In the wake of the successful film Hotel Rwanda, a personal and inspiring story of a young boy’s survival of genocide.
This Voice in My Heart
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this inspirational autobiography woven with a gruesome eyewitness account, Tuhabonye recounts his maturation as a world-class runner and his survival of a Burundi massacre. Born in 1974 to a minority ethnic Tutsi family, Tuhabonye grew up in rural Burundi, his intelligence and industry aided by spectacular athletic ability. The narrative alternates between the author's life story and events on the day of the massacres. In October 1993, after a Tutsi coup ousted the Hutu president, a Hutu mob invaded Tuhabonye's high school, hacked many Tutsi students to death with machetes and forced the rest into a building that they set afire. Only the author survived. After months of painful recovery from severe burns, he regained the ability to walk and then run again, a healing process facilitated by his faith—a devout Christian, he says he forgave the murderers and praises God for sparing him. Tuhabonye joined Burundi's national team, traveled the world, fell in love and moved to the U.S., where he now lives with his wife and daughter—an uplifting ending to a simply told story of a man who persevered through hard work, luck, presence of mind and (he emphasizes) God's love. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From the Back Cover
Gilbert Tuhabonye is a survivor. More than ten years ago, he lay buried under a pile of burning bodies. The centuries-old battle between Hutu and Tutsi tribes had come to Gilbert’s school. Fueled by hatred, the Hutus forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a small room and used machetes to beat most of them to death. The unfortunate ones who survived the beating were doused with gasoline and set on fire. After hiding under burning bodies for over eight hours, Gilbert heard a voice inside saying, “You will be all right; you will survive.” He knows it was God speaking to him. Gilbert was the lone survivor of the genocide, and thanks his enduring faith in God for his survival.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I just finished "This Voice in My Heart", and it is amazing and compelling. I am one of Gilbert's Gazelles, and he has an enormous spirit. He is a fabulous runner and a terrific coach, and more important, a wonderful person with a heart of gold. We all have read about atrocities that have occurred around the world, but to read a first-hand account of these horrible events happening to someone you know, it's really difficult to fathom.
Gilert's book is page-turning. The picture he paints of his traditional African childhood on the mountains of Burundi has stayed with me even after I set the book down -- it felt like I was transported to a magical and beautiful place, totally foreign to the frenetic and convenience-driven society in which we live here in America. The descriptions are vibrant and robust and make me appreciate the Burundi culture of agriculture, nature, hard work, music, and tradition.
The description of the events of Gilbert's horrific near-death was breath-taking... It was like driving by an awful car accident -- we don't want to see any more because it seems so horrible and unfathomable, but we're drawn to it to learn as much as we can. The writing style of this book is very descriptive and draws the reader in to the situation, making it hard to put the book down.
The fact that Gilbert could recover fully, run again, win championships, and forgive is truly remarkable. He has been blessed to lead a full life to date -- with much more happiness to come. That Gilbert could rise from the sadness of that terrible day and embrace happiness and joy in life is a true testament to his tremendous spirit and positive outlook.... Read more ›
Gilert's book is page-turning. The picture he paints of his traditional African childhood on the mountains of Burundi has stayed with me even after I set the book down -- it felt like I was transported to a magical and beautiful place, totally foreign to the frenetic and convenience-driven society in which we live here in America. The descriptions are vibrant and robust and make me appreciate the Burundi culture of agriculture, nature, hard work, music, and tradition.
The description of the events of Gilbert's horrific near-death was breath-taking... It was like driving by an awful car accident -- we don't want to see any more because it seems so horrible and unfathomable, but we're drawn to it to learn as much as we can. The writing style of this book is very descriptive and draws the reader in to the situation, making it hard to put the book down.
The fact that Gilbert could recover fully, run again, win championships, and forgive is truly remarkable. He has been blessed to lead a full life to date -- with much more happiness to come. That Gilbert could rise from the sadness of that terrible day and embrace happiness and joy in life is a true testament to his tremendous spirit and positive outlook.... Read more ›
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
"This Voice in My Heart" is an extraordinary true-life story. Compelling and well-written, this autobiographical account gives readers insight into a remarkable individual living through a horrific experience. Readers will become much more aware of the continued cultural unrest in Burundi and Rwanda but moreover, be amazed at Gilbert's progress from barefoot child living in a hut with no running water or electricity to a college graduate living in the US as a successful professional athlete and coach. "This Voice in My Heart" will appeal to wide variety of readers - from casual to competitive runners, anyone interested in the ongoing dispute between the Tutsi and Hutus, or anyone who enjoys an account of how a relationship with God can guide an individual through what seems to be an impossible situation.
