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

Jul 15, 2012 Mikejencostanzo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze, reviewed

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 re...more 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.

--Jen(less)

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Mar 30, 2013 Judy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I chose this audio book as a diversion from the lengthy history books I've been listening to - and a diversion it was. It is the autobiography of one of the "lost boys of the Sudan." His is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story at the same. Torn from his mother's arms, during a church service, at the age of 6 he is taken to a rebel camp. Too young to be trained to fight, he spends his days in captivity while the older boys are forced to train for the civil war. But three older boys from his vil...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that makes you grateful for every little tiny thing in your life. Like 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 Keny...more This is one of those books that makes you grateful for every little tiny thing in your life. Like 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 like 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.(less)

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Sep 16, 2012 Noah Sch. rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 like Lopez, who could not yet fight. L...more 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 like 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 like 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 like 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 liked 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 likes a good story and a good moral of the story.

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Sep 04, 2012 Ob-jonny rated it 5 of 5 stars

An incredible true story of a Sudanese boy who is kidnapped by rebels in the Sudanese Civil War and eventually ends up running for USA in the olympics. I listened to this during my long runs and it really inspired me to get record breaking times in my workouts. The details of life in prison camps in Sudan and refugee camps in Kenya is fascinating because I never knew anything about what really went on in those places. After learning about how he spend 10 years struggling for survival it allowed...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Lynn Davidson rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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 unlikely 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/foundation (less)

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Aug 16, 2012 Moira rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Twenty years ago I ran for my life as I tried to escape the soldiers with guns. Today, I run for my life as I chase down the incredible opportunity God has laid out in front of me. I was a lost boy, surviving on one meager meal a day, a boy who looked forward to garbage days because eating trash gave me the best meal of the week. Not anymore. I ran in the camp to survive. Now I run to help others not only survive, but thrive." ( excerpt from "Running For My Life" by Lopez Lomong with Mark Tabb...more "Twenty years ago I ran for my life as I tried to escape the soldiers with guns. Today, I run for my life as I chase down the incredible opportunity God has laid out in front of me. I was a lost boy, surviving on one meager meal a day, a boy who looked forward to garbage days because eating trash gave me the best meal of the week. Not anymore. I ran in the camp to survive. Now I run to help others not only survive, but thrive." ( excerpt from "Running For My Life" by Lopez Lomong with Mark Tabb, page 226)

Running For My Life is an astonishing, beautifully written story about Lopez Lomong and his "life story", starting from the age of six. This young man was kidnapped, ripped from his mother's arms, while attending church one day in his village in southern Sudan. He was imprisoned and made to suffer terrible conditions until he and some friends escaped. Trying to return to their home village, they ended up in Kenya instead, and there he lived for the next 10 years in the refugee camp. Lomong chronicles his experiences in the camp, as well as his amazing journey to America and the Olympics, in a beautiful, simple, sweet way. I am most impressed by his ability to tell the story so matter-of-factly, not complaining, not embellishing, and not dramatizing (not that it needs ANY dramatization, the story is dramatic enough). As I read, I literally laughed out loud and cried tears of sadness and of joy. This was a book that I hated putting down, even for a moment. I came away inspired, motivated to do more to help others, grateful for the life I live (and too often take for granted), and peaceful, knowing that yes, indeed, God is in charge, and He is aware of ALL of us, no matter our circumstances.
When Lopez Lomong was water baptized in a refuge camp in Kenya as a teenager, his name was changed from Lopepe to Joseph, and although he continues to use his childhood nickname, Lopez, this man is a modern-day Joseph in almost every way.Lopez's humility and perspective will open your eyes and help you appreciate what you've been given in a new way. His unwavering trust in God will inspire your faith. His story is also much about what the American Spirit is about; finding opportunity in the midst of adversity.

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.

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. Lopez Lomong models what America dream has always been about - how hard work, love, and determination can help make any dream a reality.

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Apr 10, 2013 Glenn Carroll rated it 5 of 5 stars

Name: Glenn Carroll
Date: April 9th, 2013
Period: English 5th

Reading running for my life by Lopez Lomong was one of the most intriging books I have ever read. Lopez Lomong has honestly come along way. I believe that his purpose of writing this book was to express his feelings about the trials and tribulations of his childhood. I also think he wanted his fans to know more of him. And truth is told this is one of the best ways to know more about a person.

