After seventeen-year-old Samuel "Sooley" Sooleymon receives a college scholarship to play basketball for North Carolina Central, he moves to Durham from his native, war-torn South Sudan, enrolls in classes, joins the team, and prepares to sit out his freshman season, but Sooley has a fierce determination to succeed so he can bring his family to America, working tirelessly on his game until he dominates everyone in practice, and when Sooley is called off the bench, the legend begins.
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After seventeen-year-old Samuel "Sooley" Sooleymon receives a college scholarship to play basketball for North Carolina Central, he moves to Durham from his native, war-torn South Sudan, enrolls in classes, joins the team, and prepares to sit out his freshman season, but Sooley has a fierce determination to succeed so he can bring his family to America, working tirelessly on his game until he dominates everyone in practice, and when Sooley is called off the bench, the legend begins.
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A good book can introduce you to new worlds and challenge your comfortable beliefs. Such is the case with John Grisham�s novel Sooley. It opened up the African refugee crisis to me and revealed college basketball�s fast-paced maneuverings. It also is a story that shows the hope and tragedy that young people face today in every land and social stratum.
Grisham, without undo blood and gore, describes the plight of millions of victims of endless civil war. It is not pretty, but he also underlines the heart-warming, self-sacrificing work of thousands of well-meaning aid workers, celebrities, ordinary people, and even government officials. The struggles are monumental, but so are the efforts of many to counter them. The refugee crises in Africa are staggering, but the work of many to alleviate human suffering are commendable, and Grisham brings both to light.
In the background of the weekly news reports of collegiate basketball scores, there are important individual stories and cultural influences. Grisham reveals that some have historical, some have racial, some have political, some have financial, and all have personal ramifications. He weaves these into a fascinating story that has a seemingly tragic end. Or does it?
This is a worthwhile read. You can learn more about your world through the pages of Grisham�s writing. What a fascinating way to grow personally!
