Ghana Books

Mr. Morrow was brave and adventurous, no surprise given his earlier experiences described in his book "What's a Commie Ever Done to Black People." Having read dozens of travel narratives and having lived and worked in African countries myself, I can say I especially enjoyed this one, not only because of his unique perspective as a black artist, but because he is a fine story teller and a very honest, direct and observant writer. Let's have a sequel!

This descriptive and journalistic adventure is a true marvel to read. the journey that Mr. Morrow takes us through is one that every African American hopes to travel to in their lifetime.

We are there when the author travels to the various countries and relates to various people.

Move over Mr. Louis Gates......You have competition!

It was Marcus Garvey who spoke and wrote so eloquently about "love for self and kind." Bro. Kojo, your book, too, is an eloquent treatise that speaks of "love for self and kind."

First, we read about the love you had to have for yourself,-- enough to leave your immediate family and the comforts of home to embrace new experiences in a distant land. Then we are introduced to your love for your motherland, Africa, which is apparent when your observations and insights allow us to see, touch, taste, ear, smell, and feel all that you witnessed. Finally, love for black people is clearly evident, when you allow us to walk in your shoes and share your dreams.

Although I view this as a text that projects "love for self and kind," I see it as book that I would recommend to anyone who has ever wondered, "Who am I and where do I come from?". RETURN OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN grabbed my attention from the very beginning and held me, enraptured, long after I had read the last word.

Congratulations!

Reading this book you will feel very present with the places and people Kojo adopts (and is adopted by) in his 11 years of traveling and living in West Africa. His writing is very immediate, intimate and personal, his observations keen and full of insight.

It is wonderful to get an inside view of Africa from one who was so brave to leave the comforts of America and spend many years there. The information contained in the book shows a side of Africa unknown to the average American. I have learned from this author and believe that others will also.

I visited Ghana in April 2007, and although I was visiting relatives and so had some local contacts, this book was a great help, both from the point of view of planning my trip and learning about the country. The short commentaries from various contributors on subjects such as local wildlife, nightlife or travelling solo as a woman, were especially informative and often entertaining as well. The maps in particular, while simple, were indispensable, as good local maps can be quite difficult to find even in Ghana.

A useful additional tool are the regular updates to the guide on the Bradt website, which have many contributions from recent travellers, including places that are closed (either temporarily or permanently) and recommendations for additional places to stay/eat or visit. I've heard that the 4th edition is due out in fall of 2007, and I'm tempted to go ahead and get it, too, for my next visit!

My daughter is in college, and is currently at the University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. I bought her this before she left, and she has found it to be an invaluable resource!
Marti

Book very informative, with excellent info on where to go and how to get there. Plan to put it to good use in the fall!

Observations, current and pertainent info, from knowledgeable travelers who've been there. This is the stuff you want to know to plan a successful journey.

If you are traveling to Ghana, West Africa, this is the essential guide to have with you. It has an easy to read layout and includes everything you would ever need to know. I highly recommend this if you are going to that area. I am glad I own a copy!

Very nice book. Borrowed it from the library and was able to read and understand the book. I plan on renewing the book so I can read over some parts again.

I found this book a very quick read, but incredibly insightful especially with regards to the reasons behind the traditions described. It delves into the consciousness in a personal yet impartial way, which I appreciated.

I wanted to learn something about the traditional beliefs of the Akan people so I ordered this book. It was very readable and very informative. What interested me the most was that the author used structures developed by Fowler and Erikson. Since these two are foundational in the study of western faith and personality development, I felt right at home, even though the destination of the book was halfway around the globe. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a "first book" about this subject.

This book is written by an African who was educated in the US -- rec'd his PhD from Emory U. This is real look at real life in Ghana among the Ashanti and their view of life and death. This book is the result of Dr. Donkor's research for his PhD. This text is suitable for classroom and research purposes or for those who would like to find about their African roots.

Its hard to describe what I love most about this book... the glimpse into a often-ignored slice of a misunderstood culture on a forgotten continent... the fierce strength of Hawa, the woman who tells the stories... her humor, her joy, her wisdom. In the end though, what kept me turning the pages was the sheer inventiveness and mastery of language. The transcription faithfully captures the amazing things that can happen when english escapes its shackles: this woman, who speaks 10 languages, mixing their vocabulary and construction together, is a masterful communicator and a mesmerizing storyteller. The book is extensively footnoted for explication, but I found Hawa's constructions simultaneously unique and obvious in the best way, and unfailingly charming.

