Africa Books

and although I grew up in Nigeria, during the 80's, this book brought back so many memories. Not only were her descriptions of the continent breathtakingly vivid, her pre-teen thoughts on subjects like the unforgivable sin and sexuality also brought back memories. There is more to being a missionary child in Africa than the "wildness" and Meyers captures the subtlties with grace and fluidity. Absolutely gorgeous.

Margaret Meyers, the daughter of a missionary family, grew up in The Congo in the 1960s, and this 1995 collection of short stories was part of her later MFA Thesis at the University of Virginia. Through them, she introduces her lead character, Grace, who views the world with the freshness of childhood and shares her experiences with the reader. Her father tells her the equator goes right through their property and, at the age of six, she searches for it as if it would be a clearly marked path. Her favorite pastime is swimming in the river, a river she will miss terribly when she is sent off to boarding school a few years later. Her protestant Christianity is unquestioned and she's always exploring her own spirituality as well as making keen observations about the people around her. There are some memorable characters here, from her loving parents to the native Congolese who laugh at the foibles of the missionary families. There are the two spinster women with a secret, an unhappy former ballerina who has trouble adapting to her life in Africa, and a Frenchman who loves his garden almost as much as he loves his constantly changing women. Through Grace's young eyes we see the cruelty of racism and the stirrings of independence as political changes are happening in the country.

At 261 pages this is a fast and enjoyable read, one that I gobbled up in two sittings, letting myself travel to the lush world of Grace's Congo and view it through her child's eyes. Mainly, it's about the people and she stays away from political analysis. She tells her stories simply and creates an atmosphere, and brings the reader right into her world. If I have any criticism at all, it is that some of the characters appear in just one of the short stories and I wanted to hear more about them as the book went on. But, alas, this is a book of stories, not a novel. I loved this book; it was a small trip into a world that is now gone and which I will never get to know except for my reading. And it sure was an enjoyable journey. Recommended.

"Swimming in the Congo" by Margaret Meyers is a very good novel that reads like a collection of short stories. It is told in the first-person by a girl, daughter of missionary parents, growing up in the Belgian Congo, circa 1960. The stories are focused on the narrator and her memories of her parents and the local people (Congolese and ex-pats) in and near missionary communities. Issues the seven-year narrator deals with include the mix of American Protestant and African traditional beliefs she encounters; the meaning of the equator and scientific reality; and White racism towards the Congolese. Meyers' writing reads well and is easy to like. It would be interesting to see her story continued.

This book is beautifully written with amazingly different images and descriptions. Myers really brings us into the Congo, and makes us believe that we too have felt the sun burning down while we swam across the rough river waters.

... you'll love SWIMMING IN THE CONGO! This is a collection of short stories that reads like a novel. In it, young Grace Birggen, the daughter of an agricultural missionary to the Congo in the 1960's, comes of age along the banks of the Congo River in what is now Zaire. The stories are beautifully written and the descriptions of her childhood in an emerging third-world nation are compelling. It is POISONWOOD without the poison. Yes, there are incidents of imperialism and racism, but those incidents are filtered through Grace's eyes, in much the same way that Scout narrates Boo Radley's and Tom Robinson's stories in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and so will you.

Absolutely fantastic!!!! Some could ask for pictures to go along with it. However, I feel as though part of utilizing recipes is unwrapping the mystery of it's visual beauty. As a culinary student I find that not having pictures allows me to add my own touches to the dishes without visual bias.

I'm impressed with the author's use of authentic as well as contemporary ingredients and techniques. And I was quite taken by the vast coverage of the topic - appetizers, gumbos, salads, sides, entrees, desserts, lovely book!!

I love this cookbook. The recipies are well written and easy to follow! Try the Shrimp Creole!! You wont Regret it!!!

This book is excellent. I like it because the recipes are good for everyone to try. Chef Joe's cooking school in Savannah is a rare treat also for an activity during your Savannah weekend.
After he tortures and teases you with the sights and aromas, he gives you a meal you'll never forget.

I love this book. So far every recipe I have tried has turned out excellent. The recipes are easy to read and well written for the home chef. To date I have tried the Oven Roasted Rosemary-Garlic Chicken with Corn Bread Dressing, The Rustic Macaroni and Cheese and the Potato Salad to name a few. I just tried the Sweet Potato Pie and everyone loved it. The Authors did a wonderful job, and I have recommended it to my friends and plan on giving the book as gifts.

