by ·0 Comments

A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah

The book A Long Way Gone is an exciting nonfiction story about the life of Ishmael Beah during the civil war in Sierra Leone. With this book being a nonfiction story the entirety of its contents are all from the author Ishmael Beah. The book starts out with Ishmael leaving his village with his brother and friends to go to a talent show. They plan to perform a rap song that they found while watching TV. When they reach the town, things do not go as planned as the RUF (the rebels) attack the town and send all of its inhabitants in every direction. Ishmael does meet up with his brother and friends and continues to travel from town to town to look for his father, but eventually Ishmael Beah is forced to become a child soldier.   

 

A Long Way Gone portrays loss and discovery in amazing and clear detail. From simple scenery to the most sentimental of moments, this book focuses mainly on Ishmael Beah and his struggle with being forced to become a child soldier and how his redemption and eventual reintroduction to society goes. Ishmael Beah did a great job by writing this book and releasing it in a way that both children and adults alike can relate to the stresses and situations portrayed. If you want a great quick read with only twenty one chapters, that will leave you satisfied, then this is the book choice for you. – Michael S. 

View in Library Catalogue: Print l Audio Book

by ·0 Comments

Hamilton

Lin Manuel-Miranda and the Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton

An exciting musical unlike any before. Bringing together these unlikely genres – hip hop, theatre, and history — with a diverse cast of people from various races playing the founding fathers, Hamilton is changing history.

With its Original Broadway Cast Recording available to all, makes it feel as if you too, are there watching the show. Follow the lesser known story of Alexander Hamilton, an ambitious young man from the Caribbean who against all odds becomes an important role in the birth of a new nation and an important figure in American History.

He starts his journey meeting new boisterous friends and people of history, and joining the revolution under General George Washington’s command. With Aaron Burr, his friend and rival narrating parts of his story, Hamilton quickly rises above expectations, creating allies and enemies. He is a rebellious and arrogant protagonist whose portrayal is excellently fleshed out.

The quick pace of each of the songs, the thought in the lyrics, and the emotions in their voices will leave you entertained for hours, and teach you something too. There is a momentum in each of the songs that leaves you breathless and excited. With characters you love and hate, scenes that lift you up and break your heart, this musical will make you care about the Founding Fathers, even if they aren’t from your country. Hamilton is a musical that is changing history, and is absolutely worth a listen. – Danielle A.

View in Library Catalogue [2 Discs]