Africa Books

This beautifully written book follows a young Maasai girl as she reaches the age for her initiation into womanhood that includes the traditional circumcision and marriage. Times are changing for the Maasai and she would prefer to keep her freedom by delaying this ceremony and possibly even going to school. She has ulterior motives, as she has privately witnessed the birth of a baby rhino whom she names "Our Secret, Siri Aang", and claims the baby and mother as her other family. She secretly visits them daily but would lose track of them if the ceremony were to take place, since the recovery requires four months of isolation. Her father also struggles, trying to keep the traditional Maasai ways in his family, but seeing how changes are affecting it. He believes that school is a waste of time and is ashamed of his daughter for considering it and for questioning her responsibilities as a young woman. He has also witnessed his warrior son sell his soul by allowing passing tourists to photograph him for money. His inner turmoil leads him to actions that a Maasai, "the keepers and protectors of all wild animals", should never consider. The suspenseful journey allows the reader to consider the choices made and suffer along with the characters as their good intentions lead them farther and farther from their Maasai roots. This is an excellent book, well told and well characterized. My only complaint is the cover that, although I am confident is an authentic Maasai girl, is very unappealing to me. I did keep referring to it as I read the book because it matches the descriptions in the book perfectly of what a young Maasai girl would look like, but I rarely find that photographs make me want to pick up a book to read it.

Our Secret - Siri Aang is a well-written, thoughtful and evocative book for young people. The Maasai girl in this story is full of energy and courage, even though the traditions in her life are beginning to clash with her new awareness. The author, Cristina Kessler, writes with insight, love and a huge talent.
Africa and the Maasai culture come alive in this story, woven into adventure and intrigue.

No matter where Kessler might be, when she writes of her beloved Africa, she is there. And so are we.

- Jacqueline Buie
Santa Cruz, CA

Our Secret is a powerful story of a Masai girl facing a web of dilemnas. Christina Kessler has the ability to mix intrique, cultural values, and strong yet not sentimental characters. This book relates an important tale of a culture that is rapildy changing.
The details of daily life in a Masai village will appeal to readers as well as the indentification with an adolescent girl who must make difficult decisions.
Adolescent readers will not feel pandered to by reading this book that makes the reader a better person.

This touching tale is a coming-of-age book about a twelve-year old Maasai girl, Namelok. It is set in today's Africa, where the Maasai face unwelcome changes imposed upon them by the outside world. Namelok is a mature and aware young woman who is unafraid to question the traditional ways. She is lured by the sights and sounds of the bush where she goes to gather firewood. One day she witnesses a black rhino giving birth. She whispers to the mother, "...let's call your beautiful baby Siri Aang, for that's what she shall be - Our Secret." Christina intertwines the theme of Namelok's protective stance toward the rhinos with the girl's maturing in a way that weaves a captivating story.

A book that bears more similarities to "Fiddler On the Roof" than (as I originally assumed) "Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind". After reading a certain number of children's books, a person runs the danger of becoming ever-so-slightly jaded. You start ticking of the cultures and countries covered. Have I read a tale of a nomadic child in the Cholistan Desert of modern day Pakistan? Check. How about a child in nineteenth century Southern Libya? Check. So when I saw this book about the contemporary trials of a girl living as a Maasai, I was already checking the title off in my head. I was not particularly heartened by the fact that this book had sat, untouched, in the New Books section of my library for a month or two. For all its good writing (which I will get to) this book sports a cover that kids do not readily gravitate towards. And this is a pity. Author Cristina Kessler is a far better author than most of the two-bit hacks out there, and as a Peace Corps volunteer, she knows from whence she writes. In "Our Secret, Siri Aang", we find that all human beings are complex characters with both good and bad inside of them. It just takes one girl to learn the hard way that her heroes may not be as perfect as they first appear.

