This is the inspiring story of one of the " Lost Boys" Lopez Lomong from South Sudan, who was abducted by brutal rebel soldiers at age six and miraculously escaped by running 3 days through the desert with the help of older boys to a Kenyan refugee camp. Ten years later, after living in conditions where eating scraps from a dumpster was a luxury, he is flown to New York where a new family will adopt him and help him overcome the culture shock ( to put it much too mildly) of coming to America, and with very hard work, and great dedication , become a US Olympic track star ( 2008 , 2012) and great humanitarian. Some folks are critical of books this and deem them under-literary, but what this one may lack in lengthy words and flowery prose, it makes up with heart, faith, and Lomong's strong will to not merely overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles but to help others do so as well. A reminder to be perhaps a little more charitable, less selfish, and certainly much more grateful. A book to read if you wish to believe there are still heroes who walk among us. 5 stars24 s Mikejencostanzo227 40

I've been torn, when reviewing biographies as to whether my review should primarily critique the literary qualities of the work, or whether it's kosher to share my approval or disapproval of the life of the individual being studied.

As I'm left to my own devices in reviewing Running for My Life, it will largely be a life-review, and less, a book-review. As books go, the writing style is what you might expect from a 2012 autobiography produced by a major publisher: expert, engaging, and easy to read, but not necessarily a literary masterpiece.

The item of greater interest to me in my review is the main character Lopez Lomong, and the outworking of his faith both in his persecuted home country of South Sudan, and his new home in America.

Lomong skillfully tells the gripping story of his kidnap from his mother's arms during a Sunday morning church service. He goes on to tell how he managed to escape his captors, was adopted by American parents and found success as an Olympic athlete. The consistent credit he gives to God for orchestrating his escapes and victories at every point along the way is refreshing.

My main disappointment with his story is with the portrayal of his Christian faith as being on one hand very generic and other the other, syncretistic (melding in non-Christian elements).

I found myself surprised as Lomong described several superstitious practices (rituals & animal sacrifices) used by his home church in Sudan to bestow blessing or to dispel evil spirits. While Lomong expressed his own versions of surprise and disgust with these practices, he never described any concern for their legitimacy as Christian practices. This was an initial red-flag for me that led me to further analyze the way Christianity was portrayed in Running for My Life.

Another item I found disquieting was the fact that Lomong speaks often of his belief in God, but never of the person of Jesus Christ. Also, while it was fun to read about Lomong's welcome into a very friendly place called middle-class America, it would have been even more gratifying to see him welcomed with open arms by the American church. Nowhere in his story do we get to see him become part of an American Christian fellowship, or make any American Christian friends.

It sounds a little silly for me to critique a biography because I think something's missing in the story (as if it were a just a plot element in a work of fiction that the author could add in). "P.S. Insert Christian fellowship here. Fondly, Your Editor." But, on the other hand, I do wish for Lopez Lomong that he might find in America, not just the "American Dream," but also God at work here too, in the person of Jesus Christ, and through the lives of fellow believers surrounding and encouraging him.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

--Jenbooksneeze reviewed12 s Katie1,163 62

This is one of those books that makes you grateful for every little tiny thing in your life. indoor plumbing, more than one meal a day, and not viewing the day you get to dig in the trash for your meals as the highlight of your week (I only wish this were a joke).

This is the memoir of a "Lost Boy of Sudan", who gets kidnapped by rebels at the age of 6 and escapes from his prison with 3 other boys. They run for 12 hours at a time, 3 days straight to reach the safety of a refugee camp in Kenya. One day he has the unusual opportunity to watch the 2000 Olympics on someone's car-battery-operated television, and watches the American Michael Johnson win an Olympic race. This sticks in his head, and through a series of improbable events (and his amazing natural running talent) he ends up running in the Olympics for the USA (and being the flag-bearer!) in 2008. Truly an astounding, amazing story.

Apparently, many boys in this refugee camp ran the entire perimeter of the camp (30km - 18 miles!!) every single day--as a WARM-UP to their soccer game. A warm-up. And boys were shunned who didn't do it, so it was a peer pressure thing. I am fascinated by how ingrained into African culture running is. A lot of it is because children must run to school and back every day, and the schools are not close by. This may be the root of it, but running is clearly built into everyday life in a way that is rare in other cultures.

