If you would like to read a story of the human spirit and its ability to conquer all darkness then read "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah. With only 45 minutes to spare during the day, I finished the book in 6 days. I was astonished that a man that had been through so much, seen so much evil, committed war crimes, lost his childhood, family, and for some time, himself could find joy in living again. It was indeed a beautiful reminder that human beings are capable of so much good even when it appears that there is nothing good left within them. The book delves into the civil war erupting in Sierra Leona in the early 1990's. Here is a brief history: History if Civil War in Sierra Leone At present, there are still those being captured and tried for war crimes committed during the Sierra Leone conflict:

Sierra Leone: Court Convicts 2 More of War Crimes in Civil War

Sierra Leone’s United Nations-backed court convicted two former leaders of a pro-government militia, Moinina Fofana and Allieu Kondewa, of war crimes, including murder, cruel treatment, pillage and issuing collective punishment. They led a militia called the Civil Defense Forces, accused of torturing and mutilating civilians during the 1991-2002 war. Mr. Kondewa was also convicted of conscripting child soldiers. The head of the militia, Sam Hinga Norman, had also been named in the indictment, but died earlier this year. No date was set for sentencing. The first sentences were handed down two weeks ago in Sierra Leone’s long-running push to hold to account those bearing the “greatest responsibility” for atrocities that included the chopping off of limbs. The first convicted were members of a ruling junta who were sentenced to 45- to 50-year prison terms.