| List Price: | |
| Price: | $20.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details... |
| You Save: | $0.00(0.00%) |
| Binding: | Kindle Edition |
| EAN: | |
| Feature: | |
| Label: | Harper Collins, Inc. |
| Publisher: | Harper Collins, Inc. |
| Studio: | Harper Collins, Inc. |
| Tags: |
Editorial Reviews
One Person Can Make a Difference
In search of adventure, twenty-nine-year-old Conor Grennan traded his day job for a year-long trip around the globe, a journey that began with a three-month stint volunteering at the Little Princes Children’s Home, an orphanage in war-torn Nepal.
Conor was initially reluctant to volunteer, unsure whether he had the proper skill, or enough passion, to get involved in a developing country in the middle of a civil war. But he was soon overcome by the herd of rambunctious, resilient children who would challenge and reward him in a way that he had never imagined. When Conor learned the unthinkable truth about their situation, he was stunned: The children were not orphans at all. Child traffickers were promising families in remote villages to protect their children from the civil war—for a huge fee—by taking them to safety. They would then abandon the children far from home, in the chaos of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
For Conor, what began as a footloose adventure becomes a commitment to reunite the children he had grown to love with their families, but this would be no small task. He would risk his life on a journey through the legendary mountains of Nepal, facing the dangers of a bloody civil war and a debilitating injury. Waiting for Conor back in Kathmandu, and hopeful he would make it out before being trapped in by snow, was the woman who would eventually become his wife and share his life’s work.
Little Princes is a true story of families and children, and what one person is capable of when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. At turns tragic, joyful, and hilarious, Little Princes is a testament to the power of faith and the ability of love to carry us beyond our wildest expectations.
Related Reviews
Wonderful and Transformational Journey!
I have read a great deal over 50 years, and I found this book a standout. It represents a passion many people look for their entire life, a humor that endures in the midst of potential tragedy, and a window on a world that many people do not know or understand. It is ripe with hope, endurance, and a charming glee evoked by the voices of the trafficked children of Nepal during the Maoist revolution. The audiobook bursts with personality-----of the children, the author, and Nepal. The joyous relationship between the caregivers and the children keeps a giggle only around the corner from struggle and deprivation. You can watch the author grow from a young man to a grown and committed man who is giving a part of himself to a world which does not resemble his own. I was very sad to see this book end. My next read has much with which to compete.
A war-torn country, orphaned children, child traffickers, poverty, starvation, and wonderful volunteers to alleviate some of the pain. LITTLE PRINCES lets us into this world of heartbreak and unbelievable circumstances that children and citizens have to endure. Conor was a special person who fell in love with the children and had an obsession/passion to help the people of Nepal, especially those dear children, to find their families.
The story begins by telling us about the adventures of young men and women who bike ride for pleasure from country to country or come voluntarily to help at orphanages and then become completely attached and immersed in this life of innocent, exuberant children. The book tells how you can and do become attached to the heartwarming children and their innocence and acceptance of their lives....they know nothing else and are happy. Conor is an amazing young man who was determined to find the parents of the children who had been taken from their family by a man who said he would provide a better life for their children when in fact the children were left starving in the street. This man took every last penny and whatever these hopeful families had to give.
Giving up your time to travel to a third-world country to help children definitely takes a special person. LITTLE PRINCES makes you appreciate what we have in terms of food, civility, and comforts. I admire the volunteers who risk their own lives to help others in third-world countries.
The book was brilliantly written...the author is very expressive, writes with great detail, and makes you feel as though you are right there sharing all the experiences. The description of the country, the villages, and its poverty is exceptional. Kudos to you Conor for your work and dedication. 5/5
Taking a leap, but making a difference
This is a remarkable story of a physical and transcending journey to make a difference in the lives of children and an entire culture, living under unimaginable conditions.
Like "Three Cups of Tea", this a story that more of us - who have the blessings of liberty and affluence way beyond the imagination of much of the world - must read.
Truly inspiring.
Like "Three Cups of Tea", this a story that more of us - who have the blessings of liberty and affluence way beyond the imagination of much of the world - must read.
