Africa Books

This was the first book I had read by this author, I found her style captivating.She has the ability of making the personality become real in one's world.I wanted the book to go on and on.

I've read this book several times over the last 10 years. This time, it had been packed away after a move and I hadn't seen it in quite a while. When I pulled it out of a box I was searching through for something else, I immediately sat down to read it again. I would love to pass it on to my daughter, who is 14, but I had forgotten about some of the more "romantic" scenes. Someday, though, I know she'll enjoy it as much as I have. This is just one of those books that you carry with you forever. Treat yourself to this one and you'll be glad you did.

I'm always looking for books about Africa. The fact that Ms. Bickmore has never been to Africa was an initial turn-off. It's strange to me that she didn't travel there before using it as a setting for her book. So I think that her descriptions of Africa was what a well-read American would expect. From my limited travel in African (five trips to East and South Africa), I'd say she did that part pretty well.

As to the story itself, it's all about indendent women and the price they pay for that independence. Her three women all married (or committed) too young!

What can I say, I absolutely loved this book. I hated for it to end. I was so drawn in right from the beginning and stayed that way through the entire book. The characters were well developed and believable. I have read three of Bickmores other books and loved all of them as well, but this one is my favorite.

This book is absolutely the best book I have ever read. I've read it about 5 times(both books)and I just love it. It's catching, you can't tear yourself from it until you're finished. You feel like your right there, living their lives and I cry everytime I read the sad parts. I recommend this book to everyone, read it, you won't be the same.

I gave this book to my husband who is working in Djibouti. So far, there have been no inconsistencies in the information presented and the actual culture, climate, etc. of Djibouti. Accurate and highly readable. I reccomend this book to anyone planning a trip to Djibouti.

I just went to Djibouti for a 10 day visit and this is one of the only English speaking guidebooks available (used). Luckily, it's very well written and the descriptions are still spot on. Maybe it's because very little changes in Djibouti given its geological history, but the author's recommendations (restaurants and tourist attractions) are still accurate. I've used a lot of lonely planet guides and this is by far the most readable and full of interesting details. Highly recommended!

As a Lonely Planet author, I'd like to echo the words of other reviewers of this book. This is clearly Lonely Planet's best title - the writing is clear, concise and informative, the asides are entertaining, the tone is objective yet engaging, and Frances Linzee Gordon's photos are nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations, Frances - you've produced a winner!

A recent front page article in the New York Times on the Lalibela churches in northern Ethiopia sent me running for my LP copy of this book. I was most pleasantly surprised to find over a dozen pages of detailed information on this incredible center of early Christianity. F. Linzee-Gordon's first hand account of a visit to the churches provided a most informative background lacking in the NY Times article. Well done!

I live in Norway, and Africa's Horn is far from my everyday life. I have travelled several times to Eritrea though, and have been searching for guide books from the country. When I went to Eritrea last fall it was with great pleasure I bought the LP book by Frances Linzee Gordon, Ethiopia, Eritrea & Djibouti.

The book is one of the best LP books I've read. The writing is clearly, and it gives us good insight in history, facts, geography, and so on. I have read parts of the book about all three countries, but the Eritrean part is the only one I have actuallu used when travelling.

The books has some very good pictures and maps, and give alot of up to date information. My favorite part is the part about Asmara's architecture, "Asmara, or Piccola Roma, soon came to epitomise the new philosophy: it was not just beautiful, but was well planned, well built and, above all, functiomal. The book is a good guide to use when you plan your travel ahead, and is even better when you actually are there and need or want information.

An extra benefit of the book is the small notes you find alot of, giving interesting information. Reading these notes makes your travel alot more special.

When I travel I use my guidebooks as kind of diaries. I write down restaurants I visit, hotel I stay at, interesting places I see and so on. And this book is filled with my writings almost on all pages. Gordon has seen it all, and gives very useful information about a very interesting, though little known country.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

It came in good time and in great condition. I recommend it with no reservations.

I'm new to Economics and have done very well in the class so far because the book does such a good job explaining complex economic principles. My Professor follows the book exactly. He even uses the slides provided by the publisher. The student section the publisher provides is awesome too. It has flashcards, practice tests, powerpoint slides, etc.

One doesn't often come across a textbook that is as well written as this. I was able to understand the material; it presented everything clearly. The language/voice used was engaging, humorous, and easy to understand. I wish more textbooks were like this one. I give it an A.

