Africa Books

Purchased these books for my grandsons and was told that they really enjoyed them.

This book was a fun book to read. I liked it a lot. I think it was my favorite book that I've read so far in my life. I am going to buy my own copy.

This book is McCall Smith's second book in the "Akimbo" series and like virtually all his books, it is masterfully done. In this book, Akimbo goes on a trip with his father, the new Head Gamekeeper of the wildlife preserve. They have gone to check out reports that a lion is eating cattle. The loss of cattle is akin to the loss of pure gold in Akimbo's part of Africa. Thus, such a lion must be handled.

Akimbo begs his father to take him on the trip. With some trepidation, his father agrees. The team of Gamekeepers and Akimbo travel to the farm which has reported the problem. No one actually has seen the lion, but they believe by the sounds and the results that it is surely a lion. The Gamekeepers set a trap, using a goat as bait. The trap is supposed to work by capturing the lion when he goes to get the goat.

The trap is set up, and Akimbo and his father get set to wait out the night and see what happens. As luck would have it, the lion does show up on that night. The trap is sprung, and Akimbo's father goes to check the trap. As soon as his father leaves the hiding place, Akimbo notices, he has forgotten his rifle. His father approaches the trap, and is dismayed to find, the lion is not in the trap. The lion is standing outside the trap, and starts to close in on Akimbo's father.

Akimbo has never shot a rifle before, but he has observed his father use it. He picks up the gun. He aims, and his father tells him, "Shoot into the air." Akimbo does so twice. The lion leaves quickly. Then they go to find out why the trap di not work, and find that it is sprung. Inside is a very small baby lion cub. The rest of the book discusses Akimbo's relationship with the lion cub, and the eventual release of the lion into the wild.

Once again, McCall Smith has created a wonder of a book. It is highly recommended as a children's story. It provides a look at a very different society and world than the American world. In addition, it shows the respect of the people for the animals. All parents with young children should find this book a great addition to their children's reading library.

It was one of the most passionate books I ever read. It made me cry. The pictures were wonderful. The book had very good descriptions. People who like animals, stories that take place in Africa, and love will like this book.

Reads like a cloak and dagger thriller at times. This is a riveting account of the end of apartheid and the birth of democracy in a society that should be, by all rights, engaged in civil war at this time. Instead, Ms. Waldmeir gives us the reasons, historically and diplomatically, as to why this amazing transition took place in relative peace. She tries to give a fair representation of the roles of all the major players in this incredibly complex real life drama. I found the writing to be very insightful as an academic work while at the same time it was told as the dramatic, tension filled drama that the story truly is.

Anatomy of a Miracle: The End of Apartheid and the Birth of the New South Africa
This book came on time and was delivered directly to my place of residence within two days. So far this book is worth more than just an assignment for class. This book also helps me to see another side of conflict that most people may never see in their life time; unless they live within a collective culture where group needs are put before the individual self.

This is surely the most informative book to have been written on the subject of South Africa since the end of the white regime. Ms Waldmeiris a superb writer, with a perceptive and self -deprecating wit.May she write heaps more. Dermot Ros

Anatomy of a Miracle is one of those history books you never forget. It does such a good job putting you there. You feel like you are at the meeting between Mandela and DeKlerk. This is history at its best. Anyone interested in Current Events or the History of South Africa and its transformation from Apartheid and White Rule to One Man One Vote and Democracy needs to read this book. I had no idea that Mandela and the South African government had been in negotiation long before Mandela's release. I also had no idea how well Mandela used his ability to speak Afrikaaner and his knowledge of Afrikaaner History to while negotiating to end Apartheid. You see the challenges DeKlerk, Mandela, and all of South Africa had to overcome. And they did. This is a short book, but after reading this you will become an expert on the events that led to the end of Apartheid and the beginning of Democracy in South Africa. This is a great book.

Morell's astounding level of research reveals the Leakeys individually, as a family, and as dogged searchers for the truth about man's origins--and as living, breathing humans. Through letters, diaries, journals, personal interviews, and family archives, they speak to the reader with unprecedented candor about their personal travails, but more importantly, about their early struggles for funding, their fossil discoveries in remote desert locations, their constant surprise by the historical record, and their uncertainty, to this day, about modern man's exact lineage.