A twelve-year-old girl in the Maasai culture will inevitably have a lot on her mind at all times. Namelok is no exception to this rule. Namelok carries with her the weight of a series of secrets, all exciting and all dangerous. First, she witnessed the birth of a baby black rhino in the bush, and has committed herself to the health and well-being of both the mama and the child. Second, her menstrual cycle has just begun, and she wants nothing to do with it. Menstruation can only mean an end to her childhood days and a fast circumcision (or "emuratare") before being married off to a man her father chooses. Third, she wants to learn from the village schoolteacher. This is expressly forbidden, not only because she is a girl but also because the Maasai do not believe such knowledge to have much use. All in all, the odds are stacked pretty squarely against Namelok. Then, one day, things get worse. Poachers are spotted in town. Her beloved older brother participates in a bit of foolishness that sets off a whole series of events. And when Namelok goes to visit her beloved rhinos, she sees vultures circling above. By the end, Namelok sets out on a quest to bring justice to the world and make her father see her as an equal and not just a young girl fighting to understand the world around her.

The book runs the slight danger of falling into the category of girl-refuses-an-arranged-marriage books (ala "Catherine Called Birdy" or the aforementioned "Shabanu") or the female-circumcision-in-children's-books camp (as with "No Laughter Here"). Fortunately, author Kessler avoids such trite topics. Namelok will have to deal with these problems later on down the line, but this tale is far more concerned with the ideas of change in a community and dying traditions. Our heroine's father fights the encroachment of unfamiliar ways and, in doing so, is led to a supremely foolish act. Readers of this book may not initially understand why it is so shameful for young Maasai warriors to pose for tourists' photographs for money, but the story eventually shows just how wrong the act can be. I loved that this was a book in which the heroine really does grow and mature before your eyes. I also loved that the ending left multiple strings hanging in the breeze. If "Our Secret, Siri Aang" were a more popular title, I would suspect that a sequel might be in the works somewhere. Alas, this is probably not the case.

Basically, this is a good title for those kids who want books with complex moralities. Where the world is not necessarily drawn into sections that are either black or white. At the same time, Kessler seems to have a firm grasp on Maasai culture and its people. You can put yourself completely into her hands as a writer without fear of any skimping on the details. All in all, the book takes an initially unrecognizable setting and puts the most human of faces onto it. A splendidly written piece of work.

Fantastic book Just what i needed to get ideas for the quilt i am making

This is a phenominal book! If you are even curious about fabrics and/or quilting from Africa, this is a must have. Beautiful photos and the quilts are terrific - A real treat!

A very good book which gives lots of new idea's. Wonderful patterns to follow and help with colour decisions. I can realy recomend it.

The quilts that are show in the "Quilt Africa" Book that I purhcased are truly masterful. The colors are rich and exquisite and I will be using some of the animals for my sons quilt. He has chosen the animals and footprints he wants and saw how they can be used in his quilt. This book is truly amazing.

The book deserves 5 stars for the photographs of the stunning Africa-inspired quilts, but 3 for the lousy directions. The first half of the book is a photgraphic display of artistic quilts, sure to inspire anyone. Many different styles of quilting, lots of applique, all featuring gorgeous African fabrics and motifs. The second half has directions for 12 different quilts. The photographs are excellent and most of the projects include a photographic close-up of part of the quilt. Some of the projects would be suitable for beginners, but the directions assume that you either have another source of information on how to quilt, are incomplete, or are incorrect. A number of quilts require applique, and the brief directions in the book are not sufficient. Some of the directions are totally incorrect--so read carefully and think through the project. Use the photographs as inspiration for your own design. The applique templates are great, so between the templates and the photographs, there is plenty to inspire you.

I've read a lot of motorcycle travel stories, and done sone travelling myself in africa on a motorcycle. But this story is a great novel and a great journey. Better than e.g. Jupiters Travels.

What a shockingly delightful and profoundly moving book! Not only is Bealby a highly accomplished adventure motorcyclist, he proves to be a most estimable writer -- call him Mathiessen on a motorcycle. I've read plenty of ham-handed motorcycle adventure accounts; this one is of the highest caliber, on par with Robert Fulton Jr.'s "One Man Caravan."

Bealby chronicles his heroic odyssey on a Yamaha Tenere through unforgiving regions of Africa with humility and gratitude. You'll find no chest-beating or tedious complaints here. The work is gorgeously written, richly textured, and acutely observant of both man and nature. Seductive, sensory, lyrical, and rhapsodic, this book immerses you in exotic -- even surreal -- territory with superb grace. Motorcyclist or not, you will revel in this awesome adventure.

Proving his literary virtuosity, Bealby expertly weaves the tragic tale of the death of his beloved Mel throughout his ultimately cathartic and redemptive account. A truly magical work. Buy it. Three cheers to Jonny Bealby!

