What do you think?
Rate this book
The Running Man: A Novel by Stephen King
More than ten years ago, Hutus arrived at Gilbert Tuhabonye's Burundi school and forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a small room where they macheted most of them to death and set the rest on fire. Gilbert was the only survivor. Today, he is a world-class athlete in training for the 2008 Olympics. This is his story.With nowhere to run, I burrowed my way underneath a smoking mound of bodies Gilbert Tuhabonye is a survivor. More than ten years ago the centuries-old battle between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes of Africa came to his school. Fueled by hatred, the Hutus forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a small room and used machetes to slash most of them to death. The unfortunate ones who survived were doused with gasoline and set on fire. After hiding under a heap of his smoldering classmates for more than eight hours, Gilbert heard a voice saying, "You will be all right; you will survive." He knew it was God speaking to him. Gilbert was the lone survivor of the attack at his school, and thanks his enduring faith in God for his survival. Today, Gilbert is a world-class athlete, running coach, and celebrity in his new hometown of Austin, Texas. The road to this point has been a tough one, but he uses his survival instincts to spur him on to the goal of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic summer games. This Voice in My Heart portrays not only the horrific event, but the transformative power of real forgiveness and the gift of faith in God. This riveting story will touch you from its first page and offer inspiration for years to come.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
68 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 25, 2013
It was disturbing to read about the atrocities this boy had to endure. It was unsettling that it was at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect him. The equivalent would be if you were being terrorized and threatened by people who had broken into your home, only to find that when the police showed up, they joined in with the housebreakers! I cannot imagine such a level of hate. I can't imagine any conditions under which I could enjoy watching people--even people I hated--die in such an agonizing way. Such inhumanity is incomprehensible. It was, ultimately, an uplifting testament to the endurance of the human spirit, and to a remarkable person.
June 6, 2008
The first hand account from Gilbert is priceless though incredibly painful to read.
He gives a perspective of hope and love of his country that is often forgotten when we read about or think about refugees out of Africa.
Gilbert alternates between fond memories of Burundi to the flames that engulfed his school and classmates.
Tears are to be expected with his story.
Once again this African author comes through with hope on the other side.
Definitely worth reading. Be prepared that his language may not be "up to snuff" for some - but also consider his limited experience with English - he's positively wonderful.
He gives a perspective of hope and love of his country that is often forgotten when we read about or think about refugees out of Africa.
Gilbert alternates between fond memories of Burundi to the flames that engulfed his school and classmates.
Tears are to be expected with his story.
Once again this African author comes through with hope on the other side.
Definitely worth reading. Be prepared that his language may not be "up to snuff" for some - but also consider his limited experience with English - he's positively wonderful.
May 5, 2016
Wow, this book was phenomenal!This Voice in My Heart is by far the best memoir I have ever read. I usually do not like reading memoirs but this, bygolly, the best. At the beginning of the memoir it started off really slow and was taking too long to get to the point. As I continued to read it, I began to get attached to it, it was difficult to put it down! Gilbert, the author, goes through many obstacles in his life but learns to overcome them. He is definitely a leader and I am glad he accomplished everything he did as he grew older. This Voice in My Heart taught me many great lessons. I recommend this book to everyone!
October 11, 2018
“When her tears flowed.. she saw in those gnarled and twisted folds of my flesh a physical manifestation of the evil humans are capable of. In those tears and in her tender ministrations, I saw all the good humans can do for one another.” P 222
This is the heart of Tuhabonye, and this is one of the most captivating stories I’ve ever read. This is the astonishing story of one human being who endured torture and devastation at the hands of Hutu rebels in his home country of Burundi. The tales of his young life removed from technology and modernity is fascinating, and his determination to receive higher education and accomplish so much as an athlete are inspiring. What this young man endured and how he overcame his anger and physical injuries boggled my mind. Seldom do I feel the deep sincerity, the lack of pretension that pervades these pages.
I loved this book on every level. I deeply admire this young man on every level.
This is the heart of Tuhabonye, and this is one of the most captivating stories I’ve ever read. This is the astonishing story of one human being who endured torture and devastation at the hands of Hutu rebels in his home country of Burundi. The tales of his young life removed from technology and modernity is fascinating, and his determination to receive higher education and accomplish so much as an athlete are inspiring. What this young man endured and how he overcame his anger and physical injuries boggled my mind. Seldom do I feel the deep sincerity, the lack of pretension that pervades these pages.