The pictures in this book are absolutely great. They are mainly portraits, however I find it amazing how the faces really tell stories. As you may have noticed the book is big, and you will have much material to look at. There are also many text explanations which complete the whole. I must say that viewing this book really felt like a journey to Africa.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY HERE IS BEAUTIFUL...THE FACES OF EACH PERSON ARE PHOTOGRAPHED UP CLOSE AND THE EMOTION OF THE PEOPLE COMES ALIVE IN THE EYES, THE TRIBAL COLORS ON THE FACES, AND THE WRITTEN EXPLINATION OF EACH PHOTO. THE BOOK WITH THE PEOPLE IN IT ARE LOOKING BACK AT YOU AS IF YOU ARE BEING OBSERVED AND NOT THEM....................EXCELLENT IN ALL WAYS.

This is a beatifully written book for any anthropologist.
Gianni travelled to some of the most remote detestinations in Africa where people are so removed from modenisation they are the closest we can see to truely archaic people. The cultural images expressed in this book is an eye opening exsperience. And the photography IS ABOSULTLY AMAZING.
Mine came with a DVD which was physical footage of the tribes men.

Truely a FORGOTTEN africa........Vanishing Africa. Thanks you Gianni

I can basically just agree with the other reviewers. This is a travellog published to the highest of standards. The photographs are HUGE and vibrant and speak volumes about a lost culture that should be documented.

The photographs are everything, showing African villagers much as they have lived for the past century. This is not modern Africa, but its last remaining tribal cultures completely tied to the rhythms and livelihood of stoop farming, animal husbandry, and tribal warfare. The people are often beautiful, their adornments alternately colorful and extreme (those lip disks make me wince).

At the time of this review, the Omo valley, in which these tribes are located, is threatened by flooding; this acts as a commentary on the reality of these peoples' lives. It is not idyllic or problem-free; also noted is the presence of Kalashnikov automatic rifles in at least one tribe. That this should be the only visible presence of modernity in this primitive locale, is a sobering comment upon what "progress" has brought to "backward" people.

Many of the photographs are close-ups of individual faces and of small groups. The book is entirely desirable for this alone. Soon, these scenes will only exist in a book, as the final transition to contemporary life inevitably presses itself upon these tribes.

In a world where people indefinitely hesitate to take that first huge leap from the world of corporate B.S. to 'really live life to it's fullest', I applaud Burke in taking that step and sharing his amazing experience. The author invites you into his vivid world and shares his fears, joys, new found friends and the simple pleasures in doing what he loves, "Surfing."

What a great read to help encourage one to take the first leap!

Awesome read! I loved the way Anderson makes you feel like you're right there with him with vivid descriptions and colorful wording. Enough levity to make you laugh out loud, enough somberness to make you think about where your own life is going and realize that the rat race is not the way to happiness, and enough adventure to make you want to experience his travels for yourself! I hope there's another book from him in the not-too-distant future!

Anderson Burke delivers an adventure most of us only fantasize about - leaving an unsatisfying corporate job to fulfill a wanderlust desire.
From Fiji to Austraila to Vietnam to Africa, West of Indigo Blues takes
you on a wild ride through fascinating countries and cultures. This book
will have you packing your bags for Mr.Burke's next adventure.

If you have a) any appreciation for travel (e.g., desire to experience new people, cultures, foods, etc.), OR b) been squelched by working for 'the man', GET THIS BOOK. This book is filled with unique characters, lessons in history & geography, appropriate & intermittent social commentary and a WHOLE LOT OF LAUGHS.

His journey from Corporate Boardroom to Fiji surf breaks to Mumbai's "untouchables" should be required reading. Bring on some more Mr. Burke.

I truly enjoyed this book. Its immense readability allows you to follow the author effortlessly through many countries. There are many interesting characters in this book, some of which seem as restless as the author. Through his travels, Burke shows you a world in flux. The constant movement is a plus for the reader. The book never stagnates as he moves from country to country. This book may serve the reader as a basis for the reader's own search for a more meaningful existence.

