Rick Ridgeway brings a unigue perspective to the history and the present problems which face the country of Kenya and its wildlfe. Although the authors thoughts and comments occur during his "hike" through Keyna from the top of Kilimanjaro, Tsavo east & west n.p., to the Indian Ocean, this is more than just a travel book. We are introduced to many of the historic persons who shaped what is currently the national park system in Kenya. We are also introduced to those who presently hold important positions within this system. The book provided an excellent discussion of the important issues in regards to the balance of nature/wildlife, economic concerns, and the local peoples. I found the discussions of the Waliangulu (elephant people) an excellent example of the problem which not only faces Kenya but other parts of Africa as well. For those with interest in this part of the world, this book provides a refreshing point of view.

I recently returned from Kenya and Tanzania where I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and went on a safari across the Seregenti and neighboring parks. Reading _The Shadow..._ has me longing to flee my desk job for good and head back to the wilds of Africa. The book brought back memories of the trip of a lifetime, from the icy cold of the oxygen-starved summit of Kili to the vast plains of East Africa and my only regret upon reading the book was that my safari was in a car -- an amazing experience, to be sure, but I envy Ridgeway his chance to experience Africa and its wildlife from the "real" perspective, the one man has always occupied... on foot and thus always on alert.

The book is a must-read for anyone who has been to or is contemplating going to East Africa; Ridgeway does a great job of discussing the history of the region and, in particular, the precarious balance between man and beast. The history of the conservation movement and cast of characters Ridgeway introduces is a wonderful way to learn more about the area and the people and policies that shaped its development. It's the latter focus, however, that makes me recommend the book even to those who've never been and never will be to Africa, because Ridgeway's ruminations about the interaction between man and nature, about what wilderness means to mankind, and, unfortunately, what mankind is doing to the last pockets of true wilderness that remain strike a chord that reaches far beyond the scope of his 250-mile walk. As he points out, North America once was "another Africa" with megafauna roaming wild just as the elephants and buffalo still do in Africa and, if we're not careful, the African wildlife may well go the way of all the large wildlife which mankind has driven to extinction.

In one sense, it's a rather depressing book because at the same time I found myself caught up in the excitement, reliving the adventure and planning my next safari, there's a faint undercurrent of despair, as Ridgeway visits the Waliangulu tribal village and finds their way of life disappearing, as he roams through the Rhino Free Range Area where the nearly-extinct black rhinoceros population is protected. But, as Ridgeway quotes "To despair of the entire situation is a reasonable alternative. But the unsatisfactory thing about despair is that besides being fruitless, it's far less exciting than hope." The excitement, and even the hope, of this seasoned adventurer shines through throughout _The Shadow of Kilimanjaro_ as he strides through one of the earth's last truly wild places.

Rick Ridgeway's account of his trek from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean is interesting enough on its own. But it is the frequent sidetrips along the way -- into Kenya's colourful colonial history, it's wildlife management and parks policies, and it's current political climate -- that make this book such a compelling read. What is the best way to ensure the long term survival of Africa's wildlife? Who owns the elephants? Should hunting be permitted? How big do reserves need to be? Is there a future for tribes whose traditional way of life included hunting? How can the Kenyan people share in the revenue generated by tourism? Ridgeway touches on these and many other questions, taking care to let the reader see the personalities and the politics lurking behind the strongly-held views of the main proponents in the debates. Anyone looking for a good introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing Kenya today could do worse than starting here. I read this book before visiting the country and found it an excellent preparation for the trip and a great jumping-off point for further reading.

If you havent read Capstick, you are missing out on a treat. Not only are his stories, graphic, exciting and compelling, his style of writing is nothing short of superb. Genuinly exciting, and often laugh out loud funny, all of his books are fantastic. When talking about the turn of the century past-time of "galloping lions" (described as "dangerous as typhoid") he writes:" THe elements recquired for the monotony breaking past time were a fast horse, a good rifle, a few lions and not much concern about the future".

Not for the faint of heart, there is a number of gory stories about the fatal encouters that people have, and some well placed warnings about taking any dangerous animal lightly.

A lot like his first book, "death in the long grass" Capstick writes about individual animals- with a chapter on the "big five", Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard ( the best chapter in the book- beatifully written) and Lion. As before he relates his own experinces, plus encouters as described by his friends.

