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Walk Toward the Rising Sun: From Child Soldier to Ambassador of Peace
The autobiography of a young Sudanese boy who went from a child soldier to an international peace activist, a struggling refugee to a Hollywood actor
Sudan, 1980s: Ger Duany knew what he wanted out of life--make his family proud, play with his brothers and sisters, maybe get an education like his brother Oder suggested, and become a soldier for his people when he's old enough. But then his village was attacked by the North Sudanese military, death kept taking his loved ones away, and being a child soldier was not what he thought it would be. Amid heartbreak, death, and violence, can this lost boy find his way to safety?
America, 1990s: After boarding a flight without his family to seek refuge in a foreign country, Ger worked tirelessly to adjust to a new life. It wasn't long before he was thrown into the spotlight, as people discovered his talents for basketball, modeling, and acting. Yet the spotlight wasn't the only thing following him, as he battled the effects of PTSD, resisted the siren call of the excesses of fame, and endured a new kind of racism in America. Amid fame, trauma, and the memory of home, can this lost boy find himself?
Sudan, 1980s: Ger Duany knew what he wanted out of life--make his family proud, play with his brothers and sisters, maybe get an education like his brother Oder suggested, and become a soldier for his people when he's old enough. But then his village was attacked by the North Sudanese military, death kept taking his loved ones away, and being a child soldier was not what he thought it would be. Amid heartbreak, death, and violence, can this lost boy find his way to safety?
America, 1990s: After boarding a flight without his family to seek refuge in a foreign country, Ger worked tirelessly to adjust to a new life. It wasn't long before he was thrown into the spotlight, as people discovered his talents for basketball, modeling, and acting. Yet the spotlight wasn't the only thing following him, as he battled the effects of PTSD, resisted the siren call of the excesses of fame, and endured a new kind of racism in America. Amid fame, trauma, and the memory of home, can this lost boy find himself?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2020
12 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 16, 2020
Walk Toward the Rising Sun is a breathtaking, raw, beautifully written memoir about a Sudanese boy whose life, and entire childhood, are completely upended when the civil war breaks out. He experiences losses and extraordinary trauma as he witnesses war ravaging his communities, people turning on each other, dear family members and friends getting killed or turning their allegiances to the oppressors. But all through that, Duany remains determined to make a better life for himself, and keeps the words of a lost family member in his mind constantly as his inspiration to keep going. Eventually, he makes it to the United States and we see how he makes a new life for himself, while remaining deeply and inextricably connected to his family and his homeland.
There is enough nuance and to poetic prose to keep older readers challenged and engaged, but Duany also has a way of organizing the chapters and even the paragraphs and phrases that makes it easy to follow, do some deeper analysis, and connect with both the details and the broader themes of the memoir.
I think Ger Duany did an absolutely remarkable job with this memoir. He makes the story of an inconceivably difficult and traumatic series of events accessible to younger readers who need to learn about these histories. I hope libraries and schools truly all over the world will make this powerful story accessible to children. It will stick with me for a long time and provided me with a framework to learn more about this history.
There is enough nuance and to poetic prose to keep older readers challenged and engaged, but Duany also has a way of organizing the chapters and even the paragraphs and phrases that makes it easy to follow, do some deeper analysis, and connect with both the details and the broader themes of the memoir.
I think Ger Duany did an absolutely remarkable job with this memoir. He makes the story of an inconceivably difficult and traumatic series of events accessible to younger readers who need to learn about these histories. I hope libraries and schools truly all over the world will make this powerful story accessible to children. It will stick with me for a long time and provided me with a framework to learn more about this history.
March 13, 2022
It’s a beautiful story but I didn’t like the writing style much
August 23, 2020
Actor, international model and UNHCR ambassador and Sudanese refugee, Ger Duany’s memoir is filled with contrasts. He begins his story by recounting watching his uncle undergo ritual scarification in his small village in southern Sudan. Family is important to him and, since his father has several wives, he has a great many half brothers and sisters and it seems like everyone is somehow related. His father is a soldier allied with one of the factions in the war and is only occasionally around. His family spends time in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. Eventually he is sponsored to seek asylum in the United States.