Phil Karber is my Dad's first cousin. Trust me, the sarcastic humor runs in the family. I have not read my cousin's book yet, but I have no doubt that it is wonderful. Phil is a great guy to be around, and he could write a dozen books about his life. I would love to read about his childhood also.

While visiting family members in Arkansas over Easter weekend, I happened to read a review for the book Yak Pizza to Go by Arkansas native Phil Karber. The excerpts from the book in the review left me craving more and as soon as it came out, I purchased a copy. I was not disappointed. As an avid traveler (I believe I may have run into Karber while visiting Sapa, Vietnam), this book is incredibly interesting and entertaining. Unlike most travel books that only tell you where to eat, sleep, and drink, Yak Pizza To Go provides the reader with this information along with a capsule summary of the history and culture of the regions that Karber has visited. From the bia hoas of Hanoi, Vietnam to meeting fellow Arkansan Hillary Clinton at the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Karber's informative and at times sarcastic stories along with vivid and accurate descriptions of these places flooded me with memories of my own journeys and a longing to visit others. This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about traveling and getting the most out of their experiences to foreign lands.

i am unable to leave the usa due to physical problems. this book takes me places in my imagination that i never thought i would go. the writing is crisp with a dry humor. the author lives his life as he says in the book, a roaming vagabond, tied to the countries his wife is assigned to. with her job they spend all their time all over. i just wish i had been able to accompany him on some of these travels. i am only 2/3 through the bbook, it is very long. i just wish it had another 500 pages to anticipate when i go to bed at night which is when i do most of my reading. in short, a fascinating book from a new author. i hope he has another book in his future.

I've just finished Yak Pizza--and how much I was transported from Fort Smith, AR to places I've only dreamed or heard of. Each day I looked forward to that time after dinner when I could grab Yak Pizza, get off by myself, and take trip after trip.

Phil Karber did a remarkable job here, finding the right distance from his subject matter--at times letting places and experiences speak for themselves and at just the right times giving such keen insights from observation and analysis.

There were such poignant moments and then humor and then righteous indignation and then such a knowledge of the background history of environment, economics, political/social structure. . .and gadzooks what a vocabulary.

I wrote a haiku over my impressions the night I finished the book and had such bittersweet emotions on finishing it--here tis Brushed bamboo, twisted thickets of morass. Leeches hold time in their craw.

Warning: This travel guide is not designed for the "accidental tourist," the person who travels to foreign lands hoping only to recreate a faraway, expensive version of his homeland. This book is for anyone who wants to travel not only for pleasure, but also for knowledge. With humor and incredible insight, Phil Karber writes of his adventures in the lands he has visited, lands that most of us will only see on National Geo specials. Karber immerses himself in each culture, learning as much as he can about the history, philosophy, people, and customs of each country that he visits. After reading this book, the reader will feel as if he, too, has visited each place Karber describes. This book is a must-have for anyone who plans to travel to these exotic locales, but it is also a delightful way for those of us who lack the courage, time, or funds to travel to experience places that may no longer exist in a few year's time.

Chaikin has done it again. This spectacular writer keeps me coming for more with this next installment of the "East of the Sun" series. The mystery of Evy's attacker kept me guessing and anticipation over Rogan's and Evy's reunion kept my eyes glued to the pages. Can't wait till the conclusion -- Linda, please write fast!

Linda Chaikin does a terrific job in this sequel to Tommorow's Treasure. I absolutely love the main characters, Rogan and Evy. This book, like it's prequel is a must read. You are sure to love it because it has just the right mix of everything.

I was slightly disappointed in this book, but don't get me wrong...I loved it. My complaint is this: Rogan is in South Africa, while Evy is in England. The relationship between Rogan and Evy is what drove the first book for me...if it hadn't been for their constant interactions, I would have gotten slightly bored. So, since Rogan and Evy are apart for most of this book, it was harder to read and not as compelling. However, it was still great! It was nice to see things from Rogan's point of view, and the storyline in South Africa was very exciting. This book is my least favorite in the series, but it's still excellent.

I read this and the first book "Tomorrow's Treasure" back to back. Both were wonderful. The storyline becomes so much clearer in this one. I can't wait to read the third book.