There are many books in the motorcycle adventure travel genre, but few have been written by someone who is a good writer. Jonny Bealby does a great job of relating his journey across Africa from the northern deserts to the tropical jungles on a Yamaha Tenere with an appropriate mix of story telling, philosophy, and motorcycling. This book is the same league as "Obsessions Die Hard" by Ed Culberson in terms of adventure, entertainment and readability. Highly recommended for the armchair adventurer!

I have two main hobbies, off road motorcycling and reading, so when i bought RUNNING WITH THE MOON, i knew i was onto a winner and would enjoy it even before i had turned a page. From the tragic prologue to the epilogue after his incredible journey is over this book is a real rollercoaster of emotions (sorry about the cliche , but its true). You almost feel like you were there, and i wished i could have been to assist him when the bike got bogged down in thigh high water filled jungle tracks ,i know from experience what its like to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken down bike. But then again there is a BIG difference between the middle of nowhere in the Yorkshire Dales, and the middle of nowhere in the Congo!(no gorillas in Yorkshire!). I also wanted to buy him a drink to cheer him up when he was stood up in Cairo, although that did eventually have a happy outcome. Initially i bought this book because of my interest in motorcycles, but non bikers dont be put off, i can heartily recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure. Excellent!

"Running with the Moon," an autobiography by JonnyBealby recounts the adventures of a man on a motorbike travellingthrough Africa in hopes of finding insights and answers to his lifeafter the sudden death of his fiance. What makes this book so notable is the fact that a journey of the sort undertaken by the author would be impossible in todays age due to the political state of the majority of African countries in the present. After the death of his fiance while travelling in Kashmir Jonny Bealby returns to an England which is not the same. Day to day life having changed into a struggle of lost hopes and loves. Challenged by this austere new world and compounded by his confusion he decides to undertake a journey across Africa apon a motorcycle. Accompanied by his best friend Neil, the two prepare for their journey and set off, a Yamaha Tenere under each...A fascinating insight into the beauty and sadness of a man who uncovers Africa for the reader and once again reclaims the peices of himself lost to him by past tragedies. Defianitely a must for the reader with a soft side for travel and adventure.

Mr. Royce is an entertaining writer who knows how to use the language. But, Safari Dreams was clearly written more to inform than to entertain (although entertain it does). If you are seriously considering booking a safari, YOU NEED THIS BOOK. Royce tells us not only what he did and how he did it but also what he should (or should not) have done. His experience is invaluable. He pulls no punches.

Kenneth Royce does not hesitate either to go against conventional wisdom (bullets are more important than the firearms that fire them)or to explain the seemingly counterintuitive (binoculars are more important than telescope sights). There are hundreds of books on African safari, some good, many not so good. This may be the best one (of many) that I have read, and it is absolutely the most useful.

Growing up watching Tarzan, Daktari, Hatari and others on tv, I dreamt of someday making a trip to Africa. Later reading of adventure tales by Capstick, Hemingway, Kittenberger, Patterson, Teddy Roosevelt and Foran only made the desire greater. But the romantic adventure never actually seemed possible, and definitely out of financial reach.
I've read and own most if not all of Royce's books, so this was an easy sell. It's what I expected and more. This book isn't as much an action adventure story as much as "how to" for the common man. There is so much detailed information packed between the covers that it will provide a reference for years to come. Whether it's picking a proper cartridge, picking a guide, or how to get through the airport with the least hassle, the book has it all.
If you're even dreaming about a trip to Africa someday, buy the book, you won't regret it.

I never have been excited about going on a safari. That was before a Jeff Cooper reunion I attended 3 years ago in New Mexico. At that event, I met a man named Tom who told about his safari and for the first time ever I wanted to go.

At that SAME fateful event, I met a man I've respected ever so highly since: Kenneth Royce, the author of Safari Dreams. Although we keep up with Kenneth as best we can, always buying everything he writes because doing so is an investment in our freedom-loving futures, his new Safari Dreams was an absolute surprise... and a pleasant one, OH so pleasant!

Now, 3 years later, that spark of safari desire has returned, this time with a passion, due to Safari Dreams.

Please understand, this isn't just a story book about safaris as so many books are. They are often good books, but this is FAR MORE. Here, the absolute beginner gets an entire course, a how-to seminar on what to know before, during, and after a safari. If you aren't all that keen right now, you WILL BE once you get less than halfway through Safari Dreams!

