The Journey of the Lost Boys: A Story of Courage, Faith and the Sheer Determination to Survive by a Group of Young Boys Called "The Lost Boys of Sudan" [Paperback]

Joan Hecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2005

Imagine you’re a young boy—maybe as young as three or four—separated from your family by civil war, traversing deserts and mountains with little food or water, no medical care, and no protection from wild animals. Imagine watching hundreds of boys perish around you from hunger, disease, or attacks by enemy soldiers and wild animals. To most of us, it is unimaginable, but this was reality for "The Lost Boys of Sudan," thousands of young boys who were separated from their families and forced to walk approximately 1,000 miles to reach safe refuge from war and certain death.

For the first time, this award winning book offers readers a chronological timeline of the epic journey taken by these children, beginning in their rural villages of Southern Sudan and ending with their arrival as young men to the United States. Narrated through the voice of Joan Hecht, one of their American mentors, whom they lovingly call "mom" or "Mama Joan;" "The Journey of the Lost Boys" is a compelling story of courage, faith and the sheer determination to survive by a group of young orphaned boys. Because of Joan Hecht’s personal relationship with them, she is able to portray their story in a way that most famous reporters and authors cannot. In addition to her extensive research of the political and historical events surrounding the long lasting civil war in Sudan, are the heart-rending personal stories and original drawings of the boys themselves. A must read for anyone interested in the the true story of the Lost Boys of Sudan!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Journey of the Lost Boys is a very moving story. One that every young person should read." -- Bishop Nathaniel Garang
South Sudan Diocese of Bor

Fascinating! I could not put it down! -- Ray Storms
Author and Lost Boy mentor

Highly recommended! Joan Hecht was voted "2005 POW Author of the Year" and her book won 1st Place in Education. -- Caryn Suarez/President Promoting Outstanding Writers(POW)

From the Publisher

Allswell Press highly recommends, "The Journey of the Lost Boys." This award winning book recieved first place at the International Promoting Outstanding Authors(POW)Book Awards and earned the author, Joan Hecht, the title "2005 Author of the Year."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Allswell Press; 1 edition (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976387506
• ISBN-13: 978-0976387503
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #661,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > History > Africa > Sudan

More About the Author

I first met the Lost Boys in the summer of 2001, shortly after their arrivals to the United States. Initially, I reached out to them with the intention of helping them as they resettled in a strange and foreign country. I had hoped to be instrumental in making their new lives in America better than the one they had left behind. I had hoped to be instrumental in helping to change their lives, without even realizing how drastically they would change my own. My thoughts and attitudes about many things have changed since meeting these incredible young men.

I have now been working with the Lost Boys and other South Sudanese,on a full-time volunteer basis, for over 10 years. In the summer of 2004, I established an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation called 'Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan' www.allianceforthelostboys.com to assist with their health and educational needs. To date, we have assisted at least 60 Lost Boys and local Sudanese with college tuition and books. We've provided free medical treatment to over one-hundred local Sudanese and life-changing surgeries for numerous others. I am so proud of their many accomplishments and feel extremely humbled to have played a part in helping them to reach their full potentials. One of our recent college graduates returned to South Sudan just two days after receiving his BA and is now the Secretary General of Secondary Exams for the Government of The Republic of South Sudan.

In Sudan, we partner with numerous organizations to provide humanitarian aid, re-construction efforts and numerous other projects, such as the construction of an X-Ray clinic, a house and 30 beds for an orphanage, goat programs for women at risk, distribution of solar flash lights and most recently two water wells that will provide clean drinking water to over 2000 villagers. With your help we can do so much more!

If you'd like to make a difference in the life of the people living in The Republic of South Sudan (the world's newest nation!), please make a tax-free donation on our website at www.allianceforthelostboys.com . We appreciate your support! "LIKE" us on Face Book!