I kept having such flashbacks to Dave Eggers' "What is the What" while I was reading the Africa parts of this book. That book is also the story of a Lost Boy of Sudan, and I believe they even end up in the same refugee camp. Eeriely similar stories (except for the Olympic stuff), but both are very gripping.

I found the writing in this book much more simplistic (of course... since Eggers is a powerhouse writer, and I'm not sure if anybody really ghostwrote this one or if it is truly in Lomong's own words). But the story of how he goes from refugee camp to Olympic athlete is truly stranger than fiction.12 s Jessica Lewis2 3

Have you seen the Visa Olympic commercial that talks about the boy who ran for 3 days? "Running for My Life" (out 7/17/12) is the true story of Lopez Lomong, a Sudanese "Lost Boy" taken from his family by rebels when he was six. With the help of 3 older boys, he escaped the rebel camp in the middle of the night and ran for 3 days to safety. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Lopez was our country's flag bearer in the opening ceremony & a member of the US Olympic track team. The years between 1991 & 2008 were years of tragedy and triumph. Throughout the sorrow and joy, his faith in God remained unchanged. I was blessed to get an advance copy and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. All I could do was thank God for all I have and say a prayer for all those who don't have enough food, shelter, clean water, and faith. Read this book when it releases and then recommend it to a friend. 6 s Sherri304

This is the book to read whenever you feel discouraged or overwhelmed in your own life because it's impossible to read Lomong's story and not feel inspired by him and his incredible courage and faith. Kidnapped by rebels at six years of age while attending church with his family in a little village in Sudan, Lomong's true story begins with devastating loss and heartbreak. Even so, the story that follows is one of incredible perseverance, hard-work, gratitude and love. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I will just say-- go read it. You won't be sorry you did, and you are ly to come away feeling more gratitude to God for all the blessings in your life and a desire to do more for people in the world who find themselves in desperate situations. 6 s Sarah183

Wow. I planned on reading a chapter or two and read this entire book in one sitting. Lopez’s story is incredible, and this is one of my new favorite books. 6 s Hagen Beck3

Running For My Life by Lopez Lomong was an overall great story and good read. It was almost always interesting. The story is a powerful read and a truly amazing testimony of how God can look out for you and get you through almost anything, all for the better of His kingdom. The Book started out with Lopez’s village being raided by soldiers and him going into a military camp from a very young age. He eventually escapes and runs for his life. Many things happen throughout his life, but long story short he ends up being an Olympic runner. God definitely looked out for him. Overall it was an amazing book and worth the read.
5 s Linda489 52

I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. Dave Eggers' What is the What, this is the story one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan. Eggars writing prowess makes What is the What an almost epic experience, but Lomong’s narrative is just as compelling. Lomong, clearly, sees the hand of God at work in his life. His testimony is encouraging and inspirational. Lomong’s story of overcoming adversity is a must read for any Christian.5-star biographies-auto black-author ...more5 s Bea Cano82

Una historia increíble que he devorado
Correr para vivir nos narra la historia de Lopepe, al principio un niño que es secuestrado por soldados rebeldes, más tarde se escapa a un campo de refugiados y ya más tarde consigue irse a Estados Unidos y cumplir sus sueños

Una historia llena de momentos únicos, momentos en los que me replanteaba la suerte que tenía de estar en España, de tener una educación, de estar en un deporte que me gusta, en una familia que me quiere... Este libro me ayudado a valorar más mi vida y a saber aprovechar cada momento, aunque no esté haciendo nada.

En cuanto al deporte, he estado pensando que significa para mí jugar al baloncesto. Creo que el baloncesto para mi significa más que un deporte, igual que a López correr. Para mi el baloncesto significa alivio, compañerismo, alegría, esfuerzo... Todo en uno.

También he pensado en la frase de "correr para vivir" y he llegado a la conclusión de que hay que hacer todo "para vivir". Todo lo que hacemos tiene que tener el valor de nuestra vida, de hacer nuestra vida y la de los demás mejor. Nuestros actos pueden cambiar muchas cosas.
En la vida hay que correr para vivir pero sin prisa.

