a completely new life for yourself. What type of message do you think that sends to young men in Sierra Leone who are still picking up the pieces?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:05pm EDT
Hi Tiana! The young men still at the rehabilitation center, some of whom i knew, wanted to believe that they too can make something of themselves. So they mostly asked me if they can change from their situation and i said yes because i believe they can. They might not be as tremendously lucky as i have been but they can take charge of their lives with the right support and help.
LA R. Mar 13, 2007, 2:05pm EDT
Thank you for such a wonderful memoir, Mr. Baeh. I have many questions, but I am most curious as to whether you have been back to Sierra Leone since your rescue? Also, while I know at the time being taken away from your group was torturous and confusing, do you now consider UNICEF's actions a rescue?
John F. Mar 13, 2007, 2:06pm EDT
Ishmael - I am reading your book now. It's a very powerful statement about the effects of war. I work for a non-profit called World Learning committed to fostering a sense global citizenship among young people (Carol Bellamy, our president, was head of UNICEF when they helped you become free). My question is: how would you define global citizenship and what does it mean for people today to act as global citizens in a world where there are child soldiers, among other pressing world problems?
cathy c. Mar 13, 2007, 2:09pm EDT
Hi Ishmael, My son (Yale premed student) is planning on working this summer in a hospital in Sierra Leone - do you have any advice for him? (By the way, my daughter headed a project that sent 300 bikes to SL for children and teachers to attend school. The bikes were received and distributed by the Xavierian priests, who are also established in our hometown) Thanks! Cathy
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:10pm EDT
Lauren, i was back in Sierra Leone last June 2006 and it was bitter sweet. Nonetheless, i was very happy to be home. I do now consider what Unicef did as a rescue, a good and timely rescue. But back then, i didn't think so.
M F. Mar 13, 2007, 2:12pm EDT
Ishmael, Can you address the issue of forgiveness. How did you forgive yourself and move on during this time of your life?
Tiana W. Mar 13, 2007, 2:14pm EDT
Thanks. I enjoyed the event today, and thank you so much for sharing your story. I wish you nothing but the best and hope to send a few of my friends to your talk this evening. Try to get some rest (lol) I know that your schedule is swamped, but sleep is imperative.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:18pm EDT
John, I believe that a global citizen is one who pays attention to what unfolds in the world, good or bad, and tries to make others aware of it and do what they can in their own capacity to help those in need. Exposing oneself to the world is a good starting point for this dedication.
LA R. Mar 13, 2007, 2:19pm EDT
Thank you for answering my question, Mr. Beah (sorry I misspelled your name the first time -- typo!).

If you have time to answer another question of mine: Where is your American caretaker now? What is your relationship with her? I feel a sequel coming - just to learn of your "new" life in America... I somewhat felt left hanging at the end. I wanted to learn more about your transformation from boy soldier to the modern you.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:21pm EDT
Hi Cathy, Tell your son to be patient, to listen deeply and be sensitive to the traditions and culture of those he will be helping.
Diana Raabe Mar 13, 2007, 2:23pm EDT
Ishmael, I thought your book was wonderful and have recommended it to many people. Thank you for telling your story.

You said that UNICEF performed a good and timely rescue in your case. Would you say that intervention is always best? And if so, in what parts of the world would you like to see organizations like UNICEF recognize as needing this kind of intervention the most?
Val F. Mar 13, 2007, 2:23pm EDT
Ishmael,
Thanks for joining us today -- I was interested in your response to being a global citizen. How can people who aren't fortunate enough to travel still expose themselves to the world? Any advice?
Diana Raabe Mar 13, 2007, 2:24pm EDT
P.S. I'm with Lauren on the sequel!
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:24pm EDT
Hi M F. Forgiveness is actually an important part of healing from the war for me. To forgive is not to forget but to transform all that happened into something positive because the other route can only bring more suffering to me and those around me.
Curt Gruhl Mar 13, 2007, 2:25pm EDT
Hi Ishmael -

Now and then we are able to brush shoulders with true inspiration. And you are an inspiration in the purest sense of the word. I know that there are very difficult times in many people's lives. Some are fortunate to be able to move on while others are not able to do so.