What this book does not capture is how wonderful it is to meet or be coached by Gilbert. Rather than shy and untrusting, Gilbert is always giving, offering laughter and encouragement for all those he touches and is a powerful positive influence with an outstanding spirit. Most readers won't have this opportunity, however knowing Gilbert in this way makes this story all that more amazing.
What this book does not capture is how wonderful it is to meet or be coached by Gilbert. Rather than shy and untrusting, Gilbert is always giving, offering laughter and encouragement for all those he touches and is a powerful positive influence with an outstanding spirit. Most readers won't have this opportunity, however knowing Gilbert in this way makes this story all that more amazing.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"In a world desperate for love to conquer the hatred, peace to counter the strife, and joy to carry us out of the despair - God sent Gilbert Tuhabonye. Pain and suffering heaped upon Gilbert during the genocide in Burundi did not embitter him. Quite the opposite. He is the 21st century equivalent of Joseph who proclaimed to his tormentors, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..." (Genesis 50:20). From this heart flows 'Joy First', impacting all swept up in its current. I count myself blessed among many. Listen to the 'voice in his heart' and you, too, will never be the same."
Rev. Chris Schrader, Ph.D.
A Touch of Grace - Austin, Texas
Rev. Chris Schrader, Ph.D.
A Touch of Grace - Austin, Texas
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By JHG
Format:Hardcover
A captivating must read!
Gilbert's story of the personal strength required to survive a horrific attack, his perseverence, and his success as an athlete are all amazing. I am in awe of his spirit and his ability to move beyond the atrocities of the genocidal attack to become an inspiration to others.
This book is also an eye opener and a reminder to learn about and fight the inexcusable pain inflicted on so many people worldwide. I am 30, approximately the same age as Gilbert, and the book highlighted for me that, at the same time Gilbert was fleeing the wrath of his tormentors, I was sitting in an American school, woefully uneducated about the genocide taking place.
Read this book; spread the word.
Gilbert's story of the personal strength required to survive a horrific attack, his perseverence, and his success as an athlete are all amazing. I am in awe of his spirit and his ability to move beyond the atrocities of the genocidal attack to become an inspiration to others.
This book is also an eye opener and a reminder to learn about and fight the inexcusable pain inflicted on so many people worldwide. I am 30, approximately the same age as Gilbert, and the book highlighted for me that, at the same time Gilbert was fleeing the wrath of his tormentors, I was sitting in an American school, woefully uneducated about the genocide taking place.
Read this book; spread the word.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Gazelle
Format:Hardcover
I'm in awe of Gilbert after training with him and even more so after learning about his life. His charisma, love for life and dedication to those around him shine through even after extreme adversity. His book is a testimonial to his quality of character as a role model and a true leader.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As all books on the Rwandan genocide, this one is touching. It is a must read if you want to appreciate your freedom and understand others tragedies. It makes you question where are we, where are we when this is going on and we're off in other worlds fighting. The author details his experience and incredible forgiveness in minute detail and it makes you wonder how they survived with any normal feelings in tact. Worth the read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable Story - Remarkable Man
This book literally took my breath away. As I read the story, I found myself reacting viscerally to the unthinkable tragedy that Gilbert suffered. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lauren456
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This book will be a great read over the holiday break. It arrived on time. Great price too ! Thanks !
Published 6 months ago by Jeff Chalfant
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Kind of Voice So Seldom Heard
This book should come with a warning: don't read the italicized portions before bedtime. They are the stuff nightmares are made of. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Yuma Michaels
5.0 out of 5 stars
You don't need to run to love this book!
First, I am not a runner. This is not a book for runners, it is a book for everyone! There are a ton of emotions in this book. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Cajun Texan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Running the Race
This Voice in My Heart by Gilbert Tuhabonye is an autobiography written by a young man who survived the attempted genocide of the Tutis in Africa. Read more
Published on May 4, 2011 by Eyes2Read
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing, moving, powerful story
This book is a superb story of overcoming the odds and followin gyour dreams.
Gilbert is a gifted runner and story teller; I highly recommend his book.
Gilbert is a gifted runner and story teller; I highly recommend his book.
Published on April 12, 2011 by A. T. Murray
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Voice In My Heart
Excellent book and heartbreaking story with a happy ending. Gilbert's love and sweet nature shouts from these pages. I hope to meet him someday as he lives in my city. Read more
Published on April 3, 2011 by catkiss
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oklahoma Reader
I read the book and loved it so ordered 2 to give as gifts. Arrived in great condition and was a good value.
Published on December 13, 2010 by Yunique remodeling
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book / Easy to read
I received it in great condition and it shipped quickly. This book is so easy to read and so interesting. Read more
Published on December 9, 2010 by Chelsy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping story
This book is so well written and keeps your interest. It is so heart wrenching and captivates you from the time you start the book. It is inspiring and faith building.
Published on July 6, 2010 by josephl
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