Hope Runs: An American Tourist, a Kenyan Boy, a Journey of Redemption Hardcover – April 15, 2014

Hope Runs is an autobiographical story told by American tourist named Claire and a Kenyan boy named Samuel, telling each of their sides of how they met, grew together, and created a brand new life for both of them. Claire came to Kenya after traveling much around the world, only planning to stay for a short while. She came to the small town in Kenya, looking for a somewhat sense of purpose; little did she know how coming to the orphanage that Sam was living would help her discover that. Once visiting Imani Orphanage, she knew she was brought there for a reason. She stayed there with her friend Lara for a year, helping them out and creating a non-profit organization called “Hope Runs,” dedicated for the children who needed some type of extracurricular, as well as money to be donated to them. Seeing this town opens Claire’s eyes in way unimaginable. It gave her insight to how people just like you are living in places halfway around the world.Claire really brings into her own hands caring for the poor and these hopeless children. The children that are seen in this book are abandoned and do not have much. They are staying in a home for children and don't even have proper shoes to do the running for the "Hope Runs" program that Claire instituted. They treated these people as if they were the richest that one can be, which is what they are in their hearts. As well, the inhabitants at the Imani orphanage had each other. When Claire came, it brought an even greater unity between the children, families, and community. Sam became part of her family, literally, becoming to even live with her, giving him a life he could’ve only imagined just a little while before. Going into reading this book, I didn’t really know what to expect. I read the Amazon summary on it and deemed it a good selection to read, but I never thought that this novel would be as emotionally awing as it is. This page-turning story left me wanting to dig deeper into the story and lives of Claire and Sam. It put me into perspective that I am so blessed as a human, a child of God to be where I am today, living a happy, healthy life in a first world country – with a roof over my head and food on my plate. Some people are abandoned as Sam had been, left with nothing and with no answers to his questions of why. Small things are so important and taken as such important acts of kindness. You never know who is out there suffering and just needs a little push along to motivate them and make their day or even their life. Claire came to visit the orphanage and that brought her to love the place as a whole and all of the children in it, not pitying them but accepting them for who they are – which is type of people this generation is lacking. She dedicated her life from that point on to make sure that these people are loved, cared for, and able to live as much of a life as she has and that they deserve.

This story is told in two voices, alternating between Claire and Samuel. Claire was an American tourist, ending a year long travel with her best friend, Lara and their last stop was to be Kenya where they were going to end their voyage by climbing Mount Kenya. They were told about a place they could stay the night and that was at an orphanage where Samuel or (Sammy) was living. Claire fell in love with the place and ended up with her friend staying there for a year, helping out and co-founded a non profit organization called Hope Runs for children in Orphanages throughout Kenya.Sammy is one of the children who really stuck out to Claire, very smart, intuitive and a person who really just wanted to learn anything that he could. The year at the orphanage, changed both their lives for every, they became family.This story takes us to into there lives before and after the orphanage, and how along with Claire's best friend (Lara) they become a big part of each others lives.

This book is an amazing story about two completely different and separate lives that come together because of God's will. I loved the novel because it gave insight to both stories of Sammy and Claire. By seeing Sammy's side, I was enlightened on the life of an orphan and how it upsets them when volunteers come and go. He showed the importance of accepting the life you are given with grace and overcoming challenges that are thrown in your direction. Claire's story revealed the importance of service and following God's will. Claire makes you want to get up and go make a difference in the world. Her courage and trust in God are truly inspiring. Both stories teach valuable life lessons, making this book a must read for everyone trying to find their way in this world.

The story is wonderful. The writing just doesn't go deep enough. I loved Sammy's viewpoints. I would have liked more details of the thought process of how Claire and Lara decided to help Sammy to the point of becoming his legal guardians (I assume that is what happened). When it ended, I didn't understand it was the end. It seemed very incomplete and left me wanting more information.I was expecting the book to evoke more emotion than it did for me. I am very happy for Sammy and touched at how Claire and Lara were able to change his life forever and in turn, I believe Sammy will change other lives forever. Very good return on investment.

This is the first review I've ever submitted, anywhere. Sometimes you have to speak out on things that matter to you. What Claire Diaz-Ortiz did is DO something about things that mattered to her. Her journey from world traveler to selfless nurturer is an inspiration. So is Sammy's story of rising above the bad hand he was dealt to the "full house" he created with the help of loving and caring people like Claire, Lara and the staff of the Imani Children's Home in Kenya.Do yourself a favor and buy this book that follows the parallel paths of Claire and Sammy that intersect when they both least expect it. Their lives are richer for having met each other. Yours will be, too, for having read it.

This book tells a story that will make you think for a long time after you have turned the last page. I loved how Sammy's story was interspersed with Claire's. The experiences that brought the two lives together were fascinating. It was a wonderful look into the way life brings together the people who can touch each other's lives in profound and meaningful ways. I gained a greater understanding of how we can make a difference in each other's lives and in the world at large.

Made a lovely present.

This Item is amazing, we really enjoyed having it.

Great inpirational piece and easy read. Delivered on time.