I loved this book on every level. I deeply admire this young man on every level.
March 4, 2020
Harrowing and inspiring story. Great read!
March 2, 2015
I'm not one much for God saved me narratives -- too often, other aspects of the story are brushed over. I'm a sucker for a good running memoir, though, and I was thrilled to find a book by a Burundian author.
Going into this book requires a bit of Burundi's history. It's a poor country -- one of the five poorest countries in the world if you consider purchasing parity power -- and that poverty has been exacerbated by years of war. Although there's peace there now, that peace is recent, and both countryside and people still bear scars.
In 1993, violence broke out across the country after the president -- a Hutu -- was assassinated (one rebellion in a long line of them in Burundi). Among the ensuing attacks (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/... or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxz9yE... for details on Ruyigi; what Maggy Barankitse has brought out of this is incredible) -- some against Hutus, some against Tutsis -- was the attack on the Tutsis at Lycee Kibimba, the school Tuhabonye attended.
Tuhabonye, a runner with hopes of attending university in the U.S. -- and further hopes of taking his running to the Olympics -- was the sole survivor.
It's an incredible story to read. It feels so impossible -- how can people do such things? -- that it must be fiction, but it's all there in the history books.
The memorial monument pictured in the book brought it home for me -- I saw that monument a year before reading the book. Even without that, though, Tuhabonye -- and ghostwriter Gary Brozek -- did a wonderful job of conveying both Tuhabonye's happiness growing up in rural Burundi and the horror that followed at the end of his schooling. Definitely one that will stay on my shelves.
Going into this book requires a bit of Burundi's history. It's a poor country -- one of the five poorest countries in the world if you consider purchasing parity power -- and that poverty has been exacerbated by years of war. Although there's peace there now, that peace is recent, and both countryside and people still bear scars.
In 1993, violence broke out across the country after the president -- a Hutu -- was assassinated (one rebellion in a long line of them in Burundi). Among the ensuing attacks (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/... or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxz9yE... for details on Ruyigi; what Maggy Barankitse has brought out of this is incredible) -- some against Hutus, some against Tutsis -- was the attack on the Tutsis at Lycee Kibimba, the school Tuhabonye attended.
Tuhabonye, a runner with hopes of attending university in the U.S. -- and further hopes of taking his running to the Olympics -- was the sole survivor.
It's an incredible story to read. It feels so impossible -- how can people do such things? -- that it must be fiction, but it's all there in the history books.
The memorial monument pictured in the book brought it home for me -- I saw that monument a year before reading the book. Even without that, though, Tuhabonye -- and ghostwriter Gary Brozek -- did a wonderful job of conveying both Tuhabonye's happiness growing up in rural Burundi and the horror that followed at the end of his schooling. Definitely one that will stay on my shelves.
August 23, 2011
The parts about him the day of the genocide were really good and kept me interested but as for everything else, it was boring and usless info just went on and on. I would never recament it. I had to read it for a summer project and when usually I fly through the books that even most people cant even look at I was pulling my own teeth in order to get through it. Also some parts were confusing. For example he would write something like "I was to Sam and then Martha came over so I said goodbye to fredrick." that isnt an exact sentance from the book but there were parts written very confusing like that.
July 16, 2012
I loved this book. Hearing how much joy Gilbert and his family found in eachother, in their hard work and what they produced, made me realize how much I take what I have for granted. It made me appreciate all of what I have grown up and also helped me to realized that you don't miss what you don't have. Here was a boy who was thrilled that he could run from one hill to another, sing out and be heard by someone on the next hill over. I can't imagine any child I know who would be happy to run around, shoeless, in the heat and with no electrical devices to keep them busy and be happy about it.
His joy permeated the pages.
His joy permeated the pages.
May 5, 2016
This book made me feel that u can become many obstacles. In the book there is many flashbacks about his burns. At first the story starts out slow but at the middle it gets so interesting I love how he explains his life and how he loves running and when he was getting better from the injures didn't bring him down he keep trying to recover himself from those injures. He then goes threw a lot but he keeps on going even when his father passed away. A lot of stuff happened in the hospital that well surprise you when they rape the girls and twist there legs so they wouldn't run away. And at the end there well be a big twist.
