Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Now is the Time for Running by Michael Willams: Review by AimeeKay

Just down the road from their families, Deo and his friends play soccer in the dusty fields of Zimbabwe, cheered on by Deo's older brother, Innocent. It is a day like any other . . . until the soldiers arrive and Deo and Innocent are forced to run for their lives, fleeing the wreckage of their village for the distant promise of safe haven. Along the way, they face the prejudice and poverty that await refugees everywhere, and must rely on the kindness of people they meet to make it through. But when tragedy strikes, Deo's love of soccer is all he has left. Can he use that gift to find hope once more?
Relevant, timely, and accessibly written, Now Is the Time For Running is a staggering story of survival that follows Deo and his mentally handicapped older brother on a transformative journey that will stick with readers long after the last page.

I wasn't sure about this book at first. It doesn't fall into the normal genre's I read. But I've found that sometimes reading outside my box is a good thing, and this was one of those times. Now is the Time for Running tells the story of Deo and Innocent. Two brothers in Southern Africa who are stuck in the middle of turbulent and tragic times for the countries located there.

While Deo is younger than Innocent, he is the one responsible for the two, since his older brother has learning disabilities. It was tragic to watch Deo struggle to save his brother from the world. Both from the violent people in it and the violent events that took Deo and Innocents family.

Williams does and amazing job with both his characters and the world they are in. I've never been to Africa, but it was easy for me to visualize the different settings from the authors words. I also really found myself wanting everything to work out for Deo and Innocent. The struggles they go through to survive and to stay together are crazy. The sad part is that things like this are happening to children all over Africa right now. So throughout the story I turned each page hoping that they would find somewhere to be safe, but knowing that if they were real and not in a book the likelihood of safety would be next to nothing.

I don't want to give away too much about this book. You really need to read it for yourself. It was moving and heartbreaking. At the same time the ending really left some hope that maybe there is some better chance out there in the world. Definitely pick this one up and make sure you give yourself time to really read it. It's one of those books that makes you look at things a little differently.

Til Next Time
AimeeKay

12 comments:

  1. It's a great thing to read something different from time to time, like that you can discover some new wonderful stories. This ons sounds intense. Thanks I didn't know it.

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  2. Ok I can handle heartbreaking as long as we are left with hope. This is going on the wishlist :)

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  3. I like reading out of my comfort zone, (the box) & this one sounds indeed very out of it. It's always great to read a book that makes you think about life. :) I like those books! :) Great review.

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  4. Sounds like a heart-felt story. My husband went to Africa for a ministry trip. The things he saw made him cry and break his heart. The struggles there are heart breaking. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Thanks AimeeKay for the review. I just knew this one was going to be heartbreaking and I'd need some tissues. Glad you enjoyed the story.

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  6. When did I last read a book set in Africa? And then I am not counting ancient Egypt

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  7. It is good to read outside your normal box every once in awhile. Gives you a new perspective. I am certain this is heartbreaking especially since it rings true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!

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  8. Two brothers trying to find refuge in a violent upheaval? I know this will break my heart, but it sounds like such a worthwhile read.

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  9. Thank you all for the wonderful comments!
    Yes this one was moving, but it was really worth it.

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  10. I applaud you for stepping outside your comfort zone and reading something you normally wouldn't. This one is definitely out of my comfort zone, too. I think I avoid these books because they are so heartbreaking and unfortunately, true. Thank you for the review!

    Heather

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  11. I'm surprised this isn't on bookreportradio(dot)com's lineup this week...as a salute to the Olympics, their theme is sport related books and "We'll explore titles on great athletes from yesteryear, and stories of men and women using sport to turn their lives around" Haven't read the book, but sounds like this could fit into that category. I'll have to listen to the upcoming show on the weekend to see what the general feel of the books they are highlighting, is. Thanks for stepping out and suggesting something real and different.

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  12. I love it when reading outside of your box leads to the most wonderful surprises! And it's also nice when a book leave you with a different perspective.

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