Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

STORY - This is a true story which begins with the kidnapping of a six-year-old boy (Lopez Lomong) from his family's church in Sudan. It ends with his graduation from college in the U.S. after competing as an American citizen in the Seoul Olympic Games. The story in between is sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes humorous, but the message is clear: If you set your goals high, work hard and believe in yourself and God, anything is within your reach.

I do not usually enjoy nonfiction, especially autobiographies, but this book was very enjoyable. After I finished, I found myself surfing the internet for more information about Lopez, his accomplishments and his charities. The story is never boring or overly detailed, but it is sometimes a bit slow. Nevertheless, I am glad I had a chance to hear it and receive its message.

NARRATION - Good job, but nothing special.

OVERALL - I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they might enjoy a good biography. I would actually rate this a 3.5 overall.

Yes. What Lopez went through to "begin" is life was amazing. I couldn't stop listening!

One of my favorite memoirs I have read or listened to! I loved the hopeful and thankful spin he had on everything!

I loved how he could go through such a horrific event so early in his life and remain so hopeful and truly joyous! It inspired me so much!

My favorite scene was probably when he came to America and learned how to live again and what love was, thanks to his new parents. It was funny and so inspiring at the same time! Loved it!

It made me really want to join him on his project to help Sudan recover! It made me want to do something to help his cause and the people there!

It was truly a great book!

This is the story of a boy born in South Sudan that overcomes many obstacles through life. He endures kidnapping, a refugee camp, and is blessed to end up in the US. Running is a major part of his life, but his faith in God is truly the one thing that keeps him focused. He believes God has placed every person in his life and every situation there for a reason.

The book does not have any graphic scenes, but situations are described in a way that you get the point. Lopez does a wonderful job explaining everything from his childhood, his experience in coming to the US, learning about very basic things that we take for granted (such as a light switch), and his road to achieving his goals.

The narrator grew on me. At first I felt like he made the story feel somewhat 'simple.' But not long into the book I realized Lopez was young and mostly uneducated while in Africa (and when he first came to the US), so I grew an appreciation for the narrator.

I highly recommend this book. I didn't have a favorite part of the book, because the entire book is so good

The book inspired me to evaluate what I'm doing (and not doing) in my life, and to appreciate things like being able to flip a switch to turn off the lights.

Yes! This story was so incredibly real and inspiring. It gave me the wake up call to be more grateful for what I have and the push to help others that struggle in life.

So many things I liked best.....I just couldn't stop listening. I actually looked forward to my time off so I could listen to this book.

.???????

YES!!!!!!!

I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Definitely enjoyed the book. It is a very gripping story of overcoming huge obstacles and odds, about choosing to be optimistic and not dwell on negative experiences, and about faith in God.

Lopez tells his story in a way that you can't pick just one memorable moment! ALL of them are memorable. He paints the picture of his life in a way that you can see him moving through it.

When Lopez started describing his first days with his US family, and describing his thoughts at seeing his new house, I was laughing and crying at the same time. Even after so many years, you can still hear the gratitude in his words.

I have read as many books on Sudan, South Sudan, and by South Sudanese refugees as I can find! THIS is now one of my absolute favorites. Lopez describes his transition to the United States SO WELL. I think for many of us Americans, even those of us who have traveled to other countries, it's still hard for us to imagine what exactly it must be like to adjust to life here when you've never slept on a soft bed, or you don't know how to use a light switch! Lopez made that transition come alive for me in this book.

The narrator, Brandon Hirsch, did a fabulous job!!! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I wish that Lopez had performed it himself. But it's still a fantastic performance of a book that inspired me more than I can really express!

This was a great story from beginning to end. It even inspired me to run more. If I could change anything though, I wish the narrator had more of an African accent.

his was an interesting story. I had heard of the Lost Boys of the Sudan, but didn't know much about them. I knew that some of them had relocated to Syracuse, where I lived recently for several years. Imagine my surprise when I listened to this and read that he was one of them who went to Syracuse. This made the book even more enjoyable to me, as I could relate to the local references.

I enjoyed his story and learning about the troubles he faced in Sudan. Despite the serious nature of the book, some parts were laugh out loud funny, like the first time he touched snow when they were teaching the boys about life in America. I also thought his issues with figuring out how the shower worked was also amusing, although I'm sure he didn't find it that way at the time.

One of the things I appreciated about this book was his optimism and ability to see the good in things. He really appreciated his life in the U.S. and what others did for him along the way. When you listen to the news today and hear how many people hate America, this was quite refreshing. Many Americans who don't appreciate what we have would benefit from reading this book and listening to his words of joy and hope.

Excellent, heartbreaking, encouraging book! While listening I learned our pastor's wife was running the Boston Marathon (1 yr after the attack). loPepe's life race was so well spoken by Mr. Hirsch... angels and all!! Thank you.