Suddenly, he is trying to carve out a new life in Des Moines, Iowa. The culture shock is immense. Ger visits a store and marvels at the meat department, wondering why someone would slaughter so many of their cows at one time? His reflections about this time are very revealing about the nuances of race in America. He spends some of his time trying to fit in with his African-American peers, who don’t actually have a high opinion of him. Being an adolescent in the United States is completely different than in Sudan where he had a high degree of freedom. Having to follow rules and school bell schedules chafe.
It is no wonder that he wanders a bit aimlessly for several years, pursuing his love of basketball and falling into acting and then modeling, eventually becoming extremely successful.
His style of storytelling is detached. You sometimes feel like he’s describing the event as if he’s watching it from the outside. This is not a bad thing and some of the events that happen to him are so raw, the loss of beloved younger siblings for instance, that you wonder how he managed to get through it.
This memoir compares well with Ishmael Beah’s “Long Way Gone” and Waris Dirie’s “Desert Flower” and is told with a great deal of heart.
Suddenly, he is trying to carve out a new life in Des Moines, Iowa. The culture shock is immense. Ger visits a store and marvels at the meat department, wondering why someone would slaughter so many of their cows at one time? His reflections about this time are very revealing about the nuances of race in America. He spends some of his time trying to fit in with his African-American peers, who don’t actually have a high opinion of him. Being an adolescent in the United States is completely different than in Sudan where he had a high degree of freedom. Having to follow rules and school bell schedules chafe.
It is no wonder that he wanders a bit aimlessly for several years, pursuing his love of basketball and falling into acting and then modeling, eventually becoming extremely successful.
His style of storytelling is detached. You sometimes feel like he’s describing the event as if he’s watching it from the outside. This is not a bad thing and some of the events that happen to him are so raw, the loss of beloved younger siblings for instance, that you wonder how he managed to get through it.
This memoir compares well with Ishmael Beah’s “Long Way Gone” and Waris Dirie’s “Desert Flower” and is told with a great deal of heart.
February 22, 2021
I would give this autobiography or memoir a 3.5. This fascinating and inspiring story of a boy soldier whose initial dreams for the future were changed when civil war came to Sudan in the 1980s shows that it is possible to survive against great odds. Ger Duany endured many losses as his family had to leave their homes in order to avoid attacks from the Sudanese military. He and various members of the family moved more than one time, and violence and uncertainty were always nearby. Although he hoped that becoming a soldier like his older brother Oder might be the right path, he was quickly disavowed of that notion and sickened by the violence and death he witnessed. Eventually, he was able to flee his country, leaving his family behind at sixteen, only to settle in Des Moines, Iowa, of all places. Experiencing much culture shock such as the escalator, food, and a hot shower whose heat he wasn't able to regulate and chafing under adult supervision after being on his own for so long, Duany eventually settles in, playing basketball, acting, and becoming a model. Although life is good in many respects, he is lost in other ways and desperate for reconnections with his family back home. Eventually, he travels back to the Sudan where political strife continues, reunites with the remaining members of his family, and becomes a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. There were times where I became confused about Duany's whereabout and his mindset, and I could have used more details about his transition into life in the Western world and how he healed from his emotional wounds, but still, his story is compelling and well worth a read.
August 2, 2021
Walk Toward the sun is a moving memoir of family life, death, turmoil, survival, and a map to light for others still fighting to get out of the war-torn areas of Sudan. Mr. Duany writes with heart, truth, and honor. This story deserves to be read by every child who thinks they have a rough life.
I have So many thoughts, concerns, wishes, and tears for this young man, his family, and others looking for light as they fight for their lives. The memoir is full of details, stories, experience, tough choices, hardships, sacrifices, and it beautifully written without gore. Thank you for providing this ray of light.
I have So many thoughts, concerns, wishes, and tears for this young man, his family, and others looking for light as they fight for their lives. The memoir is full of details, stories, experience, tough choices, hardships, sacrifices, and it beautifully written without gore. Thank you for providing this ray of light.
May 30, 2024
4.5* rounded up
A lot of this felt aching familiar as Lopez's story in Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games. The lack of help the boys received once they arrived in the US - and sent to places like Des Moines or Sioux Falls - not only climates that would be extremely foreign but also places where pre-civil rights racism never really went away. There were also some difference - Lopez had to run away from militants and that's how he came into the refugee camp, whereas Ger fled with his family and wasn't kidnapped by militants. Both scary, just different journeys to arriving at the same place.