May 10, 2016
Good book! I love how the author tells his life story. I also like how there were pages in italic fonts, that tell what happens to Gilbert in the past, during his childhood. His life was inspiring to me because, he went through a struggle with genocide, the fire where he was the only one to survive and by having faith in God he achieved his life goals. This is an inspiring book to me because, i am a teenager and i play sports and his ambition and drive make me want to do the same and be better in my sport.
May 5, 2016
This voice in my Heart is a memoir of Gilbert a runner that had to overcome many obstacles to archive his goals. This is one of the best memoirs I have ever read and honestly I do not like memoirs or nonfiction books. The story of Gilbert for me is a very inspirational story of success and faith. People should never give up to archive their goals and dreams. At the beginning the book start so slow but as you get to the middle start to go fast and you can put the book down. I highly recommend to read this book you would like it.
March 19, 2014
Gilbert's personal sotry was horrific yet completely fascinating. I was continuously trying to put myself in his shoes and know that he is a special man to have survived such genocide and savagery. I always enjoy the opportunity to read books about other cultures and periods as it gives me such perspective that we are blessed to live in this country with the opportunities that it provides us. I am very much looking forward to hearing him speak at our Book Club. It will be very interesting!
May 5, 2016
This Voice in My Heart: A Runner's Memoir of Genocide, was a very inspirational book. I like how Gilbert was born into a lot of difficult situations but he didn't let those obstacles stop him in reaching his dreams. The fact that he came from a poor resources and ended up competing with some of the greatest. This motivates me to do better in everything I do, that's why I think it's a very inspirational book.
May 5, 2016
I loved this memoir! Gilbert is a true underdog. He was destined for failure but still kept his head up no matter what came between him and his goal. He is so strong, inside and out, heart and in soul. I truly learned a great deal from this memoir.
May 5, 2016
I believe this book is great. I feel like some parts of it connect to me. The way he has to compete and his life is a struggle. I can connect to that.
May 5, 2016
This book had some interesting parts. The words and the names were difficult to read and understand the meaning. I feel like many people connect to Gilbert and how he felt throughout the book.
June 16, 2019
This is the true story about the Author. Gilbert spent his first 18 years of life in Burundi. He grew up with a loving, Tutsi family and extended family, attended school, was a good student, and a champion runner.
All of that came to an end in 1993 when he was a high school junior. The Hutu president was overthrown and killed and the Hutu people living in Burundi revolted. They came after innocent Tutsi people and started killing them by the 1000s. Gilbert was at school during an attack and he was the only student from his school that survived. He had hidden under his burned classmates - was severely burned himself during the attack - but he managed to escape while all of his friends and fellow students perished.
Gilbert is hospitalized for 3 months and starts the road to healing both emotionally and physically. He finishes school and started to attend college, but goes after his goal of going to college in the United States and becoming a world recognized track star. He achieves his dream, and now lives in Austin Texas with his wife and children. He has long forgiven the people who wronged him and the Tutsi people, but he states he will never return to Burundi. He still fears for his life there - sure that the Hutu would come after him and kill him if he returned.
I liked this book. (which sounds weird considering the content). The writing was fantastic and the story so intriguing that I kept reading even when I should have long gone to bed. His book goes back and forth between his childhood and growing up in a Burundi that he loved and cherished, and the day of the attack. He states that even now, he still looks back on his life in Burundi before the attack with much fondness and he cherishes the good memories he had from there.
Gilbert's book was written in 2007 when he was training for the Olympics (I looked him up, but it looks like he didn't go), and had won several awards as a runner. He wrote this amazing book about his experience and continues to talk about his life in Burundi. He has co-founded a non-profit called The Gazelle Foundation to help improve the lives of the Burundi people.
His story is inspriational and tragic, and I am so glad I had a chance to read it. His quote "it is easy to light a fire and difficult to extinguish it" speaks to his perserverance despite everything he has been through.
All of that came to an end in 1993 when he was a high school junior. The Hutu president was overthrown and killed and the Hutu people living in Burundi revolted. They came after innocent Tutsi people and started killing them by the 1000s. Gilbert was at school during an attack and he was the only student from his school that survived. He had hidden under his burned classmates - was severely burned himself during the attack - but he managed to escape while all of his friends and fellow students perished.