As you stated in your memoir, there were people who believe in you. And I am sure this was a major part of your new life. But can you comment on what you think might be the one or two or three influences (internal and/or external) that gave you the courage to build your life.

My thanks to you for your contribution to our understanding of the world.

Curt Gruhl
Starbucks Book Break Moderator Mar 13, 2007, 2:25pm EDT
Ishmael, Kathryn E. from Boston, MA sent in this question: Ishmael, how would you describe the process of writing your memoir - often, it is difficult to relive - and, although cathartic to write about it, the process can be grueling. Was the process emotionally grueling - how long did it take to write your book? Years? Months?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:27pm EDT
My American Mother is in New York. I had written the entire story out but realized that my life here is a separate story from the other one. So perhaps there will be a sequel. I intend to continue writing and who knows what will happen next.
Ian M. Mar 13, 2007, 2:28pm EDT
I'm wondering if there are any of your friends from back home who you keep in touch with. I'm not far enough in the book to know if they made it out okay, too. How has America been for you?
Annette E. Mar 13, 2007, 2:29pm EDT
Do you maintain a close relationship with your American family? Was it hard to form that bond?
Baldy McBrennan Mar 13, 2007, 2:32pm EDT
Mr. Beah,
I saw your interview with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show several weeks ago. I've never seen Jon Stewart so completely enthralled with one of his guests. Your story is definitely remarkable, and you've got a way of drawing people in. Your book and your experiences have gained you plenty of notoriety and popularity in the U.S. Have you enjoyed your experiences running around, doing interviews, and meeting all the people that you have?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:32pm EDT
Diana, I believe that a preventive measure will be the best solution, but since there isn't enough political will to stop these wars earlier, the next best one is to go in and help these children. That seems to be feasible now and a lot of improvements need to be made to make it more effective. Unicef just actually published a document called the "Paris Principles" which highlights the next practical and effective steps to help children affected by war. I was part of the brainstorming of the document and you can find it online.
Diana Raabe Mar 13, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
Excellent answer; thank you.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
Hi Val. Well, you can go beyond what your regular TV news Channels provide you and do research on the internet, attend local organizations meetings etc. This will be a start to meet people who perhaps can point you in the right direction.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:41pm EDT
Curt, Firstly i was able to survive that experience and be happy because of the traditional and cultural upbringing i received in my very early childhood years. I was still able to tap back into it my inner strength because of the early appreciation for life and that allowed me to be joyous no matter what. In addition, the people who i met on the way, at the rehabilitation center and elsewhere were able to see my humanity regardless of my past.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:47pm EDT
Kathryn. Writing this book was very difficult because it required me to relive a lot of unpleasant moments. But i knew that remembering was a small price to pay to expose what continues to happen to children around the world. This gave me the determination and strength to continue writing. Also, i would write about the times before the war to take a break from writing about the war. It took me almost three years to write and edit the whole thing. I wrote it sporadically.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:50pm EDT
Ian, Yes, i still keep contact with some people from back home. There are still some cousins and friends from the war and others. Some have immigrated to other countries etc. America has been great except for the winters!
Bridget Riley Mar 13, 2007, 2:53pm EDT
Ishmael,
I just saw that you hit the New York Times' Bestsellers List. Was this a goal of yours when you published the book, or is all of this coming as a bit of a shock for you? Right now, your name is up there alongside Bob Woodruff, John Grisham, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama. That's really amazing.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 2:57pm EDT
Annette, Yes, i am in close contact with my American Family and they have been wonderful to me as always. It was not difficult to form a bond but it was slow as i had to learn to be a son, and do so in a new cultural setting.
Starbucks Book Break Moderator Mar 13, 2007, 3:03pm EDT
Soni S.
Soni S. sent this question to us: Hello Ishmael. My twins (JonAthan and Joseph) and I have been reading your book together. We were wondering exactly HOW to start a fund raising for Sierra Leone people. We have never started a fund raiser before. Thank you, Soni and Sons :)
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:04pm EDT
Baldy, i have had some remarkable encounters and interviews one of them was with Jon Stewart. I love his show and never thought that i would be on it. He is a very intelligent and funny guy and i enjoyed meeting him backstage before the show.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:10pm EDT
Bridget, this is all a shock. When i wrote this book, i knew that it would get some attention but not as much as it has gotten. It is good that a lot of people are reading it and starbucks also really helped to reach a whole demographic of people that traditional bookstores can't reach.
Annette E. Mar 13, 2007, 3:11pm EDT
Thank you for the wonderful book, not to mention the inspiration. I too hope to see a sequal. I am in the process of adopting a set of siblings from another culture and would love to read about the prospect, process and challenges that can mean especially from the child's point of view.
Kathryn E. Mar 13, 2007, 3:12pm EDT
Hello Ishmael, this is Kathryn E. (KEO) from Boston, I did see you today in Davis Square. It was wonderful to see you at Starbucks; I have your book. My daughter tells me of a young man from Darfur who was adopted into a family in our town; before he graduated high school he spoke to all the classes of his experiences in Darfur. He is now in college. It is so important for you to continue to speak out on the horrors of war; we must try to build peace with peace.