His writing style isn't for everyone, so I can see how that could bother some people. But the part that bothered me was when he talked about "The Good Lie". While I feel like films like that are important, it really bothered me that they went to some refugee camps to film it. It feels very exploitive and just cruel. I would hope that they brought plenty of food, medical supplies, and other items for donations while doing that, but even still it seems very problematic to traipse in there with all the crew and make up and hair and wardrobe and whoever else and film a hollywood movie amid people who have been displaced from their homes for years, maybe decades, and then just up and leave while the refugees are stuck there. I found it odd that while they did cast multiple people that had survived atrocities and lived in these camps for years, then did something as out of touch as filming there. Maybe Ger isn't able to say his true feelings about it, or maybe I have a misunderstanding somewhere, but it really threw me off that no one seemed to think it was even mildly inappropriate. It's not a reflection of the author by any means, if anything it highlighted how pervasive western culture is and will exploit those it claims to care about.
FREE SUDAN.
A lot of this felt aching familiar as Lopez's story in Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games. The lack of help the boys received once they arrived in the US - and sent to places like Des Moines or Sioux Falls - not only climates that would be extremely foreign but also places where pre-civil rights racism never really went away. There were also some difference - Lopez had to run away from militants and that's how he came into the refugee camp, whereas Ger fled with his family and wasn't kidnapped by militants. Both scary, just different journeys to arriving at the same place.
His writing style isn't for everyone, so I can see how that could bother some people. But the part that bothered me was when he talked about "The Good Lie". While I feel like films like that are important, it really bothered me that they went to some refugee camps to film it. It feels very exploitive and just cruel. I would hope that they brought plenty of food, medical supplies, and other items for donations while doing that, but even still it seems very problematic to traipse in there with all the crew and make up and hair and wardrobe and whoever else and film a hollywood movie amid people who have been displaced from their homes for years, maybe decades, and then just up and leave while the refugees are stuck there. I found it odd that while they did cast multiple people that had survived atrocities and lived in these camps for years, then did something as out of touch as filming there. Maybe Ger isn't able to say his true feelings about it, or maybe I have a misunderstanding somewhere, but it really threw me off that no one seemed to think it was even mildly inappropriate. It's not a reflection of the author by any means, if anything it highlighted how pervasive western culture is and will exploit those it claims to care about.
FREE SUDAN.
April 17, 2021
Before he was known as a Hollywood actor, fashion model, or United Nations ambassador, Ger Duany was a child whose life was ripped apart by the Sudanese military. His dreams of growing up with his siblings and getting an education were now replaced with being trained, against his will, as a child soldier. This book grabs the reader’s attention from the first few pages as a six-year-old Ger witnesses his uncle undergo an initiation process that involves receiving six clean slices cut across his forehead. This ceremony shows his uncle’s devotion to family and the intensity of Ger’s story is just beginning from here. The format of the book is written in a combination of descriptive paragraphs along with comments from Ger, family members, friends, and others he came in contact with over the course of his transition from a six-year-old boy to his conversations with his mother about his father’s imprisonment. This is an inspirational story about tragedy and accomplishments and I am sure many young people will be riveted by Ger’s story.
There is some additional information in the book including a map of the Sudan area, Ger’s family tree, and a few stark illustrations that provide some guidance in the story.
This book is perfect for middle to high school-aged kids. After reading this story, I am sure many kids will enjoy researching further information on Ger’s work with the United Nations, his Ted Talks, and his many activism projects.
There is some additional information in the book including a map of the Sudan area, Ger’s family tree, and a few stark illustrations that provide some guidance in the story.
This book is perfect for middle to high school-aged kids. After reading this story, I am sure many kids will enjoy researching further information on Ger’s work with the United Nations, his Ted Talks, and his many activism projects.
December 23, 2020
Duany looks back at his crazy life, from village life as a herder, killing his first antelope with a spear at age 6, then getting caught up in Sudan's civil war and become a child soldier before escaping at age 14 to become a refugee in America.
From his adult self he looks back and sees the trouble he had adjusting to life in America, trying on different ways of living while balancing PTSD from the fighting, a desire for education, and a mix between his youth but the forced maturity from all he went through. He had to learn to control his temper and temper his skills at violence. And when some acting chances catapulted him into the world of high-end modeling his life took another strange twist. Eventually he was able to return to Sudan and reconnect with his family and realize that he wanted to make a difference to kids like he had been.
