Journal 6-Henry

The character that I think has meant the most to me throughout the end of the book is Esther. She is a very important character, a very special person to Ishmael. Esther kept trying to make friends with Beah even after he was rude to her over and over again. For example Beah said "She was tall and had big brown eyes that were kind and inviting. She handed me a bottle of Coca Cola. Come and see me whenever you feel like it, she said, smiling, as she walked away" (Beah-152). During Ishmaels lowest points in his life when he wanted nothing to do with anyone, Esther was there and showered him with nonstop kindness even after he was feeling more like himself.

I do think it is possible to rehabilitate people. It depends on the person and not usually the facility. The person being rehabilitated has to want the help and push to better themselves and not be forced into rehabilitation. Yes I wouldnt mind Ishmael living in my neighborhood, only because I know his whole story and have a good understanding of his background. If it was someone I didn't read about, I would definitely be skeptical.

One of Beahs best techniques as a writer is definitely are his use and placement of metaphors in A Long Way Gone. Beahs doesn't over use metaphors, they just kind of pop up nicely throughout the book and I think that is the perfect way to use metaphors. Ishmael takes the cake with his overall great writing in a long way gone.

My favorite passage Is in Chapter 18 When Ishmael finally meets his uncle. Uncle Tommy says"After you are done here, you can Come and live with me. You are my son. I don't have much, but I will give you a place to sleep, food, and my love. He put his arms around me. No one had called me son in a very long time". (Beah-172). This passage or even the whole page is very powerful and provides the reader with some positive closure towards the end of the book. Ishmael finally can live some what of normal life now that he can live with an uncle in a safe city. I was relived when I read that they found one of Ishmaels family members, because I have been waiting for something good to happen in the book for a while now.