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Now is the Time for Running
Deo is a great footballer, a fierce protector of his older brother, Innocent. His brother is easily nervous, easily happy but good at keeping score on the dusty fields of Zimbabwe where the boys play.
Then Mugabe's soldiers come, destroying the only home the boys have known. Now, Deo has nothing but his brother, and a football stuffed with billions of worthless dollars. And so starts their journey to find their father. But with soldiers everywhere, they have only one chance to cross the border, one chance to escape.
In face of such a challenge, it is Deo's brotherly love that endures, his belief that he will lead them both to safety. Micheal Williams's is a masterful storyteller who pulls you along the journey of a lifetime. Deo and Innocent's journey is a universal story of hope in the face of despair, and the search for a better life.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
136 people are currently reading
2137 people want to read
About the author
Michael Williams
23 books52 followersMichael Williams is a writer of plays, musicals, operas, and novels and the Managing Director of Cape Town Opera in South Africa. He began writing "radio plays" while studying at University of Cape Town and had his first novel published when he was twenty-five years old. He has written operas for young people based on African mythology as well as the libretti for symphonic operas that have premiered around the world. Michael is the author of several books, including the highly praised young adult novel Crocodile Burning. He finds writing fiction to be the perfect antidote to the drama of keeping an opera company alive in Africa.
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August 10, 2022~ Read for school 📚🖊 ~
Now is The Time for Running is about Deo, a teenage boy living in Zimbabwe. It is set during a time when there is great corruption in the Zimbabwean government, as well as shocking inflation. The book is about Deo and his brother Innocent's journey to South Africa after a tragedy befalls their rural village.
I must admit, this book definitely had the feel of assigned reading. The way there are many plot holes left open so the reader can interpret what happens, the way the characters are so very flat and how the story focuses mainly on the issues it's portraying really makes it seem like a 'school' book. Though this isn't the worst book I've read for school, it also wasn't the most interesting and I definitely didn't enjoy the millions of comprehensions and activities we had to do while we were reading it.
However, I am glad this book was written because the issues discussed are so very real and relevant. I haven't previously read a book about xenophobia or the problems in Zimbabwe, so it was very interesting & enlightening to read about them in here. I applaud the author for bringing them to light and making the struggles of so many people known.
Then again, there are many issues. Though exciting, the plot is very loose, leaving a lot of plot holes open. The writing was one of the dullest I've ever read, using the simplest sentences possible. And the characters were so irritatingly flat. The entire book, Deo was only about protecting Innocent and at some points that felt like his singular character trait. Which was VERY annoying.
Overall, however, not the worst setwork book I've ever read. It does highlight some very important issues, though it can be boring at times. Wouldn't really recommend it but I preferred this to some of the other books I've had to read for school in the past.
And now I can't WAIT to write an essay on this *sigh* 🙈🙈😭😭
Now is The Time for Running is about Deo, a teenage boy living in Zimbabwe. It is set during a time when there is great corruption in the Zimbabwean government, as well as shocking inflation. The book is about Deo and his brother Innocent's journey to South Africa after a tragedy befalls their rural village.
I must admit, this book definitely had the feel of assigned reading. The way there are many plot holes left open so the reader can interpret what happens, the way the characters are so very flat and how the story focuses mainly on the issues it's portraying really makes it seem like a 'school' book. Though this isn't the worst book I've read for school, it also wasn't the most interesting and I definitely didn't enjoy the millions of comprehensions and activities we had to do while we were reading it.
However, I am glad this book was written because the issues discussed are so very real and relevant. I haven't previously read a book about xenophobia or the problems in Zimbabwe, so it was very interesting & enlightening to read about them in here. I applaud the author for bringing them to light and making the struggles of so many people known.
Then again, there are many issues. Though exciting, the plot is very loose, leaving a lot of plot holes open. The writing was one of the dullest I've ever read, using the simplest sentences possible. And the characters were so irritatingly flat. The entire book, Deo was only about protecting Innocent and at some points that felt like his singular character trait. Which was VERY annoying.
Overall, however, not the worst setwork book I've ever read. It does highlight some very important issues, though it can be boring at times. Wouldn't really recommend it but I preferred this to some of the other books I've had to read for school in the past.