I must confess, I believe this series is one of the best by Linda Chaikin! I loved the characters. I loved the plot. And I loved the exotic background to the whole story! The future Sir Rogan Chantry of Rookswood estate of Grimston Way, England is searching for the gold his uncle, Henry Chantry had left to him after Henry's supposed suicide. Despite facing his family's opposition and their own plans for him, Rogan sets out on his own to try to find the gold deposit in rich South Africa. His incredible journey to Bulawayo and Salisbury were well-detailed and well-thought out. The description of the colonists' journey admidst the escalating tensions of the natives and the Boers were also well-descripted. In England, Evy Varley has finally accomplished her dream of having her own piano school. But a confrontation with Henry's murderer has left her scarred for life. Will she and Rogan be reunited? Or will they lose the love they had discovered before Rogan left for South Africa? I couldn't put this book down, I finished it in one day. The suspense of finding out who is Henry's killer and Evy's attacker and the impending reunion of Rogan and Evy kept me reading to the satisfying end. But as you know, there is "Today's Embrace" which will continue the story of Rogan and Evy and their destiny in South Africa so I will definitely buy the third book when it comes out. Linda Chaikin is definitely one of my favourite authors and I can't wait to find out what she has in store for Rogan and Evy and other characters she will create in the near future!

I could not recommend any book more wholeheartedly than I do "A Zoo in my Luggage", along with all books by Gerald Durrell. Young and old will find the information of great interest, the writing style hilarious and entertaining, and the geographic descriptions factual and vivid with local color. I have read all of his books when I was a young mother living in West Africa, and I have ordered these books now for my grandchildren to enjoy.

Gerald Durrell spent most of his life collecting interesting animal specimens and Durrell is an interesting human specimen himself. His well chronicled life (mostly chronicled by Durrell) begins with the hilarious, and very succesfull, "My family and Other Animals". It is ably followed up with the equally hilarious "Birds, Beasts and Relatives". Both books are full of tales from the Durrell family's years on the Greek Island of Corfu, pre WWII. Little Gerry dives right into the flora and fauna of the island, including its human fauna. I own very few nonfiction books with such a plethora of memorable characters. Now, of course, we get to the volume in question. It is plenty good, and worth multiple readings over years, as is "The Overloaded Ark" and several other books detailing trips to collect animals. A word of warning, don't go nuts and buy all the zillion Durrell titles. Some of them are out of print for a reason and were most likely dashed off by Durrell to finance a collecting trip or two...

Naturalist/writer Gerald Durrell, with a writer's eye for unusual detail, a great sense of humor and absurdity, and an unquenchable enthusiasm for finding unique animals, recounts his third animal-collecting trip to the Cameroons in this classic 1960 memoir, recently reprinted. Supplying other people's zoos for many years, Durrell, on this trip, intends to collect specimens for his own zoo, one which will be open to the public and which will become a "self-supporting laboratory" with a captive breeding program to prevent the extinction of these species.

Arriving on the west coast of Cameroon, Durrell uses pidgin to converse with the Africans and refers to all animals as "beef," but he soon acquires many rare animals from the local population. A frightening canoe ride through hippo-infested waters, an attempt to capture a fifteen-foot python, a search for the blue-scalped, bald-headed Picanthartes bird, and the experience of smoking out a hollow tree keep Durrell and his staff energized and excited before they head to the highlands. There, Durrell stays with the charming Fon of Bafut, a elderly king with many wives, and he and Durrell enjoy many long evenings of talk, dance, and whisky. Soon the Fon's compound fills up with hundreds more captive reptiles, birds, and animals, including a half-grown baboon, a five-year-old chimp, and a baby chimp, all of which provide innumerable, often hilarious adventures.

Durrell provides details about the care and feeding of these animals, and he and his staff prove to be very "hands-on" caretakers, often having animals creep into their beds. The logistics of building cages and, eventually, packing them for the trip home, reveal the level of detail necessary to keep these animals healthy and calm so they can survive the trip to England. Upon his return, Durrell then begins the daunting task of trying to find a place to house these rare specimens, a task he neglected ahead of time.