I would recommend Death in the LOng Grass as a first Capstick book, but this is still most highly recommended.

I really liked this book. I do not remember why I picked it up, but I am so happy that I did. I felt like I was sitting in a bar listening to someone who just came back from Africa. I am a hunter and I now have a new found respect for a lot of the big game animals of the dark continant. The book covers the big five of the game animals and the stories are remakable. This book is a must read for the hunter and the adventure junkie. I made my hunting buddy read the book. After the chapter on the Cape Buffalo he called me to say that he now wants to hunt something that will charge. We both purchased big bore rifles and are planning a boar hunt. Trust me you will want to too. Do not read this book if your wife will devorce you over one more hunting trip. You will miss her

Capstick reprises his role as master yarn-spinner of African legend in Dark Continent. The book is entirely devoted to Africa's "Big Five" dangerous game animals; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

This hi-octane collection of stories ranks second only to "Long Grass" as my PHC favorite. It is completely FULL of experiences, legends and tales of close calls or catastrophes. Capstick goes chapter by chapter showing us without a doubt why each animal is included among Africa's Dangerous Game.

The stories themselves are heart pounding. Capstick can put you behind the sights and in the path of a charging rhino like no one else. You'll be bathed in sweat as he drags you through the thick Mopane scrubb searching for that man-eating leopard or gut-shot lion. Ol' Pete may be the most thrilling safari adventure writer of all time.

In addition to the danger, PHC also takes us back in history to the golden days of the White Hunter and relives the world record trophy hunts in each category. You'll hear about giant tuskers with 200lbs on each side, massive 10ft lions, and rhinos big enough to derail a train. I found this wonderful reading. It was like going to a world record trophy museum and getting a behind-the-scenes look at each hunt.

This book is a MUST for anyone who enjoys safari legend, hunting, or adventure. Highly recommended. I guess you could say I give it a "Big Five."

Karen Blixen says in this beautiful book, "I will not let thee go unless thou bless me." Her farm in Africa yielded both miracles and suffering. This book reveals Karen Blixen's Sunday self--gracious and self-deprecating, enlightened and insightful. She faces struggles we know: career challenges, marital conflicts, complicated loves, and unfulfilled desires. She is one of us. Linda Donelson, author of "Out of Isak Dinesen: Karen Blixen's untold story"

Those who loved this book as I do should also read Beryl Markham's alleged autobiography [actually a biography] "West with the Night", and also "The Lives of Beryl Markham" by Errol Trzebinski [Norton]. And, if you can find it, "Silence will Speak: A study of the life of Denys Finch Hatton and his relationship with Karen Blixen", also by Trzebinski. Out of print and hard to find, but worth reading. PS: needless to say, "Letters from Africa" and a couple of the good biographies of Dinesen.

It's difficult to find truly magical prose in today's publications. Recently, I was hungry for some poetic fiction and pulled this volume from my bookshelf. I'm so glad I did.

Karen Blixen writes with true insight and an artist's approach about her beloved farm in Africa. There's a paragraph where she wonders if Africa knows of her like she knows of Africa. What other author has ever asked that question? She also details the migration of buffalo, elephant and antelope with such majesty that the mind's eye can almost feel the ground move under their hooves.

If you're looking for a satisfying story that will entertain you for many nights, read "Out of Africa." You will not be disappointed.

This excellent autobiography is a story of an Ethiopian family emigrating from a Sudanese refugee camp to go to America. The author, Mawi Asgedom, faces many challenges and hardships that are in the way of his success. In places such as the elementary school playground, Mawi and his brother Tewolde have to work as a team to overcome their social and cultural challenges. His success is inspiring-he is a good model to all.

The book by Mawi Asgedom is a story of the author's journey from war torn Ethiopia to Harvard University. It is also a story about Mawi's father, Haileab. Haileab was determined to give his children a better life. He could not hand that life to his children and so he motivated and inspired them. He gave up everything-his job, his dignity, his respect, his country, his friends, and more so that his children might have a better life. The impact of this father is visually represented in the book in that all of his words are in capital letters.