And now I can't WAIT to write an essay on this *sigh* 🙈🙈😭😭
April 13, 2013
Words cannot express how I feel about this book. This book attacks your emotions as well as your well-being. It literally hurt to read, yet changed my perspective on the African War history.
Now is the Time for Running is a sobering story full of dramatic emotions left and right. This inspiring story, written by Michael Williams, really captures the true nature of cultural differences, war, and prejudices. The main character Deo endures hardships like no other. The entire village of Gutu, including his mother and grandfather, were shot before his very eyes due to war destruction. Deo learns quickly that he and his surviving, older brother, Innocent, must escape and find a safe place to live. Their travels lead them to South Africa, a world much unknown to them. They become hated, poor, hungry, and escape death many times. The author does an amazing job of defining the characters, allowing one to feel they are living the life Deo lives. Deo realizes that soccer is his safe haven and only secure thing in his life other than his brother Innocent. The hardships these boys endure, slowly kills their spirits and eventually brings Deo downhill to the lowest of the low. Eventually because of an amazing chance his soccer skills have given him, he learns the true meaning of pride and learns to value others as a whole instead of segregation. It could be used in a classroom for a much older audience to teach many things such as: hope, survival, history, cultural differences, racism, and love. It would be a very controversial book, but if approached correctly, it would come across as a very moving and educational story.
Now is the Time for Running is a sobering story full of dramatic emotions left and right. This inspiring story, written by Michael Williams, really captures the true nature of cultural differences, war, and prejudices. The main character Deo endures hardships like no other. The entire village of Gutu, including his mother and grandfather, were shot before his very eyes due to war destruction. Deo learns quickly that he and his surviving, older brother, Innocent, must escape and find a safe place to live. Their travels lead them to South Africa, a world much unknown to them. They become hated, poor, hungry, and escape death many times. The author does an amazing job of defining the characters, allowing one to feel they are living the life Deo lives. Deo realizes that soccer is his safe haven and only secure thing in his life other than his brother Innocent. The hardships these boys endure, slowly kills their spirits and eventually brings Deo downhill to the lowest of the low. Eventually because of an amazing chance his soccer skills have given him, he learns the true meaning of pride and learns to value others as a whole instead of segregation. It could be used in a classroom for a much older audience to teach many things such as: hope, survival, history, cultural differences, racism, and love. It would be a very controversial book, but if approached correctly, it would come across as a very moving and educational story.
September 13, 2022
اولش که شروع به خوندن این کتاب کردم فکر نمیکردم چیز خاصی داشته باشه برام و منتظر یه داستان کلیشهای و ساده بودم؛ اما به ۶۰-۵۰ صفحه آخر که رسیدم کتاب از دستم نمیافتاد.
نمیخوام بگم کتاب معرکهای بود و مثلش دیگه هیچ جای دنیا پیدا نمیشه اما حداقل برای من کتاب تاثیرگذاری بود.
توی "حالا وقت دویدن است" داستان زندگی پسری اهل زیمبابوه روایت میشه که به همراه برادرش مجبور به مهاجرت غیرمنتظرهای به آفریقای جنوبی میشن. در ادامهٔ داستان با نژادپرستی مردم آفریقای جنوبی و در پی اون سختیهایی که برای این دو برادر به وجود میاد روبرو میشیم.
قسمت "یادداشت نویسنده" که در آخر کتاب وجود داشت هم جالب بود و نشون میداد که چرا و چطور نوشتن چنین داستانی برای نویسنده مهم بوده.
نمیخوام بگم کتاب معرکهای بود و مثلش دیگه هیچ جای دنیا پیدا نمیشه اما حداقل برای من کتاب تاثیرگذاری بود.
توی "حالا وقت دویدن است" داستان زندگی پسری اهل زیمبابوه روایت میشه که به همراه برادرش مجبور به مهاجرت غیرمنتظرهای به آفریقای جنوبی میشن. در ادامهٔ داستان با نژادپرستی مردم آفریقای جنوبی و در پی اون سختیهایی که برای این دو برادر به وجود میاد روبرو میشیم.
قسمت "یادداشت نویسنده" که در آخر کتاب وجود داشت هم جالب بود و نشون میداد که چرا و چطور نوشتن چنین داستانی برای نویسنده مهم بوده.