Gilbert is hospitalized for 3 months and starts the road to healing both emotionally and physically. He finishes school and started to attend college, but goes after his goal of going to college in the United States and becoming a world recognized track star. He achieves his dream, and now lives in Austin Texas with his wife and children. He has long forgiven the people who wronged him and the Tutsi people, but he states he will never return to Burundi. He still fears for his life there - sure that the Hutu would come after him and kill him if he returned.
I liked this book. (which sounds weird considering the content). The writing was fantastic and the story so intriguing that I kept reading even when I should have long gone to bed. His book goes back and forth between his childhood and growing up in a Burundi that he loved and cherished, and the day of the attack. He states that even now, he still looks back on his life in Burundi before the attack with much fondness and he cherishes the good memories he had from there.
Gilbert's book was written in 2007 when he was training for the Olympics (I looked him up, but it looks like he didn't go), and had won several awards as a runner. He wrote this amazing book about his experience and continues to talk about his life in Burundi. He has co-founded a non-profit called The Gazelle Foundation to help improve the lives of the Burundi people.
His story is inspriational and tragic, and I am so glad I had a chance to read it. His quote "it is easy to light a fire and difficult to extinguish it" speaks to his perserverance despite everything he has been through.
June 20, 2023
In October 1993, athlete Gilbert Tuhabonye was a senior school student at a lycée in his native Burundi when there was an outbreak of ethnic violence. Hutus rose up against Tutsis, and Tuhabonye—a Tutsi—found himself at the receiving end of some of the most horrifically violent and brutal behaviour in recent years. In one night, Hutu rioters hacked, raped, and burnt alive many thousands of Tutsis… and by some miracle, Tuhabonye was one of those few who survived to tell the tale.
The Voice in My Heart, Tuhabonye’s autobiography, begins impactfully, with his memories of what was happening the night before the genocide occurred: how, with a crucial chemistry test coming up the next day, he was busy revising, focusing on his studies. Then, the first disturbing hints that something was wrong began to appear.
The next chapter moves back in time, to an almost idyllic space: Fuku Mountain, where Tuhabonye was born and grew up. He writes about his family, his carefree childhood, his early love for running.
Thus the chapters alternate. Each chapter about the day of the genocide, the horror of it building up, is softened by the succeeding chapter, about Tuhabonye’s progression from toddler to primary schooler and beyond. Along the way, we see the influences on his life, both in terms of his running career as well as his faith (Tuhabonye comes across as a very devout Christian), and overall in life too. Tuhabonye is frank, not afraid to talk of his own flaws and shortcomings, and the emotion that he puts into this book comes through very well. I could feel the helplessness, the terror and the desperation of that nightmare night; I could share in the relief of finally being out of danger, and rejoice at his return to the track. I felt so deeply for Tuhabonye by the time I was midway through the book (even earlier), I went online to see more about him.
This is an interesting book, as well as an informative one. The insight offered into life in Burundi in the 1990s is superb. The writing is fluid and easy to read, and Tuhabonye is an inspiration.
The Voice in My Heart, Tuhabonye’s autobiography, begins impactfully, with his memories of what was happening the night before the genocide occurred: how, with a crucial chemistry test coming up the next day, he was busy revising, focusing on his studies. Then, the first disturbing hints that something was wrong began to appear.
The next chapter moves back in time, to an almost idyllic space: Fuku Mountain, where Tuhabonye was born and grew up. He writes about his family, his carefree childhood, his early love for running.
Thus the chapters alternate. Each chapter about the day of the genocide, the horror of it building up, is softened by the succeeding chapter, about Tuhabonye’s progression from toddler to primary schooler and beyond. Along the way, we see the influences on his life, both in terms of his running career as well as his faith (Tuhabonye comes across as a very devout Christian), and overall in life too. Tuhabonye is frank, not afraid to talk of his own flaws and shortcomings, and the emotion that he puts into this book comes through very well. I could feel the helplessness, the terror and the desperation of that nightmare night; I could share in the relief of finally being out of danger, and rejoice at his return to the track. I felt so deeply for Tuhabonye by the time I was midway through the book (even earlier), I went online to see more about him.
This is an interesting book, as well as an informative one. The insight offered into life in Burundi in the 1990s is superb. The writing is fluid and easy to read, and Tuhabonye is an inspiration.
