I have to admit, like other fellow classmates, I was not really aware of the war during that time--I was only 10. However, reading about it from the first perspective of someone there really did shed light on the severity of the whole situation. Riverbend was 24 at this time, talking about how she carries a switch blade as her weapon of choice--as if that is normal (which she makes clear that at that time it really was).
What surprised me aside from the horror of how many public figure deaths, raids, and shootings there were, was how intelligent she seemed. Her vocabulary was better than that of many 24 year olds I have met, from any country for that matter. I was very impressed by her knowledge of what was going on around her. She seemed very proactive. As she said, "You have to be alert and ready for anything every moment". She doesn't seem like the type to just "let" things happen; she wants to know how things are happening, why, and what can be done about them (as she offers a lot of her own opinions on governmental issues).
I cannot imagine what it must be like to wake up every night to sounds of shootings and bombings on a regular basis; it definitely gives me a different perspective.
I was also shocked to read about the way the government was being set up, with 9 months of 9 different presidential leaders. I cannot imagine living in a country of that much instability at that time. It made me appreciate what I do have here in the US, despite many flaws.
I agree, it definitely makes you appreciate how privileged we are to live in countries with more stable governments and we do not have to think about how war affects our lives on a daily basis. Riverbend is certainly an extremely strong woman and proactive as you say. It is incredible that she is able to go on with her life with such determination and share her experiences with others to raise awareness.
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