June 24, 2022
انتخابای وحید نمازی برای ترجمه رو دوست دارم.
December 30, 2011
Reviewed at:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
Summary: In a dusty field in the province of Mosvingo in Zimbabwe, Deo plays soccer with his friends will his older brother Innocent watches. Then the soldiers show up and Deo and Innocent's world is turned upside down. They are now on the run, refugees from their own village, and must find a way to survive. As Deo works to protect his mentally challenged older brother while still making hard decisions, there are struggles at every turn. And during this time in Africa, refugees are not accepted with open arms. As Deo and Innocent find themselves in Johannesberg, South Africa, they find that the place that they thought would save them is the toughest place they've been yet.
What I Think: This is a book like Patricia McCormick's Sold where you hope it is taking place in the past, but cannot hide from yourself the fact that it is taking place in the present. The horrors that are told in this story are beyond recognition of those of us living in America. Deo and Innocent's struggles are more than just being hungry, they are the fear of being killed. Xenophobia is the fear and hatred of people who come from another country. In May of 2008, xenophobic attacks happened in the Alexandra township of South Africa and these attacks were just one example of the prejudice and violence that refugees in South Africa were experiencing.
This story deals with this hatred and horror; however, it also deals with how one person and one opportunity can change everything. How a sport can bring together people at even the worse times. This story has many underlying elements which layer perfectly into a heart wrenching tale. This one will not be leaving me for a while. It is a true survival story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and with tears in your eyes.
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
Summary: In a dusty field in the province of Mosvingo in Zimbabwe, Deo plays soccer with his friends will his older brother Innocent watches. Then the soldiers show up and Deo and Innocent's world is turned upside down. They are now on the run, refugees from their own village, and must find a way to survive. As Deo works to protect his mentally challenged older brother while still making hard decisions, there are struggles at every turn. And during this time in Africa, refugees are not accepted with open arms. As Deo and Innocent find themselves in Johannesberg, South Africa, they find that the place that they thought would save them is the toughest place they've been yet.
What I Think: This is a book like Patricia McCormick's Sold where you hope it is taking place in the past, but cannot hide from yourself the fact that it is taking place in the present. The horrors that are told in this story are beyond recognition of those of us living in America. Deo and Innocent's struggles are more than just being hungry, they are the fear of being killed. Xenophobia is the fear and hatred of people who come from another country. In May of 2008, xenophobic attacks happened in the Alexandra township of South Africa and these attacks were just one example of the prejudice and violence that refugees in South Africa were experiencing.
This story deals with this hatred and horror; however, it also deals with how one person and one opportunity can change everything. How a sport can bring together people at even the worse times. This story has many underlying elements which layer perfectly into a heart wrenching tale. This one will not be leaving me for a while. It is a true survival story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and with tears in your eyes.
January 3, 2012
Realistic fiction, immigration, global, soccer, survival, xenophobic, South Africa
Based on true events that occurred in 2008 this gripping novel will keep you awake till you finish it. This was another 2 hour book that I couldn't put down. Definitely one of the best books I read in 2011.
One day some soldiers enter Deo's village in Zimbabwe and murder almost everyone. He escapes with his older brother to a neighboring village where a policeman helps them escape to South Africa where there is more opportunities and safety. Thus begins their long journey of illegally entering this country where kwerkwere (foreigners) are not wanted because they take jobs away from the South Africans for less wages.
Growing up in Arizona I was reminded much as I read this novel of how immigrants are sometimes treated and thought of here in the US. My emotions moved from absolute disgust, pain, hurt to joy and peace.
Many middle or high school language arts lessons could be taught from this novel such as: characters (p. 77 Mai Maria), description (p. 105 moving across the park), similes (everywhere in the book: p. 47 and more) , sentence fluency (p. 158 short brief sentences with longer), repeating line "operation..." (p. 101, p. 102, etc), metaphor in a name (Innocent) and much more.
This would make a great touchstone text.
EVERYONE should read this novel.
Based on true events that occurred in 2008 this gripping novel will keep you awake till you finish it. This was another 2 hour book that I couldn't put down. Definitely one of the best books I read in 2011.
