Through Some Miracle Not Yet Clear to Me: The Nightmare of Living Under the Dictatorship of Idi Amin...and Surviving Paperback – August 30, 2010

You know how sometimes a book will so interesting that you read it too fast and miss some things. That is the way this book was for me. I started reading the same day I received it. I could not put it down. It was so compelling that I finished it the same night. The book is well written and the stories - the true stories are both frightening and fascinating. There were many times I had to ask myself if I could have survived in Vincent's world. The book helped me better understand and appreciate life in Uganda and the amazing people there. Without being preachy, I found that I had been taught many great lessons through his experiences. I want my children and family to read this book. I will be reading it again myself - slower. I highly recommend it.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. As I was reading I felt as if the author was telling a story. I could almost envision his voice speaking to me. It was interesting to learn about his experiences growing up and the small things that happened along the way that lead him to the peaceful life he is living now. This book compelled me to learn more about the country and the dictatorship they were forced to live under. I highly recommend this book to young adults as well as adults. The events in this book certainly reminded me of the freedom I am blessed with and the many luxuries this country has to offer.

I knew Vincent in college and was surprised by many of the stories. Yes, I knew that his father had died, but not that he had been murdered by people working for the Idi Amid regime. Yes, I knew that life was hard, but didn't know that every Ugandan had to suspect even close friends of turning them in if their own lives were threatened.Vincent shares quite a few interesting experiences in this book - being part of a crowd that was gunned down by Idi Amid soliders, working early mornings in the fields to grow food before going to school, and miraculously being spared from being taken away with other boys his age to a squad of soliders forcing prior captives to randomly identify people to carry away/kill.Mixed into his story are all of the miraculous events that occured along the way - spotting the Italian Embassy on the way home from doing laundry at the hotel and where that led him, opportunities his hard working mother prayed for that led Vincent out of his country village and to the United States, and being spared after collapsing on a street in Rome after a long journey.We all have a life story, but not sure if it compares to the experiences Vincent shared in his book.Take the time to read this book (a two hour read) and you'll gain a greater understanding of what was happening in Uganda in the 1960s and 70s, how opportunities and faith are still alive even under a dictatorship, and an immense sense of gratitude for freedom and personal miracles.

This book is a delightful narrative of an Uganda country boy's journey in the nightmare of the reign of Idi Amin. Its simple style is by no means simplistic. It is both entertaining and informative, and pulls the reader into the story wondering with each chapter what miracle will extract Vincent from the horrors of 1970s Uganda. A story of uncomplicated faith, love of family, and the sheer determination of a mother, this book is a must-read in counterbalance to "Seven Days in Entrebbe" and "The Last King of Scotland."

The opportunity to experience both the personal and political journey the book offers, is one no one should miss. Mr Musaalo's poignant and personal recollections inspire and promote the best in human nature. Complimenting his experiences are historical data and references that bring the story of the Ugandan people into a realm of understanding that no text book alone could offer.The principles of integrity, empathy and forgiveness take on a light of hope that will inspire and enrich your life. This is definitely a "must read".

We found this book to be extremely informative. We knew a little about Uganda and the terrible oppression they had but this book expanded our understanding. The authors personal stories are simply incredible. He overcome amazing challenges to create a better life for him and his family. I have spent time sharing these stories with my children and would highly recommend this book to anyone.

This was a very good book. I could'nt put it down. I don't know how the author survived his ordeal.

What a story! I got one for myself and then bought another for my parents who in turn shared it with a friend in Canada. Everyone should read it.