Rebecca Deng was born into the Dinka tribe of South Sudan, but when the Second Sudanese Civil War broke out, her life was changed forever. For eight years, she lived as a refugee in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya. She became an orphan and faced so many challenges, but her circumstances began to brighten when she was accepted into the Lost Boys and Girls Program and sent to live with a loving family in Michigan, where she received a great education.

Rebecca chronicles her story in her wonderful memoir, entitled What They Meant for Evil: How a Lost Girl of Sudan Found Healing, Peace, and Purpose in the Midst of Suffering. Deng’s story of surviving and thriving is so important; I wish everyone would read this book! I loved learning about the traditions in Deng’s culture. I also loved reading about Deng’s life, her experiences in motherhood, and how she met her husband. Deng shows how valuable a good education can be. Furthermore, she shows how resilient the human spirit can be, and how strength and perseverance can be borne from pain and trauma. What They Meant for Evil is a touching, heartfelt, and moving memoir.