One day some soldiers enter Deo's village in Zimbabwe and murder almost everyone. He escapes with his older brother to a neighboring village where a policeman helps them escape to South Africa where there is more opportunities and safety. Thus begins their long journey of illegally entering this country where kwerkwere (foreigners) are not wanted because they take jobs away from the South Africans for less wages.
Growing up in Arizona I was reminded much as I read this novel of how immigrants are sometimes treated and thought of here in the US. My emotions moved from absolute disgust, pain, hurt to joy and peace.
Many middle or high school language arts lessons could be taught from this novel such as: characters (p. 77 Mai Maria), description (p. 105 moving across the park), similes (everywhere in the book: p. 47 and more) , sentence fluency (p. 158 short brief sentences with longer), repeating line "operation..." (p. 101, p. 102, etc), metaphor in a name (Innocent) and much more.
This would make a great touchstone text.
EVERYONE should read this novel.
February 22, 2016
This is a gripping story of what happens when a government and its leaders get out of hand. Fifteen-year-old Deo and his older brother Innocent flee their village in the Zimbabwe countryside when government soldiers kill everyone, including their mother and grandfather. They carry only a soccer ball filled with money and a box filled with Innocent's treasured items. Their journey takes them across a river, through a game preserve, and into the populous city of Johannesburg as they flee into South Africa. My heart pounded rapidly as I felt myself running with the two brothers and hoping for a hopeful ending to their tale. Although the ending is perhaps too good to be true, the author has written an honest story certain to shed light on this moment in time and what it takes to survive.
September 4, 2022
نمیدونم چرا این کتاب اونطوری که باید دیده نشده. الان جوری شده که فلان نشر کتاب جدید چاپ میکنه، همزمان میده دست همهی بوکبلاگرا و در عرض چند روز اون کتاب ترند میشه، مهم هم نیست که خوبه یا بد. خیلی از کتابهای قدیمی مثل این کتاب هستن که ارزش دیده شدن داشتن ولی فرصتش رو نه. با این کتاب اشک ریختم و لبخند زدم. رفت یه گوشه قلبم.
June 27, 2020
I read the author's Diamond Boy first, and this book doesn't have quite the same power, although the events are just as dramatic and painful. Deo is a 15-year-old boy suddenly left to take care of his older brother with special needs after a traumatic event in their home village. They go on the run and become refugees, caught up in many violent and distressing situations.
January 4, 2024
4.5⭐️ En gripande historia om Deo och Innocent
March 9, 2015
At the beginning of the story, Deo, a fourteen-year-old Zimbabwean boy, has not seen much of the world. He plays soccer with his friends. He keeps an eye on his very special older brother Innocent, a sweet but damaged young man who suffered a brain injury at birth. Innocent is one of the most irresistible characters I’ve ever come across. Deo is understandably dedicated to him. The relationship between the brothers is the jewel at the center of this plot.
When political violence takes the adults from their lives and drives them from their village, Deo has courage, but no worldly wisdom or experience. He does his best, but his naivety leads him into mistakes. The boys’ journey for refuge in South Africa is an adventure, but also a tragedy. Like many desperate border crossers around the world, the brothers risk their lives to reach the other side—where they hoped to be free and safe—only to find that it can be dangerous and hostile.
Like the companion book Diamond Boy, this story doesn’t make a superhuman hero of a teenaged boy, but tells his story in real terms. Deo can’t do it all himself. His only real skill is playing soccer and his only sense of purpose, his devotion to his brother. Holding trauma and despair under his surface so he can survive and take care of Innocent, he needs help from adults who care.
I don’t usually finish a book in a few days, and I usually don’t finish a book written in the present tense, period. But I flew through this one. The present tense vanished into the flow of the story, and only became awkward once or twice that I noticed. I can’t say that it enhanced anything, but it didn’t distract me the way it normally does. This is a moving book, authentic and powerful. The narration is straightforward and simple, a boy’s voice. Though they are the same age, Deo is more of a child is some ways than Patson, the narrator of Diamond Boy, who is a secondary character in this book. It’s more clearly Young Adult in style than Diamond Boy, but like that book, it’s not light reading in any way. Mature, thoughtful teens will appreciate it, and so will their parents.