A lively writer with a commitment to conservation and a tremendous sense of fun, Durrell gives the flavor of the whole trip, not just the academic details, providing realism at the same time that he reveals irrepressible humor, much of it directed at himself. His sensitivity to his surroundings, which he conveys through vibrant descriptions, makes the countryside come alive, while his anecdotes about the animals and the people he meets show his interest in expanding his knowledge while fully participating in events around him. Though there is no epilogue to bring the reader up to date on the success of Durrell's zoo or its captive breeding program, this information is readily available at: http://www.durrellwildlife.org/index.cfm?a=11 Mary Whipple

Gerald Durrell's books have touched the hearts of naturalists for decades and I admit that I have only become a fan of his in the recent years. I was introduced to his books through my local used bookstore, where I was looking for copies of James Herriot's books that were not offered at my local bookstore, and decided to pick up a few and try them out.

His stories have a incorporated a vivid energy and hilarity into his passionate memoirs of unique nature experiences that will entertain any nature-lover. While some of his scientific practices may now be considered obsolete, we are given a rare glimpse into the love and respect for all things living that has been a core aspect of any naturalist throughout the ages.

I have since bought as many of Durrell's books that I have been able to find, and treasure each and every one of them.

I would seriously recommend this book to anyone on the planet. Do you like nature? Read this. Do you like animals? Read this. Do you like humour? Read this. Are you someone who appreciates a good book? Read this. You will come away knowing lots of interesting facts about obscure animals,have sniggered your head off, and with vibrant images filling your head. This is an autobiography jam-packed with laughs and description.

More than you ever wanted to know about the making of the Film Zulu. Superb, but for Aficionados only. Not A History book of the campaign, but it a fascinating to read (in its Unedited Entirety) the Short story which became the source of the Film. Excellent

Do you know all the words to "Men of Harlech"? Do you long to tell some slacker whining about why you got stuck with a dirty job: "Because we're here lad and nobody else. Just us." Do you believe that one of the component parts of a miracle can be, "a bayonet... with some guts behind it"? Well, my lad, then this is the book for you, the book that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more about the greatest war movie ever made: Zulu.

This labor of love by Sheldon Hall is chock full of surprises, like the fact that the creative partnership behind it was composed of three flaming leftists: a couple of youthful Communists, John Prebble and Cy Endfield, who avoided the United States during the McCarthy Era, and an unrepentant socialist, Stanley Baker. Contrary to what one might have expected, surprisingly little of their leftist politics showed up on the screen (some of it Sheldon shows ending up on the cutting room floor in what is either dumb luck or good thinking on somebody's part) in a movie that is often condemned today as a tribute to British imperialism. Why? Well, partly it was just a better grasp of reality. They would have realized what contemporary leftists in the film industry are incapable of understanding anymore: that there is more money to be made in celebrating military heroism than in trashing it. But there was something else that IMHO made a world of difference: they had all lived through WWII, and they had all served in the military as well, making it MUCH more difficult for them to despise the common soldier as the subhuman tool of imperialism that modern leftists who have neither served themselves nor faced the realistic prospect of losing their freedom on the battlefield do so easily today.

Mr. Hall's thoroughness is evident throughout. Among other things he exposes Jack Hawkins' famous claim to have walked out on his own premiere to have a serious problem: the scenes he complains about were never in the movie, and then offers a plausible explanation for it. He also devotes a full chapter to the difficulties inherent in making a film on this subject in South Africa during Apartheid. The later prequel Zulu Dawn is also briefly discussed.

Perhaps the most interesting piece of all was Mr. Hall's spirited, and I must say to me quite convincing, defense of the movie against nitpickers looking for historical errors by pointing out that:

1. the subsequent explosion of research on the Anglo-Zulu War, much of it inspired by the movie itself, was rather obviously not available to the filmmakers,
2. some of the nitpicks are hardly settled questions and in any case reflect PREVIOUSLY made stylistic choices: (Should Chard as an Engineer have been depicted in a BLUE coat? In a contemporaneous painting of the battle HE POSED FOR he is shown wearing a red coat.)
3. during the volley fire defense of the final redoubt, you can see in the closeups that Michael Caine possesses anachronistic dental work for the period -- I'm forced to agree with the author that, "this is madness!"

