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A Long Walk to Water summary
Brief summary
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is a compelling true story that follows two individuals in Sudan, a young girl named Nya and a boy named Salva, as they struggle to find clean water and survive in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Table of Contents
A Long Walk to Water
Summary of key ideas
Two Lives, One Journey
In A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, we follow the lives of two young individuals, Nya and Salva, living in Sudan. Nya, an 11-year-old girl, spends her days walking to and from a pond to fetch water for her family. Salva, a young boy, is forced to flee his village during a civil war, becoming one of the 'lost boys' of Sudan, a group of children who walk thousands of miles to escape the conflict.
Salva's journey is fraught with danger and loss. He witnesses the deaths of friends and family, faces starvation, and encounters wild animals. Despite these hardships, Salva's resilience and determination keep him moving forward. He eventually finds safety in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, only to be forced to flee again when war breaks out there.
Hope Amidst Despair
Meanwhile, Nya's life is a constant struggle for survival. She spends most of her days walking to and from the pond, a journey that takes her hours. The water she collects is dirty and often makes her family sick. Despite this, Nya remains hopeful, believing that one day, things will get better.
Salva's journey takes him to several refugee camps, each offering a temporary respite from the violence but also presenting new challenges. He eventually ends up in Kenya, where he is able to attend school and learn English. Salva's experiences in the refugee camps and his determination to survive and thrive shape him into a resilient and compassionate young man.
A Mission to Help
Years later, Salva is given the opportunity to move to the United States. Despite the comfort and security he finds there, he cannot forget the suffering of his people back in Sudan. He starts a non-profit organization, Water for South Sudan, with the mission of providing clean water to communities in need. Salva's organization drills wells, bringing clean, safe water to thousands of people, including Nya's village.
Back in Sudan, Nya's life is also transformed when a well is drilled in her village. No longer burdened by the daily trek for water, she is able to attend school and build a better future for herself. The meeting of Salva and Nya at the end of the book symbolizes the hope and transformation that clean water brings to their lives.
Lessons of Resilience and Compassion
A Long Walk to Water is a powerful story of survival, resilience, and hope. It highlights the harsh realities faced by many in war-torn regions and the transformative power of access to clean water. Salva's journey, in particular, serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Through Nya and Salva's stories, the book also emphasizes the importance of compassion and the ability of individuals to make a positive impact on their communities. It is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, hope and the desire for a better future can endure.
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What is A Long Walk to Water about?
A Long Walk to Water (2010) by Linda Sue Park is a novel based on the true story of Salva Dut, a Sudanese “Lost Boy” who fled his war-torn country as a child. The book intertwines Salva's journey in 1985 with the story of Nya, a young girl in 2008, both struggling to survive and find clean water. It is a powerful and inspiring tale of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit.
A Long Walk to Water Review
A Long Walk to Water (2010) by Linda Sue Park is a compelling story about two separate journeys in war-torn Sudan. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It portrays the resilience of the human spirit through the gripping narratives of a young boy and girl, highlighting their determination to survive against all odds.
- The book demonstrates the power of hope and emphasizes the importance of access to clean water, shedding light on a global issue that affects millions.
- Through its dual storylines and rich historical context, it offers a unique perspective on the Sudanese Civil War, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by conflict.
Who should read A Long Walk to Water?
- Anyone interested in stories of resilience and survival
- Young adult readers seeking a compelling and educational narrative
- Educators looking to incorporate themes of global issues and empathy into their curriculum
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A Long Walk to Water FAQs
What is the main message of A Long Walk to Water?
The main message of A Long Walk to Water is the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read A Long Walk to Water?
The reading time for A Long Walk to Water varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Long Walk to Water a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Long Walk to Water is a compelling and inspiring read that is worth your time. It sheds light on the human capacity for strength and resilience.
Who is the author of A Long Walk to Water?
Linda Sue Park is the author of A Long Walk to Water.
What to read after A Long Walk to Water?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Long Walk to Water, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau