Bill Bryson's African Diary
14 journalers for this copy...
This is a very small book, produced as a fund-raising item for CARE International. Despite the small size it's quite entertaining - and enlightening; Bryson visited slums and refugee camps in Kenya, and while he seems unable to avoid finding humor in the tribulations of travel, the dire situations faced by so many people still come through. The book's not a downer, but does make one think.
I was fortunate enough to go to Kenya a couple of years ago, and while we did not venture into the slums, we did see the dramatic contrast between the lives of the majority of the people and those of the wealthiest city-dwellers (and, of course, of the tourists). It's a stunningly beautiful country; I hope that there's some way to resolve the worst of its problems before too many more people are lost...
*** Later: I had tagged this as a keeper (in part because the purchase of new copies of the book contributes to CARE), but when I received a second copy as a birthday present I figured I might as well make one available for release.
I was fortunate enough to go to Kenya a couple of years ago, and while we did not venture into the slums, we did see the dramatic contrast between the lives of the majority of the people and those of the wealthiest city-dwellers (and, of course, of the tourists). It's a stunningly beautiful country; I hope that there's some way to resolve the worst of its problems before too many more people are lost...
*** Later: I had tagged this as a keeper (in part because the purchase of new copies of the book contributes to CARE), but when I received a second copy as a birthday present I figured I might as well make one available for release.
Received this beautiful little book today, May 7,2003. This is the first book I've ever received as a BookCrosser, so it's special in two ways. Thank you, GoryDetails.
Will comment when through.
Will comment when through.
Thanks Gory for sharing this book with me. As you said, it's not a downer, but does make one think. I always want to try to help in some way, but want to be sure my contributions will get to where they are needed. I feel as if i can help, with CARE.
I am sending this out 5/30/03 to JollyL in Canada. (Sorry I'm a day later than what I told you)
Rec'd this last night, thanks Gategrl! Also thanks for the bookmark, I love the quote. I have a quote by Thoreau framed on my wall in the livingroom!
I will read this, and either send it on (someone has expressed interest) or I will return it to sender!
Will journal later!
Thanks!
I will read this, and either send it on (someone has expressed interest) or I will return it to sender!
Will journal later!
Thanks!
What a wonderful book! I am making a donation to CARE today since I didn't purchase this book but received it through bookcrossing. It is now flying on to New Brunswick to Lady-Sybil! Enjoy!
Journal Entry 8 by lady-sybil from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Thank you JollyL, it was a wonderful surprise to receive the book yesterday, along with the most exquisite postcard of African wild dogs ... it made me homesick and happy at the same time :-)
I haven't had the time to read it yet, but my husband commented, after reading it last night in one sitting, that I should probably not send it to anyone ... everyone should buy their own copy to ensure that CARE receive funding. But after reading everyone's journal entries, I think this book is inspiring many people to contribute on their own and should travel as far as possible. I will make another entry as soon as I have had the time to read it myself.
I haven't had the time to read it yet, but my husband commented, after reading it last night in one sitting, that I should probably not send it to anyone ... everyone should buy their own copy to ensure that CARE receive funding. But after reading everyone's journal entries, I think this book is inspiring many people to contribute on their own and should travel as far as possible. I will make another entry as soon as I have had the time to read it myself.
Journal Entry 9 by lady-sybil from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, September 8, 2003
I should really be more organized with journalling ... this book is probably almost in Australia by now and I still hasn't journalled it ... blame it on a recent move to another apartment - at least I did not lose any books in transit :-)
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this little book although I did feel guilty because I got the book free of charge and, thus, did not contribute to CARE (I fixed that by buying my own copy). Typical of Bill Bryson, the book is filled with interesting little snippets of random facts and statistics (I really enjoyed his entry about the palaentological dig, and I sincerely hope that his knowlegeable guide did get the opportunity to study at the University of Pretoria). Having worked with some aid agencies and having witnessed many bad mistakes and failures in Southern Africa, it was good to read about some of the success stories that CARE helped to bring about. Some entries had me crying into the pages and some smiling with joy.
