Africa Books

This is an interesting book mostly because of the viewpoint of the author. The author is a German who does not think Rommel was all that great. And so you have the whole series of events in Africa viewed from a critical German perspective.

And as he says, Rommel was very lucky in who he had as opponents. The British were horribly led in the begining (with some notable exceptions) leading to numerous German victories.

This is not a "must read." But it is worth the time and the unique viewpoint of the author makes it quite informative.

Rommel's War in Africa is a vivid and detailed account of the fighting between the German Afrika Korps and the British 8th Army during WWII. It is really a book with two themes, one about the war itself and the other about the man behind the battles, Erwin Rommel. The writing is solidly based on accurate historical research, using interviews and archival material from both sides. It was originally written in German and then translated into "British" English, so there words here and there that surprise the American reader, e.g. Germans referring to each other as "chaps". However, this does not take away from the reader's experience at all. Heckmann was one of the first authors to step beyond the glorified myth of Rommel and consider the man as he actually was. Both his courage and ingenuity, and his vanity and miscalculations are thoroughly explored. The narrative covers the back-and-forth nature of the fighting as each side maneuvers through the desert, suffers setbacks, and deals with the challenges of supply on a remote front. In the end, Rommel is defeated in Africa, and Germany itself reaches a turning point in the war. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this theater of WWII.

I have read quite a few works on the North African campaign of World War II, and Wolf Heckmann's "Rommel's War in Africa" is one of the best. This well written book is a pleasure to read for both the casual enthusiast and a more researched reader. Heckmann thoroughly and honestly explores both sides of the war, from both the allied and axis sides, which is quite refreshing, as most works are very Anglo-orientated about North Africa. I would confidently recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about World War II.

The author uses sources and personal accounts from both sides to give the most balanced account of this interesting campaign I have ever encountered. One of the very few books on the subject to take an unbiased look at Rommel's generalship, recounting both his genius and his flaws. I cannot overemphasize how worthwhile I found this work.

The initial attraction of this book is the wonderful artwork, but further investigation reveals a thoughtful and fresh look at nature. Robert Bateman tells you enough about himself and his lifes work to make you curious about him. Most importantly, he provides the reader with a close up and personal view of animals we rarely experience. He provides a quick run down of the facts of each animal and where it lives in a small information box. The text provides some very unique information on the animal. I found his information on how a giraffe runs to be facinating. A great read for children (and adults) of any age who appreciate nature and beauitful art.

The photorealistic artwork of Robert Bateman is incredible and mesmerizing. In fact, as I flipped through the book the first time, I thought the artwork was a mix of photographs and paintings.

This is what the catalog description says on the verso page (back of title page): "Paintings and brief text present some of the animals found in Africa...." Further down: "The works in this book...have been published as limited edition prints by...." Then I really looked, but some are so realistic as to defy belief.

I'm looking at the painting on the Dedication page. The fur on the backs of three lionesses looks so real. The yellowed grass on the savanna looks real. Bateman's dedication reads: "For young people everywhere: may you love nature--and protect it."

This particular book celebrates the beauty and dignity of the animals of Africa, which Bateman believes will one day disappear. But he is hopeful of their salvation because safaris today are planned as photographic ones rather than big game hunting.

On this safari Bateman took his family with him. One of the great joys of their trip was going into the rain forest and getting close to the great gorillas. In another photograph of Bateman he is sitting close to an orphan cheetah and sketching it. A painting of that cheetah appears in the book.

The book is devoted to a full-page painting of each featured animal, plus a smaller one, a half-page of information, then a block of basic facts (habitat, height, weight, food, and range). Animals included are elephant, leopard, giraffes, wildebeest, lion, cape buffalo (the most dangerous of all African animals), zebras and kudu, cheetah, dik-dik and impala, rhinoceros, and gorilla.

On the last page Bateman sits thoughtfully before an elephant painting and makes a plea for people to save wildlife and wild places.

This is a beautiful wildlife art book for children in elementary and middle school; adults will enjoy it also but might like the larger version. The book includes the natural histories of each animal in Bateman's realistic paintings and may be a useful resource for home libraries.

This is a great book for children who like animals. The book inspires children to draw. My six year old son and I have enjoyed this book and have spent many hours reading it over and over. The drawings are incredible. Your "animal loving" child will love it, too.

I was apprehensive that a book ostensibly written by a teddy bear would get sneers from my teen aged son, however, despite a few pages of cuteness at the start, the book was so well done in art work and content, and mirrored our own safari experiences so well, that Nick loved it. He even, abeit a bit sheepishly, liked the teddy bear humor. If this book succeeds so well with a cynical teen, it should work for everyone. Read this book before you go to East Africa, then re-read it (and get a little misty-eyed) after you return.