Some Leakey peccadilloes, never secret, are fully documented here: Louis's constant womanizing and his "adoption" of young female researchers, such as Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas; Mary's scotch-drinking, her cigar-smoking, and her intolerance of those on her Stinker List, some of them other researchers; and Richard's boyish brashness and arrogance, along with his health problems and dislike of Donald Johanson. Less appreciated, however, is the fact that before Louis's work and significant discoveries, people still believed that early man was from China or Europe, not Africa. Mary Leakey was the first person ever to excavate a Paleolithic site, and her meticulous care about documenting the tools and animals found in the same stratae as her hominid fossils, told here in detail, revolutionized the way fossils were recovered and catalogued. Richard found as many hominid fossils in two years (1971 and 1972) as Mary and Louis found in 36 years, and his level of dedication to research since finding his first hominid fossil at age 6, his mentoring of young researchers, and his creation of museums and foundations in Nairobi have perhaps received less attention than they deserve.

The Leakeys believe at least two and perhaps three or four different hominids may have lived in certain areas simultaneously, sharing space for a million or more years, and that the exact line of descent to modern man is still unknown. Tens of thousands of extinct, fossilized species of hippos, elephants, saber-toothed cats, crocodiles, antelopes, and even insects, unearthed by the Leakeys, are overwhelming evidence that if species, including hominids, do not change and adapt, they die. While some may argue about how certain hominids are labeled, no one can argue with their existence in the historical record, and nearly all of them have been unearthed by just one family. These contributions continue beyond the purview of this book into a new generation: Dr. Louise Leakey and her mother Maeve (Richard's wife) found yet another completely new hominid species in March, 2001. Mary Whipple

This is an engrossing story of archealogy's first family. The title hints at their adventures, loves, intrigues, battles, all most passionate. I could not put the book down. The landscape of archealogy will forever be, for me, after this book, a color filled map with the land of our ancestors fully pictured in my mind. No longer will archealolgists seem to be dull digging tan people,but exciting real people, made of the passion of us all. A superb read

Amidst the splendor and corruption of Africa, this family battle the weather, the government, the prejudices, the lack of funds, and even each other. Their intelligence and love for the country is evident as they search for prehistoric evidence of earliest humans. The more I read about them, the more I admired their contribution to East Africa and to the world.

This is a long, engrossing, detailed book about the Leakey family and their impact on paleoanthropology in Africa. It's a real pot-boiler of a book--hard to put down and a totally fascinating study of the family. You get a real sense of their human failings as well as their triumphs. The family comes across as stubborn, intense, egomaniacal and prickly, as well as totally dedicated to their pursuit of man's ancestry in Africa. Although the author has a higher opinion of the Leakeys than some of their rivals (Donald Johanson), she by no means glosses over the more unsavory aspects of their characters. I would highly recommend this book, regardless of your level of familiarity with paleoanthropology.

A writer who can transport someone from the hard concrete unnatural world of NYC to a bambo well thousand of miles away in a remote tropical forrest has to be one I love! Really loved the connection to nature this brought for me. I'd love to read another travel log of Ms. Heyings.

I read this when traveling to Madagascar to get a sense of what the place was like. I found this book to be very descriptive, informative and enjoyable. Heather is a frog researcher. I was a bit bothered by how frogs are marked and what I learned about frog research, but setting that aside the rest of the book was very good. Heather talks about the nitty gritty of travel - getting from point A to B, what there is (or isn't) in the way of facilities and food, etc. But, mostly, she focuses on her interactions with the local Malagasy people and her life on the isolated island of Nosy Mangabe. Although she was there in the late 1990's, she probably didn't begin to foresee that Nosy Mangabe would become such a tourist island. Today, it is easier to reach and well worth the trip if you get to Madagascar. I found reading this gave me a much deeper appreciation and perspective on my trip than I would otherwise have had.

This book is focuses on what it's like for a western biologist (herpetologist) to go to Madagascar to study frogs. Heather Heying has a wonderful way with words that creates vibrant images of what she saw, heard, and felt while living there. Most of the focus is on cultural issues, including her own culture shock. Wildlife is used as a means of conveying her experiences and the experiences of the Malagasy people, not as the thrust or purpose of the book. I highly recommend this if you are at all interested in the people of Madagascar. This is a very well-written, engaging account.

Heying is a terrific writer and a keen observer of the world around her. She has traveled to Madagascar to research the behavior of tiny poisonous frogs but finds herself equally challenged by the strange behavior of the island's human inhabitants. The book is a thoughtful exploration of the predicament faced by forest creatures, the Malagasy people, and ultimately, the author herself. For those not lucky enough (or brave enough) to live in a remote tropical forest, this book provides a vivid portrait of the experience.

I found the book a moving story of David Kenny's trials in establishing his right to remain in the U.S. But more than a story of asylum, it is a story of optimism as David Kenny, his wife, family, and legal team work together to find a way to prevent him from harm in his native Kenya. There were many emotional scenes in the book and I found myself impressed by David's open spirit and his devotion to his friends. The love story within the book is also funny, spunky and inspiring. David's narrative let's use see parts of America very clearly from our assumption that all Kenyan's can play basketball to how many people have personal hand guns and are not afraid to display them proudly--a display that shocks people from nations where guns are only in the hands of the government or the criminals.