Sobre el libro, me ha encantado la forma en el que está escrito. Una manera sencilla, humilde e inocente. En ninguna parte el autor me ha hecho sentir que era superior o una estrella del deporte, si no una persona que se supera y que tiene problemas como todos los demás.
También la forma de la escritura me ha hecho engancharme cada vez más y acabar devorandolo.4 s Nikole Hahn265 17

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong (with Mark Tabb) first caught my attention when I saw the commercial advertising the Olympics. “What an amazing hint of a story!”, I remember saying. I wanted to learn more about him. Was he a Christian?

Lopez Lomong was kidnapped at six years old by rebel fighters in South Sudan while attending church with his family. He inferred that between the South Sudan government and the rebels, the line between good guys and bad guys were barely discernable. In one chapter, Lopez recalls a conversation he had with some boys while they were imprisoned. The boys questioned amongst themselves if these were the rebels, why were they being kidnapped? Weren’t they on their side?

Three “angels,” boys older than Lopez from his village protected him and one night escaped with him. They ran through the desert of Africa for three days with bloody feet all the way to the border. What was amazing was how God provided water and food along the way, and not from any human source, but from the abundance growing in the wilds. They ran all the way to Kenya where Kenyan soldiers picked them up and brought them to a Kenyan refugee camp.

There, the boys had a little better care, but not by much. While United Nations workers ate well, the refugees in the camp were on food rations. Larger boys would troll the tents, bullying other boys to give them their food rations so the older boys could sell them outside the camp. Lopez and the boys with him in his tent cleverly hid their food. The biggest excitement at their camp was soccer and garbage day.

Garbage day came when the squeak-squeak of the wheel borrow would come, dumping the U.N. garbage into a hole. A lot of boys would dive into the melee looking for half-eaten food to salvage for their tent. I d what Lopez said about this:

“We only ate one meal a day, but for me, coming into the camp at the age of six, I accepted this as normal. I never thought that life was unfair because I had to eat garbage. Instead, I looked at the scraps of food from the dump as a blessing. Not all the boys in the camp could do this. I knew some who chose to feel sorry for themselves, who complained constantly about their lot in life. What is the point of such complaining? After all the whining and complaining is over, you still live in a refugee camp. All the complaining in the world will not make your life any better. Instead, you must choose to make the best of whatever the situation in which you find yourself, even in a place Kakuma.” (Page 39)

There was such poverty in Africa. Lopez recounted humorous memories of when he arrived in America for the first time. He said he used to think white people were white because of the cold climate in which they lived. Lopez also did not know how to turn a light off or on. He said yes to everything because he didn’t want to offend his new parents. Lopez thought he didn’t deserve the kindness and love his foster parents gave in America. America was such a new experience for him.

But what really got me was how proud he was of our country. His team mates on the Olympian Team voted for him to be the flag bearer in the Beijing Olympics. He met President Bush and First Lady, Laura. He was proud of his country and in many ways you could n him to the Olympian, Jesse Owens who in the 1936 Olympic games was sent to compete against Germany. Lopez went against China who supported the bad guys in South Sudan Germany supported the antics of Hitler.

For anyone who is losing a house to foreclosure, bemoaning that they can’t pay their bills, or can’t own the television their neighbor was able to buy, they should read this book. This is the story of a South Sudan Lost Boy who came to America and wanted to work hard. He didn’t take advantage of her or burn her flag or demand special treatment. Lopez Lomong models what America should be and how hard work, love, and determination can help make any dream a reality. After reading this book, I believe God wanted Lopez to tell his story. His story has God’s fingerprints all over it. I gave it five stars.

All proceeds from Running For My Life are going to the Lomong Foundation’s “4 South Sudan.” Together Lopez and World Vision are working to bring the needs of South Sudan to fruition.