This delightful book tells the story of the bear Reggie, who travels to Africa for a safari with his owner. His handwritten account records everything he sees in a journal/scrapbook format that is accompanied by beautiful illustrations. A wonderful book for any age. Also check out the follow up, Journey Up the Nile.

An absolutely charming book, "Safari" is the journal of Reginald Oliver Smythe, a vintage Teddy bear who was taken along on a trip to Africa by his owner (and travel companion), Susan. I've read lots of books on Africa, but none like this one--told entirely from the toy bear's perspective. It is filled with interesting facts and suffused with "Reggie's" endearing personality. Written in the form of a travel journal, the book is as lushly illustrated as an artist's sketchbook. Reginal Oliver Smythe's "Safari" is perfect for reading to my young nieces and nephew. A great gift!

I have been on a safari with each of my daughters and am going on another with my son, his wife and 3 young grands this summer. Mailed them Reggie's book which was so beguiling I had to get another copy for my daughters to share with me. Needless to say I love the East African experience and this book gives some useful information in a fun, easily accessible and creative way.

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.

...over the past three decades I have traveled to some of the cities listed in the book. I found it great reference reading, and a lot of fun, as I passed through the region. Well worth the price and adding to your North African library. BTW - at least one of the grandchildren of an important Moroccan named in the book was to be found in a Smara house referenced. He'll spin a great yarn, to two, over some mint tea that will add to your understanding of the book.

Enjoy!

The experiences described by Vieuchange are somehow so tangible, that they become like one's own memories or dreams. It could be viewed as a futile, insignificant story, however, there is something in the way Vieuchange throws himself into oblivion for a dream that sleeps in a corner of all of us.

Stumbled onto this small work on a back shelf and bought it for a quick read 15 years ago. I have never stopped thinking about it. It is the personal journal of a young romantic on a personal quest seeking a rumored city lost in the desert of Morocco. The danger, pain and ultimate loss of his life to illness far from home is punctuated by his momentary view of the ruins, which to the true romantic, overshadowed all else. You can put yourself in his place on every page and feel his pain and exhiliration. The book is testimony to his brother who followed his trail to find the truth after his failure to return, and found the journal with the nuns who nursed him till his death. It is truly a gem in the travel book genre.

An amazingly real account from the journals. Steeped in the romantic tradition of solo travel, the account begins in hope and ends in the still silence of illness where no words can be written, though the flicker of hope undoubtedly held on in this man's breast till the end. It is as honest and immediate account of a personal adventure of great risk and pain as can be found in the twentieth century. All travelers should read and admire.... though none should follow.

Somali food is divine! It is so aromatic and layered with subtle flavors. This book is jam packed with easy to follow recipes that taste exactly like home. I make everything from vegetarian entrées, to Somali breads, to Somali-style fruit juices and deserts. I never thought I'd see a cookbook like this. It's exactly what I've been waiting for. I love it!

When I ordered this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I've never had Somali food, but heard about a Somali Restaurant in another state that was really good. Rather than travel I though I would try my hand at it since I'm a huge fan of cooking world cuisines.
The first thing I loved is that there is a color photo for nearly every recipe. When you are unfamiliar with a cuisine I think this helps to let you know what it should look like and what you might find more appealing.
I have made some of the recipes and was so pleased that I'm encouraged to make more of them. The ingredients are obtainable in most grocery stores and the instructions are clear and simple. Clearly this was a labor of love for the author and her effort shows. As a picky eater I didn't find this to be a scary cuisine filled with fish eye stew type recipes. These home style meals have great appeal, are economical and would be a HIT at your next dinner party. This book does include some nice desserts and some refreshing alcohol free drinks as well.

I have used most of the recipes in this book, they are very well detailed, simple, and so delicious.

I always wanted to know how Somali cuisine was prepared and cooked, this book was indeed my openning into that venue and now I am becoming a specialized cook in the recipes contained in this book.

I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who wants to cook any sizzling recipes and different kinds of spicy and not so spicy foods.

Job very well done!

Great Cookbook! I love everything! Highly recommend for anyone who loves all things ethnic.

This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. I normally don't read many biographies or autobiographies, but this one touched my soul. I laughed and cried with the author and her miraculous journey throughout her life. I live in Los Angeles and work at UCLA and could see and feel the atmosphere of her life here. The way she described the Carribean almost made me feel like I had lived there myself, although I have never been there. Her love and support for Sipho went beyond comprehension and is a rare thing nowadays. Ms. Siwisa James has been through so much on her life's journey and I wish her nothing but peace and happiness.