My entire family has read this book. We spent several hours discussing it together. Mawi is a great storyteller. He made us laugh and he made us think. I have given at least 15 of Mawi's books to friends and relatives to read. One friend and her husband were so moved by the book that they went and visited the organization, World Relief, in Wheaton, IL to find out what they could do to help refugees. They gave their Christmas bonus to helping several families. Everyone should read this book, adults and children in fourth grade and older, refugees and especially everyone that has contact with people of another culture. I give this excellent, insightful book the highest recommendation.

This book caused me to reflect upon the many angels that have helped me throughout my most fortunate life -- from my mother to a jazz musician. Mawi has a way of communicating that places the reader right in the midst of his life at any given moment, allowing us to see, hear and FEEL what he did through his amazing experiences. I encourage all to read his book and check out his website ...

This book was given to me as a Sunday School prize when I was 10 or 11 years old. I loved it. I recently found another copy which I plan to give my granddaughter. I re-read it and found it is still a good read and I will check out other books by Gladys Malvern. "Behold Your Queen!" may be more myth than reality, and in some aspects is today not quite "politically correct." It is nonetheless a gripping story. I even read the Book of Esther and could see where the author incorporated descriptions of the royal palace into her narrative. I recommend this book which stands the test of years because it is well written and is the type of book which would send a reader off on other quests for knowledge.

Behold Your Queen! is a wonderful retelling of the Book of Esther. Malvern's writing incorporates credible motivations into the story, and adds a rich wealth of detail that make the story come alive with a vivid vitality. I first read this story when I was 8, and did not stop reading it until the (misguided) library withdrew the book from its shelves. If I could find a copy it would be on my shelf today, and eagerly reread. I would love to share this book with a new generation. As a teacher, I know this book has much to offer to young women facing difficult decisions about family, loyalty, honor, faith, personal safety, and love. Hadassah faces difficult choices in dangerous times, and Malvern's tale gives the reader the opportunity to share in the anguish and fear in Hadassah's choice, as well as in her final triumph and affermation. PLEASE REPRINT THIS BOOK!!!

BEHOLD YOUR QUEEN! is one of my all-time favorites, right up there on the shelf next to YOUNG BESS. Both books are enchanted windows into past worlds. Malvern's tale of the biblical heroine Esther brings a time long-ago vividly to life. After all these years (I first read this book when I was 10), I still find Malvern's Esther enchanting and her story inspirational. I searched for years to acquire my own copy, and re-read it yearly. I wish someone would reprint it!

The Wilderness Family was a really good book. Kobie Kruger did a great job of painting a picture with her own words. I loved how in every chapter she told a different story. She always loved to write about how Leo, her lion, would always pretend he was a dog. She also would write about her many animals. Some of the animals she owned and fostered were chickens, dogs, lion, badgers, and horses. Overall, I loved this book very much, found it easy to read, and I would reccomend it to people of all ages!

You know those books where you dont want the story to end? I have just finished reading Kobie Kruger's 'The Wilderness Family' and it is just such a story. From laughter to tears, I felt all the emotions that Kobie felt, and if you are an animal lover, you will feel them too.

I enjoyed reading this book so much that I am now determined to go to Africa and meet Leo the Lion one day! He has completely taken my imagination to places that I had never even thought of before, the deepest, darkest areas of Africa. And yet, he is so naive for a lion, you could be forgiven for thinking he is a dog!

I was completely spellbound by the family photos included in the book - I cannot take my eyes off this wonderful animal and the obvious bond it has with all the members of its 'human family'.

Read The Wilderness Family. You will not regret it!

I [hve] dreams of visiting Africa. Kobie Kruger's brilliant review of life in the African bush has deeply moved me and made me more serious and determined to travel to Africa's vast Kruger National Park. Her words paint a beautiful picture of Africa and it's animals. I laughed at how she overcame small problems, and cried at the hardest problem of all - giving up their beautiful lion Leo. She writes in a way that makes you want to know more. She tells of the bad points of living in the bush, but the good points outweigh them by far. She talks about their home for years at the Malangheni Ranger Station in the North-West Region of Kruger National Park. Her description of her home is beautiful and makes you wish you could jump into the book to see it for yourself. Her light sense of humour, and her ability to make you feel part of the family are just some of the qualities that make this book the best book I have ever read.

