Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games
Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more.
Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.
"Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." ?MICHAEL JOHNSON, Olympic Gold Medalist
"This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." ?RICHARD STEARNS, president, World Vision US and author of THe Hole in Our Gospel
Reviews (437)
Read This - And You Won't Believe How RICH You Are Right Now
If, after reading the first one-fifth of this book, you don't feel incredibly RICH, then you probably weren't paying attention. Lopepe (the author) has such a work ethic and indomitable spirit and joy in life, you can't help but be inspired by him and his story. All of us should read this book, and take from it a major lesson in how to adjust our own lives, how to dream, how to work, how to set a goal and build our own determination to reach it, regardless of obstacles or hardships. I promise, after reading even the first part of this book, you will think twice before you complain about something as inconsequential as someone getting your parking space or the fast food server forgetting your "no mustard" instruction for your hamburger.
I can no longer complain about the unfairness in life!
It's been a long time since I've read a memoir that choked me up like "Running for My Life" by Lopez Lomong. When he was six, Lomong was ripped from his mother's arms by rebel soldiers in South Sudan. He was held in captivity in harsh conditions until he could be trained as a child soldier. But he and his "three angels" escaped, ran for three days, and ended up in a refugee camp in Kenya, where he lived for the next ten years. The conditions in the camp left much to be desired and was only one step above the imprisonment he escaped from. Lomong's favorite past-time while in the camp was soccer, but there were so many boys wanting to play, they decided that they had to run one lap around the camp first. The lap was eighteen miles. He was finally given the chance to emigrate to America. All he had to do was write an essay - in English. He only spoke Swahili and the only school lessons he had were scribbled in the dirt with his finger. But as with all the roadblocks he faced in life, he overcame this one too. To make a long story short, he made it to the U.S., graduated from high school on time, ran track in college, and made it to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Now he spends his time helping other "lost boys" from Sudan realize their dreams. This is an amazing story, one that fills me with hope and proves that anything is possible. After reading "Running for My Life", I can no longer complain about the unfairness of life or use any excuse for not realizing my own dreams. And it makes me proud of my country, especially to see it through the eyes of this "lost boy" from Sudan. Review Written by David Allan Reeves Author of "Running Away From Me"
Excellent, touching book.
I could not put this book down after I first started reading it, neither could I stop crying when reading the initial chapters. This book is incredibly inspiring and makes you feel more grateful for what you have and it made me revisit my reasons and examine my views when complaining about insignificant nuisances of life. Lopez Lomong is not only an incredible runner, he is a very positive example for many of us, somebody who overcame all the odds and not only achieved what it is a dream for most athletes, competing in the Olympics, but he never forgot where he came from and as a young adult works hard to improve the life of those who are not so fortunate and do not have access to many of the things most of us take for granted. I highly recommend this book, it's very heavy emotionally at the beginning with the very sad story of his kidnapping but by the middle of the book you are smiling from ear to ear as you read of his first time interacting with electricity, showers, etc. I was wishing this book didn't end and found myself googling about his latest races and accomplishments after the last chapter was over.
From hopeless survival with the lost boys of Sudan to Olympic Glory
There are times in a person's life that one simple image or event will trigger an unshakable goal. For Lopez Lomong, surviving day-to-day in killing fields and squalor of Sudan, he happened to see saw Michael Johnson, win the Olympics on a very small black and white TV. From that moment on, with an unshakable goal, Lopez Lomong suffered starvation, adversity and came close to death but never lost sight of his goal in a spine-tingling, goose-bumpy struggle as a lost boy in Sudan. This is a feel proud book. I often had tears in my eyes. Obviously, you know he didn't die. You know he made it to the Olympics,and the route to the Olympics is what the book is about, and also in competing, he realized there was a purpose in succeeding: It was to somehow save the boys he left behind. This is a man who against all odds reached an impossible dream.
Another moving story starting in South Sudan
Lopez Lomong has written a heart wrenching story that ends in the best way possible. In the providence of God, as he sees it, he was saved from a Sudanese rebel prison, survived a refugee camp in Kenya and thrived in a new life in the US. This book is his story. I have read many of the 'Lost Boy' autobiographies. Lopez' story isn't the most dramatic by any means, but that makes it no less worthy. There were a lot of areas I wish he would have explored more. I would have liked to hear more about his American parents and what their life is like. I would have liked to know more about his Sudanese parents esp how his mother found herself in the refugee camp overhearing kids talking about her son. I would have liked to hear more about his faith development. And I would have liked to hear more about his friendship with other Sudanese boys once in the USA. Perhaps there is room for an expanded edition.
Inspirational to say the least!!!
I cannot say enough good things about this book and Lopez Lomong. His grit, faith, innate goodness and perseverance on overcoming adversity despite the odds against him goes beyond inspirational. He is a testimony to all that is good and noble in us.
Inspirational, honest and amazing!
This story is truly inspirational, and amazing. Lopez has written a biography which entails facts that can break one's heart because of the gross injustice done to him and the other Lost Boys. However, he has chosen to write without self-pity which is refreshing. The writing is rather simple, which actually makes for an easy, yet compelling read. I recommend this book as an educational resource for all to learn more about the tragedy of Sudan's civil war and the victims. I also recommend this book as a source of inspiration. It is a tribute to Lopez and others like him for their courage and brotherhood. Lopez clearly reveals God's hand weaving in and out of the events which led to his safety, journey to America and his victories won since being here. Compassionate, sensible and informative are words I chose to describe this book.
You should buy and read this book
This would be a great story if it were fiction. The fact that it is real just makes it that much more compelling. I bought this book for me, because I am a runner and have spent some time in East Africa. However, I haven't even read the whole book yet. My wife seized it, read it in a day, and has been reading excerpts to my children, who are also captivated by the story. I read 2 chapters tonight to my seven year old son, who was begging for me to go on. I am really looking forward to reading the bits I've so far missed! Lomong's story has tragedy, hope, triumph, and humor- his stories about some of his first experiences in the US are simply hilarious. Lopez Lomong is among that class of young Africans like Meb Keflezighi (Run to Overcome), Valentino Deng (What is the What, by Dave Eggers), and William Kamkwamba (The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind) who have compelling life stories (and books), and who will (I hope) continue to make the world a better place. Read this book!
Good read, inspiring story
This inspiring story of a young refugee from Sudan who is miraculously given an opportunity to pursue his Olympic dream in the USA presents some great life lessons, especially for those of us privileged to grow up in the USA. It humbles me to realize how much we take for granted and how little we appreciate the life we are given with no choice of ours. The story is engaging and rewarding. Character, hard work, commitment and gratitude find expression in the journey of one of the "lost boys of Sudan" in a way that could lead a boy to pursue a life well lived even while appropriately recognizing the overarching benevolence of a loving God. I hope to get my grandson to read the book.
One little boy's faith in God carries him through life's hardest challenges
I originally read this book as a way to support Lopez- My father's cousin, Robert Rogers, and his wife, Barbara, helped to raise Lopez into the incredible young man he is today. I read it as a way to connect with my family. However, as I read Lopez's story of his life, I quickly became drawn into reading. I was intrigued to learn more about the Sudanese civil war and the rebel army. Lopez's ability to describe his experience as young child is inspiring and incredible. I found myself reflecting on just how many situations I take for granted in my own life and reevaluating my priorities. His use of humor is well timed and easily relatable. The messages of hope and faith in God are strong throughout the entire book and make the book a great read. Without any reservation, I highly recommend this book to anyone- a sports fan, a history fan, someone who has a heart for helping improve living conditions in third world countries, or someone just looking for an easy and enjoyable read.
Comments
Post a Comment