*Book given by publisher to review. 4 s Noah Sch.19

Running for my life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games by Lopez Lomong.
Autobiography
240 pages

Running for my life by Lopez Lomong is one of the best books I have ever read. Lopez, a little boy at the time, was kidnapped by rebels during a church service in his hometown in Sudan. They kidnapped all of the kids that they could get, then took them to a camp to make them child soldiers. They starved the small children Lopez, who could not yet fight. Lopez soon realized he would die if he did not do something, so one night, he and three other friends escaped the camp. They ran and ran, only stopping to sleep during the night, for three days. They were planning to run back to where they used to live, but they had no means of direction, so they ended up in Kenya. They met some people there who to took them to a refuge camp, where they were to live. Lopez lived here for ten years, until there came an opportunity. Some people that preached at the church service held every Sunday at the camp announced that 3500 people could go to America. At the time he was 16. They had to write an essay in English stating why they should be able to go to America. Lopez wrote one and got in. He was going to America! One night, before he was about to leave, he went to a farmers house that had a television to watch the olympics. Michael Johnson won the race, and from then on Lopez decided that he wanted to be Michael Johnson and run in the olympics. When Lopez arrived in America, he went to live with a foster family in Syracuse, New York. He excelled in track and cross-country, and pretty soon he was off to college, running on the track team. He then turned pro and was the flag-bearer for U.S.A. at the 2008 Beijing olympic games. It is amazing how far he has gotten with hard work and a big dream.

I loved this book because it was the most inspiring book I have ever read. It really showed how believing can get you anywhere you want to go. Here Lopez was, a boy with no family living in a camp in Kenya. He had a dream, to run for the U.S.A. in the olympics, just Michael Johnson, and he worked hard to achieve that goal. The message displayed in the book is that if you have a dream and work to get that dream, it will come true. This is true for any goal in life, whether it be athletic or in music or education. Lopez came from nothing to everything, and this is because of his hard work. I also d this book because it showed that once you have good fortune, you should try to give some of that to others who might not have such good fortune. Lopez and some other athletes started a foundation benefiting other lost boys of Sudan who never escaped. In the book, it demonstrates how lucky Lopez is to have come out of that camp and into America. All in all, this book is very inspiring, and I would recommend it to anybody that s a good story and a good moral of the story.



4 s Stella Tran19 23

This is a detailed memoir of Lopez Lomong (Joseph) - a lost boy who escaped from the rebels in Sudan and fought his way to freedom.

It is the best book I have read in 2019, and is something I would definitely read again.

Lopez's story put me on an emotional rollercoaster. His bravery leaves me in awe, and tears sometimes; in other times, my belly aches so much from funny anecdotes! Most of all, Lopez seems a very relatable and likable person. Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. The book kept me so engrossed that it did not take long till I finished all the pages.

Lopez's story is truly inspirational. It is a calling to "run together". He makes me feel I have been standing still for so long, and now it is time for my race.

"I have reached the end of this book but my story has only really started. I feel I am standing at the starting line of the biggest race of my life."
4 s Erin Isgett526 4

LOVED this book. Following Lomong's journey from being abducted by soldiers as a young boy to escaping, living in a refuge camp, coming to America, and eventually qualifying for the Olympics, I was SO inspired. It also reminded me how ridiculously blessed I am and how fortunate I am to be able to give to others out of my abundance. Lomong's story is evidence that nothing is impossible with God. His determination to never give up, the support and love of his family (biological and adopted) and friends and coaches and teachers, and his faith all helped to create a life story that no one could have imagined for him as a child. Plus, RUNNING, so yeah, I loved it!4 s Marialyce (back in the USA!)2,057 698

This was a wonderfully inspirational story of a young boy who was kidnapped from his family at six years old in Sudan and through his determination, drive, and an intense faith in God came to America was adopted and eventually realized his dreams in so many ways. What a great boy and later a man Joseph Lamong turned out to be! He is truly an inspiration to all those young people today who feel life has made them downtrodden and don't see a way to pick themselves up, get educated, and succeed in all their dreams.4 s Cati102 13

I loved it,and not for style or literary value, but for the story itself, for this guy's life journey. This is a great motivational book, I'll remember his story when I start bitching about my petty nuisances. There is also hope and there is always a way. Just be patient and go on. If only we could be thankful every second of our lives for all that we have... 4 s Lindsey Thompson153 5

SO GOOD. Revived my interest in books after months of lame books. I cried and I laughed, several times. Also made me want to do more to help refugees. So inspiring. So positive. I so admire the author’s ability to be positive and full of faith in the face of some insurmountable challenges. Highly recommend!!! 4 s Steve Killiany3

Had to roll my eyes every time the author gave credit to god.4 s K.4,031 1,145

Trigger warnings: war, death, death of a friend, gun violence, child endangerment, animal death, blood

I knew nothing about Lopez going into this because a) I am not American and b) I am not a sports person. I couldn't tell you who was on the Australian Olympic team in Tokyo, let alone in 2012. Anyway, based on the subtitle and the blurb, I thought this was going to be more of a 50-50 split over his time escaping Sudan and his aspirations to be on the Olympic team. Instead, it was more a 10% Sudan, 30% refugee camp and coming to America, 60% running and Olympic aspirations.