And if you have already been on a safari, your knowledge will rocket up several levels. You will learn tips to help you be more effective and safer too. You will learn traps to avoid and you'll save far more than the cost of Safari Dreams too because this book saves you money by telling you what you will need and will NOT need on your future safaris.

This book is on par with another, Boston's Gun Bible, both of which now sit side-by-side on our shelves and which we refer to regularly. Safari Dreams, in addition to encouraging you to take an African trip, is also a reference book.

This book is one that you keep forever, one you get for your closest friends, one you get for ALL your shooting friends. It's one of those important works that comes along only every few years.

I too am a hunter and like Mr Royce, have written a book about hunting but not for Africa, I wrote about hunting in New Zealand. That country dosn't have dangerous animals, the only danger to hunters being the terrain and weather. Through my work I am able to reconise the quality of Safari Dreams and can honestly award the five stars.

Safari dreams must surely qualify as the first, 21st century, Bible on African Safari. The wealth of material on planning, travel, culture and customs and even a hint of the political 'feeling' of the people is a book in itself.
Then the detailed accounts of the various hunts, the camps, the guides and a brilliant description of the game that can be encountered and the reader is soon picking up a very clear picture of the African hunting scene.
I enjoyed the no nonsense approach to rifles and calibers and the graffic pictorial evidence of what those big game bullets will and sometimes won't do.

If you intend hunting Africa, I recommend you start with this book. If you are a hunter who may not get to Africa then buy it for the great read.

well done Ken

Great Book, 5 stars.

Good lay out, Fabulous Pictures, and the sunset photo on the cover........well, is to die for.

This book has the most details for the planning stages, while traveling and on your hunt than anywhere else I have ever read. The pricing is up to date.

It has extensive chapters on calibers, rifles, ballistics and bullets. I was surprised and pleased that he included some of the more recent calibers in his extensive research.

Being as I have worked for several outfitters over the years, in Wyoming and here in Idaho, I was especially pleased that there was a chapter on "Tipping". Believe it or not folks, whether here in North America, or overseas, the outfitting business does not pay a real good wage. The people bust their hump to give the client an enjoyable and memorable outdoor experience, and tipping is the best way to express your thanks.

All in all, the advice that Royce gives the book about guns, ammo, equipment, customs, camp life and hunting, are applicable not only in Africa, but anywhere you hunt.

A last word, on biltong. Now I have not been to RSA, but several years ago, my wife spent 3 weeks visiting friends there. When I asked her about biltong, she moaned and started visibly drooling.

My advice, purchase this book. It is a wonderful read and full of practical info.

This book was an amazing read. I recommend that anyone that likes reading should read it. I'm normally a very slow reader, but this book was so good that it only took me an hour to read.

Churchill's Vol. 3, `The Grand Alliance' covers the time frame from Jan 1941 to Jan 1942 and what a time frame it was. The term `Grand Alliance' comes from Britain, America and Russia joining together to fight the triple-Axis Germany, Italy and Japan. During this time much was transpiring especially in the Mediterranean. Japan was watching and planning. Pearl Harbor fell on America with a vengeance and war had now awaked the sleeping giant. Germany was driving into Russia under operation `Barbarossa' and Rommel's tanks were moving in the North African desert. The Greece and Crete campaigns were breaking full upon Great Britain and the mighty Bismarck, with its' enormous structural strength, was out on the Atlantic. U-Boats were taking their toll on shipping and the oil fields of Iraq and Russia were being threatened.

It is interesting to read Churchill's correspondence now with victory and hindsight. He stood in the enviable position to see and write about the events that took place, and what could have happened if certain plans had or hadn't been implemented. His relationships and history, with Stalin and especially FDR, really make these volumes worth the read. He doesn't hold back the disasters that fell to all three of the Allies. Stalin's blindsided problems in trying to slow down Hitler until Allied supplies could get through. America and British combined Navy losses made for serious problems on the ocean. He writes about the curious events surrounding Rudolf Hess' flight to Scotland and gives his opinions about that incident. The disaster and triumph over the Bismarck certainly solved and created problems for the British Navy. While much relief came, with America's new found wartime role, much anxiety still lay ahead.