"The South Africa of His Heart" is a really great memoir that holds the reader's attention from the very beginning and doesn't disappoint at the end. I read the last few pages twice because I was so moved by the wonderful sense of satisfaction at the writer's life journey. And not all novels leave you with that feeling of completeness...with just a great ending. "Serendipity" is really apropos in the subtitle.

Though the central story is about an African-American woman and the lasting effect on her life by her marriage to a South African man in exile, it is not a novel geared to one race or sex. It would be unfair to say it's a novel that is for women or to profile it in any way as targeted to one group. I enjoyed it so much because it just spoke to my heart and anyone who has loved and lost love, or had joy and sadness in their life will enjoy it. And that's just about everyone!

I think this book proves that it's not just the rich and famous who have interesting stories to tell (as usually written by ghostwriters) in terms of autobiography. It really shows you that everyday people can often live interesting, exciting lives that are worth reading about. It was a fascinating story about a woman who had an ordinary, but at times, really extraordinary life. And the author, Davida Siwisa James, has a way of sharing events in her life that puts you right in the middle of what she is experiencing. There's a scene with a hurricane in the tropics where you can 'feel' the wind blowing! She has a true gift for words that are beautiful to read and very moving.

It's great to take a chance on a new novelist sometimes. This was a real treat.

Over the years, I have been acquainted with the work of this delightful writer through her various short stories, essays and articles on diverse topics. I have been eagerly awaiting her production of this marvelous work, and it was every bit worth the wait! Throughout this introspective book, the author's descriptive prose and melodic sentence structure serve to deeply involve the reader into the ups and downs and twists and turns of her life. This is definitely a rewarding read and I urge you not to miss it!

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was definitely a page turner. Many times I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The author brought to life the scenic locations of New York, London, Paris, the Caribbean and Los Angeles in a way I haven't read about in a long time. The storm scenes in the Caribbean made me feel like I was experiencing a hurricane for the first time. I was enchanted by the weekend in Paris. Being from Los Angeles I thoroughly enjoyed reading about familiar locations throughout the city. I especially loved the references to UCLA. Reading about Sipho's lasting impression on his homeland through Davida's email communications with his family and fellow countryman was educational indeed. It's nice to read that even when you come out of a life of difficulty (time in Philadelphia) you can turn your life around. It was just a marvelous uplifting story and I can't wait to buy her next book.

This is a wonderful book. It is full of the imagery and feelings that in turn, delight, amuse and sadden. Naomi Nye has compiled a collection of writers from various countries within the Middle East. Although the writers come from many countries and competing nationalities, there is a common commitment to peace. Since the poems are translated,rather than presented in the original languages, the reader does not have the benefit of the natural rhythms of the languages the poems were taken from. What the translations lack in terms of rhyme is more than made up by the poets' use of Metaphor. One poet talks about "drinking in the melancholy of morning". Another talks about being passed by trains with eyes looking back at you. The language is effective and persuasive. Many of the poems deal with loss. They deal with the loss of loved ones, the loss of time, the loss of relationships, but more importantly, they deal with the loss of basic human rights and something as basic as a homeland. The book has many fine paintings that supplement the text. They are all very well done and add to the feeling of the book. The reader of this book will not only read, but will also have an experience. All the senses except hearing will be involved. I recommend this book to anyone, particularly to Young Adults.

I bought this book from amazon.com, fell in love with it & wrote the following review for The Capital Times, Madison WI's afternoon newspaper:

That this exquisitely beautiful, painfully direct and ultimately joyful book, "The Space Between Our Footsteps,'' is published under the imprint of Simon & Schuster's Books for Young Readers is an example of how badly we adults need to learn the lessons we try to teach our children.

The poems and paintings of more than 100 writers and artists from 19 countries are loosely grouped by theme,without a condescending preface or explanations of how to feel when we read or view them...This book is an ideal gift for anyone old enough to read "The Diary of Anne Frank,'' and to know that just as, for Anne, life went on as war went on, so it does today. It is for anyone who thinks he or she understands the conflicts in the Middle East, and for anyone whose life needs a sudden rush of beauty.

(Lin Seagren teaches in Stoughton WI and for the UW-Extension.)