When political violence takes the adults from their lives and drives them from their village, Deo has courage, but no worldly wisdom or experience. He does his best, but his naivety leads him into mistakes. The boys’ journey for refuge in South Africa is an adventure, but also a tragedy. Like many desperate border crossers around the world, the brothers risk their lives to reach the other side—where they hoped to be free and safe—only to find that it can be dangerous and hostile.
Like the companion book Diamond Boy, this story doesn’t make a superhuman hero of a teenaged boy, but tells his story in real terms. Deo can’t do it all himself. His only real skill is playing soccer and his only sense of purpose, his devotion to his brother. Holding trauma and despair under his surface so he can survive and take care of Innocent, he needs help from adults who care.
I don’t usually finish a book in a few days, and I usually don’t finish a book written in the present tense, period. But I flew through this one. The present tense vanished into the flow of the story, and only became awkward once or twice that I noticed. I can’t say that it enhanced anything, but it didn’t distract me the way it normally does. This is a moving book, authentic and powerful. The narration is straightforward and simple, a boy’s voice. Though they are the same age, Deo is more of a child is some ways than Patson, the narrator of Diamond Boy, who is a secondary character in this book. It’s more clearly Young Adult in style than Diamond Boy, but like that book, it’s not light reading in any way. Mature, thoughtful teens will appreciate it, and so will their parents.
February 26, 2012
This book is not for the faint of heart.
It is an intense story about two brothers, Deo, who is 15, and Innocent, his older disabled brother, running for their lives in modern war-torn Zimbabwe. The entire village, including their Mom and Grandfather, were killed by the army. Deo and Innocent narrowly escaped. All they have left is each other, Deo’s love of soccer, and Deo’s handmade soccer ball, stuffed with money his Mother had hidden in their hut. They escape to another village where a family friend lives. It’s not safe to be there either, so he tells Deo to go see a woman who can get them to South Africa. Deo spends all of his money on a risky passage to South Africa, where he hopes his brother and he will be safe. They are not welcomed in South Africa because the people there are struggling and they don’t want refugee’s taking their jobs and food. They go from dangerous town to dangerous town looking for a safe place. When violence takes the life of his older brother, Deo is defeated. He turns to drugs, and it looks like there is no hope for him. His love of soccer ends up being his salvation and readers will be rooting him on all the way to the last page.
To find out what happens to Deo, read the gut-wrenching and violent, yet heart-warming and inspirational book Now Is the Time For Running by Michael Williams.
Genre: Survival Fiction
Series: This book is not part of a series.
A/R Reading level: 4.3
Interest level: Grades 7-12
It is an intense story about two brothers, Deo, who is 15, and Innocent, his older disabled brother, running for their lives in modern war-torn Zimbabwe. The entire village, including their Mom and Grandfather, were killed by the army. Deo and Innocent narrowly escaped. All they have left is each other, Deo’s love of soccer, and Deo’s handmade soccer ball, stuffed with money his Mother had hidden in their hut. They escape to another village where a family friend lives. It’s not safe to be there either, so he tells Deo to go see a woman who can get them to South Africa. Deo spends all of his money on a risky passage to South Africa, where he hopes his brother and he will be safe. They are not welcomed in South Africa because the people there are struggling and they don’t want refugee’s taking their jobs and food. They go from dangerous town to dangerous town looking for a safe place. When violence takes the life of his older brother, Deo is defeated. He turns to drugs, and it looks like there is no hope for him. His love of soccer ends up being his salvation and readers will be rooting him on all the way to the last page.
To find out what happens to Deo, read the gut-wrenching and violent, yet heart-warming and inspirational book Now Is the Time For Running by Michael Williams.
Genre: Survival Fiction
Series: This book is not part of a series.
A/R Reading level: 4.3
Interest level: Grades 7-12
March 26, 2015
I haven't cried this much since Fault In Our Stars. What happens is all the more horrible knowing it is based on true stories. This is a book all teens will devour. It has action, survival, sports, and family. It could easily be paired with Of Mice and Men. The author's writing style reminded me a lot of Neal Shusterman. He uses figurative language and rhythm in such a way as to make the reader feel the emotional punch. I will need a lot of time to recover from this book.
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August 31, 2021*N.B. A few reflections from the perspective of a trainee teacher*
Hits the mark in respect to cultural analysis and personal growth models of teaching English, but its references to the 2010 World Cup date it, and I wonder about the message that privileging a white author who is writing about black lives sends if including it on a KS3 curriculum.