I was a bit dubious at first about Mr. Hall's superficially cutesy layout: dividing the book into three parts before, during, and after the film shoot respectively titled: "Preparing for Battle", "Dispatches from the Front", and "Victory and Aftermath", and further subdividing it into chapters titled with quotes from the movie, for example 8. "Fall them in, call the roll" -- Casting the actors and 18. "Volley fire present!" -- Reviews and criticism, but as in the examples cited, I cannot dispute their appropriateness. (I wonder how long it took Mr. Hall to come up with them all?)

Defects? The only one I can think of is an unfair one: I only wish Mr. Hall could have written this a few decades sooner. After forty years so many of the principals are gone, some to the simple ravages of time and many more to the Big C. Fortunately devoted spouses and children, justifiably proud of their lost loved ones' achievements, were able to fill in many of the gaps.

Note: if you want a complete audio recording of the movie's version of "Men of Harlech", which is slightly different from any other, your best choice is the first track on the Best of Ivor Emmanuel, who sang it in the movie as Private Owen. This isn't precisely the musical track heard on the film, but unlike the version heard on the film's audio track, it is complete and in one piece. (A more recently recorded choral version without Ivor Emmanuel is also available: Zulu (1964 Film) (Includes Other John Barry Film Score Selections))

With the market glutted with works supplying overviews of both the whole of filmdom and specific film genres, more and more authors are turning their attention and critical eyes to the study of individual movies. One of the best of these, and a model for future works of this sort, is WITH SOME GUTS BEHIND IT by Sheldon Hall which deals with the making of the film ZULU. To call this work definitive would simply not do it justice. Frankly, it is hard to imagine any area of the creation of this motion picture that Hall has not covered. No nook or cranny has gone unexplored. In addition, it is gloriously illustrated. The absolutest highest marks in all departments. It was a long time in coming but for once the wait was definitely worth it. Bravo!

Of course the real star both in front of the camera and behind it in Sheldon Hall's book, is actor Stanley Baker. Not a household name in America, but one who was certainly a presence in Britain. Enough that is, to personally get this exspensive epic into production. Together with writer-producer-director partner Cy Endfield, they had just as much trouble making the 1964 Paramount release "Zulu", as John Wayne had in filming his version of "The Alamo" four years earlier. Hall is certainly one dedicated "Zulu" movie buff and it shows in his exhaustive research and attention to detail in this book. It's everything you ever wanted to know about the movie and the real event at Rorke's Drift, South Africa in 1879. When a mere 150 soldiers of the British Army, were forced to take on over 4,000 Zulu warriors.

Stanley Baker sadly never achieved international stardom, but a young "pre-Alfie" Michael Caine was introduced to the world in this film -without the cockney accent though. Indeed, this is a good-read, well illustrated with script pages, shooting schedules and set designs etc. I remember myself seeing "Zulu" on it's first release in London, at my local ABC cinema and the place was packed. A schoolboy's dream of an action picture and it was British produced, well American Joseph E. Levine did help to get it financed...

The book Zulu:With Some Guts Behind It is a great book for people who like the movie Zulu. It explains every stage of the film-making, and tells you about the actors and their own carrers. I love the movie Zulu, and I think that the book has, if it is even possible, made it so I enjoy it more! Another great thing about this book, is that it has alot of pictures, so it is not as intimidating if you were just going to start reading, and say to yourself, Wow, thats alot of pages, of alot of words, and letters. And the author breaks it down, so if you just want to read for a short time you can pick the topic you want to read about, and not have to go through the book to find something you are intrested in that is not too long. All and all, it is a fantastic book that you could read over and over.

This portrait will also fit neatly in travel sections: itportrays a bicyclist's journey across two deserts as he bikes throughsand, dodging lions and elephants and visiting remote parts of outback Africa. The adventure and observations of life in Botswana make for an excellent and exciting read.

I think that Phil Deutschle is a wonderful author, having to put up with all of that stress of how to fit in time to writ after or at the time of his experiences. And just being able to adapt to a community so quick ; but at the same time working.