Truly inspiring.
Just as inspiring in book form as the blog was, Conor!
I remember reading Conor's blog and experiencing much of what's in the book in semi-real time - I laughed (often until I cried) at his travel adventures and stories of the kids at Little Princes, and then later I cried outright and repeatedly with joy.
Conor persevered in the face of what seemed like insurmountable odds, perhaps because he didn't know any better (but really, that's how lots of previously-thought-impossible stuff gets done in this world), and he and his team have made a profound difference in the lives of many people in Nepal. Reading this book reminded me of all the things I felt when reading the blog - especially how one bull-headed person with a big heart can make an enormous impact in the world. Conor's story can be a lesson to everyone who thinks their voice is too small to be heard.
Oh, and the big bonus here is that the book is well-written. This is an important story, well-told.
Conor persevered in the face of what seemed like insurmountable odds, perhaps because he didn't know any better (but really, that's how lots of previously-thought-impossible stuff gets done in this world), and he and his team have made a profound difference in the lives of many people in Nepal. Reading this book reminded me of all the things I felt when reading the blog - especially how one bull-headed person with a big heart can make an enormous impact in the world. Conor's story can be a lesson to everyone who thinks their voice is too small to be heard.
Oh, and the big bonus here is that the book is well-written. This is an important story, well-told.
I loved this book! Having lived in a remote village of Bolivia and having spent more than a decade writing my story, I seek books about others' experiences in foreign cultures. In Little Princes, Conor immersed me in Nepali culture at the same time educating me on the issue of child-trafficking. I felt like I lived the journey with him - falling in love with these children, feeling his desperation to rectify the their situations, marveling at his willingness to take risks and persevere, and rejoicing in his successes. This author is a remarkable man with a remarkable story to tell. He has made an impressive commitment to make life better for people in a distant place. I highly recommend this book. I do question why at the end of the book, the copyright page says, "This book is a work of fiction." This statement contradicts everything written before it!
Because of the current unrest in Egypt, we can understand the issues of this book even more clearly. The uprising in Egypt and the demand for the unseating of a dictatorial leader, was peaceful, but the civil war in Nepal was not, although it did eventually unseat their king and allowed the formation of a government of sorts which included the Maoists, the very group that caused so many of the hardships and much of the deprivation in the villages. The need for change in Nepal, however, was just as desperate as in Egypt and, as always, there are unintended consequences for change. Unfortunately, years later, the country is still unsettled. Often, the group's most influential leaders, in the fight for freedom, are almost as bad, if not worse than, the former heads of state.
In Little Princes, a young man, who has spent the last eight years since college working and saving his money, with few expenses and no responsibility towards anyone but himself, decides to spend his savings on a year of travel around the world. First, however, he decides he will do some volunteer work in an orphanage in Nepal, which is in the throes of a civil war. Na
In Little Princes, a young man, who has spent the last eight years since college working and saving his money, with few expenses and no responsibility towards anyone but himself, decides to spend his savings on a year of travel around the world. First, however, he decides he will do some volunteer work in an orphanage in Nepal, which is in the throes of a civil war. Na
This book is not simply your average tale of someone who is out in the world doing volunteer work. It is so well written - honest, funny, and a heart-wrenchingly-gripping story - that is refreshing and energizing all at once. A tale that needs to be told and that allows you to look into your own surroundings and see what small changes you can make right here at home to help make the world a better place. Definitely worth reading and sharing!
Heart Warming Book - Nepal and its people
This is a true story of a young man who fell in love with the people of Nepal. He makes your heart hurt for the children who are in the orphanages there. The culture of the land is readily seen from his descriptive passages. It is a beautiful country as far as the landscape and the heart of the poor in the land. It shows you the hardships endured under the Maoist regime. A book well worth your time.
