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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 27, 2009 · 28 A boy's memoirs of war in Sierra Leone IAH hosts By Ty Sweet GRADE 9, WHITE OAKS S.S. Long Way Gone is a nonfiction, heart-wrenching story of a boy whose life is interrupted by war in the country of Sierra Leone. Ishmael Beah, the main character and also the author of the book, tells the world of his many experiences of running away from, and into, the war. In one chapter of the book, a series of unfortunate events occurs and puts Ishmael's family life in jeopardy. He copes by destroying whatever he can get his hands on. Thinking about it -- what would you do? This paperback is told vividly and honestly, making it hard to believe that it is a true story. This story of Ishmael's encounters with the war will make you open your eyes and understand the A real meaning of the word `war.' I would say this book imitates a horror film. You never know who or what is going to jump out at you and you do not know when. Through Ishmael's life, he faces death numerous times without being able to anticipate these threats. Further into the book, Ishmael learns that he must fight in the army in order to stay alive. He is recruited as a 13-year-old boy soldier and begins training to defeat and kill the rebels that caused the complications with his family. As Ishmael fights in the war, he not only loses his childhood and his memory of life before the war; but he also loses what he used to think of as the "real world." All he knows after fighting in the war for two years is marijuana, blood and death. He is later sent with other young soldiers to be rehabilitated. Anger and hate slowly fade away from Ishmael, and you, once again, are able to see the glow of his soul. Many people will be able to connect with this book because it has many life lessons within its pages. Things can change in the blink of an eye; many people know this so they can connect with what Ishmael is going through, though such drastic things don't happen to the average person. Another lesson learned is "You don't know what you've got until it's gone." Ishmael learns that at the beginning of the book he had a good life, but when the war hits is when he realizes that what he had considered a "good life" was actually something phenomenal. As a student reader, I enjoyed this book very much. The writing style is interesting and easy to follow. Though I do believe there were more parts that could have been added, I would give this book a high rating. I recommend this book to whoever enjoys a story that contains action, real life, happiness and sadness all at once. Tree of Lights Ian Anderson House (IAH) will host its 13th annual Tree of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 6. The Tree of Lights is a hospice tradition around the world. Donations will illuminate a light in memory of or to honour a loved one and will help the hospice continue its much-needed service to residents and families. The official lighting of the tree, singing of carols and serving of hot cider and dessert will be held at 5 p.m. on the grounds of IAH located at 430 Winston Churchill Blvd. IAH is Ontario's first in-resident cancer hospice. It offers end-of-life care, without charge, in a homelike setting. For more information, contact 905-337-8004 or www.ianandersonhouse.com. The Perfect Gift For The Cook In Your Life Come see our selection of All-Clad Fashion meets Function Cashmere knit and leather gloves with texting finger cutouts! Aubergine, pine and black. Sizes small to large. $95 Get in the spirit with some Holiday Magic Discover the magic of the holiday season in Downtown Oakville. From November 28 through to December 20, 2009, Holiday Magic in Downtown Oakville will be featuring free horse-and-wagon rides for the whole family. The sleigh will be departing from Towne Square every half hour between the hours of 12pm and 4pm and Santa will be on board. The carolers will once again be singing holiday classics through the streets of downtown Oakville. So capture the Spirit of the Holidays shopping in downtown Oakville, featuring over 450 businesses of which over 100 that are open late some evenings and on Sundays through December! There is something for everyone on your list in Downtown Oakville. Holiday Magic in Downtown Oakville is produced and brought to you by the businesses and merchants located in the Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area. For more information visit www.oakvilledowntown.com 1 981 39 182 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville Tel: (905) 338-0275 www.tosetatable.com 209 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST Downtown Oakville (905)845-2031 www.barringtons.ca Mon - Wed: 9-6 Thu & Fri: 9-8 Sat: 9-5 Sun: 12-5