Hits the mark in respect to cultural analysis and personal growth models of teaching English, but its references to the 2010 World Cup date it, and I wonder about the message that privileging a white author who is writing about black lives sends if including it on a KS3 curriculum.
February 21, 2011
Powerful, gripping story of persecution and survival set in contemporary Zimbabwe.
June 4, 2024
This is a very bad book and I get to read it three times this year. #teaching shite
See you next year x
See you next year x
October 8, 2017
I read this for my grad school Culture in the Classroom class.
It was okay. I've read much better novels processing the refugee experience, even novels meant for younger readers.
It was okay. I've read much better novels processing the refugee experience, even novels meant for younger readers.
May 20, 2022
aww i loved this book sm
October 5, 2020
This is the 2nd book I have decided to read as a companion book with my daughter, as part of her year 8 curriculum.
Enjoyable and eye-opening tale of the protagonists woes as an economic migrant from Zimbabwe, to greener pastures in South Africa.
Enjoyable and eye-opening tale of the protagonists woes as an economic migrant from Zimbabwe, to greener pastures in South Africa.
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May 12, 2022The ending was so sweet :) Deo deserves the whole entire world.
June 18, 2017
Wow…I mistakenly judged this book by its cover and thought it would be just about soccer; however this book was so much more. With reference but not overkill to soccer as a refuge and a hidden talent and joy amidst the chaos of his world you do appreciate the role soccer plays in Deo’s life. Just by carrying this book around the school I had three interested readers (girls and boys) ask about and want to read it and I honestly can’t wait to booktalk this one up to someone, anyone who wants an amazing story of an innocent group of scared people questioning their safety and lives. The drama starts quick and fast with soldiers entering a village seeking retribution for the Musvingo Province of Zimbabwe for reporting unfavorable voting results..The outrage you feel living in a democratic society where you can vote for who you want with no consequences (except in some cases the voting outcome..but moving on) when these people are punished; punished for simply voting against the President. We then meet our main characters in the brothers Deo and Innocent who after seeing the soldiers take off running and the action never stops. From the violence and terror they face on the streets of Zimbabwe; their journey to South Africa and all their trials and tribulations you are drawn into their story and make decisions and feel with them. For example, I am not sure if I would have had the courage to leave the tomato farm after all I had been through but to go on to have soccer be a salvation to the hellish life imposed on them was refreshing and uplifting. I have to say for the unpredictability, the sheer reading joy and the way it has shaken and awakened me to the examples of genocide and xenophobia in their extremes all over the world I will have to support this being a five star rating for sure..it was just as good as the previous book Never Fall Down however I fell in love with the characters of Innocent and his gentle genius ways and of course the real and quick thinking Deo combined for a rare treat I can see men and women, boys and girls enjoying..Highly recommended
December 16, 2022
بعضی وقت ها آرزوی داشتن یه چیز، بهتر از داشتنشه.
February 5, 2012
Several times in his journey away from the soldiers who slaughtered everyone, including his mother and grandfather, in his home village of Bikita in Zimbabwe, 15-year-old Deo must run for his life. As if that isn't difficult enough, he must also bear the burden of an older brother whose developmental age presents the challenge of a much younger one instead. From station to station along a perilous trip to city and border with South Africa to cross a river and brave lions and hyenas only to work as indentured servants before seeking out the city and huddling there with other refugees, making themselves targets yet again unwittingly just by being immigrants. The relationship between Deo and his brother Innocent is endearing, and the plight of the boys is difficult to read. An exposure to life outside the U.S. like this can really be eye-opening to those of us who have so much.
Even more than I liked this book for myself, I see its potential to reach teen readers who may rarely be excited to dig into a book. It would be a nice fit for English Language Learners, particularly since it deals with refugees and their tribulations. It also features big-time soccer action, especially in its last third. Lovers and players of the game are bound to enjoy it.
Even more than I liked this book for myself, I see its potential to reach teen readers who may rarely be excited to dig into a book. It would be a nice fit for English Language Learners, particularly since it deals with refugees and their tribulations. It also features big-time soccer action, especially in its last third. Lovers and players of the game are bound to enjoy it.