This is one of the clearest--and certainly the most interesting--college textbooks I've ever had! I'm an older student returning to school and had to take econ as a prerequisite for an MBA program. I wasn't looking forward to it--tried it once in college years ago and dropped it because both book and class were so boring! I love this class (online, so no professor even!) and look forward to doing the reading each week. My school uses a "customized" version with with only about 2/3 of the chapters, and I'm buying the entire book so I can read the rest of it. Highly recommended!

This is a great book for Beginners in Economics. It has side notes and just about everything is explained very well. Perfect for the Econ101 Course.

Excellent book, it gives a good account of one of the British irregular army units in action in Italy and Germany during the later states of WWII.

There are books on your shelf you should never loan out if you ever hope to see them again. This is one of those books. The WW2 British unit known as Popski's Private Army (PPA) operated in North Africa and Italy. Written by its founder, Vladimir Peniakoff (Popski), the book covers the units contributuion to the war effort. Using machinegun armed Jeeps like the later fictional TV Rat Patrol, this small united operated behind the German and Italian lines. The PPA did not beat Nazi Germany by itself, but its contribution far exceeded its small size. If the grand sweep of armies leaves you hungering for the individual courage found in small units, then this is the book for you. I also recommend "Fighting with Popski's Private Army" by fellow PPA member Park Yunnie.

Peniakoff tells a interesting tale of WWII, but I was struck by his continually contradictory behaviour.

In one sentence he'll say that the purpose of a mission was reconnaissance only, and his unit was not to engage the enemy unless escape was not possible and they were attacked. In the next paragraph, he'll tell how they attacked a convoy of enemy vehicles simply because they felt the need for some action before heading back to base.

He complains about the Italian gentry exploiting the peasantry and the next minute, he's eating a seven course meal with them.
That's just a couple of examples; the book is loaded with similar incidents.

Still, it's a good read, and shows how intelligence is gathered during wartime (sometimes you just get on the phone and call ahead!).

This book is hard to find but well worth the effort. Peniakoff led a facinating life and this book is a must for anybody interested in World War II special operations.

On the 6th of May 1945 men in wheeled vehicles crossed the mosaic floor of the Piazza San Marco in Venice for the very first time in history. They drove around the square seven times in the small, heavily armoured vehicles in which they'd fought their way across North Africa, Italy, and were to travel on to Austria. At the head of this curious band was a man who sported a hook for a hand, and a nom de guerre which was similarly incongruous for a 48 year old Major in the British army. Vladimir Peniakoff, or "Popski" as he became known, was the enigmatic Belgian born son of White Russian emigres, who had until recent years "pursued the ordinary activities of industry" as a discontented sugar refiner in Egypt. Having tutored himself, alone in the Sand Sea but for the navigational instruments of antiquity, he emerged from the wilderness to train the men who accompanied him through the years of turmoil to this long dreamt of moment of victory. "Private Army" is one of the finest military memoirs I have read, and ranks alongside Fitzroy McLean's "Eastern Approaches" and TE Lawrence's "The Mint". This is the authoritative work on Popski's Private Army, but is much more than a Regimental history. This is a superb piece of literature which you will not quickly forget. Read also "With Popski's Private Army" by Ben Owen, a superb companion book to the above.

My mother just loves Egypt stuff and this was bought as a mother's day gift. I previewed it (just to see) and it is beautiful. I even caught myself reading it, as it was full of information and details. I've never seen an Egyption book like this before, and don't think I will ever come across one again.

If you want a succint and fascinating guide to understanding Egyptian art then this is for you. Arranged in a most unique style, Wilkinson's book captivates the reader and moves him into a richer understanding of Egypt's language and art. Richly illustrated, this masterpiece for the layman traces the impact that the Egyptian language had upon the ancient forms of art. It provides the reader with some basic information as well as specifics which will assist the layman in understanding and appreciating this great civilization. It moved me to purchase the companion volume which I cannot wait to read. Having been to Egypt twice, I can only say that this book is a MUST for anyone who is planning to travel there. I only wish that I had discovered this book before I went there! The only thing better would be if the author himself led you on a tour to this enchanting land!