Thank you. Your book is terrific.
Dan F. Mar 13, 2007, 3:13pm EDT
Ishmael-

What an amazing story - thank you so much for the book. We here in America see so little of these struggles, and when we do it is usually packaged with a political agenda. Is there a better way to get the information out? Have you had an opportunity to really get your story into mainstream?

Thanks,

Dan
Liz Gellar Mar 13, 2007, 3:13pm EDT
Ishmael, we all enjoy your writing. Would you be interested in writing fiction?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:15pm EDT
Hi Soni, I am myself in the process of setting up a foundation that will be up and running in a month. We are incorporated and will soon have a website. It is called "The Ishmael Beah Foundation" and perhaps we can work together. I will keep you updated on gather.
Karin Karhem Mar 13, 2007, 3:16pm EDT
Thanks so much for coming to Gather, Ishmael! You've brought an inspiring message of peace to many people, and I think you're making good progress to follow in the steps of your hero, Nelson Mandela.

I read an interview you did where you said that it was really interesting to talk with teens in a California juvenile center. I was wondering if you could tell us a little bit more about people you've met who are like yourself, whether they immigrated from a war-torn country or came from a rough background.

Also, who have been the greatest influencers on your current life and career?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:16pm EDT
Thanks Annette and good luck.
Jeffrey Martin Mar 13, 2007, 3:17pm EDT
Ishmael, I was really moved by your story. One thing that astounded me was that the rebels would destroy villages and kill innocent people. Aren't these the same people they were trying to help liberate from a a corrupt government?

Since coming to the US, have you been able to reconnect with family and friends that you were separated from during the civil war?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:19pm EDT
Thanks Kathryn for attending the event and listening.
Drunk Monkey Mar 13, 2007, 3:19pm EDT
I just took a look at your extensive Starbucks tour schedule. I hope you're getting some free coffee out of this!
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:21pm EDT
Dan, what other avenues do you have in mind?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:23pm EDT
Liz, I am actually working on my first novel, when i have time.
MaryAnne, Director of Member Services Mar 13, 2007, 3:24pm EDT
Ishmael,
Thank you for writing your memoirs and sharing this tragic testament to the life of a child caught in war. I can't imagine how you handled the shock, loss and atrocities you were faced with at such a young age. I have a son who is now in college and when I look at pictures of him at age 11-15 he looks like such a young child to me, as you were during your war years. I am so thankful you have lived to tell your story and that you were able to start a new life with your uncle and again with Laura. My question to you is what happened to Esther? She was a loving support for you when you needed her. I hope she is safe and I am sure she is so very proud of you. --MaryAnne
Dan F. Mar 13, 2007, 3:25pm EDT
Ishmael-

The best are things like the Jon Stewart show, but also Dateline, 60 minutes, Larry King Live, NY Times Magazine, New Yorker, Newsweek, etc. I applaud your book tour and it's crazy schedule (I actually emailed you about a San Diego visit), however for the US population to get involved it needs to be mass media. It is just frustrating that such despair and destruction can exist and the countries that can get involved do practically nothing.
Kathryn E. Mar 13, 2007, 3:26pm EDT
Hello Ishmael, this is Kathryn E. (KEO) from Boston, I did see you today in Davis Square. It was wonderful to see you at Starbucks; I have your book. My daughter tells me of a young man from Darfur who was adopted into a family in our town; before he graduated high school he spoke to all the classes of his experiences in Darfur. He is now in college. It is so important for you to continue to speak out on the horrors of war; we must try to build peace with peace.

Thank you. Your book is terrific.
Jody L. Mar 13, 2007, 3:27pm EDT
Ishmael,
for the many of us who read your story and were overcome with compassion and an urgency to act--What would be your suggestion? What can we do to help? It almost feels like we have blood on our own hands if we do not do something, but I think often people don't know where to begin?
Thank you for telling your story...
Melissa T. Mar 13, 2007, 3:29pm EDT
Hi Ishmael! I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming to Davis Square today! I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time it seems. Reading such a compelling life story really makes one want to be in the presence of someone so amazing! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions during your signing. Oh, and you're absolutely adorable as well. Just thought I'd mention it. :-)
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:29pm EDT
Karin, i have met children from all parts of the world who have had a similar experience as mine, and we all have come to the conclusion that life limited us from knowing ourselves, our intelligence etc.
My greatest influences are the people i have met as i travel for this book, especially the Sierra Leoneans who have come out to support and discuss our home.
MaryAnne, Director of Member Services Mar 13, 2007, 3:29pm EDT
Ishmael,
On a lighter note, do you still enjoy rap? Does music play a part in your life today?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:34pm EDT
Jeffrey, This was the madness that the war brought upon people wherein those who said they were protecting you actually turned on you.
I went back home last year and reconnected with some cousins and various family members and in touch with a lot of old friends.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:35pm EDT
Thanks Drunk Monkey
su h. Mar 13, 2007, 3:36pm EDT
Hello Ishmael. I just wanted to say that your book was very inspiring! Do you have your own website with events that you or your foundation is hosting?
Josh W. Mar 13, 2007, 3:39pm EDT
Ishmael, I ran out and got your book after seeing you on John Stewart and it was truly inspiring. I would love to hear more about your new foundation you mentioned. What is the mission? Will you be focusing on rescuing children from war?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:40pm EDT
MaryAnne,
I am still looking for Esther. She was really very kind to me and helped start my healing process and more. Thanks
Alicia R. Mar 13, 2007, 3:41pm EDT
Hi, I have to say honestly that I haven't read your book, but commend you one writing on such a 'touchy' (for lack of a better word) subject. I know it wasn't easy for you to re-live such a past. Congrats on your book! I look forward to reading it.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:43pm EDT
Dan,
Thanks for the suggestions. I think my publicist is working on those. The book has only been out for less than a month, so more needs to be done to tap into a wider range of national media as you rightly put it.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:49pm EDT
Hi Jodi. First find out more about the issue and through that you will be able to locate in country projects that help children who have been affected by war. I am in the process of setting up a foundation to help children in this area so look out for it in the next month orso. It will be called the "The Ishmael Beah Foundation."
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:50pm EDT
Thanks Melissa, i am smiling now!
michele h. Mar 13, 2007, 3:51pm EDT
Ishmael,
I'm sorry to sign in so late. I got out of work late. I just wanted to tell you that I could not put your book down I was very moved by your story. As a mother of two teenage boys I can tell you it brought me to tears on many occasions. I am asking each of them to read it.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:52pm EDT
MaryAnne, Oh yes, i still enjoy rap and listen to the old school stuff and some very good new ones as well. Music is still a very integral part of my life.
Howard E. Mar 13, 2007, 3:55pm EDT
I'm late too. I was interested in the influence of reading Shakespeare on your learning English. You mentioned a favorite quotation from "King Lear" in your radio interview in Cleveland, but I missed it. Any chance you'll fill me in?
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 3:56pm EDT
Josh, the mission is to provide educational and vocational opportunities for children during and after rehabilitation and follow up to make sure that they do not return to a life of violence. More information will be available when the website is set up so keep an eye out for it.
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 4:01pm EDT