September 28, 2025
This was one of the reads I chose for my read the work series for Burundi. The other book was also about the Civil War that started in 1993 so I knew a little about what I was getting into with this read although I can't say I was totally prepared. It was very emotional but also one of the best reads I have had this year.
Gilbert Tuhabonye was in his last year in high school when the newly elected democratic president was assassinated. He was a Hutu, while Tuhabonye's family were Tutsi. While Burundi has seen decades of violence between the 2 ethnic groups, this civil war that would lead to the death of over 300,000. Tuhabonye was taken and attacked by his own classmates and was one of the only people to survive the attack at his school. This event and the months after are described at the end of each chapter that tells about Tuhabonye's life.
While Tuhabonye is a runner and started his own running club in Texas, this book isn't really about running but how running has changed his life in giving him opportunities to receive an education, travel, and eventually leave Burundi for the United States. His learned discipline helped him recover from a brutal attack and gave him to goal to not only walk again but to run.
This was no an easy book to read due to the violence that takes place with in it but does give us a glimpse into the childhood, family life, and eventual fleeing of the country in order to heal and find forgiveness of what his schoolmates and county did to him and his family. His story is worth taking the time to hear about, even if you don't think you could handle the full story in the book I would suggest at least listening to his Ted Talk or one of the many interviews he has given throughout the years.
Gilbert Tuhabonye was in his last year in high school when the newly elected democratic president was assassinated. He was a Hutu, while Tuhabonye's family were Tutsi. While Burundi has seen decades of violence between the 2 ethnic groups, this civil war that would lead to the death of over 300,000. Tuhabonye was taken and attacked by his own classmates and was one of the only people to survive the attack at his school. This event and the months after are described at the end of each chapter that tells about Tuhabonye's life.
While Tuhabonye is a runner and started his own running club in Texas, this book isn't really about running but how running has changed his life in giving him opportunities to receive an education, travel, and eventually leave Burundi for the United States. His learned discipline helped him recover from a brutal attack and gave him to goal to not only walk again but to run.
This was no an easy book to read due to the violence that takes place with in it but does give us a glimpse into the childhood, family life, and eventual fleeing of the country in order to heal and find forgiveness of what his schoolmates and county did to him and his family. His story is worth taking the time to hear about, even if you don't think you could handle the full story in the book I would suggest at least listening to his Ted Talk or one of the many interviews he has given throughout the years.
February 4, 2023
I’m embarrassed that I know so little about the African continent and the history of genocide in Burundi and Rwanda specifically. This tragic account of one child’s survival is interwoven with details of his upbringing, family, education, and development as an elite runner. It is a personal account and subsequently there are not many pages devoted to the specific political unrest of the region or underlying cultural conflict over time.
My only wish from this memoir is for more information about the political timeline after the attack - how was it uncovered? Did Gilbert have to testify or give an official account of the horrific event? What led up to the establishment of the memorial to the victims? Was there ever acknowledgement or apology from other Hutu leaders for this attack on innocent Tutsi children and their teachers? Understandably, that information may too broad to include in one man’s memoir about his personal trauma and survival…and the readers’ desire for resolution or peace simply points back to the horror and brokenness that Gilbert had to overcome…with God’s grace to uphold him.
My only wish from this memoir is for more information about the political timeline after the attack - how was it uncovered? Did Gilbert have to testify or give an official account of the horrific event? What led up to the establishment of the memorial to the victims? Was there ever acknowledgement or apology from other Hutu leaders for this attack on innocent Tutsi children and their teachers? Understandably, that information may too broad to include in one man’s memoir about his personal trauma and survival…and the readers’ desire for resolution or peace simply points back to the horror and brokenness that Gilbert had to overcome…with God’s grace to uphold him.
January 16, 2019
This is the first autobiography I’ve read, which makes it hard to evaluate. The book is the story of the life of Gilbert Tuhabonye, from the central African nation of Burundi, up to about 2005.
Like its neighbor Rwanda, Burundi has suffered from serious conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes for decades. The genocidal spasm that afflicted Rwanda was well known at the time, but Burundi has had its own troubles as well, and Tuhabonye was nearly killed in one in October, 1993.