The audience had been impacted very strongly...more Name: Glenn Carroll
Date: April 9th, 2013
Period: English 5th

Reading running for my life by Lopez Lomong was one of the most intriging books I have ever read. Lopez Lomong has honestly come along way. I believe that his purpose of writing this book was to express his feelings about the trials and tribulations of his childhood. I also think he wanted his fans to know more of him. And truth is told this is one of the best ways to know more about a person.

The audience had been impacted very strongly by what he has been through. Lopez was literally kidnapped from his mother arms. With the rest of the kids in the village. I know for sure that I was shocked because he has the heart to do something like that. This book will always have lasting values because of what he went through and where he is now in life. If you can overcome something that enormous then anything is possible.

The book is very well written. It has correct quotations. And it makes you literally imagine in your head what he is going through, or what he is doing at the moment. Now if a book can make you do that then it is definitely a well written book. It has a way of making you going through the hurt and pain while reading the book.

The book had my attention the whole entire time. From beginning to end. Lopez and the three angles were thrown a tiny hut. With other boys, A few boys died every day because of the heat during the day. And what they were being feed. That’s so shocking to literally see someone living one day. Then seeing them lay on ground life-less. I know that was very traumatic for him. The book was suspension. Because when you are reading a book like this. You are always wonders what is going to happen next.

The is no weakness in this book. It is only strength because you have to be a very strong person to go through an experience like that. He expressed his thoughts. And had also told what he was going through and how he overcame an obstacle like that.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone. It shows that you can overcome any obstacle in life. All you have to do is keep on pushing and striving for greatness. He is an inspiration to many of people. And if he can be my inspiration by just reading this book. I know for sure that he can be someone else inspiration.
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Jul 21, 2012 Evelyn Cox rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my word. This book is an astonishing, beautifully written story about Lopez Lomong and his “life story”, starting from the age of six. This young man was kidnapped, ripped from his mother’s arms, while attending church one day in his village in southern Sudan. He was imprisoned and made to suffer terrible conditions until he and some friends escaped. Trying to return to their home village, they ended up in Kenya instead, and there he lived for the next 10 years in the refugee camp. Lomong ch...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Nikole Hahn rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 chap...more 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 liked 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 like 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 liken 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 like 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. (less)

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Jul 28, 2012 Dixie LoCicero rated it 5 of 5 stars

I remember hearing about the "lost boys" from Sudan years ago, so when I saw this book was available for my Nook reader, I had to read it! The story is about Lopez, who was born Lopepe Lomong in Sudan. The book begins with Lopepe (who is 6 years old) and his parents at an outdoor church service. Suddenly, soldiers show up and forcefully take all of the children away from their parent's arms. The children are packed into the back of a covered pickup truck and travel for hours in the heat. Once th...more I remember hearing about the "lost boys" from Sudan years ago, so when I saw this book was available for my Nook reader, I had to read it! The story is about Lopez, who was born Lopepe Lomong in Sudan. The book begins with Lopepe (who is 6 years old) and his parents at an outdoor church service. Suddenly, soldiers show up and forcefully take all of the children away from their parent's arms. The children are packed into the back of a covered pickup truck and travel for hours in the heat. Once they arrive, the boys are all jammed into a small building. Nobody tells them anything, they are packed in so tight there is barely room to lay down. No bathroom, food or water. The older boys are taken outside at times to be trained to be soldiers. The younger ones remain inside, and gradually many of them die. There are 3 older boys he refers to as his "angels" who promise to take care of him. Eventually they lead him outside one night and they run away, literally, they are running for three days straight. Eventually they are picked up by the UN and taken to a refugee camp. Here he at least gets some food, no longer has to worry about being punished, and spends the next 10 years running and playing soccers with his "family" of lost boys. One day they learn they have the option to go to the United States, he has to write an essay about why he wants to go. Eventually he ends up living in New York with his adoptive family. He is now 16 years old, barely can speak English, can't read, yet he goes to school in the 10th grade & his new parents encourage him to keep trying. It is discovered that he can run fast, so he goes out for cross country, leading his team to many championships. His friends call him Lopez, he graduates high school, decides to go to college and wants to major in restaurant and hotel management, his goal is to someday help his family and others in the Sudan. Lopez made it to the 2008 Olympics, where he was voted to be the flag bearer for opening ceremonies. I was excited as I read the book to discover he is also in the 2012 Olympics, I look forward to watching him run!

