|
What Is the What (Vintage) |  | Author: Dave Eggers
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: $15.95
Buy Used: $2.55
as of 9/3/2010 21:37 CDT details
You Save: $13.40 (84%)
New (58) Used (216) Collectible (2) from $2.55
Seller: Millbrook Books
Rating:  213 reviews
Sales Rank: 2320
Media: Paperback
Edition: Trade Paperback Edition
Pages: 560
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.3 x 1
ISBN: 0307385906
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780307385901
ASIN: 0307385906
Publication Date: October 9, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
| • | ISBN13: 9780307385901 | | • | Condition: New | | • | Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed |
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
New York Times Notable Book
New York Times Bestseller
What Is the What is the epic novel based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng who, along with thousands of other children —the so-called Lost Boys—was forced to leave his village in Sudan at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom. When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges. Moving, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny, What Is the What is an astonishing novel that illuminates the lives of millions through one extraordinary man.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 213
 Best book I've ever read! September 3, 2010
rlo (san francisco, ca)
I always look for books that are well written (to me, its more important that the topic of the book- a good writer can make ANY topic interesting)and Dave Eggers is an unbelievably talented writer. This book is heartbreaking (yes, i even cried at one point- around page 354)and a testament to the human spirit and will to live. It has kept my interest the whole way through (which is hard to do since I get bored easily). Valentino Deng is an inspiration. This book is a must read.
human face of war August 20, 2010
bj Reeves (GA)
It is easy to become numb to headlines about tragic events. Compassion fatigue. This book is an antidote. I felt connected to Achak from the first page to the last. My life path has not required so much running, averting death and disillusionment at every turn, but his story reminded me how infinitely blessed I am. I loved learning about my own culture from his point of view. I loved how the story unfolds. Unsung heroes....may your song be sung.
He was saved for a reason! August 10, 2010
e.kirsch
What is the What is a narrative tale of the life of Valentino Achak Deng. It recounts the history of the Sudanese war and describes the conflict between the North and the South, the government of Sudan, the rebels, the Dinka people, the Arabs and the muraheleen, the SPLA, as well as the NGOs and world organizations that sought to help. More importantly it tells the journey and the painfully descriptive stories of Achak and many other Lost Boys in their attempt at survival and escape from a genocide that destroyed their homes, and killed their loved ones before their own eyes.
This horrible tale is amazing and stunningly written. This survival story of devastation and evil in its rarest form, is told through the eyes of a young man whose emotions and character reflect that of friendship, love, hope, and faith. At every turn it seems that the world, God, or both must be against Achak, and even he himself on occasion had questioned his fate and God's plan, accepting defeat and choosing to die. It is one harrowing tale after the next how he escapes iminent death from fire, bullets, tanks, land mines, the machete, lions, crocodiles, vultures, drowning, disease, starvation exhaustion, car crashes and even 9-11 plan crashes. However, despite the thousands that perished around him everyday, Achak continued to live. There must have been a reason he was chosen to survive such and appalling and horrific ordeal, and Achak sought to realize this and achieve his purpose.
Ackak eventually emigrated to the United States and worked to receive an education. The money made from What is What was used to start an organization and school back in his home village in southern Sudan. This organization and the school continues to grow despite the unstable political environment there. This story shows the very worst and best of humanity and the unparalleled story of how one person can make a difference and change the world. No one who reads this novel, will remain untouched or unchanged.
Loved this book July 28, 2010
B. Elmore (Duluth, GA USA)
I really loved this book. I could not put it down and was very moved by the story. As a resident of Atlanta, I was shocked and upset by the portions that take place here, however, one of the great parts of the story is how one can overcome a terrible situation with grace and dignity. Highly recommend.
 What is the What July 14, 2010
K.Thompson
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to feel moved by it. But, you can't always get what you want. I suppose Eggers is the one to blame. The book seemed remarkably disjoint. Historic interludes mixed in with flashback narratives from Sudan and Kenya and Ethiopia, and tales of current life in Atlanta.
I think the work would have been more poignant if Valentino had told his entire story to Michael. Then, you'd have someone recalling their life as a child living in hell to another child living in a different hell. And I think everything that occurred after leaving Kenya (with the exception, of course, of meeting Michael) could have been omitted. The meat of the story took place in Africa, and the sections regarding life in Atlanta were so random, disorganized, and disconnected from the rest of the book that they really served no purpose.
I think this book was trying to accomplish great things. I feel like it was trying to shock people into concern over the situations in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya; however, I think it is way too long for the average reader (over 500 pages), and is poorly presented (thus making it seem like 800 pages). Would I recommend this book? No. Would I recommend studying recent events and world history? Yes. Just don't think you're going to understand anything about African history or the current events in Darfur from reading this book.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 213
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. www.LegendofTupac.com | |