Alicia, Michelle and Howard, Thank you all and i am sorry that i now have to head out to another engagement but will be back on Gather at another time and will answer your questions then. Best, Ishmael
Starbucks Book Break Moderator Mar 13, 2007, 4:01pm EDT
Ishmael, We thank you very much for joining us this afternoon. Thank you to the Gather community for all of your great questions!
Ishmael Beah Mar 13, 2007, 4:02pm EDT
Thank you all for chatting with me.
Connie C. Mar 13, 2007, 5:14pm EDT
I guess I missed it again
Sheila M. Mar 13, 2007, 10:23pm EDT
Thank you Ishmael for your book reading and discussion tonight at the Brattle Theatre. I read your book in one day...it was so well written and is one of the most important stories of our time. Before I read your book I saw the movie "Blood Diamonds" which I thought was incredible and which allowed me to visualize your situation as a boy soldier. I was present when the woman from Rwanda asked how you got the courage to write your book. I hope you were able to encourage her and many others to also share their experiences about being children during the wartime in their country. On another note, since your rehab, have you met a "rebel" boy soldier who has been rehabbed and what was that was like for you? From all that you have been through, survived and accomplished, you are destined to continue to do great things for humanity. Thank you for giving so much.
Sheila
Christine Kelle Mar 13, 2007, 11:26pm EDT
Seulam Ishmael! :) I was overflowing with excited anticipation about coming to Davis Square (Boston, 3/13/07) to listen to you speak that I hardly slept last night! lol... My Ethiopian friend and I drove from Albany, NY. After listening to to you, I had no questions, because truth be, your words, gathered from your heart, provided the answers....I jus want to say Thank You for being a Living Prayer for children all over the world, including right here in Albany, NY, who have experienced harsh blows to their precious spirits.....truly, the gift you have been given blesses all of us...and, although you have demonstrated an indescribable capacity to spread love, light, hope and blessings, I hope that more will join you in advocating for justice for all the earth's children....I am honored to have been able to share space with you for a little while....and, THANK YOU for being so generous in signing all those books....I hope your hand has had time to rest! (did U ever imagine you'd be signing your name so many times?...lol). Peace and Bless always, Christine
Linda H. Mar 14, 2007, 7:31pm EDT
Wow!You are truly a remarkable person! Sorry I missed the chat. Thanks Ishmael for sharing your life experiences .Good luck and best wishes for the future. I can hardly wait to buy your book.I'm sure that once I begin I will have a hard time putting it down.
jessie voigts Mar 14, 2007, 11:57pm EDT
ishmael - so sorry i missed the chat. thank you for sharing so much - and PLEASE, keep writing. it is important!! thank you.
s S. Mar 16, 2007, 4:29am EDT
Greetings, Ishmael. The twins and other teens in our area are enthusiastic about your foundation. It does a soul good to share concern and act on that concern for those in need. We can't wait for your foundation. Count us in...Tucson and Cochise County area are ready! Soni & Sons
kadina r. Mar 18, 2007, 2:48pm EDT
My comment maybe late, and my english may be not the best. But i saw you in John Stwuart show, and i was very impress to see you there, so confident, so strong, it was wonderful. Few days ago i was in the Starbuck store and i saw your book, and i just didnt knew what to do, to have or not.. just see it.. just the name, just the picture.. is just a portrait of a stole childhood. I can actually see the kids from my own country wearing the same dress and the broken flip flop. They may not be wearing a gun, because the situation in my country is more generous.. but what about them if it was like yours. I will buy your book, and i am sure i will read it and cry and hate for a moment all the pain that war and selfish leaders are causing in young boys like you were. But at the same time i feel i am not ready... that i am not able to handle all this cruelty, cause wherever your situation you were just a victim, like any other, anywhere in the world living a life like yours. A life that many of us, just read, that has never live. I just can say that you are a survivor, thanks for the help of many people that keep believing, and for the power of forgiveness, to all of them that hurts you, and to all of them that you give pain. I know once i start reading your book i wont finish... and i will read it again and again..
Michelle H. Mar 24, 2007, 12:11pm EDT
Hi Ishmael