Tuhabonye presents his life growing up on a farm in southern Burundi as idyllic, and given that he knew little of the world beyond his local community, that’s not a surprise. Sub-Saharan Africa is lush, so his immediate and extended families did well enough with their crops and cattle to do more than merely survive. However, Tuhabonye’s description of this life as he grows up and starts going to school goes on for chapters, and for me this portion of the book dragged. Even the stories about his discovery that he was an exceptional runner, and the awards and other benefits that brought him, became tiring, although running is what eventually brought him to the United States and his role, at least as of 2005, as a professional distance runner and running coach.
Tuhabonye and co-writer Gary Brozek skillfully weave the days of rage that led to Tuhabonye’s near death in between the other chapters. While that murderous time lasted just a few days for Tuhabonye, he and Brozek explain its background and share Tuhabonye’s confusion, tension, fear, and ultimate determination to live through many interludes between the descriptions of all the years leading up to them. The authors do not dwell on the horrific events that left Tuhabonye badly burned, but neither do they shy away from describing them. It’s truly remarkable that he was able to survive and recover as well as he did, given the limited care his burns and other injuries received.
The final two chapters and epilogue cover Tuhabonye’s recovery, return to running, acceptance to a number of U.S. colleges, and even his participation in various major track competitions in the U.S. and internationally. While he won many awards, he did not achieve his goal of competing in the 2004 Olympics. In a way, that’s a relief, keeping the book from becoming too much of an exercise in self-congratulation.
To be sure, Tuhabonye’s survival itself is amazing, to say nothing of his recovery to the point that he could compete at very high levels. Even more remarkable, perhaps, is his ability to accept and move on from the horrors he experienced, which included being the lone survivor of the brutality that took so many of his friends. His ability to forgive those who committed such despicable acts is a tribute to the power of his faith.
Overall, the book is well-written and easy to read. Unlike a memoir, This Voice offers no lessons Tuhabonye wishes the reader to learn, at least not directly. However, athletes, especially runners, those who enjoy autobiographies, and those who enjoy stories of faith triumphant will likely appreciate this book.
Like its neighbor Rwanda, Burundi has suffered from serious conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes for decades. The genocidal spasm that afflicted Rwanda was well known at the time, but Burundi has had its own troubles as well, and Tuhabonye was nearly killed in one in October, 1993.
Tuhabonye presents his life growing up on a farm in southern Burundi as idyllic, and given that he knew little of the world beyond his local community, that’s not a surprise. Sub-Saharan Africa is lush, so his immediate and extended families did well enough with their crops and cattle to do more than merely survive. However, Tuhabonye’s description of this life as he grows up and starts going to school goes on for chapters, and for me this portion of the book dragged. Even the stories about his discovery that he was an exceptional runner, and the awards and other benefits that brought him, became tiring, although running is what eventually brought him to the United States and his role, at least as of 2005, as a professional distance runner and running coach.
Tuhabonye and co-writer Gary Brozek skillfully weave the days of rage that led to Tuhabonye’s near death in between the other chapters. While that murderous time lasted just a few days for Tuhabonye, he and Brozek explain its background and share Tuhabonye’s confusion, tension, fear, and ultimate determination to live through many interludes between the descriptions of all the years leading up to them. The authors do not dwell on the horrific events that left Tuhabonye badly burned, but neither do they shy away from describing them. It’s truly remarkable that he was able to survive and recover as well as he did, given the limited care his burns and other injuries received.
The final two chapters and epilogue cover Tuhabonye’s recovery, return to running, acceptance to a number of U.S. colleges, and even his participation in various major track competitions in the U.S. and internationally. While he won many awards, he did not achieve his goal of competing in the 2004 Olympics. In a way, that’s a relief, keeping the book from becoming too much of an exercise in self-congratulation.
To be sure, Tuhabonye’s survival itself is amazing, to say nothing of his recovery to the point that he could compete at very high levels. Even more remarkable, perhaps, is his ability to accept and move on from the horrors he experienced, which included being the lone survivor of the brutality that took so many of his friends. His ability to forgive those who committed such despicable acts is a tribute to the power of his faith.
Overall, the book is well-written and easy to read. Unlike a memoir, This Voice offers no lessons Tuhabonye wishes the reader to learn, at least not directly. However, athletes, especially runners, those who enjoy autobiographies, and those who enjoy stories of faith triumphant will likely appreciate this book.
