What is the What by Dave Eggers

New York Times Bestseller — Some books ask you to bear witness. This is one of them.

Based on the extraordinary true life of Valentino Achak Deng, this sweeping, deeply human novel follows a young boy forced to flee his village in Sudan at just seven years old. Along with thousands of other children — the so-called Lost Boys — Valentino treks hundreds of miles on foot across the deserts of three countries, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, searching for something as simple and profound as safety.

When he eventually finds his way to the United States, the journey doesn’t end — it transforms. A new country brings new promise, new heartache, and a whole new set of challenges that are no less urgent than the ones left behind.

What makes this book linger long after you’ve closed the cover is its remarkable range. It is moving and suspenseful, yes — but also unexpectedly funny, and fiercely alive. It illuminates the lives of millions through the story of one extraordinary man.

The praise speaks for itself:

• “A testament to the triumph of hope over experience, human resilience over tragedy and disaster.” — Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
• “An absolute classic… compelling, important, and vital to the understanding of the politics and emotional consequences of oppression.” — People

This is the kind of book we press into hands here at the shop without a second thought. A story that deserves to be read, passed along, and remembered.

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