Thanks GoryDetails for registering the book (by the way, the stamps are a lovely touch) and gategrl for passing it on (I promise that it will travel some more in memory of you mom) and JollyL for remebering me when you read the book :-) I mailed this book to puppymummy in Australia beacause it was on her wishlist.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this little book although I did feel guilty because I got the book free of charge and, thus, did not contribute to CARE (I fixed that by buying my own copy). Typical of Bill Bryson, the book is filled with interesting little snippets of random facts and statistics (I really enjoyed his entry about the palaentological dig, and I sincerely hope that his knowlegeable guide did get the opportunity to study at the University of Pretoria). Having worked with some aid agencies and having witnessed many bad mistakes and failures in Southern Africa, it was good to read about some of the success stories that CARE helped to bring about. Some entries had me crying into the pages and some smiling with joy.
Thanks GoryDetails for registering the book (by the way, the stamps are a lovely touch) and gategrl for passing it on (I promise that it will travel some more in memory of you mom) and JollyL for remebering me when you read the book :-) I mailed this book to puppymummy in Australia beacause it was on her wishlist.
I just received a lovely parcel in the mail, I am really looking forward to Bill Bryson's take on Africa. Although I get the feeling from the other journal entries that I will end up buying another copy for me or else making a donation :)
Thanks for passing this on, I'll be starting it very soon.
Thanks for passing this on, I'll be starting it very soon.
Journal Entry 11 by puppymummy from Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia on Tuesday, September 23, 2003
I really enjoyed this book, Bill Bryson's wry sense of humour is fantastic and I loved his story about the light aircraft. I'm sure everybody who has previously read this will not be surprised that I have bought my own copy so I have one to keep while this one continues to travel.
I particularly appreciated reading a little more about CARE and that their charity passes on at least 90% of earnings. And I like the description of how they set up their projects - the independence of it.
Thanks so much for choosing to send it to me, Lady-Sybil, I'm using your postcard as my current bookmark and it's helping me to choose more books for release!
I particularly appreciated reading a little more about CARE and that their charity passes on at least 90% of earnings. And I like the description of how they set up their projects - the independence of it.
Thanks so much for choosing to send it to me, Lady-Sybil, I'm using your postcard as my current bookmark and it's helping me to choose more books for release!
Journal Entry 12 by Hawkette from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Puppymummy has passed this one on to me, via TramGirl. Thanks! Looks very interesting, especially for my current pursuits in development.
This is a great little glimpse into the work of an international NGO in a developing nation - in CARE in Kenya. Bill Bryson, in his usual amusing travelogue, spends 8 days visiting Kenya with CARE International, seeing some of their very worthy projects. He touches on microfinance, and the plight of seemingly permenantly displaced people in refugee camps, political corruption and under-handed dealings, and the ongoing and devastating poverty of life in a developing nation - and the everlasting hope and spirit that people facing these immence challenges seem to have. All in this tiny book!
Since I have received this as part of BookCrossing, and thus my receiving it did not allow proceeds to be collected by CARE, I am going to buy at least one copy and release it in the wild - to spread the word about CARE through BookCroosing (I have put it up in the Releasing Challenges forum, if anyone would like to join me!).
Since I have received this as part of BookCrossing, and thus my receiving it did not allow proceeds to be collected by CARE, I am going to buy at least one copy and release it in the wild - to spread the word about CARE through BookCroosing (I have put it up in the Releasing Challenges forum, if anyone would like to join me!).
Journal Entry 14 by 
crimson-tide
from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Monday, February 16, 2004
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Monday, February 16, 2004
Received in the post today as part of a trade. Thanks Hawkette. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I'll then take up the challenge and buy another copy to release, or at least make an equivalent donation.
I'll then take up the challenge and buy another copy to release, or at least make an equivalent donation.
Journal Entry 15 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, August 1, 2004
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, August 1, 2004
A great little book. Interesting, thought provoking and entertaining. It wants to continue travelling and spreading the word, so is off to New Zealand tomorrow as a surprise companion to a book ring book.
And a donation to CARE is on its way.
And a donation to CARE is on its way.