If you'd like to book me for an author speaking event, please contact my agent, Scott Wolfman,at Wolfman Productions www.wolfmanproductions.com.One of the Lost Boys generally accompanies me.

Here's what people are saying about our presentations:

The recent Lost Boys of Sudan presentation at our University, headed by Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan founder and author, Joan Hecht, was one of the most academically enlightening programs ever to hit our campus.
Kamele "Oupa" Seane
University of North Florida
Director, Intercultural Center for PEACE
Executive Director, FLAWI

Joan Hecht has been one of our most compelling speakers at the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville's weekly luncheon meetings!
Rotary Club of South Jacksonville

This was the best diversity event I have ever attended. Bar none!
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

This was one of the most inspirational and moving presentations I have ever been to. --Truman Long (Psychology & Sociology instructor and chair of the Social Justice Committee at West Virginia University-Parkersburg)

I found the presentation to be a transformational experience, one that greatly increased my appreciation for the struggle that has been going on for generations in Sudan. I also found myself with a whole new perspective on what a hardship really is. Those that we face here in the US pale in comparison to the life experiences of the Lost Boys of Sudan. I left the speech feeling that I too could make a difference for those less fortunate than myself. -Chris Clifford (Interim Chief Financial Officer West Virginia University-Parkersburg)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I was looking for, September 25, 2005

By 

Constance Stolow "Connie" (Winchester, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Journey of the Lost Boys: A Story of Courage, Faith and the Sheer Determination to Survive by a Group of Young Boys Called "The Lost Boys of Sudan" (Paperback)

I have come to know a "Lost Boy of Sudan" during his years living here in Massachusetts. He arrived here at about age fifteen with three or four other boys and lived with a local family. After graduating from our local, very good, high school, he has completed his first year at an excellent college. I have been following the story of these boys for several years and realized that he was probably very young when he lost his family and that he probably has very little knowledge of the big picture of what had happened to him. This book was written by a volunteer who had also come to know and love these remarkable boys. She went further than most volunteers and researched the background of the situation in Sudan. She included many photographs of different boys, both in the refugee camps in Africa and in their new lives in America. I purchased this book as a gift for this kind, sweet natured, intelligent and thoughtful boy who helped me in my garden last summer. I read it before I gave it to him and it was exactly what I was looking for. I hope it will be a book he will share with his friends from Sudan and others now that he has returned to college. I am sure he will be a fine adult and a success in all he does. He has worked so hard and been through so much that it is a joy for all who know him to watch his progress. I recommend this book very highly for anyone who is interested in these boys.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique heartfelt story, June 8, 2005

By 

Holli W. Seethaler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Journey of the Lost Boys: A Story of Courage, Faith and the Sheer Determination to Survive by a Group of Young Boys Called "The Lost Boys of Sudan" (Paperback)

Joan Hecht writes about the Lost Boys in a unique personal way. In each chapter, a different Lost Boy tells of his own experience during a certain period of time- i.e. life before the war, walking to Ethiopia, and life in the refugee camp. The history was also well researched. The book not only brought tears of sadness but also tears of hope for the Lost Boys who have made it to the US. Her love and caring for the boys is evident throughout the book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An accurate, heartfelt and well-written account, June 27, 2006

By 

David L. Paulson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Journey of the Lost Boys: A Story of Courage, Faith and the Sheer Determination to Survive by a Group of Young Boys Called "The Lost Boys of Sudan" (Paperback)

Joan Hecht's "Journey" is in this reviewer's opinion the most interesting and accurate book available on the topic of the Lost Boys. As a former foster father to one of the lost boys and a fellow author and researcher, I recommend the book without hesitation. It presents an extraordinarily complicated situation in a manner that is comprehensible, fascinating and accurate. It gives the reader a true sense of the horror, courage and hope that has gripped a generation of young Sudanese men.

For its rare photos, clear and organized presentation and sincere prose, I highly recommend this informative and inspiring book and thank the author for her outstanding efforts.