As he writes down this history, Churchill doesn't hide his enthusiasm about America now joining in the fight against the evil axis. This was one of the greatest joys of his wartime career. He now felt more than ever that victory `no matter how long' was sure. It is interesting to note how much influence the Atlantic Charter carries over into this day especially in policing the world. Well worth reading and adding to the history shelf.

Because of his immense output, Winston Churchill may be described as an old-fashioned writer. Fortunately for us he does not read as such. There is very little archaic about the expressions he uses or the grammar he employs, in volume after volume after volume. It remains immensely readable, and this is the strength of a good writer, it seems to me. As a boy, Churchill was held up to me as an example of a person with a very full command of English. I was told, although I have never been able to verify it, that Churchill employed one of the largest vocabularies of any individual writing in English. It is ironic to think that, although the use of English is becoming ever more widespread, it is not generally being put to anything like the kind of use a man like Churchill made of it.

"The Grand Alliance" takes us to the point in the Second World War when the Americans finally declared their intentions. In a sense, it announced the end to hesitation, the end to British doubts about whether they could possibly win out against Hitler alone. Of course, America had participated in the war to a very large extent already, having agreed to set up the famous "Lend-Lease" program, whereby first Britain, and later Russia, were given material support in a way which satisfied the neutral and isolationist U.S. congress. It was also something of a victory for Churchill at the same time, since he had worked doggedly at bringing the Americans around, and although Pearl harbour did tip the balance, it was partly due to Churchill having prepared the ground.

Churchill himself states that, from the moment of the U.S. entry into the conflict, no matter how long it might take, he was certain of victory. From his point of view at the top, he could see that the sheer weight of numbers (tonnage, armament production etc.,), added to the geographical reality of Germany, meant they could never hope to win against the combined industrial might of Britain and the U.S. It was this absolute faith which sustained him during the reverses of 1941 and 1942.

Covering calendar year 1941, this third volume of Churchill's six volume Worl War Two history begins with Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria falling to Germany, covers the Gernam invasion of the Soviet Union, and ends with the U.S. Mobilizing to join the battle after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

In between, England largely fought what was truly a world war without meaningful allies. England had to protect itself from invasion, as Germany relentlessly strengthened its armamaent of the French coastline; fought an ongoing desert battle in North Africa to hold/protect Egypt; joined in the defense of the Balkans; protected the Middle East's Eastern flank by invading Iraq and holding Iran as a partner; and had to wrry about Japanese attacks on Burma and other far east countries--not the least of which were Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, England was fighting the Battle of the Atlantic--securing its supply line from constant attacks by German submarines.

At the center of this entire conflict was Churchill, who held BOTH the posts of Prime Minister (Britain chief executive) AND Defense Minister (roughly equivalent to the american Secretary of Defense). This required that he make strategic decisions about the allocation of extremely scarce military resources, but at the same time was responsible for reorienting the entire British economy to not only support the war effort, but to ensure basic necessities were available for civilians living in the British Isles--which after all is a very small area, largely dependent on imports for food.

Reading Churchill's account, one can not help comparing the scope of his responsibilities with the current Global War on Terror, and the actions of our current President in pursuing that "war". During his trip accross the Atlantic to meet with Roosevelt immediately after Pearl Harbor, Churchill not only continued to coordinate far flung military and economic decisions, he produced a series of monograms, laying out the allied war strategy--which in fact became the blue print for ultimate victory. Contrast that with Bush's use of the two day retreat, with all Cabinet, to review the basic strategy in Iraq, which turned out to be nothing more than a cover for a photo-op with the new Iraqi President! How would WWII have ended had Bush been the PRime Minister of England in 1940?

Churchill writes spectacularly, yet I had to give this volume only 4 stars. Why? Because (like Vol. II, but unlike Vol. I), Churchill relies far too much on contemporaneous documents. While these are almost all written by him, they do not give his prose a chance to shine like it does in the first volume.

These six volumes should be, in my opinion, MANDATORY reading for anyone interested in (a) WW II (b) HISTORY (c)increasing their knowledge of the English language. Having read the entire set over 50-60 times, I am still fascinated by new material I discover with each re-reading. It comes as no surprise that Sir Winston was awarded the NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE for this masterpiece.

This book has it all but I did learn so much more about the Civil War and I am a buff so it helped me. An aspect I have never read about; so inspiring.