A few times I felt like a chapter fell out -- he'd skip from one situation to another and leave me wondering how he made the decisions that moved him from one place to another. The way his family negotiates family and relationships is very different from the way my family works, so I had to concentrate to see what was going on. As he said, his nature and his culture discourage dwelling on negative feelings, so sometimes I wanted to learn more about how he felt.
From his adult self he looks back and sees the trouble he had adjusting to life in America, trying on different ways of living while balancing PTSD from the fighting, a desire for education, and a mix between his youth but the forced maturity from all he went through. He had to learn to control his temper and temper his skills at violence. And when some acting chances catapulted him into the world of high-end modeling his life took another strange twist. Eventually he was able to return to Sudan and reconnect with his family and realize that he wanted to make a difference to kids like he had been.
A few times I felt like a chapter fell out -- he'd skip from one situation to another and leave me wondering how he made the decisions that moved him from one place to another. The way his family negotiates family and relationships is very different from the way my family works, so I had to concentrate to see what was going on. As he said, his nature and his culture discourage dwelling on negative feelings, so sometimes I wanted to learn more about how he felt.
April 25, 2024
Walk Towards the Rising Sun Will Inspire You to Het Your Soul-work Done!
Despite the tragedy of many deaths around him, Ger Duany didn't squander the life and opportunities he was given. Recognizing the chance to live with his uncle Wal and aunt Julia, he embraced a positive outlook on his life circumstances. With unwavering determination, he held onto his vision, never forgetting the hardships his family endured and the potential dangers he faced. His awareness propelled him to seize every opportunity, remaining vigilant and awake.
Ger's story stands as a testament to his resilience. Despite enduring pain and often walking alone, he transformed his suffering into strength, sharing his experiences with the world and advocating for others.
As Bob Marley said, “Rastafari I is a seed planted in the heart. Only you can redeem yourself.” Ger Duany exemplifies this sentiment through his journey. His words of wisdom to his son and all who listen reflect his life's journey, filled with suffering, hard work, hope, positive thinking, faith, good luck, and success, all blended into a life that continues to positively impact humanity.
Despite the tragedy of many deaths around him, Ger Duany didn't squander the life and opportunities he was given. Recognizing the chance to live with his uncle Wal and aunt Julia, he embraced a positive outlook on his life circumstances. With unwavering determination, he held onto his vision, never forgetting the hardships his family endured and the potential dangers he faced. His awareness propelled him to seize every opportunity, remaining vigilant and awake.
Ger's story stands as a testament to his resilience. Despite enduring pain and often walking alone, he transformed his suffering into strength, sharing his experiences with the world and advocating for others.
As Bob Marley said, “Rastafari I is a seed planted in the heart. Only you can redeem yourself.” Ger Duany exemplifies this sentiment through his journey. His words of wisdom to his son and all who listen reflect his life's journey, filled with suffering, hard work, hope, positive thinking, faith, good luck, and success, all blended into a life that continues to positively impact humanity.
January 24, 2023
My Quick Thoughts: A compelling, breathtaking, and a splendidly written memoir. Heartbreak and hope share its pages as readers journey along with Duany from his first antelope kill in the wild to being caught in the civil war and becoming a child soldier; and finally escaping the horrors of war to try to make a life for himself, and to use the opportunities he got to the best he could.
When I first read this book last December for the Cybils, I was equally fascinated and horrified, inspired and heartbroken about the struggles Duany (and others like him) faced; not only in war-zones but also in the concrete jungles of America where he finally found himself.
Duany overcame many struggles and challenges to get to where he is today; and his life’s story is one to remember when we next feel like we are facing unsurmountable obstacles.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley and my personal copy
When I first read this book last December for the Cybils, I was equally fascinated and horrified, inspired and heartbroken about the struggles Duany (and others like him) faced; not only in war-zones but also in the concrete jungles of America where he finally found himself.
Duany overcame many struggles and challenges to get to where he is today; and his life’s story is one to remember when we next feel like we are facing unsurmountable obstacles.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley and my personal copy
March 11, 2021
This book is an amazing story about a child soldier's escape from Africa to the United States. Ger Duany's stories are captivating and exhilarating and I never once got bored while reading this book. What I really enjoyed about this book is that I felt as if I was a part of it, and I could feel what Ger was feeling whether it was excitement, anger, or sadness. I really connected to the characters in the book, and on pg. 270 I got goosebumps when I realized the story had gone full circle and Ger had become his younger brothers hero, just as his older brother Oder had been to him. The things Ger endured throughout the story were unlike anything I have ever experienced, and I learned what it could be like for child soldiers and life in refugee camps. The ending to the book is satisfying, and left me feeling inspired. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to read it.