Art language, the signs by which we interpret the meaning of art, is a specialized study. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to approach Egyptian art on a deeper level than a simple visual feast. Prof. Wilkinson has explained many of the common themes used by ancient Egyptian artists in simple terms, so that anyone who cares to read will be able to understand and appreciate the work in depth. I have found this book invaluable. The book is richly illustrated and the line drawings by Troy Sagillo are exquisite. Wilkinson has opened a path for me that I knew was there, but could not find.

Wilkinson is a professor at the University of Arizona (or was) and I believe may still be directing that institution's work in the Valley of the Kings. As he points out in this volume, one of the things often missed in regards to Egyptian art is that it is intended to be "read". Even paintings and objects in the round are often constructed using hieroglyphs. The author gives a well written, organized overview of the rudiments of learning to see into Egyptian art more of what the artist intended the viewer to see. Very nicely illustrated with an excellent selection of examples.

What a wonderful book!

The author takes 100 of the hieroglyphs used in writing Egyptian, and used in Egyptian art. (Symbols are identified by the Gardiner code number.) He dedicates 2 pages to each symbol - the right-hand page gives an analysis of the meaning and uses of the symbol, and the left-hand page, through line drawings and photographs, illustrates how the symbol is used.

Whether you study it page by page, or just dip in and browse, this book can be used, with profit, by anyone interested in the language or art of ancient Egypt.

Excellent book steeped in history and written with great style. One can almost feel Africa and how Safaris changed people as well as a country.

This book, Safari, is one of the best books I have ever read. The
chapters can be read individually yet read perfectly as a whole.
I bought a number of the books as gifts. They were VERY well received.
Thank you for this excellent product.

Safari: A Chronicle Of Adventure details the history of the African safari from its first expedition of 1836 to modern times. Bull is an environmentalist, so his survey Safari isn't your typical gun-hunter's celebration of good old days, but a survey of conflicts between hunting and conservation, weapons and transport, game control and more. From economics and financers of the safari to mishaps, adventures, and famous personalities involved in safaris, vintage black and white photos pair with wide-ranging personal and political stories for maximum effect.

A wonderful book covering the beginnings of the African Safari to the present. Many current authors use this book as reference for their own books such as Peter Beard, Bibi Jordan, Kuki Gallman, and Mirella Ricciardi. If all of these authors use this book as a reference and quote it throughout their own books it has just got be good. I recommend it highly for any African Safari book collection!

This well written book documents the evolution of Safaris from the early Boer settlers through the modern camera hunters.

James Hall made me feel that I was an African. The view was from thse eyes.
Americans can really feel and see the people of that community.

A fine read to get a total world view and not the myopic view that we Americans have of the world and others.

Please let me know where I could find him now and get caught up on his life. His kids would be about 14 1nd 20 now. let me know bob huff
bob_huff@comcast.net thanks

From the back flap of the book we learn that James Hall has written a candid and dramatically personal account of his unique journey from a comfortable, predictable life in Los Angeles to a harsh and uncharted one in the tiny kingdom of Swaziland. His story shows how the pieces of life can fit together to balance people and nature, the mortal and the immortal, the physical and the spiritual. Sangoma weaves together the excitement of an adventure story and the wisdom of a deeply felt memoir from a man who has b1ended his roles as modern American and as diviner and healer of timeless provenance.

James Hall takes us on his personal journey as a midwestern America who slowly gets drawn into the world of African healers. The story is personal, poignant, and very detailed. It lets us look into several windowns we don't ordinarily get to look through - everyday living in rural Africa and the world of the african healer.

From 1977 to 1980 I taught at a major university in Africa and spent 2+ years working closely with sangomas. Most of my acquaintances were Zulu or Sotho, but there are not very many differences to the Swazi that Hall talks about. What does differ considerable is whether or not the spirits are from the river or from the land, but that's another issue.

Hall gives a precious insight into the role of the sangoma and the personal issues that sangoma must face. My own work was in the urban areas, and it's very different from Hall's rural adventures.

Anyone interested in africa, african healers, and stories of personal growth will find this book very interesting and informative. It is suitable for young adults as well as adults.

Another interesting book on indigenous cultures, this book tells the story of a westerner who underwent the rituals to become a Sangoma, a Zulu medicine man. What makes this excellent is that it is easy to understand the religion of the Zulu because it is filtered through a western view yet still understood. If you enjoyed this book, I also suggest that you check out Malidoma Patrice Some's "Of Water and the Spirit" as well.