Lomong's story is very inspirational, he mentions God giving him strength and protecting him many times. His two younger brothers are now also in the U.S., getting an education as well. He has partnered with World Vision to bring education, medical care and more to Sudan. I strongly recommend reading this book!(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Brent rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very inspiring story about a Sudanese Lost Boy who survived a civil war, living in a supposedly temporary camp for years on end, and finally is adopted by a couple from the United States at age 16. Once in the United States Lopez quickly ascends to the top of the ranks of running elite in both high school as well as college while simultaneously learning the inns and outs of English and suburban life. Lopez eventually finds himself running in the 2008 Olympic Games (the 2012 Games aren't featur...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Tarissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

"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 unk...more "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.(less)

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Jun 11, 2012 Jessica Lewis rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Rickie rated it 4 of 5 stars

WOW! There are so many things that I loved about this book. I can't wait to discuss it at book group this month. 1) I found Lopez's story very inspiring. The book moves at a very fast pace, which I liked, yet still captures all he went through. 2) I love how he is such a good person, with such a giving heart, after all the horrible things he went through. 3) I love how his faith in God carried him through tough times. This book will make you believe in miracles and that Heavenly Father really is...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Dee rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing! It is the true life story of a lost boy from Sudan who makes it to America. I have a heart for Africa, especially Sudan, so I found this story fascinating.

Lopez is also a Christian whose faith carries him through his many hardships in Sudan and Kenya and after he makes it to America. God provided him a loving family and parents who believed in him. He went on to compete in the 2008 & 2012 Olympics. He now has a foundation that helps many in Sudan.

The book was hard to pu...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing story of a Lost Boy from Sudan being stolen from his family, living in a refugee camp and eventually restored in the United States. Lopepe / Joseph / Lopez inspires me to appreciate the American Dream and not take it for granted.

I was in tears the entire book, mostly because I just returned from a mission trip to Africa and my mind was filled up with the beautiful orphans I met and fell in love with there.... I pray that their dreams to have a family and a future will come true...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Running for My Life is a story that really touched my heart because it is the story of a lost boy from Sudan that has become a U.S. Olympic athlete. I knew without reading the description that this book would capture his life story and the reader would make the journey with Lopez from Sudan to Kenya to the United States. What I wasn't prepared for were the little details of the story that will stick with me for some time to come such as the ring his mother made that he continues to wear, trash d...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biographies, high-school, sports, wishlist

fter reading so much on ways to surrender my life and my possessions to the Lord for his purposes around the world, (books like Radical {David Platt}, 7 {Jen Hatmaker} and several books by K.P. Yahannon, this book puts a face and a voice to those who are suffering. Lopez Lamong is a powerful example of God's plan at work, even in the midst of tragedy and the deepest physical and emotional suffering.

Completely overwhelmed at his discriptions of 10 years in a refugee camp in Kenya. Unbelievable c...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A MUST READ!!!!! Wow, this book is absolutely fantastic... I truly cannot put into words how much I love this book. It holds stories about running, South Sudan, life in Africa, the blessings the USA holds ... but that is not what this book is about. It is about FAITH! 100% pure faith - he sprints into life, chest out, without questioning anything God has planned for him. Now, please know that it is far from being preachy, far from being fake or overly Godly... it is just him and his life and how...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Aisha Oaktree rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-tbr-pile-challenge, 2013-tbr-pile-challenge, booksneeze-books, read-in-2013, non-fiction, imm-follow-up

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 pe...more 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 like 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?(less)

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May 05, 2013 Jason Custer rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Running for My Life" is the true story of one of the Lost Boys in Sudan became a US Olympic runner four years ago. It really is a remarkable story of true determination mixed with the grace of God. I got the book because of my interest in the Lost Boys, since some friends and I randomly met one working at a restaurant here in Dallas a while back. I didn't realize how well it would coincide with the 2012 Olympics (although I'm sure the publishers did). It was a quick and easy read, and I think I...more "Running for My Life" is the true story of one of the Lost Boys in Sudan became a US Olympic runner four years ago. It really is a remarkable story of true determination mixed with the grace of God. I got the book because of my interest in the Lost Boys, since some friends and I randomly met one working at a restaurant here in Dallas a while back. I didn't realize how well it would coincide with the 2012 Olympics (although I'm sure the publishers did). It was a quick and easy read, and I think I finished it in two or three days - fairly captivating the whole time.