And, , it wasn't BAD. But it very definitely wasn't what I expected it would be. 2023 audience-adult biographies-and-memoirs ...more3 s Danielle Sill90

This is such a good book and I love how it follows Lopez’s story. Someone who didn’t give up and never stopped believing in God, when he had every right to not believe or to be angry due to what happened with him. Highly recommend reading this! 3 s Dalius Neko197 26

Lopez Lamong biografija, kurioje atskleidžiama, kaip vaikis, pagrobtas iš savo šeimos ir 10 met? pragyven?s Kenijos pab?geli? stovykloje vien? dien? tapo olimpie?iu ir žmogumi, ?kvepian?iu t?kstan?ius kit?.3 s Natasha Niezgoda722 232

“The thing about dreams, though, is they usually sound crazy to everyone but you. All it takes is one other person to buy into them to keep you going.”

“War is always far worse on the poor than the rich. Always.”history memoirs non-fiction6 s Aisha Oaktree648 36

When I was prepping for the Olympics ( to watch, not compete) the Visa commercial came on about Lopez Lamong and how he ran. I was so intrigued I started looking into his story, the publishing company for his book happened to be Thomas Nelson which is the originator of the Booksneeze book exchange program I was so happy. I had to snag that book immediately.

When I started reading I was immediately drawn in by his story. I was both heartbroken and devastated when reading the book. To think that people who would do that to children, & to know that it wasn't being covered by the news, that the information wasn't being shared with the western world.

The book has strong religious overtones, but considering that his how he dealt with the trauma of his life, you can't escape how instrumental it is to his survival.

Reading about the life he had in the refugee camp and what happened there, about the food situation especially, just really made me sad. How could the organization thing that one meal a day really helped?? I mean considering the option of starving, yes it helped, but to give only one meal?? What happens to all the money we donate?? Who the hell is getting it then?? Is it the Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, where when they were first created, white supervisors would take the food, blankets and aide sent by the government to the Native Americans forced onto the reservations, and would sell the best cuts, then give the rotting meat, the infested blankets and dirty tools to the Tribal members, until it was exposed and brought to the attention of the President. Is that what is happening, because I don't understand how these organizations collect so much money each year and can only afford enough food for these refugees for one meal per day and meat only once a year. I think we need to start asking questions about this.

I remember that moment in the Olympics as well; the moment that sparked his interest, that gave him something to hope for, watching Michael Johnson tear up that track was inspiring for me as a kid as well. His story of writing the plea, of being on the plane and being too afraid to eat, to the language barrier, it all just pulled your heartstrings and pulled you in.

I laughed when reading about his many discoveries when he immigrated to America, & I totally understood his determination to do more for himself and for the others that weren't allowed to immigrate as well.The devastation & fear he felt on September 2001, I totally get it, feeling you were safe then discovering that violence goes everywhere must have really thrown him for a loop. I know it did many of us that day.

Reading this story made me grateful, grateful for the family, friends and experiences I have had. It made me thankful for the relative peace we have had growing up. It has made me re-evalauate many of the people & things I have allowed into my life, & has reminded me that not everyone is so lucky. Yet he did it, he made something of himself, when many here can't. He has done more with his opportunity than many of us Americans have. it's a humbling experience and one I don't mind sharing.

This is a definite must read and a book we should all pass on to our friends and book lovers. I'm going to be purchasing copies and donating to the local library as well as the local chapters of book clubs. What will you do to support the foundation?2012-tbr-pile-challenge 2013-tbr-pile-challenge booksneeze-books ...more3 s Antonio Nunez455 13

Although I am not a dedicated reader of the biographies of sport figures I gave this book a try. I wasn't familiar with Lopez Lomong's career, although I did see a review that referred to a highlight in this book: how Mr Lomong lived for years in a refugee camp in Kenya and there the main amusement was playing football (as most of the world calls soccer). Because there was a surfeit of boys who wanted to play, there was a rule that this could be done only by those who ran a lap around the refugee camp. That was a 30 KM lap that Mr Lomong says he ran virtually daily! The book was inspiring. Mr Lomong comes across as a generous, optimist and naive person who survived terrible situations due to his strength of will and deep religious faith.