I haven't read your book yet, but would love to. I used to work for a Zimbabwean company and heard many stories from some of the staff about the war there. It is amazing what humans can recover from.

I was in my early twenties then and was very shocked to find out what people I considered "normal and average" had been through. It didn't seem real at first, just a story since these people seemed happy and well adjusted, but they had been through and had seen so much.

I will look for your book.

I wish you would come to Ottawa, Canada. I would love to meet you!
Tanya B. Mar 31, 2007, 3:43pm EDT
Hi ishmael -

absolutely remarkable
Anne A. Apr 16, 2007, 6:19pm EDT
Ishmael, i have been trying to send you an email for the whole day but i failed to access your email until a few hours back when i found this tab! I hope you will read this. Please let me know which is the best way to get in touch with you minus the gather.com thing. It would be an injustice if i signed out without recognizing your work. It is remarkable. My email address is aabaho@syr.edu or aabaho19@yahoo.com. Anne Abaho
Mallory N. Apr 19, 2007, 7:02pm EDT
Ishmael, you are such an inspiration to me! I started an awareness group at my high school for the genocide in Darfur. We've raised over $2, 612 for the refugees and are still going. I am extremely interested in anything I can do to help make a difference. I would like to major in international relations in college and hopefully volunteer in the Peace Corps. (hopefully in Africa). I would appreciate it if you could give me any advice for this. Thank you so much, I know you're busy. :)
~Mallory~
Tamalyn D. May 8, 2007, 10:31pm EDT
I am a great admirer of you Ishmael, not only because you have survived unimaginable odds, but that you have embraced your second life in a full and positive way and that you are now helping humanity.

I have been searching the web to contact you because I just spent a year living in five Islamic countries for 40 days each, and wrote a book entitled "40 Days and 1001 Nights, A Womans Dance Through Life in the Islamic World". This is aimed at breaking down stereotypes of Islamic life- veering away from the simple terrorist/suffering women label and showing the realities of life- good and bad, but most of all, human in: Zanzibar, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia and Xinjiang, China.

I would be most honored if you could look at my book and write a short endorsement (if you like it).

Please let me know if this gets to Ishmael and please let me know your response.

Tamalyn Dallal
tamalyndallal@yahoo.com
http://40daysand1001nights.blogspot.com
Marie A. May 24, 2007, 7:19pm EDT
I am on page 148 of your book and cannot put it down. Do you have any readings coming in Nevada? I am a Nurse and would like to do work in Africa in the next 2 years. Do you know of any agencies in SL that I can contact?
Grey S. Jun 25, 2007, 7:12pm EDT
Ishmael,
I just finished your book, stayed up until 3 am reading last night. God Bless your courage and please pray for peace in your homeland as in all the world to stop this madness and insanity. I hope to hear about your future.
Emma R. Jul 16, 2007, 12:42pm EDT
I seems that I'm not the the only fan of Ishmael Beah. like many on this site, I have been trying to contact Ishmael for questions and comments. It would be a good idea for him to have his own website with an e-mail address. Ishmael, if you ever read this, please consider this idea.
Priscilla V. Oct 7, 2007, 1:55am EDT
Hello, My name is Priscilla
and just wanted to comment on your great work on this book, i know many people have mentioned it to you but i truly am touched by it, considering i am only 15 years of age. I don't know how you found the strenght to go on in your life when you lost so much, for that i applaud you Ishmael Beah. I just wanted to ask you how it was to you going through the rehablitaion as a child?

yours truly,

Priscilla age 15
Rachel B. Nov 20, 2007, 9:10pm EST
Mr. Beah,
I just finished reading your book and was utterly moved by your experiences. I want to help contribute to your foundation and get others involved. Yet, i am a sophmore in high school and will most likely not be able to raise enough money to have you come speak at the school, or get the administrators on board with the plan. I am planning a local benefit to raise money for your foundation and I was wondering if you would mind letting me ask you a few questions through e-mail so that poeple can realize what you went through and really be motivated to help. If you see this and choose to contact me, you can email me at rachbest@cox.net.

Rachel

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16836, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.