One piece of advice: Read the stories first and the introduction last. Although it ultimately adds a lot of interesting and useful background, the first third of Chernoff's intro is so riddled with opaque anthropological jargon as to provide an unintentionally hilarious-- in a sort of Pale Fire-esque way-- counterweight to Hawa's graceful, lively and quicksilver stories of living "the life".

Buy this book-- read this book-- tell your friends about this book.

A wonderful inside look at modern life in Ghana. Not to be missed by anyone who loves or wants to know more about contemporary Africa. A refereshing approach, easily read, full of detail and color unavailable elsewhere. The author's commitment to the culture and people of Ghana shines through in the colorful translations and brilliant editorial work required to piece together the main character's story.

Read this book in two days. Couldn't put it down. The main character lives in a culture with few options for women. While the choices she makes may be appalling to the typical American, and while her profane language may at first cause dismay, once you get to know her, her intelligence, a certain grace, sense of fairness, sense of irony, strength and courage make you love her in spite of her chosen life. All the while you are intrigued and trying to understand her, she is slying educating you on the realities of current West Africa in a way that a textbook never could. Excellent book. Don't miss it.

John M. Chernoff's Hustling is Not Stealing is a unique and highly enjoyable insight into a woman who too often would be viewed in stereotypes or lost in statistics about the hand-to-mouth existence of people in what used to be called the Third World. Chernoff focuses upon the life of one woman, Hawa, describing her as small, cute, and a gifted storyteller. She becomes vividly real as she tells her tales of life as a bar girl, doing what she needs to do to survive -- and with great humor and style! Chernoff begins with a comprehensive and fascinating introduction, which places Hawa's experience in the broad context of African realities, also explaining his own years in Africa as a student of ethnomusicology and of the social milieu in which Hawa's adventures take place. The reader is drawn in, sometimes laughing, sometimes appalled, often both at the same time. Hawa is often hassled by poverty or by those seeking to exploit her. But she laughs her irresistible laugh -- hee hee hee -- and gets her own back. She is no victim! As she travels through Ghana, Togo, and Burkina Faso, one gets a sense of excitement and fun, despite the hard times and dangers. Hawa comes off as a very admirable woman, and Chernoff's book is a real pleasure. His valuable scholarship is matched by his humanity. As you peek into Hawa's world, she comes vividly and unforgettably to life and becomes a friend. This book is priceless! I loved it!

I just wanted to say how wonderful and inspirational Dr. Capehart's book was to me and my children. The book opened our eyes to how fortunate we really are and my children could really relate to the book. I think Dr. Capehart has the biggest heart I know and will be great in whatever he does. Thanks for writing the book. I know it's touched many people, but know that it has touched my family.

I read the book 4 times and everytime, I was amazed at Dr. Capehart's experiences. His illustrations were great and only enhanced the stories he was telling. I also do missionary work and can relate to his experiences. I loved the book and have recommended it to everyone I know. I think Dr. Capehart has a good heart and will be a great doctor. I love his writing style and hope that he writes again.

I'm currently a student at University of Southern California (USC) Go Trojans! I just read Capehart's, "My African Safari." I have to say that it is an inspiring book. If you want a book that makes you visualize what it would be like to be in Africa, this is the bok. It really made me appreciate America and what I have here. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I hope this review helps you to read this terrific book.

Capehart's stories prove that truth really can be stranger than fiction. Some of his stories made me laugh until I cried...others evoked overwhelming emotions for the people he met and lived with. I was amazed by his experiences with members of the tribe, the local wildlife, and the conditions and patients he saw while volunteering at the hospital. For anyone who has ever become frustrated with the `rush' mentality of American living, or who has wanted to venture off the beaten path, Capehart's tales will open your eyes to another world. I highly recommend it!

After a whole decade without the tastes from my childhood I just had to try this gem.
And there they were, the smells and tastes from my grandma's oven. Some of my favourites were missing, but then Ghana has so many different local dishes and I found so much more in this book that it was easily forgiven. I'm no cook and yet even I was able to recreate the most authentic delicious meals with the recipes from this book. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

This book is absolutely brilliant for Ghanaians who have never lived in Ghana or who no longer live at home and want all mum's recipes and more in one easy to follow guide!!