This book gives dimensional insight to those not only wanting to read about the horrific history of slavery, but also, have pieces of history, that are tangible, to lift from the pages and look at. It is a good book to add to a collection of other books about a period in African American, and American history.
I also wanted to comment on reviewers Alice, who said the book was "cute," and Karen, who liked to "peek" at the items in the book. The book gives the reader a glimps about slavery and the atrocities that African Amercian people suffered in this country during that time period, and still do because of it. There is definitely nothing cute, or delightful to peek at, about this book, but you can learn from it.

This is an exceptional piece of work. I am inspired by Ms. Thomas' ability to bring to life the truth about our people in the most interesting and fascinating way. The book does not have a negative or rebellious overtone. Instead, it is a history lesson that all Americans will do well to study, Lest we forget and repeat the horror of it all.

The interactive aspects of the book add to its appeal. Bringing history to life so today's generation can feel the experience of our ancestors through images of slave cargo, maps & insurance papers, replicated receipts for the sale of a slave woman, advertisments for the return of runaway slaves, and the most shocking -marks on the back of a slave from bullwhips. I found the discussion of their plight encouraging to me as I deal with the daily stuggles of being black in America. It gives me strength to know that our ancestors endured a merciless existence and yet they celebrated, and we can too!

The book is appropriate for the young and the old. It is a wonderful gift idea that will be enjoyed for years to come.

My daughter enjoys reading and interacting with the book. It is a must have for all races and ethnic groups. It's EVERYONE'S history, not just African-American history. I have shared the book with many people of all races and they have enjoyed and bought the book.

Future generations will be most thankful that we had as Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill. Not only for his leadership, which undoubtedly saved the world from Nazism, but also because of his memoirs. Reading this book, it felt like I was actually there, feeling the tension as Hitler prepared on new conquests, the revulsion as France & Britain allowed Germany to destroy Czechoslavakia, the disbelief as neutral countries, USSR,Belgium, Netherlands, Norway etc, clung to their neutrality as it meant anything to Hitler, admiration for the British people as they resisted such overwhelming odds at great cost, and triumph as the Grand Alliance combines to crush Germany. Also there are so many parts of the book which describe so vividly so many great moments, such as when Churchill first meets Stalin. A top read!

Churchill's book is really astonishing, not only for the sheer size, but for the vast expand of knowledge displayed and the personal experience behind it. Churchill includes hundreds of documents and thus gives ample proof of what he writes. His strongest moments are his criticism of British appeasement policy and the account of 1940/41, where his will to survive and his pertinacity can still be felt through the pages. His personal experience is always there, though he refrains from giving his readers too many anecdotes. In spite of the fact the everything was written very shortly after the war, most things are quite accurate, though the pages on Nazi Germany are not always enlightened. But - being German - I have never felt any hatred towards my people as a whole and one can well join in with his disgust of Germany at that time. The book, or rather books, never bore. An absolute masterpiece of historical writing.

A masterpiece of world literature. Anyone remotely interested in twentieth century history should read Churchill's accounts of WWI and WWII.

Churchill begins the Second World War by noting that the "volumes [are] a continuation of the story of the First World War...set out in The World Crisis, The Eastern Front, and The Aftermath". As great as the Second World War is in scope and insight, it is even greater when considered together with his treatment of WWI. It is a pity his account of WWI and its aftermath are currently no longer in print, available only through university libraries and sellers of rare books (if any publishers are reading, I beg them to consider republishing his accounts of WWI).

Churchill's chronicles of WWI and WWII are a invaluable account of the incomprehensible turmoil that characterized the first half of the 20th century. The scope of this literary achievement is made even more precious and amazing when one considers the firsthand perspective given by Churchill. During both wars, he occupied important government roles, putting him in a unique position to chronicle events during that era. The World Crisis, The Eastern Front, The Aftermath, and the volumes of the Second World War are personal memoirs as much as monumental histories. They are compelling on many levels, the stories of many through one.