June 21, 2013
Deo is tough. He cares for his older brother with the patience and love of a mother, he has grown up in poverty pursuing his dream using a rolled up pile of garbage as a soccorball. He is not a stranger to living life the hard way. But when his hard but peaceful life is shattered in minutes and all he is left with is his older brother is he tough enough? A long harrowing journey brings him to a place to pursue his dream but first he must heal and learn what it is to be a member of a team, a member of the world.
This was a riveting story that touches upon a seldom discussed topic that should be known. I took a risk reading this because I am not a fan of male main characters but I was able to connect with Deo's fears and dreams. However, what really earned this book a four was that unlike most books that describe serious topics it does not leave you in tears or having haunting nightmares for a week but leaves you with hope, an uplifting hope that isn't about soccer as much as it is about triumphing over the challenges in life and accepting people not as Americans or Chinese or South Africans but as citizens of the world a lesson that would have done the South Africans a lot of good if they had all learned it before this violence occurred.
This was a riveting story that touches upon a seldom discussed topic that should be known. I took a risk reading this because I am not a fan of male main characters but I was able to connect with Deo's fears and dreams. However, what really earned this book a four was that unlike most books that describe serious topics it does not leave you in tears or having haunting nightmares for a week but leaves you with hope, an uplifting hope that isn't about soccer as much as it is about triumphing over the challenges in life and accepting people not as Americans or Chinese or South Africans but as citizens of the world a lesson that would have done the South Africans a lot of good if they had all learned it before this violence occurred.
November 12, 2014
I read this book for school and I ended up really liking the book. This book really made me think about how easy we have it in America, because these kids had to go through so much to get to safety. They had everything taken away from them and every time they tried starting a new life it was taken from them. This book had the perfect combination of drama, action, suspense, and brotherhood. I would definitely recommend this book and this author.
July 10, 2016
Deeply moving tale of a boy who loses his entire family in Zimbabwe and flees to South Africa. Intertwined with his love of soccer, which actually saves his life, Deo travels many miles physically and emotionally in order to discover who he truly is. Appropriately watered down at times in consideration of the audience, but still conveys the violence and tragedy of lost children and their families.
January 26, 2017
Book Plug:
I read now is the time for running. The main characters are Deo and his brother Innocent. The setting is this book is different countries of Africa. When soldiers come to Deo and his brother's village, both of them must leave the village. They must run because their lives depend on it. They must run away from all they know into dangers facing them along the way. If you liked the book Golden Boy, then you would like this book.
I read now is the time for running. The main characters are Deo and his brother Innocent. The setting is this book is different countries of Africa. When soldiers come to Deo and his brother's village, both of them must leave the village. They must run because their lives depend on it. They must run away from all they know into dangers facing them along the way. If you liked the book Golden Boy, then you would like this book.
June 25, 2019
This book is so hard to sum up because I read it at least two years ago and it is still fresh in my mind. I was working in a middle school at the time and thinking about the life the young men in the book had been living compared to the moaners and groaners in my classes. I also thought about things that get me down and how that compared...there was no comparison. Although I was a bag of mixed emotions throughout the book, I really did like this story.
June 9, 2024
The book tells the story of a young Zimbabwean boy named, Deo and his brother, Innocent, who escape their village after they are attacked. It is a touching story of their struggles to come to South Africa and a message of perseverance and hope in times of trouble. Very moving, the book tells a story that reflects with the horrible situations in which refugees find themselves in and the bonds of brotherhood in which hope for tomorrow matters.
The author does an amazing job with all of the character development, specifically Deo and Innocent. The development of Deo as a frightened boy into a determined young man is truly inspiring. I quite like the aspect of Innocent, and other characters like him, bringing a sad point of view to the story with his unbiased view of the world and consistent love for his brother. Their characters they meet across their journey are also well written, every one contributing significantly to the plot.
The recurring themes of hope and resilience are beautifully shown throughout the story. Despite the numerous obstacles and moments of despair, the brothers' constant determination to find a better life is motivating. Their journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance and the capacity to endure and overcome.
The reason why I did not give this book 5 stars is the pacing. Some of the narrative was a bit slow, particularly through the middle sections, which overall slows down the story. It also finishes with great impact, but feels a bit too sudden, like a few aspects have not been closed. The ending would have been more complete if it ended just little bit later, with a more concrete conclusion.