I am married to a man who happens to be from ghana. We live here in the U.S. It is very hard to cook at times because i usually end up cooking the same things over and over again. Although I can cook some dishes from Ghana, there was so much more that I knew of, but never knew the recipe for. I wanted to be able to cook more than just a couple of dishes from Ghana, so I searched for a book like this. I could have asked family memebers, but there is a great language barrier, which made that attempt useless. Now that I have this book, it has helped me to make my husband feel like he's "back home" in his mom's kitchen. Had I done it on my own, it would have took me years to get these authentic recipes, but thanks to Mr. Oto and his wife, I could probably teach my husband a thing or two!

Mrs. Fenuku

Having been to Africa, I can attest that this volume of photographs (the result of a collaboration between six photographers) accurately illustrates daily life. The introduction makes informative reading, and the historical time chart is useful. There are some great urban shots, as well as those of fishermen, a textile craftswoman and other artisans, market scenes, colorful signage, religious iconography and services, health clinics, wildlife, and even a coffeemaker. The color (of the more than 150 images) is excellent. This would be a great gift for someone with an interest in West Africa, and it will be cherished by those with connections to Ghana (or just by those who appreciate good photography).

This striking collection of photographs documenting contemporary Ghana reflects a strong sense of place. Starting with the brilliant emblematic cover portrait, the viewer is welcomed into the distinctive world of everyday Ghanaians whose lives are revealed in all their diversity from fishermen and artists to port workers and women in prayer. How often do you see pictures of a man making rope, a worker carving a pirogue with an adze, a woman transporting a tub of bread on her head while she talks on a cellphone, a casket in the shape of a fish, and the ethereal beauty of dried fishing nets? The bold colors of Ghana resonate in beads and batiks, and businesses engage you with snappy names like the "God is Good Cold Store" and "Hello Furniture Work."
Caveat: the compelling images in this book may transform you from an armchair traveler to an actual explorer of this picturesque west African country.

It is rare that such a sensitive portrait of a nation can be achieved in the short period of time that these six talented photographers had to shoot but the word "talented" is what made it all possible.

Each sees the country from a different point of view and the synergy produced is simply awesome. I enjoyed turning each page for the surprise that ensued and I realized that Ghana was not just another African hellhole but a place that I would ike to learn more about and visit someday.

The warm personalities of the people just jump from the pages and I immediately suggested to the principal of the predominately African-American school where I substitute teach that it be acquired for the school library.

Don't miss this one. It's got great layout, a marvelous preface by the director of the project as to how it evolved, and a great introductory essay by a woman born in Ghana who is now a U.S. scholar who discusses in folksy terms the fascinating history of the country and also refers to individual images in the book. There's also a timeline that brings you up to speed on this fascinating country's history.

When I finshed the book, it went on a special shelf in my library reserved for A-Plus photo books so I can have quick access to page through them over and over again.

You'll love this book!

This little book contains a fantastic, fun collection of Ananse stories that are as delightful as they are thought-provoking. The trickster tales are definitely worth sharing with any class that is studying African culture, folklore, storytelling, universal themes, etc. Black & White as well as color illustrations compliment the stories and add some unique cultural flavor.

Here's the list of included stories and my brief comment on each:

Why Ananse Lives On The Ceiling: This story reminds me of the Tar Baby tale! Ananse's sons try to outwit a thief and receive a surprise...guess who!

Ananse and the Feeding Pot: This is my favorite story. Greedy, jealous Ananse tries to grab some glory for himself after his son's successful adventure in acquiring food for the village.

Ananse Becomes the Owner of Stories: Ananse wants to be remembered and sung as one of the culture's great heroes. To do this, he sets out to possess all the best stories. (This story is very similar to "Anansi Does the Impossible: An Ashanti Tale" by Verna Aardema.)

Ananse, the Even-handed Judge: Ananse receives two invitations to two important life events. How can he fulfill both appointments? (This story is similar to "Anansi Goes to Lunch" by Bobby & Sherry Norfolk.)

Ananse, the Forgetful Guest: The wily spider must wriggle his way out of his own web of lies in order to save face and not offend his royal host.

The Mat Confidences: Ananse wins a prized wife through cleverness. Can he keep her when she learns the truth?