I just finished reading your book KIJABE, and wanted to applaud you for your honest and intriguing novel on the history of your family in Africa. I really liked how you juxtaposed the court story, your romance, the journals of your grandfather, and the local histories. I am an avid reader (and actually picked up your book from the Westlake Library) and I am always curious for unique books that give new perspectives to life and peoples relationships. I think Kijabe was just that. I know it was your first attempt at writing, and I hope you continue to grace the paper with your pen, as I think your style will continue to improve through the years.

Katie Conlon

ps. I would love to hear more about your story if you wouldn't mind sharing what parts were true, and where things stand now.
I'm fascinated by that kind of stuff. I'm actually a student and I study international relations ( I was in Switzerland for school last year) so real life antidotes are always helpful. thanks.

To portray the issues and crises of a Diaspora culture in East Africa is one thing, but to write about them using the tools of various genres is quite another. Pally Dhillon has written a story about the clash of divergent cultures, of diametrically opposed religious beliefs, of the political and social struggles of a man who journeyed across the Indian Ocean to help build a life, a family, and a society. Kijabe is an impressive effort.

Borrowing devices from popular genres--from murder mysteries and love stories, from political thrillers and the well-known rags-to-riches motif--Dhillon tells the story of his grandfather, a poor Sikh emigrant who went to Kenya to work for the railroad industry, operated by the British at the beginning of the twentieth century. This is the same man who became one of Kenya¹s most powerful political figures, and whose mysterious death serves as the beginning of the book.

Kijabe is the fictional account of Dhillon¹s life-long research into the life of his ancestor. The history and culture underscoring the narrative greatly enrich the reader¹s experience and keep the story from falling into the trappings of genre fiction. But at the same time, the aspects of genre writing keep the story from becoming mired in its own attempt at historical accuracy.

Though this is Dhillon's first novel, it would be difficult to discern from the text. He writes with clarity and ease, with strength and power. Substantial portions of the book are devoted to the journals of his family's patriarch, but not to the extent that one voice dominates the tale. The complexity of the story requires a glossary of terms and an Appendix of Characters at the end to assist the reader¹s enjoyment. A small explanation of the nature of Sikhism and a concise history of Kenya reside at the end as well. For those who enjoy reading about the histories of far-away places, genealogy, sex, murder, and corruption, Kijabe is a book worth reading.

John Stoehr

Kijabe is a remarkable story of the three faces of East Africa - Black, Brown, White. The people from different backgrounds got together for a common aim; the development of the dark continent. The love story is unique in itself, involving people from differing religious and cultural beliefs. The religious verses, the stanzas from poets and sayings of politicians are a wonderful opening at the start of each chapter. I was absorbed in thought by reading the beginning of each chapter. Kijabe is a wonderful book carefully written by Pally Dhillon. It will bring joy for generations to come.

In his usual erudite style, Col. Cooper lays forth the basic use of the general purpose rifle. This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to improve his skill with a rifle and therefore his self-esteem as an individual citizen. His opening line says it all, "Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons." Do expect the straightforward dope on how to handle, hold, sight, and fire a rifle. Don't expect lengthy anecdotes, although personal examples, experiences, and observations are thrown in. Don't expect specialized material regarding target shooting or any specific (non-hunting) sporting applications. This is an easy-to-read book of just under 100 pages that will help the beginner build a solid foundation and help the expert hone their skill. You (as I did) will read it over and over. In a time where the skill of rifle use is rapidly disappearing from our increasingly urban society, this book is both timely and useful. I highly recommend it to all shooters and those who would like to be.

While I admit that I am an unabashed fan of Colonel Cooper, I without reservation regard this book to be one of the essential elements to the aspiring rifleman. This book however is useful to one person, the rifleman. If your into Benchrest, 1000 yard competion, and nameless other disciplines of specialized rifle usage, spend your money elsewhere. This book deals purely with the employment of the "queen of personal weapons", the rifle. The only thing that I did not like about the book was it's size. The information is so useful that I found myself in want for a compact "field edition" that could acompany myself and my rifle into the field. In short this book encompasses the most usable 97 pages of rifle related instruction that I have ever read.

This book is excellent reading. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve his or her rifle skills. My only quibble with Cooper's presentation is his dismissal of the .223 Remington round and the semi-automatic rifles that favor this caliber. I must respectfully disagree with him here. Apply Cooper's principles to the modern .223 rifle, and you will be well ahead of the game.