What Is the What
by Dave Eggers
538 pages· 2007· ISBN 9780676979497
About
What Is the What is the story of Valentino Achak Deng, a refugee in war-ravaged southern Sudan who flees from his village in the mid-1980s and becomes one of the so-called Lost Boys. Valentino’s travels bring him in contact with enemy soldiers, with liberation rebels, with hyenas and lions, with disease and starvation, and with deadly murahaleen (militias on horseback)–the same sort who currently terrorize Darfur. Eventually Deng is resettled in the United States with almost 4000 other young Sudanese men, and a very different struggle begins. Based closely on true experiences, What Is the What is heartbreaking and arresting, filled with adventure, suspense, tragedy, and, finally, triumph.
Discuss What Is the What with other readers
Join or start a book club for What Is the What on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for What Is the What?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with What Is the What as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss What Is the What with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about What Is the What with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.