This book has room in its heart for the passions and longings of writers from all of the Middle East. It offers readers, in beautiful poetry, the longings for place, for a loved past, for a more secure future, felt by Lebanese, Syrians, Israelis, Turks, Palestinians, Iraqis, Saudis, Egyptians, and more. Meticulously designed and printed, it offers art from across the Middle East that illuminates these poems and helps us learn with our children important lessons about that part of the world.

We are living in a time where being Arab, Muslim, or Southeast Asian makes one a "terror suspect." In this age of fear and ignorance, it is more important than ever for educators and readers of poetry to take a look at Nye's touching portraits of Arab and Arab American life. If these poems reveal the beauty, intelligence, and vitality of Arab and Arab Americans, then -- to the seething reader from Denver, CO-- you may find Nye guilty of being truthful: All human life is precious, and all human beings are capable of exceeding our expectations.

I first fell in love with Nye's poetry through "The Words Beneath the Words" and recommend all of her works. Educators, activists, lovers of poetry, please read and share Nye's work. They are more important then ever in creating peaceful relationships for the future.

This book was like coming home for me. I am one of those people Ms. Campbell means when she says you need have no interest in Africa to enjoy her stories and suggestions. A friend gave me this book at my grandfather's funeral. Yes, it was very touching and insightful in light of his passing but even more so in light of my own life. I had wanted to try a new career for years. Her stories and simple steps helped me try. I'm buying copies for my family and friends!

I have used Ms. Campbell's books with high school and college students in World Religion classes. When parents called to ask me where they could buy "Spirit of the Ancestors" I knew I was onto something. This little book is teaching us in surprising ways. I won't say more--read it and treat yourself!

I heard Ms. Campbell speak in Los Angeles. Following a recent business trip, I had an opportunity to actually visit some of the African healers she writes about in her book, "Called to Heal."

The healers were very touched by Ms. Campbell's sensitivity and spoke of her generous help bringing several of them to the USA to expand their professional networks. "Spirit of the Ancestors" came about when one visiting healer said it was time for Ms. Campbell, "a modern American", to write about how she herself "works with the ancestors." They said "her approach is pure and crosses cultures. It belongs to everyone."

I immediately read the book and loved it! The stories are charming and authentic. I loved her close family and have tried some of the suggestions with my own children. Now they can't wait to tell me about their dreams and even listen to one another for "clues to the ancestors" that guard over them. My teenager is sharing the book with her friends and teachers.

The book is very touching, crosses not only cultures but I would add religion, education, ethnicity, and more. Buy it for your family and then have fun experimenting. It's a joy!

Susan Schuster Campbell speaks with a clear voice, sharing her African experiences through Western eyes. Americans have lost the vital connection with ancestors. Susan's book is full of personal stories and practical applications for reconnecting and building personal relationships with ancestral guides.

The African approach of contact with the ancestors complements religious and spiritual practices. In Spirit of the Ancestors, Ms. Campbell covers a variety of topics: 1)contacting ancestors; 2)ancestral dreaming; 3)following ancestral guidance; 4)doorway to the spiritual; 5)gifts of the ancestors; 6)the practice of ancestors. I have found this easy-to-read book helpful in my own shamanic practice and highly recommend it to anyone interested in deepening their own spiritual path.

this book is a must have, for a person who's traveling in a 3rd world country and even more so, if you are not a doctor or nurse.

its easy to read, small and compact enough to bring along and has tons of great info.

HIGHLY RECOMMEDED!

I bought a book back in 1992. Used it for travels to Asia and Afrika. Handy size can always fit your backpack, no matter how light you must pack. I used it for rough trips, as well as for trips around Europe with kids. The book covers all essential aspects that you will need for your travel: (i) which vaccinations to take before you go and what to pack, (ii) what precautions to take to stay fit and healthy, (iii) what to do in case you get sick and (iv) what is the bottom line when you really need to stop being your own doctor and need to find a physician. The book is well structured and you find in a second the topic you are looking for. I strongly recomend the book to travelers who are serious about staying healthy.

I found this book to be very informative. It showed the vaccines that you should get but not only that. It told about the bugs and "creepy crawlies" that you should stay away from in your particular country you are going to. It told of the plants that are poisonous and to stay away from there water unless you have a purifier. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is goind to a third world country!

I have travelled and lived all over the world and I always have this book with me. Not only does it cover how to protect yourself, but if you do get sick it helps you to get better. I love that it includes different drugs for you to take for different bugs, and it tells you the exact dosage. This comes in handy when you are living in the bush in Africa, no doctor for hundreds of miles, but a well stocked pharmacy near by. I HIGLY recomend this book or anyone planning to travel or live overseas.