A poignant and touching story woven together from journals and notes. It speaks of true Christian faith, love of family and sacrifice for others. It is rich in desription and brings back many memories of living in a small town and attending a local Methodist church.

This book offers the reader hope, understanding, and how the Robertson's faith saw them through so many hardships. The Robertson's suffered pain, sorrow, and adversity, but their steadfast love and abiding faith in the Lord always prevailed throughout the turmoil in their lives. Even though it was a simpler era of time, the hardships that they endured then is still prevelent today. I would strongly suggest that anyone suffering these adversities to read this book in order to gain a stronger appreciation for what we have and to gain faith and understanding for tomorrow.

Shadow Dawn is a one-year diary/journal kept by a pioneer "steel magnolia" during the mid-thirties. Mary Adelaide Webb and her Methodist minister husband, Doctor Webb, take the reader on a journey of faith of the shadows before miracle drugs or bypass surgery as well as the joys of their "holy vow" kept throughout a forty-year Christian marriage. The reader is swept up in the optimism Mrs. Webb exhibits even under dire circumstances and the grace she imparts through her thoughts and actions. I wish I could have known Mary Webb; what an inspiration she is!

This is a truly inspirational book and extremely well written. It focuses on the life of two people after the Civil War and the struggles they endured and gives the reader hope and encouragement for a better tomorrow in the world we live. Those principles applied at that time as well as today. The book is a comfort to the hurting in today's world.

This book was so informative. It left nothing unexplained. It is amazing how you didn't learn this in school and you never will. This book i sthe truth with interesting and intriguing facts.

This book covers a wide range of facts that have explained the origin of several negative stereotypes that africans are labeled with. The knowledge that I found in this book was never offered in any of my history classes. This book is a must read for anyone seeking the truth. I highly recommend this book to all thirsty souls.

This particular book took me back in segments in antiquity. Informed me about who we were collectively, and in eminence as a people. As I read I was being hit with the shockwaves of the psychological damage,and whitewash given to the masses of blacks in america. As a blackman in
america, I must recover, and discover my purpose. Collectively we must
study to show ourselves approved 1st in our own sight, then share what We know to fortify and lift others out of the dark ages.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY OVER $15.00 FOR THIS BOOK!

This book is a book that i have personally would not have read were it not forced upon me for one of my classes. This book explains alot about the blanks and holes in the African American past that many Europeans have tried so hard to conceal. At first its hard to comprehend because as an African American you've been told were your place already is in society and that your past was one not to talk about. But in fact i never knew alot about my homeland of Africa. Its a very knowledgable book that i highly recommend. Its made me question alot about the African Past. Its made me question everything from the goverment to religion. Its also helped me to understand why white people have tried to conceal our past. I feel that if this book were mandatory for everyone to read the world would become such a better a place. Anyone thats African American should read this book and anyone else too.

This is an inspirational book that should be in every school in the country. It explains the root cause of the black/white racial conflict in America. After reading this book, it becomes clear what was really lost by African people who were taken from their homes and families. No American history class is currently teaching that African people were here before Columbus, or that Africans ruled Spain for 800 years prior to the slave trade. No American history class is currently teaching that the African people who were brought here and forced into slavery were highly educated in African schools and universities, and were speaking and writing in several languages prior to their enslavement. This information would make a vast difference in how whites would view blacks and how blacks would view themselves. This is a book that must be read by blacks, whites and every other ethnic group and nationality. It is a very informative review of world history and a very insightful examination of human behavior.

What a rich & textured read! Open up SLIM & be enticed into...another people...another way of life...another geography. Elegantly & flawlessly written, with a profound story to tell -- the beginning of AIDS in an African community.

Imagine a place where the truth is hidden behind lies, where the natives are kept in the dark regarding what's going on in their midst, and a place where there isn't much in terms of material possessions but the people still maintain a sense of pride and accomplishment in what they do. Having spent a couple of years in sub-Saharan Africa volunteering with her husband, author Ruth Linnea Whitney pulls from her experience to paint a vivid picture surrounding the AIDS epidemic, known as Slim, and the voices behind the statistics of a small fictional African country and presents it to us in her debut novel, SLIM.