November 18, 2023
What an important read! This will teach readers so much about the history of Sudan, humanity, and the life of refugees. I learned so much from reading it. What a remarkable story. The only downfall was that the writing was a bit simple, which might be ideal for young readers, but which was difficult for me to get into. The story itself was compelling, but the short sentences provided an almost choppy writing style of which I could only read a little bit of at a time.
However, this book is so important. I would recommend everyone read it, and I especially think it would be really great for grades 8-12 curriculum.
However, this book is so important. I would recommend everyone read it, and I especially think it would be really great for grades 8-12 curriculum.
August 23, 2020
I regularly read memoirs, especially those that show a perspective that is different from my own. This book would fit well into a unit about refugee experiences, or just world experiences. It took me a bit to get into the narrative style but it's a read that draws you in. I have read a number of books that offer a personal story from an African nation and they're all equally heartbreaking.
This would be engaging for young adult readers and I'll keep it in mind when we explore adding new books.
This would be engaging for young adult readers and I'll keep it in mind when we explore adding new books.
May 26, 2020
It’s hard to explain to middle and high schoolers what war and being a refugee may be like. Mr. Duany describes it from a child’s point of view and gives the audience a deeper understanding of war and survival. I would recommend reading it with Refugees/Gratz, Call Me American/Iftin, or A Long Way Gone/Beah Definitely for mature students and with guidance, recommended 12+.
#WalkTowardtheRisingSun #NetGalley
#WalkTowardtheRisingSun #NetGalley
December 9, 2020
Compelling, heartbreaking, and an almost unbelievable story of strength and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. How this young boy/man managed to avoid death is incredible. The will to survive demonstrated by so many of these 'lost boys' is more than inspiring. Many of them made their way to Nashville, and became part of this diverse community. Truly someone who has experienced the horror of war is best prepared to convince the world that peace is the answer.
October 18, 2021
I even started a second listen in case I might have missed a bit of 'the greatness' on my first time through - it's good, but not quiet great. You would likely have to be researching "life-affirming stories from African boys who make good after really shitty lives" to get the full impact of this story's greatness. As it is you are contemplating a listen to a good story of facing life's problems and overcoming the bad bits
April 4, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story about a man who grew up in Sudan and later became an advocate for his country of origin. It's a valuable account that aids in understanding the challenges faced by many refugees. Duany takes advantage of the many opportunities offered him and learns what is important to him.
January 16, 2025
An incredible non-fiction book of a man's journey from a child soldier in the Sudanese Civil War to an ambassador of peace. Easily read yet profoundly moving, this book will highlight Mr.Duany's struggles with life and death, war and peace, failure and success, and poverty and riches.
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
October 17, 2020
This was an amazing tale of a refugee’s life. It highlights the struggles, the determination, and hope that I’m sure all refugees experience just to make a better life. Well written and I’m excited to get the book in the hands of my students!
June 29, 2023
An incredible book from a member of the Sudanese diaspora. The humility and self awareness of this person’s story, and their choice to make a positive difference through their trauma. Going into my classroom library so that my kids may experience this vision of the world.
November 7, 2020
Such a powerful story
November 19, 2020
A reverence-invoking read.
March 3, 2021
The book was a good story, definitely inspirational for growth and humility, but the writing itself didn't engage me
September 4, 2022
A wonderful memoir for middle schoolers and high schoolers! Grown-ups too! I could not put this book down!
June 26, 2024
You can tell the author is inexperienced but in some way that adds to the story. Otherwise it’s an interesting story to it’s a very unique perspective
November 13, 2025
this is an incredible book from a super eye opening perspective, it was really moving
October 25, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. I loved A Long Walk to Water and enjoyed What is the What which are both about the lost boys of Sudan and their journeys to America, but this book just didn't flow well for me, It was a very slow read.
July 30, 2021
Fascinating, horrifying, encouraging, and educational. I want to learn more about the Lost Boys of Sudan. This is an almost unbelievable story of war and courage. Hope and determination.
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