This book depicts another white man's life journey in Africa. Miriam Makeba, the famous singer, suggested to James Hall (the author of "Sangoma") that there may be more than meets the eye in his fascination with Africa and African-American women. Hall followed her advice and consulted a Swazi witch doctor ("sangoma") who declared, to surprise of all, that Hall was destined to become a sangoma himself. This book depicts his travails leading to his initiation into the circle of Swazi healers.

It was a bittersweet path, filled with encounters with supernatural (Hall turned out to possess access to many different spirits, including those of a Native American, a NY advertising executive and - wait for this - a fetus). In addition to description of his training, Hall provides valuable accounts of his interactions with ordinary Swazis (some good, some bad; there seem to be as many racially intolerant people in Africa as everywhere else) and, especially, with women. Hall shows that relationships between men and women in Swaziland are pragmatic, based on exchange of material goods and services rather than sentimental.

Throughout the book we participate in Hall's inner life, his decisions and his torments as well as in his decision to adopt a parentless child and marry the woman he fell in love with. Hall now lives and practices in Swaziland and I think Swazis are lucky to have such a courageous, dedicated, life-affirming and generous sangoma.

Frank Peretti is one of the best authors on the face of this Earth. This book, The Secret of the Desert Stone, displays that talent. He perfectly captures the greatness, and soverigntiy of God in a creative way. Once again, I totally admire the Coopers maturity as Christians, and their complete trust in the Father.

I'm a big Cooper Kids fan (and my name is Cooper, too). This book, Secret of the Desert Stone, is one-of-a-kind. As far as plots and settings and storylines in general go, this one's OK or above average, but nothing fantastic. In fact, if that was all I was looking at, I would rate it three stars. But the reason I rated it five was because breaches the most important thing in a person's life in a totally innovative and oh-so incredible way. The Coopers crash-land in the territory of a savage tribe in Africa while trying to discover the secret of a phenomal stone in an African dictatorship. But what they discover among the people is breath-taking. This book has a POWERFUL spiritual message (and don't get me wrong. It's NOT TOTALLY BORING....just not as action-packed as the other ones. A plain and simple fact meant to inform, not to dissuade). If you're reading the Cooper Kids, READ THIS BOOK. It will be a story you won't forget.

I loved this book! It gives readers a breather in the series, since the most of the books have dangerous situations. This book is not so dangerous until the end, but it is soooo interesting to see the simalarities between the idea's of the people they meet and Christianity. It starts when Dr. Cooper and his kids investigate the apearance of a large, perfectly rectangle stone in a mountain pass. The tribe they meet behind it is very friendly to them. During their stay with the them they discover the tribe is expecting water to come from the stone to help them grow crops, although the army on the other side is terrified of it. Dr. Cooper's family also dicover the people have a religion very similar to Christianity, with some of the same stories that some from the Bible. In the end, the stone saves them all. This is such an interesting book, it was a thrill for me to read.

This book is a great book for all ages. I am currently 17 and I love it. It is a wonderful testimony of what you can do with faith in God.

Dr. Jacob Cooper, Biblical archaeologist, and his two young teen-aged children, Jay and Lila, accompany their father to a small country in Africa after being summoned by Brent Anderson, a missionary to Africa, and two solemn costume-wearing Africans.

Thus begins a very unlikely adventure for the Cooper trio. In Togwana, they meet Dr. Jennifer Henderson, an African-American geologist from Stanford University, who has also been summoned. They face the new dictator Idi Nkromo, a cruel, heavy-fisted ruler. The problem facing these newcomers is the Stone of Togwana, not a stone of nature, not a man-made stone, but a mountain-size creation blocking the range between two actual mountains. What is more, it appears overnight, fully there. The Togwanians call it a baloa-kota, a curse, a plague. The dictator has called a man of archaelogy and spirit and a woman of science to disappear the stone, because the dictator plans to perish the people beyond--the Motasas, stereotypical bone-wearing, spear-chunking Africans.

This new "mountain" measures three miles wide and two miles high. Once they begin to measure and test it, all manner of supernatural things begin to occur. The small group flies to the top in a small aircraft to examine the Stone there. When a monstrous snowstorm threathens to annihilate them, they fly off but strong currents force them to land on the cannibal side among the Motasas. Whereas Togwanians on the other side fear this surreal structure, the Motasas recognize it for what it is: a sign from God.

