Its about life (in a non-threatening way)

WEll this is the intro and somewhat a jump point to my blog. I finally posted my something on it. YAY!! But...who cares.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Book review: Buried Alive

Buried Alive By Roy Hallums
The True Story of Kidnapping, Captivity, and a Dramatic Rescue



I chose this book, because it sounded like an interesting read and I love to read true-story books. Buried Alive describes the kidnapping of 56 year old man named Roy who was in captivity for 311 days prior to living and working in Bagdad, Iraq. The book tells his story, from his point of view and recounts how Roy Hallums survived the terror, over and above his family's (ex-wife and 2 daughters) dealt with the nightmare of knowing he was held prisoner or probably dead. It trails the trials and problems Roy and the others must go through while being seized captive and what they had to go through in order to survive. Hallums spent his time with several other individuals including individuals from France, Iraq, and the Philippines

I was thrilled about reading this book as I considered it was going to be an inside glance into what really goes in with the Iraqi people when they kidnap and possibly a better look into what is really going on there although, I was dissatisfied with this book. Even though it is a speedy read, I found it hard to begin as well as sometimes dosing off mid-page. I thought the writing was slightly ordinary moreover tedious every now and then.
I also felt that it needed in depth emotional essence. Hallums would illustrate being beaten plus starved in such a straightforward style that it made it hard to actually bond with him the same as an individual. It felt that it fell short on how he presented his emotions and was rather programmed in nature when it came to Mr. Hallums trying to explain what he sensed and underwent. It also didn’t flow very well, and was often repetitive. In the beginning, I found myself transfixed by the story but laer,just couldn’t wait to finish.

I also want to include what Jen and Johnson said http://jenhjohnson.blogspot.com/2010/01/buried-alive.html
“I also have concerns about the way in which he paints Iraq and many of the Iraqi people. At one point, he does paint with a broad stroke, explaining that many of the Muslims he knew were good, honest people whom he was proud to call friend. But that's where it stops. I cannot imagine what my feelings would be if I found myself in a similar situation, but we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Hallums never discussed this command from our Messiah, and it leaves me wondering if it crossed his mind at all. Because most of the American public is fairly ignorant to what the Muslim faith is, we too often stereotype all followers of Islam as members of jihad. Books like this one concern me because they, even if inadvertently, can easily perpetuate this misunderstanding, fueling hatred of all Muslims. We must remember our great and sovereign God wants all people to come to know him, including Muslims.”

I can’t visualize subsequent to reading the book what it would be like for an individual day after day. The Hallums family gives me a description and perceptive on what exactly a family has to go through and endure in these circumstances. I just wish Mr. Hallums would have let us in, but I think I understand why maybe he just couldn’t. In general, I felt the book was educational, but I wouldn't be likely to recommend it as a must read.

Though it is a captivating story, particularly bearing in mind what this individual went through, however the method wherein it was presented fell flat.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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