Ishmael

Ishmael is a normal kid who lives in Africa.  Suddenly, a group of rebels start arising against the government using violence that no one could think people were capable of and bring the country to chaos. This kid's village is about to get attacked, so Ishmael starts a journey for survival.

"Things changed rapidly in a matter of seconds and no one had any control over anything. We had yet to learn these things and implement survival tactics, which was what it came down to"(29).

Ishmael talks about the rebels' violence causing people to change which is something that really impacts Ishmael on his way of living. Not only he will have to escape from this violence, but he might sometimes have to implement it himself for survival.

"When I was little, my father used to say- If you are alive, there is hope for a good day and something good to happen.  If there is nothing good left in the destiny of a person, he or she will die-"(54).
Ishmael had a big connection with his father. On this quote he remembers one of the lessons his father taught him. This helps Ishmael get motivated to keep surviving and gives him hope to some day re-meeting his family.

When we are pushed to our limits, as humans some of us give up and some fight. I wonder how it must feel to be at this point of choosing between giving up and achieving your goals. Will Ishmael ever truly reach this critical moment?