Little Princes touch your heart
This book will touch your heart. He tells his experiences in a way that makes you feel a part of his journey. I couldn't put it down. I continue to be amazed at how some people just simply know how to follow their path, no question on what the right thing to do is. Conor is a role model -
If you read only one book this year, make it this one
The writer did an excellent job of revealing the history, culture, politics, and difficult living conditions of Nepal but it wasn't a downer of a book. There were a couple times that I teared up and others when I laughed out loud (instances when his naivete put him in awkward conversations - so relatable to anyone, especially if you've ever been thrown into a new culture). The story is a wonderful, hopeful message that one person really can make a difference.
After reading this for Book Club I "liked" it on facebook and spread the message there. At the time of my review, you can check out Conor Grennan's Non-Profit "Next Generation Nepal" online see where the author is doing book signings, how to support the cause, etc.
I regularly borrow books from the library because I'm an avid reader who rarely reads a book twice, but this is one worth having in my collection. I'm buying a copy for a friend's birthday too.
After reading this for Book Club I "liked" it on facebook and spread the message there. At the time of my review, you can check out Conor Grennan's Non-Profit "Next Generation Nepal" online see where the author is doing book signings, how to support the cause, etc.
I regularly borrow books from the library because I'm an avid reader who rarely reads a book twice, but this is one worth having in my collection. I'm buying a copy for a friend's birthday too.
Well written, inspiring, gripping... Some very philosophical questions can be raised near end of the book about what is truly best for the children. And the answer will vary depending on the child and the circumstances. i was impressed with the author that he recognized this dilemma and didn't get lost in his initial endeavor.
Short review, since you can already get a summary from the others. This book made my very short list. It reads like fiction. It's touching, exciting, sad, funny, informative, and uplifting. I haven't found anyone who hasn't been happy they read it.
Amazing in writing and in person
I had the honor to see Connor speak at a publisher lunch at the FYE Conference in February. I had no idea who he was but was intrigued from the get-go because of the short introduction about him. I myself volunteered for a few months in an orphanage and love to travel, so I felt like I would be able to relate to him. In person, I was blown away by his humor, sincerity, and synopsis of his book. I fell in love as soon as I read the book, and my husband could not put it down either even though he barely ever reads. Connor's personality spills out on the page, and you feel as if you know the "little princes" and the seven children through his descriptions and interactions with them in the book. I cannot quite imagine myself going to such lengths as to what he did to save the children, but I feel like I could when I see that he is a normal person that struggled initially with the different culture and working at an orphanage. He doesn't pretend to know everything or be perfect, and that is the beauty of the story. I really hope to visit Nepal one day and see Next Generation Nepal in person. Thank you Connor for your amazing heart and for allowing us to journey with you!
Makes you want to go to Nepal!
5 OUT OF 5
A truly, inspiring story of giving and receiving, and the changes each can make in one's life as well as the lives of others. It made me want to pack my bags and head to Nepal to help Conor, Farid, and all of the others that are making a difference in the lives of so many Nepali children.
Conor's story quickly becomes personal and gripping as he goes from a simple volunteer experience that was to only last a month, before his one year trip around the world, to a mission to save seven children that were in the hands of child traffickers. He had no idea that he would fall in love and become devoted to the cause of the children of Little Princes and all the children of Nepal that have been separated from their families and homes.
Conor returns to Nepal with funds and a desire to find seven children that he thought he had saved from the traffickers, when he learned that the rescuers had not arrived in time and the children had been lost once again in the maze of the underground system used to sell and re-sell the children over and over. He is able to set up another home, and then uses all his resources to locate the children and the families that they have been separated from in remote eastern villages of Nepal. Villages where there are no roads, no phones, no electricity, hanging off the sides of the mountains bordering China. After reading Conor's harrowing descriptions of the trek to villages, I googled a map of Nepal and the village that they flew into and then went over the land they had to hike through just to get to the villages where they thought the children might have originated from. I can't imagine having the fortitude to make that journey with so little experience, without the language to communicate, and relying on what seemed like blind faith. But that is what he did, and it was faith that brought him through under the most adverse conditions.