Set in late October 1985, the AIDS virus slowly spreads over the tiny country of Kivwe Zandu, Africa. And though not a real country, it is one that could easily mirror those in real life: with dictatorships, a particular culture in which women don't have much say so, and westerners who have come to lend a hand; to make society better for those who live there. In addition is the ignorance of those in power and their inability to focus on the disease that claims the lives of their friends, family, and neighbors.

We are introduced to SLIM by a myriad of characters telling this story through their own viewpoint, with ages ranging from young to old, and hearing from the wise to unwise.
While SLIM focuses around the discovery and needed treatment of AIDS, Ms. Whitney has also touched on the power, love, and friendship and the sometimes bad turn of events we encounter in our relationships; whether intimate or not. Her portrayal of the different cultures coupled with the dialogue make this novel one which has to be read slowly, in silence, or one will risk the ability to grasp the tragic, yet loving tone surrounding SLIM. I found myself complaining about how slow the book was, but can now appreciate the need to read it slowly. The quirks of the people, the land, and the dialogue all combine for a powerful story...one I would recommend to others.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Slim was an eye-opener for me. Too often I see conditions such as AIDS as just statistics, and these apply to people in unknown countries far away. People like me need to know of and understand the plague that is moving across the earth. The strength of Whitneys characters, the captivating story line, and engaging dialogue kept my attention throughout. My outlook on AIDS has changed from dry numbers to understanding the absolute devastation that the disease brings to the individual, the family, the nation, and ultimately the entire earth. This is a must read.

"Slim" is a remarkable work of literary art. Beginning with the beautifully designed jacket which sets the venue perfectly, this novel paints a human face on the tragedy of AIDS and its devestating impacts. The story is set in the fictional country of Zandu, Africa during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. The author clearly knows this part of the world and the people who populate it. Whitney does a masterful job of sharing the culture, ambiance, and reality of living in a world where so many have so little in terms of material goods yet live lives of dignity and personal accomplishment. She creates memorable characters who reflect the tensions and challenges of responding to events far beyond their control.

"Slim" has a touch of magic that leaves the reader with the realization that life itself is magic. This is a "must read" for those who appreciate a finely crafted story which adds much to ones understanding of a complex subject. Too bad Oprah isn't still doing her book club!

What a refreshing, beautifully written book. I felt I was there, inside the mythical Central African country, knowing the people, what they eat, what occupies their minds, how their days are structured...the author's inclusion of authentic detail makes it all live. The gifted child Alinofe Banda and the fat Mamsahib missionary doctor Pia Macloed, will certainly go down as two of my all-time favorite characters in literature. Of course from the title I expected a story about the great plague AIDS, but it in the end is much more a story of people, personalizing the universal themes and questions regarding love, sex, faith, family, morality, death and meaning. It left me wanting to hear much more from this wonderful writer.

I received this book recently, and couldn't put it down until after I perused every page. This book is a remarkable compilation of photos and stories of the rich history of descendants of slaves who planted an indelible mark of courage, perseverance, strength and faith into the lives of everyone and anyone who's ever lived in Spartanburg or surrounding areas. I was born in Spartanburg over 50 years ago, and never knew about the rich heritage and traditions of some of the people who raised and nurtured me during the primary years of my life. This book ignited wonderful memories of the matriachs/patriachs-- who lived in Tobe Hartwell Extension where I lived with my mother, brother and sister--who watched out for your safety. I graduated from Mary H. Wright Elementary, and spent a summer in band practice at the beloved Carver High School just prior to relocating to NY. A few years later, Urban Renewal came in and completely transformed not just my old neighborhood, but the only community I've ever known. Thanks to Beatrice Hill and Brenda Lee for re-planting in our hearts the memories of our beginnings, for re-paving the pain and loss of a thriving and successful African American community, for the rehabilitation of all the parts, pieces and past that they so eloquently portray in this book. Undoubtedly, your heart will be full, page after page, when you read this book. Thanks to Beatrice and Brenda for the gift of the restoration of a historical treasure in my lifetime! M. Drake

This book has truly been a blessing for me. When I received the book in the mail - I could not put it down. I read the book in one sitting.

My late parents were both born and raised in Spartanburg. My father's military career kept him traveling around this country and other parts of the world so my brothers and sisters and myself only knew of Spartanburg through visits. We lived in Spartanburg for one year while our father was stationed in Korea so I don't remember a lot about Spartanburg. I have been attempting to do some research of both sides of my family in Spartanburg. This book has reignited that spark for me to continue.