"Now is the Time for Running" is a powerful novel that raises awareness on important social issues through a personal and touching story. The author's ability to create realistic characters and demonstrate deep emotions makes this book a worthwhile read. Apart from small pacing issues, it is a story of survival, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate realistic narratives with strong character development.
The author does an amazing job with all of the character development, specifically Deo and Innocent. The development of Deo as a frightened boy into a determined young man is truly inspiring. I quite like the aspect of Innocent, and other characters like him, bringing a sad point of view to the story with his unbiased view of the world and consistent love for his brother. Their characters they meet across their journey are also well written, every one contributing significantly to the plot.
The recurring themes of hope and resilience are beautifully shown throughout the story. Despite the numerous obstacles and moments of despair, the brothers' constant determination to find a better life is motivating. Their journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance and the capacity to endure and overcome.
The reason why I did not give this book 5 stars is the pacing. Some of the narrative was a bit slow, particularly through the middle sections, which overall slows down the story. It also finishes with great impact, but feels a bit too sudden, like a few aspects have not been closed. The ending would have been more complete if it ended just little bit later, with a more concrete conclusion.
"Now is the Time for Running" is a powerful novel that raises awareness on important social issues through a personal and touching story. The author's ability to create realistic characters and demonstrate deep emotions makes this book a worthwhile read. Apart from small pacing issues, it is a story of survival, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate realistic narratives with strong character development.
March 5, 2019
It’s amazing how sheltered I am. I remember reading The Kite Runner years ago and being shocked how little I knew about that conflict. And I know next to nothing about the conflicts in Africa. Michael Williams’ YA novel Now is the Time For Running doesn’t spend too much time talking about the politics of the conflict, but readers will soon understand the chaos and devastation it causes.
Fifteen-year-old Deo lives with his amai (mother), grandfather (Grandpa Longdrop), and older brother, Innocent. Innocent is 25, but he is ‘different’. His impairment is never specified, but it hardly matters. Deo looks out for his big brother.
Deo lives in Gutu, Zimbabwe. He spends his spare time playing soccer with a ball his grandfather made for him.
It is no proper soccer ball. It is a pouch of cow-leather patches sewn together with twine, stuffed with tightly rolled plastic.
It’s clear that circumstances are dire for Deo and his family. When soldiers roll into their village and demand that the villagers bring them their food, Deo thinks “Does he not know we have nothing, that there is no food here?”
The situation between Deo’s village and these soldiers soon escalates and Deo and Innocent suddenly find themselves running for their lives.
Now is the Time for Running follows Deo and Innocent as they try to make their way to the relative safety of South Africa, where they think their father is currently living and working. It is a perilous journey and it is difficult to know who to trust. Deo is an engaging and sympathetic narrator and you will want to know that he and Innocent arrive safely, but safety is a rare commodity.
I was wholly invested in Deo and whipped through this book in record time. It would certainly appeal to anyone looking for a fast-paced story about survival, students who like soccer and anyone interested in social justice.
Fifteen-year-old Deo lives with his amai (mother), grandfather (Grandpa Longdrop), and older brother, Innocent. Innocent is 25, but he is ‘different’. His impairment is never specified, but it hardly matters. Deo looks out for his big brother.
Deo lives in Gutu, Zimbabwe. He spends his spare time playing soccer with a ball his grandfather made for him.
It is no proper soccer ball. It is a pouch of cow-leather patches sewn together with twine, stuffed with tightly rolled plastic.
It’s clear that circumstances are dire for Deo and his family. When soldiers roll into their village and demand that the villagers bring them their food, Deo thinks “Does he not know we have nothing, that there is no food here?”
The situation between Deo’s village and these soldiers soon escalates and Deo and Innocent suddenly find themselves running for their lives.
Now is the Time for Running follows Deo and Innocent as they try to make their way to the relative safety of South Africa, where they think their father is currently living and working. It is a perilous journey and it is difficult to know who to trust. Deo is an engaging and sympathetic narrator and you will want to know that he and Innocent arrive safely, but safety is a rare commodity.
I was wholly invested in Deo and whipped through this book in record time. It would certainly appeal to anyone looking for a fast-paced story about survival, students who like soccer and anyone interested in social justice.
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