“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
My love of books began at a young age. Books have a way of making you experience the world in a fresh new light. Of course, the best of them make you feel a palpable mix of emotions. And then there are those rare, exceptional books that you can’t stop thinking about, long after you’ve read the last page. Mark Sullivan’s latest historical fiction, All the Glimmering Stars, is nothing short of book nirvana. He takes readers on a journey full of human suffering but inextricably woven with a firm hope and belief in the overall goodness and power that comes from being a “good human.”
Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori are optimistic, young teens trying to navigate life in Uganda during the turbulent ‘90s. Both are taken and forced into combat by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), led by the maniacal African warlord, Joseph Kony.
Anthony escapes multiple near-death experiences (even a trip to the morgue) to become the radio operator for some of the senior members of the LRA and eventually Kony himself. His hope for survival rests on his ability to communicate on behalf of corrupt leaders and his gift to navigate via the stars.
Florence was one of the brightest students in her school. She had big dreams of becoming a nurse. In the LRA, she assists the medical team and perpetually hopes she can one day return to her former life. Both Florence and Anthony desperately hold on to the lessons they learned from their parents about being a good human.
At the lowest point of these young protagonists’ lives, a chance meeting pulls them into the same proximity. The true story of their lives is miraculous. It will stun you—and leave you believing in the power of being a “good human.” A glimmering five star read from this book-loving soul.