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Optimistic,
Inspiring,
Dramatic

2 reviews

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

by Lopez Lomong, Mark Tabb

Published: 2012-07-16
Hardcover : 240 pages

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Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members

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 ...

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Introduction

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

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

Chapter One
Taken!

My eyes were closed in prayer when the trucks pulled up. I heard them before I saw them. When I looked up, I saw soldiers pouring out of the back of the trucks. They appeared nervous, as though they wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. "everybody down! Now!" they shouted as they ran into the middle of the congregation. I knew our country was at war. About once a month my mother and father grabbed me and my brothers and sister and ran for shelter as bombs fell in the distance from airplanes that flew far overhead. But I had never seen a soldier until this bright, summer Sunday, and I had never expected to see soldiers invade an outdoor church service. ...

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

How was Lopez able to remain so positive despite the situations he was in?

by argoanne (see profile) 08/02/12

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

The Washington Post:

"…I defy any reader to remain unmoved. When I saw a picture of Lomong in his Olympic uniform, tears came to my eyes…It's simply a great story, well-told (with the help of Mark Tabb) in unadorned language that makes it accessible to teenage readers as well as adults."

—Steven V. Roberts

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"Everyone should read this story"by Mindy S. (see profile) 03/28/14

Amazing story of survival, faith, ambition and gratitude. Highly recommended - one if the highest rated books our club has read 4.4 out of 5

"Inspiring true story - well written and interesting!"by Anne A. (see profile) 08/02/12

I loved this book. The story is incredibly human and personal. It's a little about the issues in Africa, a little about sports, but it is mostly a personal tale from a positive, hard-working individual... (read more)

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