The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

"Factories in the Fields" is a seminal work that exposes the harsh realities faced by migrant farm workers in California during the early 20th century. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the agricultural industry, revealing how it operates much like an industrial factory, exploiting laborers who toil under severe conditions for minimal wages. It highlights the social, economic, and political challenges these workers encounter, including racial discrimination, inadequate housing, and lack of legal protections, drawing attention to the urgent need for reform in agricultural labor practices and policies.

This book is a gripping exploration of homicide in America, focusing on the disproportionately high rates of murder among African American men in the country's inner cities. Through a detailed case study in South Los Angeles, the narrative delves into the lives of those affected by these crimes, including the dedicated detectives working tirelessly to solve them. The author presents a compelling argument that the lack of effective law enforcement and the criminal justice system's failure to address these homicides are at the heart of the issue, leading to a cycle of violence that devastates communities. This work is both a poignant account of individual stories and a powerful call to action for systemic change.