Let it be said that this is just the beginning of a seemingly parallel world in which a Christ-like personage figures into their mythos and religion. The snake bites them to make them do bad. Coincidentally or not, the villagers have built their houses on stone foundations made of the same red rock as this new mountain. They believe that God will send them water through this mountain so their village will survive and flourish. There are many other direct references to events in the Bible.

Frank Peretti is a popular Christian writer, who weaves stories of faith tested by trial and tribulations. In this series of young adult Christian novels featuring the Cooper trio, Christian values and codes are at the core. Even in their troubling early teens, Jay and Lila remain children of faith, as reflected through their behavior.

This little story is a quiet victory of faith, demonstrated by the Coopers and the Motasas, a seemingly most unlikely people to follow God, which is the point--God can touch all peoples. The novel is a nice read to confirm a young Christian's faith and a reminder of the great working powers of God in all places and in all people. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways to bring about good. But then, you will have to read the book to find out what this Stone brings.

A thriller and historical, - this was a page turner. A very interesting expose of South Africa during apartheid.

When we see what's going on now in Iraq in terms of abuse of prisoners, it doesn't sound too different from what happened in this novel, A TELLING TIME. There seemed to be no hope in South Africa then, but as one reads this book, it becmes apparent that it was possible to reconcile. Perhaps we can hope for such a miracle here.

What a wonderful novel, and so visual that you feel you are in the room with the characters. Glynnis Hayward has created a page-turning novel that helps you understand South Africa during apartheid. Read this book!

Once I had started reading A Telling Time by Glynnis Hayward, I could not put the book down. The story line is gripping: it not only made me much more aware of South Africa during the 1970's and how brutal the police system was for opponents of the government, it questioned the horror that humans can inflict on each other. The lessons learned from the story apply much more broadly than apartheid South Africa. The book helped me understand vividly how undemocratic regimes with security apparatus that has no limit to its power can exercise control and terror over its citizens. It did so with chilling descriptions of torture, brutality and deception yet kept me hooked with the courage of people who defied the system at great personal cost. This is a must read

I was fortunate to hear Ms Hayward speak at a book group meeting recently. I had already been impressed by the book and felt even more so after the meeting. This book has you gasping in horror and crying, yet even at odd moments laughing. The characters are so real and the subject matter so grim; they're a real reminder of what fear can do to warp reasoning. It seems to me that those horrors of 1970s South Africa; loss of individual's freedom, and abuse of power, are things that re-visit again and again in different times and places. Sometimes they are very close to home.

This book is really exciting & extremely funny. Tillie, a girl longing for a change in her so predictable life, is swept away on an adventure with Greame. At first Tillie isn't sure about Greame but as they continue traveling together in Africa she finds it hard to deal with the fact that he isn't a christian and they can have no future together. Once you open this book you can't put it down and the pages will not stop turning. This book could turn someone who hates reading into someone who loves to!

This book is really exciting & extremely funny. Tillie, a girl longing for a change in her so predictable life, is swept away on an adventure with Greame. At first Tillie isn't sure about Greame but as they continue traveling together in Africa she finds it hard to deal with the fact that he isn't a christian and they can have no future together. Once you open this book you can't put it down and the pages will not stop turning. This book could turn someone who hates reading into someone who loves to!

Tillie Thorton has a secret treasure and a fierce nomadic tribe, the Tuareg, want it. They'll do anything to get it, even murder. Out of nowhere, Graeme McLoed, a treasure hunter, is by her side. Together Tillie and Graeme face the angry Tuareg tribesmen, crocodiles, hippos, and a sandstorm. Their journey brings them closer eachother and the truth.
This is a sweet adventure story. It brings two strangers together, in an unasuming and wonderful way.

When a beautiful scientist (Tillie) finds her life in the hands of a solemn, secretive man (Graeme), the adventures start rolling! With a tribe of African nomads on their tail, Tillie and Graeme begin to fall in love. Will God touch Graeme's heart for Him?

I have fallen in love with this book and have read it multiple times. I was quite disappointed to discover that it was out of print. After a while I managed to get a used copy. However, while shopping a book caught my eye and I flipped through it. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the book to be The Treasure of Timbuktu, only under a different name! If you would like a copy the title is now A Kiss of Adventure, which is part of the treasures of the heart series.