I've already gushed effusively in the journal entries for two other books about crimson-tide's generosity in sending me three books when I was only expecting one, but one more time won't hurt! So thanks again, CT!!!
Looking forward to reading this one - Bill Bryson is a great writer, and I love Africa (I spent a fabulous 6 months travelling from Zimbabwe to Morrocco in 1994), so this should be just my kind of book.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
Looking forward to reading this one - Bill Bryson is a great writer, and I love Africa (I spent a fabulous 6 months travelling from Zimbabwe to Morrocco in 1994), so this should be just my kind of book.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
Journal Entry 17 by futurecat from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Saturday, September 23, 2006
I have to apologise. I was cleaning out a bookcase today and discovered this book lurking forgotten at the bottom of a dusty pile of books.
I'll read it and send it on its way as soon as possible.
Sorry everyone!
^ ^
00
=+=
^
I'll read it and send it on its way as soon as possible.
Sorry everyone!
^ ^
00
=+=
^
Journal Entry 18 by futurecat from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Friday, September 29, 2006
A great wee book, and a good reminder of the continuing plight of so many refugees and others living in extreme poverty not only in Africa but all over the world. The descriptions of Africa took me back to my own travels (I was similarly disappointed by Nairobi's generic big-city-ness) - makes me want to go back!
I'll find someone to pass it on to soon.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
I'll find someone to pass it on to soon.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
Journal Entry 19 by Lytteltonwitch from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The book is currently travelling with me on it's way to the convention in Adelaide
Journal Entry 20 by freesia from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, October 22, 2006
A great quick read that left me wanting to find out more about CARE's work ... and maybe visit Kenya at some point in future. I got this from lytteltonwitch one day, and returned it to the Convention this morning where 2 people at brunch laid claim to it - not sure who's got it now, but I hope you enjoy it too!
Picked up at the book swap at the Adelaide Bookcrossing Convention. Thanks for sharing.
Posting to Libertine101 as soon as I have finished.
Posting to Libertine101 as soon as I have finished.
Journal Entry 22 by libertine101 from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Monday, December 11, 2006
Yay! Thanks for sending. This one has been on my wishlist for a while. :)
Journal Entry 23 by libertine101 from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, December 24, 2006
I read this one last night - Christmas Eve.
Reading it made me very grateful for what I have and to be living in Australia.
Being a Bill Bryson book, however, there were a few laughs to be had - esp about the light aircraft flight. Amongst the terror of that, he still managed to find the humour.
Pity his stay was only a week and so the book was a slim volumne. I would love to read more on Africa from Bill's perspective.
I will pass this book on soon.
Reading it made me very grateful for what I have and to be living in Australia.
Being a Bill Bryson book, however, there were a few laughs to be had - esp about the light aircraft flight. Amongst the terror of that, he still managed to find the humour.
Pity his stay was only a week and so the book was a slim volumne. I would love to read more on Africa from Bill's perspective.
I will pass this book on soon.
Journal Entry 24 by libertine101 from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Book posted off to sleone today.
Received today-thank you! I will read and pass on in the next few weeks.
Journal Entry 26 by sleone at RABCK in RABCK, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Friday, April 6, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (4/6/2007 UTC) at RABCK in RABCK, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to Rainy-ca in Canada.
Enjoyed this short book.
Sent to Rainy-ca in Canada.
Enjoyed this short book.
I received this book in the mail today. Thank you so much for the RABCK. Bill Bryson is one of my favourite authors, and I had been searching all the bookstores for this and couldn't find it anywhere. I am really looking forward to reading it.
Just finished reading this wonderful little book. I really enjoyed it and will be lending it out to some family and friends.
Thank you again, sleone!
June 26/07
My youngest daughter, Meaghan , is now reading it. She seems to be enjoying it so far.
My oldest daughter is now reading it.
Just finished reading this wonderful little book. I really enjoyed it and will be lending it out to some family and friends.
Thank you again, sleone!
June 26/07
My youngest daughter, Meaghan , is now reading it. She seems to be enjoying it so far.
My oldest daughter is now reading it.