What really struck me about this book wasn't Mr Lomong's heroism. I have heard other such stories. What I loved was how he was able to thrive because of a program of the US government that allowed hundreds of "Lost Children" from Sudan into the US and because of the amazing generosity of many individuals, including his foster parents the Rogers, several coaches and teachers as well as classmates. In the current ugly political climate about refugees and immigrants it is easy to forget that the US is often a very generous country full of compassionate people who are willing to dedicate their time and money and to give their love to people that are not their relations. For the US (and all countries) greatness lies in living wholeheartedly up to the founding values and allowing citizens to express their humanity in a context of autonomy and responsibility. Both government action and private initiative are necessary for this, as in Mr Lomong's case.

One may also forget that many refugees/immigrants are not lazy "takers" who cynically exploit their host country, but hardworking people who are thrilled to get a chance to do their best, who are patriotic and thankful to get a chance. I particularly d the pictures of Mr Lomong and his foster parents (they both seem so young), the other "lost children" as adults in snappy suits and big smiles, his girlfriend and brothers in military uniforms. Mr Lomong's life would work well as a movie. I hope to see it soon.

I think we often overestimate the advantages of cynicism. While it acts as a shield against disappointment and hurt, it deprives us of a sense of wonder and belonging that is also necessary to human beings. Reading about Mr Lomong being inspired by President George W. Bush's actions in the wake of 9/11 and feeling proud after meeting the President and the First Lady in the Beijing Olympics, being proud to carry the flag in the Olympics' inaugural ceremony, was for me very comforting. I was glad to see that the President of a country, even if he is not a great man, may nonetheless at times use his office in ways that help and lead others in positive ways. That people may be inspired by childhood heroes to achieve their best potential. That professional athletes may be generous and warm. I d this book, particularly after several very pessimist ones I've read recently.3 s Lynn Davidson6,454 27

I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw the blurb about it I wanted to read this book – not because I’m an avid sports fan (because I’m not) but because I am always interested in how people overcome adversity. This book did not disappoint.

Lopez Lomong was born in the Sudan. He was one of a family of four children, but the only one with his parents in the open-air church service that Sunday morning in 1991 – the day the rebel soldiers came for the children. He was only six years old. That was the day he was violently separated from his family with dozens of other boys and girls, the day his life was forever changed.

Lopez tells the story of his kidnapping, of not knowing what happened to all the girls that were taken at the same time, of the prison camp where boys were trained to be child soldiers – but he was too small to become a soldier so he was left in the hut, probably to die as so many did. The difference for him was that he was rescued in a dramatic way, which to this day he firmly believes was God’s hand on his life.

Lopez tells about his escape with three other boys, how they ran for three days, always miraculously finding food and water when needing it, where he ended up as a refugee instead of where he thought he was headed – home to his mother, and the ever-challenging experiences he had there that would shape him into the man he would become.

His parents had named him Lopepe, which means ‘fast’, and he lived up to that name because he loved to run and always ran as fast as he could. This trait would be one thing that kept him alive, one main factor that would shape his life and eventually help him immigrate to the United States where he continues to run. In an unly place his heart was set on the Olympics when he was a boy. I read Running For My Life during the London 2012 Olympics, which seemed appropriate since Lopez Lomong was running for the USA.

As I read through this book as one looking in from the outside, I could recognize God’s guidance and protection as Lopez trusted Him with his life. He tells his story with painful honesty, later revealing a sense of humour that caused me to laugh out loud several times.

Lopez Lomong has a passion, not just for running, but for helping the people in his village and South Sudan. He now has a charitable foundation called 4 South Sudan set up to achieve his goals of providing clean water, education, nutrition through better farming methods, and basic health care that will save lives. Because World Vision already has a presence in Sudan, he partnered with them to set things in motion. Also, part of the proceeds of the sale of this book go to his foundation.