This book shed a piece of information about my family that I was not aware of and all the rich history of the "South of Main" area that is a must know for all, especially for the black people near and far who have roots in Spartanburg.

God Bless you and thank you Beatrice, Brenda and Raymond for a job well done.

I was anxious to receive my copy of South of Main and my waiting was not in vain. I'm truly Blessed to have come from these roots and be able to claim my portion of such an uplifting heritage. Once, I picked up the book, it was so hard to put it down. I fell asleep a couple times only to wake up with it lying on my chest, ready to dive back into the words that jumped out at me giving me the feeling of being in Spartanburg as a child again. I want to thank all of you who took the time and energy to publish this book. It's very educational and will serve as a source of knowledge for the children and future offsprings that
reside in Spartanburg.

I was very intrigued with all the information about the South side of Spartanburg. I lived there from age 9 until age 17 after I graduated from Carver High. I was not aware of how the area began. Neither was I aware of the role that some of the residents played in establishing the neighborhood. I am looking forward to a sequel to the book that will tell the story of some of the other people that played an important part in establishing the city.

Okay, I'm a tad prejudiced because I'm a native of Spartanburg, SC (the city studied in this book) and I have family members whose photos appear, but I'll keep it objective.

Basically, this is a case study of a Black neighborhood formed by ex-slaves in the above-mentioned city. In spite of Jim Crow, a narrowly-averted race riot in 1917 (described in one oral history by 97-year old Ms. Harriet Dawkins) and attempt to sabatoge their education, these people manage to build a thriving, self-contained community known as the Southside, with it's own hospital, hotel, movie theater, restaurants, Red cross, Boy Scouts, etc. Sort of the (early) Harlem of South carolina's upstate. The book is filled with pictures and oral histories that cover all this.

One particularly inspiring story tells the tale of Cedar Hill Academy. When the School superintendant tries to reduce the level of courses in the city's Black schools in the 1910s, local parents and educators break away and form their own Cedar Hill Academy.

Then in the late 1960s and early 70s, urban renewal comes in and under the guise of promises of better homes, the city all but destroys the Southside. No wonder Dick Gregory has referred to urban renewal as "Negro removal." For the record, the Southside neighborhood and most of its schools still exist, although most of the businesses are gone.

Variations of this story can be told of many other such neighborhoods and cities, and South of Main does a good job as a case study of urban renewal/Negro removal. The large number of oral histories and photos and stories of the Southside's heyday really helps to personalize what many Black neighborhoods were about in the Jim crow era, which is becoming a distant memory.

However, I like the fact that the book does not fall into the foolish trap that some other books of this time do in going too far into glorifying the Jim Crow era. The book makes clear the obstacles that the residents faced in those days and should offer hope for the current generation to escape it's crisis. But all in all, Black history and urban studies fans will find this a worthwhile purchase.

Incidentally, another book that covers some information not included in this about Spartanburg's Black history is "Things Hidden" by Dwain Pruitt which is avaiable mostly in Spartanburg and "Hub City Music Makers," which includes some more information of the "Sparkle City's" major contributions to Black musical history and is also available on Amazon.

I'm a personal chef in the U.S. and have a client from Nigeria who wanted some West African food. Borrowed this book from the library, have made a few dishes which were delicious, and will make more. Well written and adapted to American cooking techniques (vs some recipes I found on the internet used the same ingredients but were poorly written / difficult to follow.) The best print resource on West African cooking I've found thus far. Am planning to purchase a copy for my own cooking library.

We are Americans residing in Ghana and received this book as a gift-the recipes faithfully recreate the food we find in the markets and chop bars. Its a book we'll carry and use in all our future travels.

This is one of the better cookbooks out there. The instructions were easy to follow during cooking and there is plenty of good information about the ingredients. I liked that there were color photos of a lot of the dishes, as well as a map and pictures of West Africa.

If you are, or you have friends or family who are collectors of exotic cookbooks -- especially African -- then South of the Sahara is a terrific gift! It was my pleasure to receive a copy from the book's publisher to review for my African Cultures site at About.com. In addition to great, authentic West African recipes, the book contains valuable information about the various foods and sources where you may purchase the ingredients called for in West African cooking.

Good food, beautiful pictures of some of the dishes and of Africa, and easy to follow recipes.