It is so important for books like this to continue to make their way into the hands of many to show all of us that it does not take a lot to make a huge difference, maybe a life and death difference, in the lives of those who are less fortunate. It is a book that will make a difference in the way I invest in the efforts of those helping others. Thank you, Conor Grennan for sharing your experience and keep up the good work of Next Generation Nepal.
A truly, inspiring story of giving and receiving, and the changes each can make in one's life as well as the lives of others. It made me want to pack my bags and head to Nepal to help Conor, Farid, and all of the others that are making a difference in the lives of so many Nepali children.
Conor's story quickly becomes personal and gripping as he goes from a simple volunteer experience that was to only last a month, before his one year trip around the world, to a mission to save seven children that were in the hands of child traffickers. He had no idea that he would fall in love and become devoted to the cause of the children of Little Princes and all the children of Nepal that have been separated from their families and homes.
Conor returns to Nepal with funds and a desire to find seven children that he thought he had saved from the traffickers, when he learned that the rescuers had not arrived in time and the children had been lost once again in the maze of the underground system used to sell and re-sell the children over and over. He is able to set up another home, and then uses all his resources to locate the children and the families that they have been separated from in remote eastern villages of Nepal. Villages where there are no roads, no phones, no electricity, hanging off the sides of the mountains bordering China. After reading Conor's harrowing descriptions of the trek to villages, I googled a map of Nepal and the village that they flew into and then went over the land they had to hike through just to get to the villages where they thought the children might have originated from. I can't imagine having the fortitude to make that journey with so little experience, without the language to communicate, and relying on what seemed like blind faith. But that is what he did, and it was faith that brought him through under the most adverse conditions.
It is so important for books like this to continue to make their way into the hands of many to show all of us that it does not take a lot to make a huge difference, maybe a life and death difference, in the lives of those who are less fortunate. It is a book that will make a difference in the way I invest in the efforts of those helping others. Thank you, Conor Grennan for sharing your experience and keep up the good work of Next Generation Nepal.
Conor's story touched my heart. When he speaks of his first experience in Nepal of just going for "the adventure" I could relate with that. When I first went to Honduras, I can not honestly say I went for the children.... much like Conor, I wanted the adventure. AND much like Conner, when I first walked into the children's home in Honduras, the kids ran up to me hugging me like we were life long friends.... how was I to know we would be?
While Conor's story seemed to collide with my own.... I think anyone would be touched by the experience of Nepal that Conor relays in these pages. I appreciated his sense of humor and his honesty. In the end, I felt I was right there with him.
I found it wonderful that Conner not only worked with these kids, helping them find food, a safe home, and be surrounded by people who loved them - but he also ventured out on foot, sometimes gone for weeks.... searching for these childrens parents trying to reunite families. In many cases, the parents thought their child was dead and they never expected to be reunited.
I am always amazed at people's stories and the strength they find in themselves that they never knew was there. Conner never planned to spend years of his life in Nepal. he never dreamed that we would work hard between Nepal and the United States raising funds and jumping through hoops to get a school opened for trafficked children.... but that is what he did, and this has forever changed who he was.
I hope in the future Conner writes another book about the little Princes and the school as I would for one would love to know "the rest of the story".
While Conor's story seemed to collide with my own.... I think anyone would be touched by the experience of Nepal that Conor relays in these pages. I appreciated his sense of humor and his honesty. In the end, I felt I was right there with him.
I found it wonderful that Conner not only worked with these kids, helping them find food, a safe home, and be surrounded by people who loved them - but he also ventured out on foot, sometimes gone for weeks.... searching for these childrens parents trying to reunite families. In many cases, the parents thought their child was dead and they never expected to be reunited.
I am always amazed at people's stories and the strength they find in themselves that they never knew was there. Conner never planned to spend years of his life in Nepal. he never dreamed that we would work hard between Nepal and the United States raising funds and jumping through hoops to get a school opened for trafficked children.... but that is what he did, and this has forever changed who he was.
I hope in the future Conner writes another book about the little Princes and the school as I would for one would love to know "the rest of the story".
A passionate story of how even one individual can effect huge social changes
LITTLE PRINCES: ONE MAN'S PROMISE TO BRING HOME THE LOST CHILDREN OF NEPAL tells of the 29-year-old author who embarked on a trip around the globe, starting with a three-month volunteer position at the Little Princes Children's Home in Nepal. What began as a world tour evolved into a commitment to save the children he encountered as he learned most were not orphans, but victims of a child trafficker's abandonment. Grennan's discovery changed his life and makes for a passionate story of how even one individual can effect huge social changes.
This memoir is the story of one man's journey into Nepal and making a difference. Conor Grenan is not a man of wealth, but a regular guy affected by the trafficking of children in this country. From a stint of volunteering, to creating a nonprofit organization to helping children find their parents, this is one remarkable and emotional story. It just shows you that one person can make a difference in this world!
All I can say is that a lot of us know of the injustices around us but only few of us have the courage to do something about it !!
Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal
The Christian Science Monitor review said it succinctly: "Get ready to be mesmerized by a wildly emotional thrill ride." I found Conor Grennan's book to be moving, inspirational, with self-effacing humor, drama, heart and a wonderful sense of unexpected mission.
Amazing Amazing Story. Loved this book
This book was absolutely wonderful. Every page from beginning to end was heartwarming, humorous, adventurous, and so
inspirational.
Conor and all those involved in the valiant effort to save these beautiful children of Nepal, are heroes!
God Bless them.
Loved this book! You have to read it.
inspirational.
Conor and all those involved in the valiant effort to save these beautiful children of Nepal, are heroes!
God Bless them.
Loved this book! You have to read it.
This is the best book in the world.
I have tried to write an articulate review for Little Princes, but just can't seem to do it justice, so all I can say is this: Little Princes is a beautifully written, honest, heart warming and inspiring book. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.
I will take the night to digest the amazing journey I have just been on through this book and will revisit my review later, but for now, buy this book, it really is the BEST book in the world!
I will take the night to digest the amazing journey I have just been on through this book and will revisit my review later, but for now, buy this book, it really is the BEST book in the world!
Excellent book. Excellent service!
This is a must read for those interested in Nepal and humanitarian efforts. Having been to Nepal twice myself, the author paints a realistic picture of the conditions in Nepal even now in 2011.
This is the best book I ever read. Seriously. I've read a lot of books, too. This man can write! His writing is hilariously descriptive. I can't put it down. It's great to read about saving orphans from a man's point of view, a man's angle. He is so funny! I definitely want to help him in his work.
I requested an advanced reader's copy of "Little Princes," by Conor Grennan, because I was interested in the global problem of human trafficking, and because I'd recently read a few books dealing with modern Nepal and wanted to know more.
Unfortunately, the book arrived at a time in my life when I suddenly had no time for reading--almost overnight, I was caring for a terminally ill elderly parent. My personal life was in turmoil. But, I carried the book with me for over two months, snatching time to read paragraphs or small parts of chapters whenever an unexpected moment materialized out of the chaos. "Little Princes" was actually a very good book for someone in that situation. It was easy to keep track of the chronological story, the cast of characters was not complex, the topic was heart wrenching, the drama was full of adventure, the story was full of humor and good people, and the pace of the story was thrilling. Overall, it was an engrossing emotional rollercoaster ride...or, in other words, a book I did not want to put down, but had to. It was always a joy to come back to it. The fact that the book demonstrated that one man's sheer human will and dedication could bring about great good in the midst of evil circumstances was another thing that keep me glued to the story.
I actually finished the book over two months ago, but was unable to write a review. The aftermath of a parent's passing is often busier than the care period that preceded it. I was swamped and eventually exhausted. Reviewing this book fell through the cracks. Only recently, did I rediscover the book and remember that a review was long overdue.
The details of the book are not fresh in my mind. But I remember well that it provided many enjoyable moments snatched from difficult times. In retrospect, I can think of few books that would have been better for that period in my life. I am fortunate that "Little Princes" fell into my life just when I needed it most.
Unfortunately, the book arrived at a time in my life when I suddenly had no time for reading--almost overnight, I was caring for a terminally ill elderly parent. My personal life was in turmoil. But, I carried the book with me for over two months, snatching time to read paragraphs or small parts of chapters whenever an unexpected moment materialized out of the chaos. "Little Princes" was actually a very good book for someone in that situation. It was easy to keep track of the chronological story, the cast of characters was not complex, the topic was heart wrenching, the drama was full of adventure, the story was full of humor and good people, and the pace of the story was thrilling. Overall, it was an engrossing emotional rollercoaster ride...or, in other words, a book I did not want to put down, but had to. It was always a joy to come back to it. The fact that the book demonstrated that one man's sheer human will and dedication could bring about great good in the midst of evil circumstances was another thing that keep me glued to the story.
I actually finished the book over two months ago, but was unable to write a review. The aftermath of a parent's passing is often busier than the care period that preceded it. I was swamped and eventually exhausted. Reviewing this book fell through the cracks. Only recently, did I rediscover the book and remember that a review was long overdue.
The details of the book are not fresh in my mind. But I remember well that it provided many enjoyable moments snatched from difficult times. In retrospect, I can think of few books that would have been better for that period in my life. I am fortunate that "Little Princes" fell into my life just when I needed it most.
Conor Grennan's story is compelling, fasinating, inspiring and entertaining. If it is true as the Talmud says that if you save one soul it is as if you have saved the entire world, Conor has saved the world many times over. A well written story about how one person can (even unexpectedly) make a huge difference.
I am three quarters through the book and don't want it to end. We lead such sheltered lives in North America, it was eye opening to learn about the situation in Nepal, especially that of the children. Way to go Conor, there should be a million more people like you out there in the world.
I usually do not read books like this, but was pleasantly surprised after reading just the first few pages. It documented a very interesting journey of a person who was determined to help the children he connected with during his trip to Nepal. I never knew that child trafficking was a problem in this part of the world so this book definitely enlightened me on issues that I did not know existed. It is comforting to know that there are people like the author Connor Grennan, who take time from their own life to make a mission of serving others though it can be very challenging at times, such as it is during a civil war. I enjoyed it and would like to read more from this author in the future.
funny, poignant, and tragic all at once
Excellent book. Well written. A fast read.... once you begin you will have difficulty putting it down. This book will make you laugh aloud, cry, & perhaps even be moved to action. A story of coming to age and finding one's place in this world. You will be drawn in & feel connected to all of the diverse characters... especially the children. A must-read.
Inspirational for tired teachers
This is a good inspirational reading for those of us who have lost sight of what teaching/education is all about.
Inspiring true adventure story of redemption for the children of Nepal
Wow. This book is incredibly well written, researched, and presented. From the first few pages I was captivated with the adventure and the author's light-hearted take on himself. He comically describes his desire to prove to his friends that his "around-the-world" trip wasn't totally selfish by volunteering at the orphanage for the start of his trip. Of course this orphanage changed his life and hundreds of childrens lives to come. I couldn't put the book down. It is heart breaking to realize these are REAL CHILDREN in Nepal TODAY. The pictures in the book also speak a thousand words. It is extremely refreshing to have an author that is telling his story and continues to poke fun at himself, share his fears and inadequacies, and he really writes this book about the children of Nepal. He is their hero but the book is not about his heroism, it's about the children. He paints an incredible vivid picture of these children's lives, that really does move one to want to take action, even by spreading awareness of this book.
Must read. Case closed.
Must read. Case closed.
Once I was able to steal my copy back from my 5th grade daughter (who loved the book so much she brought it with her everywhere), I loved Little Princes. It is an amazing story, and many parts made me laugh out loud.
Share your thoughts with other customers
Create your own review
Create your own review
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is that as a true story, the reader can continue to engage with the infectiously optimistic cast of characters by following the progress of the real life non-profit - Next Generation Nepal - that Grennan and others went on to build. Our sadness about the childrens' plight and their families poverty is greatly assuaged by the hope and excitement of Next Generation Nepal's continued progress. Overall, "Little Princes" is a fantastic read - and a story that you will think about for months even years to come...