Ananse and the Pot of Wisdom: The Prideful spider learns a valuable lesson about bragging and self-importance.

Ananse and the Singing Cloak: Chameleon seeks to teach the greedy spider a lesson after Ananse lays designs on and captures his farm.

Why Pig Has A Short Snout: Ananse wriggles out of his debt to Pig.

Ananse and the Birds: The spider decides to learn to fly, but the surprised birds are so thrilled about him!

Of all the stories of Anansi, this collection is my favorite. The writing is excellent and engaging, the illustrations are beautiful and fun. I used this book as the basis of a series of stories that I told to a 2nd grade Waldorf class and they were absolutely taken with them. The fact that Amazon is offering this collection in hardback at such a great price makes this a definite MUST BUY!

In The Pot Of Wisdom: Ananse Stories, Ghanaian author Adwoa Badoe draws upon the African Ananse folktale tradition to retell ten lively, witty, and entertaining stories about a trickster spider. Enhanced with the wonderfully illustrations of Malian artist Baba Wague Diakite, these Ananse folktales deal with issues of justice, money, food, marriage, vanity, and self-respect. Very highly recommended for young readers ages 7 and older, The Pot Of Wisdom will quickly become a favorite addition to any school or community library folklore/folktale collection!

I picked this book up in the library probably because of its alluring cover image and title, I'll admit it. And I was prepared to even enjoy what I thought was coming: an intellectual travel book of the Paul Theroux ilk, with perhaps the added sarcasm and chip on the shoulder due any returing British colonial.

It was, however, immediately more interesting and engrossing than any of those books Mr. Theroux has written, and it had even more honesty than Maya Angelou's book about coming to Africa, "All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes." For a long time I was not sure if it was meant to be novel or not. It was acertainly a novel idea, to make such trips, one after the other, in the time that one would need to see the places one was visiting (although I get the feeling that he might have strayed further afield in Africa than he did. There is an element of depression at times that was perhaps strongest in Africa, that kept some of his questions from being asked, so that he decided to move on and end any meandering reflection.) He was always interested in takling to people of the places he visited, but not to justify or romanticize about some book-learned image of the place. He aims more to appreciate what the possibilities of the places he visits are now, and then more importantly, what people there feel their history to be.

It is almost as if he goes to visit a relative in each place, (although he never does this) and in the process was not recognised as a visitor or tourist (was not recognised as anything, perhaps, something that helped lend the novel air to the book, and an interesting element of his reflection. I guess it is based upon the narrator's (and author's, I suppose) African heritage, colonial experience, and English mother tongue, despite his never having lived in America, Britain, or Africa.)

I recomend this book as history and even as a novel. I Guess it is a new sort of book for this age, frank and real and yet also curiously fictitious. It is hard to put down. I look forward to reading it again.

This is a remarkably complex and thought-provoking book.
It would be of interest to anyone who thinks about:
slavery/the middle passage, the limits (or failures) of Pan-Africanism, the power of the 'Exodus' myth in the Bible, and finally the invisible histories of urban space (i.e., of cities like Liverpool, UK and Charleston, SC).

The different destinations in the book -- Ghana, Liverpool, Charleston, even Israel -- all have some bearing to the middle passage. The argument of this book, if there is an argument, seems to be that the journeys "homeward" that many people of African descent invent for themselves are all in some way symptomatic of the original event of separation, the forcible departure constituted by captivity and the journey to the new world.

Amardeep Singh

I am from Thailand and a native Thai.
I read his book; he is my professor.
I am impressed with his idea- the so " socratic idea".
I love his book and everyone should buy it.

I was unfamiliar with the trends in African and Southeast Asian development before reading this book ... the title and subject seemed interesting. However, during the course of my reading it, I have grown significantly more knowledgable about how "3rd world" nations are on their own tracts to develop and enter the ranks of "modern societies".

He begins with a short history of both African and Asain developments, the key players, and background that sets each region up before they take charge of their own destinies. From there, he investigates the cultural, economic, environmental, and international pressures that disseminate one economy from another, as well as invesitgating the ultimate consequences of this growth.

This book is well-written, interesting evenfor a non political science or economics major, and thought-provoking to the core. I highly recommend this book to any who would be interested in learning more about modern development in differing regions of the world.