Check it out: www.LopezLomong.com/foundationnon-fiction reviewed3 s Tarissa1,424 87

"Running for My Life" is the wonderful, inspirational, true story of a lost boy. Lopez Lomong began his life in South Sudan in the midst of a long civil war. Yet if it hadn't been for the deaths occurring around him, the hot, dry land that Sudan is made of, and the deep poverty of his people, he wouldn't have made it to the Olympic Games.

At the tender age of 6 years old, Lopepe was torn from his mother's arms by soldiers, dislocated from the small life he knew, and carried away to the brutal unknown. He became a "lost boy", alone, unable to be with his family. Piece by piece, you are able to see how God was working in his life, singling him out and preparing him for a life much better than being a rejected captive. As Lopepe tells his story in this book, you will see time and time again the ways that doors are opened for him, taking him one step closer to his dream. The day that he discovered the Olympics was a day that marked a desire to achieve something huge with his life.

Lopez Lomong is a runner. As a child, he ran for the joy of it. Growing older, he ran because in Sudan, it's simply what you do. Soccer is their way of life, and to build his strength to play, he ran. As an young adult his view changed. He aspired for something mightier than himself, and he ran for his country.

Once Lopepe arrived in America, part of his life-long dream had already come true, but in actuality, it was only a small fraction. His next step was to get on the USA Olympic team. First he had to overcome the culture shock, learn the English language, graduate high school, and to always keep running no matter what. That is a big list to accomplish in just 3 years! He got though it, and it was only because God placed him in just the spot at just the right time. There is so much more to share with you about his life, but I shouldn't go on. You must read it yourself to learn the details of this amazing story.

In this biography, Lopez Lomong's Olympic success culminates in Beijing 2008. I would have loved to have known all about his experience in London 2012 too, although I realize the book was just being released at that time, so of course, those details couldn't have been included. Maybe he will write another book to tell more his story, I hope.

What a pleasure it was to read "Running for My Life". I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.2012-top-favorite3 s ????303 10

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WOW! Read ... this ... book! There are remarkable stories and there are remarkable biographies (and autobiographies), but this is one of the most amazing and moving stories I've ever read.

Lopez's story is well known, particularly to Olympic viewers. Taken from his family in Sudan as a child, survivor of a decade in a Kenyan refugee camp, lucky US visa recipient, and adopted by a kind, generous, supportive, and committed family in the United States ... eventually to become a college graduate and a highly decorated NCAA track champion ... and a two-time Olympian ... and the US Olympic flag bearer.... and a devoted philanthropist... What a story!

People of faith will touched by his religious inspiration and conversational relationship with his G-d. Even the most cynical will appreciate his honest and frank description of religion role throughout his remarkable life.

Full disclosure. This reads - in terms of prose (and, alas, often in terms of editing) - as an athlete's autobiography. The vocabulary is neither terribly rich nor nor diverse. But the author's voice is powerful and raw and effective and the story is moving and uplifting and ... ultimately, inspirational.cycling-and-running non-fiction sports3 s Spencer12

This story is truly inspiring. When we meet Lomong or 'Lopepe', it seems as though there is no chance for him. He is condemned to be a child soldier, where he will most ly either die as cannon fodder or perish from disease. We follow his journey from escaping the rebel forces and dealing with life in the refugee camp to becoming a superstar athlete. We can see how his journey prepares him for his athletic success: life in the refugee camp drilled him to be a runner from early on. The sheer strength of will it takes to start from so low and reach so high is staggering.

The greatest thing about him isn't his athletic accomplishments though. Not even close. Un many superstars, who become self-obsessed and selfish, he took his wealth and fame and went back to try to help those in his home. People who are living through what he survived. He never forgot where he came from, despite rising so far above it.

This is a fantastic story about persevering through the hardest of times and never giving up hope. Everyone has something to learn from Lomongs story.3 s Donna R15 10

This was an absolutely amazing story! I can’t imagine the turmoil and hardships Lopez went through as a small child but his adventure of strength, hope, and grit is so inspiring that overwhelming feelings of gratitude take over as you continue to hear his story. Spoken from the heart, Lopez shares his accounts of family and culture, but also experiences of being a lost boy refugee and orphan, transitioning to immigrant, student, athlete, and the journey of becoming a US Olympian and citizen. I would highly recommend this book, runner or not, as the story of where he came from and where he ended up is truly eye opening. olympics running3 s Lindsay Martinez36

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