Across African Sand: Journey Of A Witch Doctor's Son-In-Law is the true life adventure story of Phil Deutschle's bicycle trip across 3,000 miles of African landscape. Along the way Phil was stalked by lions, charged by a herd of enraged elephants, fell in love with (and married) the daughter of a prominent witch doctor. Across African Sand is a compelling, engaging, fascinating biographical travelogue that relates an account of Phil's five years in Botswana (southern Africa) told in the form of flashbacks while he bicycles over the harsh Kalahari and Namib deserts, negotiating difficult African terrain, including soft sand and mud, during the course of his three month cycling adventure. Across African Sand is highly recommended for bicycling enthusiasts, armchair adventurers, and anyone who has ever yearned to travel the world, meet new people, and have adventures of their own!

Across African Sand is a an excellent example of what true adventure books should be. I emphasize the word "true" not simply to point out that events in the book are factual but to distinguish this work from books describing stunts. (To me a stunt is a once-in-a-lifetime event, filled with harum-scarum that a more skilled traveler would have avoided and usually detailing a significant departure from the main stream of the writer's life.) By contrast, Across African Sand comes across as the logical continuation of Phil Deutschle's career as a teacher and introspective traveler. Prior to embarking on his solo bicycle ride across the Kalahari and Namib deserts, Deutschle has spent three years living and teaching in an out-of-the way village in Botswana. An accomplished linguist, he has become fluent-to-conversant with several local languages, including that of the !Kung (Bushman) people, and thus we learn more of African life and thought than we would at the mercy of a more casual traveler. Deutschle clearly enjoys the company of the various people he falls in with along the way but also relishes the solitude which is such a significant part of his journey. Part of the success of the book is its skillful interweaving of events in the course of his cycling trek with flashbacks to his life as a teacher in a traditional Botswana village. Dimi Press has done a creditable job of putting the book together and its illustrations are great. I wholeheartedly recommend this as an interesting and insightful story of travel and adventure.

I bought this book for my husband. While he was reading it he kept interrupting my reading to tell me about what was happening in his book. In self defense, I picked it up as soon as he finished and immediately found myself transported to Africa. This book is much more than the story of the author's trip across the Kalahri on a bicycle. He writes about the people he meets and tells of their culture, the politics and economy of each group. He possesses interpersonal skills that allow him to relate to all sorts of people quickly and he writes about them with affection and respect. He describes plant and animal life along the way. Through flashbacks he tells of his earlier life and recent experience as a teacher in Africa. During the lonely stretches of his trip he wonders about his need to wander the globe. My husband said when he finished the book, "I've learned more about Africa from this book than all of the other books on the subject, put together" I agree, and I learned a great deal about life in general and men in particular from it.

I used this book for my own motorcycle travels - it, along with Asia Overland, was the only reference I truly needed. It was fantastic for both pre trip planning and for during the trip.

Chris highlights all of the things you need for a successful and fun journey, and provides enough excitement to build your motivation to buy & equip the bike and get on the road. If you think that you might like to do this the future - watch out, a few months after reading this book you may find yourself on a dirt track in a country you didn't know existed....

Just the sort of book the rapidly increasing band of motorcycle explorer-adventurers need. If you like the feeling of long-distance independent motorcycle travel and want to take in more of the planet then this book will answer many of your questions and provide plenty of welcome advice.

Most of the practical information is geared towards exploring the more challenging parts of the world rather than the comparatively simple Western countries. Every adventurous touring motorcyclist is likely to benefit from reading this thoroughly.

Highly recommended.
David French, Chairman, Irish Motorcyclists Action Group

A very helpfull book indeed. It gives you prcatical advice and touches all possible subjects that involve a motorbike trip. It even reminds you of the possible failure, or that one should reconcider the possible departure date. Very usefull are short stories written by teachers, workers etc who have done a long overland journey, even in a short time (as like most of us they have to get back to work! ) Most travels books are nice to read, but unfortuanetly we all cannot take months off from work. This really helps anyone planning a trip

If you want do a overland journey, this is a MUST !

This book is the best way to find out what it is like to ride your bike around the world without actually doing it. Great practical tips on bike setup, routes, what works and what doesn't. The last quarter of the book is full of interesting stories from those adventure bikers who have actually put the principles of this book to the test, including some great color pictures (my favorite image is one of Helge Pederson dragging his BMW through the Darien Gap in Panama). The appendix has a good list of Web sites and related readings.

You'll find updates for this book, latest trip reports from readers, a discussion forum and a whole lot more atwww.adventure-motorcycling.com