August 20, 2020
This Voice in My Heart: A Runner's Memoir of Genocide, Faith, and Forgiveness tells a story of surviving a genocide with a huge amount of guilt. The wings on his feet may be a gift to run from his past nightmares. This book is intensely redemptive as sufferings of Jesus remind this young man that he will survive. As God whispers to his heart, you are amazed that one so brutally hurt can say,"I am a very, very fortunate man to have lost and to have gained so much." After reading this book, you will have no doubt that forgiveness is divine and humanly impossible without the Spirit of God.
February 20, 2022
The quiet still voice that Gilbert hears throughout his turmoil during the genocide in Burundi gave him the hope, drive, and faith to survive the atrocity. One could ask why was he the sole survivor of the massacre near his secondary school? I believe that God used him and his life as a testimony to what He could do in the face of the worse possible scenario - He brought him out of that tragedy to bear witness to the massacre, to bear witness of His power and love, and to bear witness to the gifts that He placed in Gilbert. At times, I had to put the book down at times while reading because I was overwhelmed thinking of the horrors that one group of humans could inflict on another. The worse thing, we continue to do so.
July 14, 2023
What an amazing story. I learned so much from reading this book about Burundi, both good and bad things. It was nice to hear some of the good things about growing up there because all you usually hear are the bad things. My only complaint was that the story kept going back and forth between the day of the genocide and his life growing up. It was disorienting and I would forget where we were with the story of the genocide. I would also get very into the genocide story, just to have it stop and go back, which made his background story seem boring to me. It would have been much better if this book had been written with a snippet of the genocide in the beginning, then his full background story, then arriving at the day of the genocide.
June 15, 2017
[#76 Burundi] I'll be honest, I was not particularly thrilled about reading an athlete's memoirs, but it turned out differently than what I expected. There are two intertwined stories in this book: the first one being the tale of a happy childhood in rural Burundi, and the second one, the story of the attack on the Tutsis at Lycée Kibimba, the school the author attended. Such horrifying events are almost impossible to process because you don't want to believe humanity can be that cruel. I was blown away by the author's tenacity in the way he overcame so many obstacles and became an accomplished man and athlete.
September 19, 2021
Gilbert Tuhabonye is a SURVIVOR! His early life in Burundi was quite a bit different from my own. Conflict between his countrymen Hutus and Tutsi cause him to experience things no young man should ever have to even think about. He is the sole survivor when Hutus gather up students, pour gasoline on the building and kill all but Gilbert. It is through his belief in God, support of friends and strength of family he survived. A runner who eventually reaches his dream of college and running in the United States.
June 9, 2023
I read this book years ago but just now writing a review. Truly one of the most touching autobiographies I have ever read! The atrocities and attempt at genocide that occured in Rwanda were just unfathomable. I was fortunate enough to meet Gilbert Tuhabonye in Austin Texas where he resides. His running group, Gilbert's Gazelles, still exist and represent his determination. Everyone should read this book.
March 10, 2025
Quando a gente acha que já ouviu falar de todas as formas de violência que o ser humano é capaz de praticar, de repente a gente se depara com algo que ainda não tinha visto. Eu sabia sobre a guerra em Ruanda - vi o filme Hotel Ruanda, e tive pesadelos - mas não sabia que seu vizinho Burundi também tinha sido afetado. Fiquei horrorizada com a violência contra jovens, mulheres e crianças, em uma guerra étnica sem sentido. Não somos todos humanos? Admiro a coragem do autor de expor sua história, só posso desejar que isso nunca mais se repita.
July 24, 2017
July 2017 Book Club Selection.
Gilbert Tuhabonye survived a single, horrendous, pivotal event, and that shaped every decision in his life after that point.
This book tells the beautiful story of his upbringing in rural Burundi, while intertwining the events of that horrible day. Then, it goes on to show his survival, his progress and his forgiveness.
Gilbert Tuhabonye survived a single, horrendous, pivotal event, and that shaped every decision in his life after that point.
This book tells the beautiful story of his upbringing in rural Burundi, while intertwining the events of that horrible day. Then, it goes on to show his survival, his progress and his forgiveness.
July 27, 2017
This memoir is from a man who has lived many experiences. He is a gifted student and runner -- Olympic grade running! However, he comes from war-torn Burundi where he barely escaped death. He details his experiences in detail. It's hard to believe someone could go through so much and still create a rewarding life for himself and his family.
A very good and interesting read!
A very good and interesting read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews