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The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

‘Little Princes’ inspires incoming freshmen

This year, the New York Times Bestseller “Little Princes” was the summer reading assignment for the newest members of Saint Louis University- the freshmen. Yes, it was assigned as summer “homework,” but that did not mean it should be considered boring or lame. And yes, I can also guarantee that around half the class did not read it, but all I can say is “Shame on them!” This incredible story is well worth the time. “Little Princes” follows the author Conor Grennan’s on his journey to Nepal, and how he changed not only the children’s lives there, but also his own.

“Little Princes” begins in November 2004 with Grennan planning a trip around the world. Included in his trip is a two-month stint volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal called the Little Princes Children’s Home. Grennan thought it would be a breeze.

Volunteering was not what he expected, and neither was Nepal. Plagued by a civil war, Nepal was in very poor condition. Resources were on a need-only basis, especially at the Little Princes Children’s Home. Upon his arrival at the orphanage, children bombarded him and clung to his legs, preventing him from walking. Grennan did not expect this, which made him uncertain of how to interact with the children at first. He eventually caught on, with the help of a fellow volunteer and good friend, Farid.

While in Nepal, Grennan learned that the children’s home was not a regular home, but one composed of children who were taken from their families. The children’s parents were tricked into thinking they were sending their kids to receive a better education, but instead the children became child trafficking victims. They had not been in contact with their parents since the children arrived at the Little Princes Children’s Home.

Grennan grew very fond of the children of the Little Princes Children’s Home, and when his time there came to an end, he made a promise to the children; he would return to Nepal in one year.

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After Grennan completed his trip around the world, he kept his promise to the children and returned to the Little Princes Children’s Home in January 2006. On their second visit, Grennan and Farid discovered a notorious child trafficker kidnapped seven children from the Humla region. Grennan and Farid tried to save them, but the trafficker acted faster and moved the children to different locations, preventing them from being properly cared for. From then on, Grennan made it his mission to find the seven children, and he eventually started a nonprofit organization, Next Generation Nepal, to help him find the seven children and the Little Princes’ parents.

This novel is an amazing read, and even if you are not a freshman, ?I implore you to give it a try. Of course, there are parts that may bore you (like in any book), but I highly recommend this book and give it four out of five stars.

To me personally, it has really shown me how just one person can truly make a difference in the world simply by showing love and compassion for another human being. Isn’t that what humans are looking for, someone to love and care for us as much as we care for them? Plus, if you do not read this book, you will never know if the seven children are rescued. (I suppose you could Google it, but that is not the same thing!) “Little Princes” is an inspiring read and motivates the reader to keep working towards their dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

To add to the excitement, the author and narrator Conor Grennan comes to campus Oct. 28. Yet another reason to give the book a try. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with the book and the children in it. So pick up a copy today or borrow a friend’s. I’m sure you can find some free time somewhere. Homework can wait, right?

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