Inspirational

Incredibly inspirational! I listened to this while running a marathon - and it made the run much less difficult. Not being a marathon runner, I was able to keep running with a smile on my face hearing Lopez' story and listening to him highlight his blessings amidst a life that contained so much struggle and hardship. He is truly an exceptional individual who is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit.

19 people found this helpful

Amazing Story

This was a wonderful book! I finished it in under a week, I just couldn't stop listening! It really just put my whole life into perspective about how blessed I am, and everyone in America.

13 people found this helpful

God is so Good!

This story kept us listening, cheering successes, crying out of sadness and happiness , laughing out loud and praying for all those that have to live in such horrible conditions. Praising God for Lopez and his mission in life!

10 people found this helpful

Interesting and Inspirational

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.

40 people found this helpful

Deeply inspirational story

I felt certain throughout the story I was listening to Lopez himself tell his story because the reader brought such conviction with his voice in the reading of Lopez' life story. I found renewed faith in God to be with me in my own life trials and see how powerful is the attitude of acceptance of NOW rather than worrying about the future or regret of past loses and trials. His story also renewed my appreciation of this great country I live in despite our current political situation. Lopez' FORCE DARFUR Foundation gives me hope for positive change in that tortured country and a way to do something to help. God never gives us more than we can bear. Lopez is proof of the undauntable human spirit. I'll join the race.

8 people found this helpful

Amazing story ok writing

This book was really eye opening. Just thinking about what people in this country have gone through and what the author has over come. But I found myself getting bored throughout the book. I felt like the author reiterated himself numerous times. He also jumped around like he’s telling a story and then saying oh yea I forgot this happened too. I’m glad I heard the story and equally as glad that the book is now over.

5 people found this helpful

Absolutely Amazing and Inspirational Story

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.

14 people found this helpful

Innocence And Joy Prevail

While there is perhaps a bit of Lopez's life in the Killing Fields of Sudan, "Running for My Life" is mostly about dedication, faith, and joy. He's dedicated to do the best he can no matter what the situation. Through the book, the only thing that trips him up, really, are things in America that he can't believe exist. He's practically traumatized by a light switch that nobody shows him how to use, poor thing.
I was especially touched by how joyous and grateful he is for EVERYthing; he takes nothing for granted.
This is an inspiring journey, narrated with child-like wonder (which... okay, it's the weakest point of the book...). It'll make you grateful for all you have, make you wish you had the same faith he does, make you proud to be part of the human race when humans can be as inspiring as he is.

17 people found this helpful

Great book

Narrator was good. Story was better. very inspectional. Even a non runner should enjoy it.

3 people found this helpful

Such an amazing and touching book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's amazing that someone can come so far. That someone can so strongly aspire to help and encourage people who feel downtrodden, helpless and less deserving than other people. No one is below anyone else and everyone deserves an equal chance even though they themselves may not believe so, he attempts to let people know they deserve any chance they can dream of and are willing to never give up and work hard. Although the people who he writes about may not get a chance to read this story it can inspire someone to want to help in such a way that may one day enable them to read this book and have access to it. I have read another rather recent book that describes how some aid workers seem to take for granted what they have available while attempting to assist these people. Maybe this book may help them realise just how privileged they are even while working within poverty stricken and illness "infested" areas. Where he describes where these people stay, how they live and what they have access to in the refugee camp while refugees struggle yet survive on the bare minimum. Maybe a friend will be as touched by this book and recommend it and it can be recommended to others and more people become aware of these people's plight. It is not only in the areas mentioned in the book, maybe people may take interest and be inspired to help other organisations in other countries too. Many people helping in a small way amounts to help in a big way.

What other book might you compare Running for My Life to and why?

I'm not sure if I would compare a book to this in the way of an inspirational story of one persons struggles but in "Dark Star Safari" there is evidence of and discussions surrounding the current and past plight of many of the African countries, as well as the diminishing and limited education opportunities and facilities.

What does Brandon Hirsch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I cried so much, it is narrated with passion and read as if he himself faced what is discussed in the book. He makes the story his own. I wouldn't have been able to picture it in as emotional way as he makes it.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Why I run but never ran away

7 people found this helpful