The book is very frank about the complexity of the law and the obstacles that prevent many immigrants, even those with attorneys, from securing legal status in the U.S. Many people are critical of our legal system and wonder why more people don't have legal status. Perhaps reading this book will help them understand how difficult the legal and bureaucratic hurdles can be. I am an immigration law professor and hope to use this book in teaching but I recommend it to anyone with an interest of the amazing journeys modern day refugees make.

David Kenney and Phil Schrag have opened many windows into the world of law and the emotional experience of law's rigidity.

This is a gripping story of one man's journey from persecution in his home country to being caught in the Kafkaesque U.S. immigration bureaucracy. It is a vital read for anyone who wants to see the system from the inside out. Read this book and tell your neighbors about it.

You can't believe this could happen to someone. But it did. And it happened here. This is a wonderfully readable story of the law, the US justice system, and a journey. Mr. Kenney and Mr. Schrag saw the story from such completely different viewpoints that it's hard to believe they could combine them, but they did. They take us on a ride through Mr. Kenney's life, through the asylum "system" in the US, and end up with a combination of defeat and triumph that's hard to believe. It's our good fortune to be able to go along for the ride.

I highly recommend this book! It is a rivoting story of a remarkable man's journey from a tea farmer in rural Kenya to a law school student in Washington D.C.

This book is beautiful touching story of childhood longing.

Six children wait for their fathers to come home after ten months away working in the mines.

We start their day with them as they wake in anxious anticipation. We follow them through their day with descriptive prose and amazing illustrations as they dress, go to school, make music and celebrate and wait and wait and wait.

They will not go home until their fathers arrive. The wait is longer than expected but the excitement remains high throughout this book until the beautiful end.

At the Crossroads by Rachel Isadora is a made-up story. It is about kids waiting for their fathers to come home. They waited a long time. I think that this story is really cool and that other kids will like it. I liked the pictures a lot, except the one where the moon was orange.

Wow! My family is from South Africa and we were thrilled when we found this book at our local bookstore. It is sooo true to life and so uplifting. It brought back all the memories we have of our home and even the colors brought back memories. I am sorry we had to leave S. Africa and I am happy that Rachel Isadora could bring back the sights, sounds and smells. I hope that by understanding the terrible situation of apartheid the country will become a better place and all the people can live together. I hope my children will understand all this someday! Thank you for such a wonderful book.....

A wonderful book telling of the warmth and love, not only in a family, but in a whole community. Eagerly awaiting the return of their fathers the children prepare a joyous welcome. Filled with rich, beautiful colors "At the Crossroads" tells a story of the love children have for their fathers, even though they may seldom see them. I felt that this really spoke of how those still at home kept the fathers 'alive' for the children. This is a wonderful book for children to see how other children live and how happy they can be with, what we would consider, so little. I use this book every year with our unit on Families.

Originally hand-drawn and -colored illustrations give you an idea of what the temples and other buildings might've looked like at the height of the Pharaohs. Most of the Egyptian ornament I've seen in museums is so worn away you can't tell what the colors were originally. This book introduces you to the freshness and vitality of Egyptian art in a way museums can't. I became interested in Prisse d'Avennes by finding a 1930's reproduction of his work in very large format at a library; unfortunately, that book was falling apart and was wihdrawn from the stacks, but this printing is a very nice substitute.

The first part of this album on ancient Egyptian art presents the author and his passion for Egyptology. The second part consists of plates, representing drawings and outlines of pillars, vases, portraits, columns, niches, plans, and patterns among many others. This is a good reference to the art and architecture of ancient Egypt.

Atlas Of Egyptian Art was originally authored and illustrated by Emile Prisse d'Avennes, one of the first and most mysterious modern pioneers of Egyptology, who lived during the 1800's. The informative text withstands the test of time, and the amazing 150 color reproductions of Egyptian art and artifacts are truly a wonder to behold. The artistic skill of Emile Prisse d'Avennes has preserved images even though some of the original works were later lost. These were the first reliable, accurate drawings of ancient Egyptian art made available to the non-specialist general readers in the West. A fascinating and beautiful book, and a "must" for anyone with an interest in the clean, classical simplicity of Egyptian art!

This book is gorgeous, I am surprised I am the first to review it! If you are looking for inspiration in your Egyptian studies, graphics, and art this is the book to purchase. There are hundreds of color plates depicting Egyptian rock art, columns, stone carvings, and other tidbits drawn by Prisse. If you always wanted to know what color a Lotus was depicted as, or other such items, this will help immensely. The plates are so beautiful they can be framed as wall art. Inspirational and more!