The basic storyline is that Lopepe (Lopez) was captured at age 6 with hundreds of other young boys in Sudan and ended up running for three days straight to escape becoming a child soldier like most of the other children from his village. He was displaced to the refugee camps in Kakuma, Kenya, and became known as one of the "Lost Boys" with no home or family. The rest is the slow progress of his coming to America, becoming a citizen, and eventually qualifying to be a US Olympic runner who carried the flag in the 2008 Olympic games. Throughout the book Lomong likens his story to the biblical story of Joseph, who through diligence and the grace of God rose from a slave to the right hand man of Pharaoh and was able to save his family. The similarities are striking, as Lomong now is lobbying hard to bring many of his "family" the Lost Boys of Sudan to America to have the same chance that he did.

I won't share much more of the story line than that so you can read it for yourself. It's a inspiring story, and Lomong does a good job of telling it. I will say that perhaps the writing could be better to really enhance and bring the story to life (hence only 4/5), but I understand that English and writing are not Lomong's strong points. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a good contemporary biography, especially in light of the current Olympic games. I will definitely be cheering on Lopez Lomong as he runs again.(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Andrea Buschman rated it 5 of 5 stars

A powerful story that should be read by everyone. It's a success story of one of the "lost boys of Sudan" and you are left with a great respect for all that Lopez experienced in Africa and all that he has accomplished in his time here in America. Simply written, but when you realize all that he has endured, you admire his efforts even more. Not all "lost boys" have a happy ending, even if they end up in America. Lopez Lomong really has been blessed, and he acknowledges that with every step he ta...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Chris Maroney rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a powerful and inspiring story of perseverance through conditions most of us cant even imagine. From a literary standpoint it is well put together and easy read, it won't stand out as a masterpiece but doesn't need to as it message eclipses the writing. From his struggles to those who stepped in to help him, Lopez makes you believe that you can triumph over anything while highlighting the value of helping others and how much difference our small acts can make in someone else's life.

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Feb 08, 2013 Anandh Sundar rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best yet most concise memoriors I have read. Coming from some one below 30, it did seem presumptous till I realized what this young man had achieved-using his natural talents(running/sports) and ambition to drag himself out of the morass, first to USA and then into athletics. Though his conversion to Christianity, bringing his brothers to USA etc does seem oppurtunistic, there's no denying the good he's done for society.

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Mar 07, 2013 Carol Campbell rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's hard to rate this book because i don't know if I should rate it for the writing or the story. It is a great story, glad to know it when I see this guy run next time! But it isn't a story about a runner. It is a story about someone who happens to run. It is a story about someone who was a Lost Boy in Sudan. Easy to read, quick to read. Did seem like the person writing at the beginning was somehow different from the one writing later in the book though.

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Feb 10, 2013 Marilyn Shapiro rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lopez Lomong is on of the lost boys of Sudan. His amazing story from when he was kidnapped by Sudanese Rebels to when he carried the flag for the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is an amazing story. Why he did not get more press and coverage when he competed in both the 2008 and 2012 is totally unfathomable to both Larry and me. Inspirational,quick, and a great read. I read it in one sitting.

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Oct 19, 2012 Lyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Running for My Life is a story of courage, triumph over incredible adversity and trust in the love, goodness and faithfulness of God. Kidnapped, starved, and beaten, Lopez Lomong even at the tender age of six never once stopped believing that God would take care of him.

Written in an easy-going, conversational manner that feels as though you and he are sitting down together while he tells his story over a cup of coffee, the pages flew by. There are no histrionics, just a matter-of-fact telling...more

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May 18, 2013 Lashawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an excellent book. I really loved how Lopez was able to describe his feeling of wanting to come to America and the struggles that he endured. I also love how he kept God in his heart and how he expressed his relationship and trust in God to guide him and take care of him. I cannot say enough about this book. I wish I could give it 10 stars. After reading the book it he inspired me to donate to his foundation to help the children in South Sudan. Please read you will not be disappointed.

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Aug 12, 2012 Celia Ulmer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!! Very inspirational! It is amazing what one can do, when they put their mind to it! The book made me cry, laugh, and realize how lucky I am!!! I Tully is a stones throw from my back door! It really inspires me! The book uplifted me, all dreams can come true! What a great young man Lopez is! He not only is a fantastic athlete, but a supreme human being!

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

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