BEAUTIFUL. AND UGLY TOO is a strong collection of poetry that reflects the political climate of our world, the history of our culture and personal thoughts of a very gifted poet. M. K. Asante, born in Zimbabwe and raised in Philadelphia has a powerful voice and his passion is expressed throughout each of his pieces.

Although all the poems have a message, each is unique in its style and presentation. For example in "Public School" the poem is virtually unreadable, until you realize it is written in reverse therefore making its meaning crystal clear. "Grandmother" is a dedication to a woman whose strength will forever be a testament. "I am not that Random, America" deals with ethnicity in America and how being born in America does not remove the disdain of being African-American. Just from these examples, readers can infer they will be taken on a journey of edification of their minds and feel the passion of the author.

This compilation is strong and quite thought provoking. Reading the selections had me reflecting on the state of our politics and our presence in this world. The author is wise beyond his years and his wisdom is so eloquently expressed throughout BEAUTIFUL. AND UGLY TOO. With 32 poems, M. K. Asante has something for all poetry lovers to relish. The style and rhythms are part of what makes this collection stand out, giving life to all the pieces. The notes at the end of the collection allow readers to realize where the author gained his inspirations and involve readers in the thought processes of a young man who used life experiences and human conditions to write an intelligent book of poetry.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Packed with uncompromising logic, M.K. leads us, through carefully selected words, towards a deeper understanding of history and presence.

These complex poems are layered with importance and relevance. Each read provided me with new, valuable, information and the helpful `notes' section was a unique opportunity to see Asante's sources of inspiration.

I recommend this book to everyone.

I read your book about three times now and I must applaud you again.
It took me a few reads on some of your poems but each read was more captivating than the last
your poems were able to suggest rather than dictate which is an excellent style of writing
I really like how you used Langston as a road map in so many of your poems
By Langston being my favorite writer I enjoyed your book that much the better and as a fellow poet it was refreshing and moving
GREAT WORK!

In the legacy of the greats like Amiri Baraka this book stings with purity and passion. Truly African in its subtext, amazing in its delivery. A refreshing book from an often silent generation of African-Americans. The intelligence behind this book gives our nation hope that the next mental genius are on the rise and fully articulating a new reality for humanity.

Excellent book! Like reading another chapter in the book of Acts. Your faith cannot but increase after reading this book on the life and adventures of H.B. Garlock in Africa. As Hudson Taylor said, "Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith!"

Great read! I love stories about missionaries. I have added this one to my collection!

The story of the Garlock's life in Africa is amazing . In it we see how God showed up so powerfully in their lives as they lived in obedience to Him. Their courage is such a testament to their faith.

Garlock's accounts of the events he witnessed as a missionary in Africa in the 20th century serve as an insider's preface for the mass Christianization that swept Africa later in the century. The events that unfolded before him over his years in the African bush are recorded humbly and with a sense of reverance for both the people of Africa and God.

The events that occur are expertly told as to leave the reader hanging on every word and unable to put the book down. At a few points, the book becomes so intense that I was able to feel my blood pressure raising and haor stand on end. The fact that this a non-fiction book makes it even more intense for the reader. I give this book my highest rating.

This is a great book for newcomers to the faith, missionaries, aspiring missionaries and those just desiring too have their faith strengthened and read a testimony that could inspire anyone to live a life of action and service.

TAHIR SHAH is without doubt the most original travel writer of his generation... never before have I been so touched by, and become so involved in, a book. I am struck dumb by Shah's genius.

Read this book.

A fast gallop through the Indian sub-continent, Africa and South America, with a cast of eccentric characters perhaps unprecidented in modern travel writing. It put me in mind of Peter Flemming for the sheer pace and sense of adventure. Yet it was a hundred times funnier. Gives Redmond O'Hanlon a run for his money as the Number 1 funny travel writer at work today. Also, I notice it is easy to find in the UK, available in an Orion paperback, not out of print at all!

Tahir Shah devises a get rich quick scheme which brings him to India to seek his fortune. He also has other interests namely the mysterious Gond people who may have walked the earth when the earth was one joined land mass. However this book is so much more than that. India \ Africa \ South America are all experienced and observed from a most interesting angle. The author roughs it al the way. There are many side-splitting moments in this book. There is youth and vivacity in the words that flow. Tahir Shah is clearly in love with life. Incidentally while this book is truly excellent, his latest effort "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is I believe a masterpiece. You will not be disappointed in either book.

Beyond the Devil's Teeth, by Tahir Shah,is the funniest book of the year. Traces a haphazard route through India, Africa and South America, in search of GONDWANALAND. From sentece one of page one you can't put the thing down! Read it and split your sides with laughing