This book provides readers of all ages with a wonderful look into the life of Kofi, a "magician" from Bonwire. The children I have shared it with love it, and Kofi's magic serves as a reminder for all of us of the power of imagination. The photographs are rich, and the text is soothing. Look no further for a book that will put you in the mood to daydream.

I admit, I'm biased. I am a co-editor of Kordofan Invaded, and I think it is a wonderful book. I urge everyone interested in Sudan, and especially Kordofan, to check out the book. You'll be fascinated.

Michael Kevane

A really wonderful book. It is one of the most amazing pieces of literature I have ever read, and a true accomplishment in Afrikaans literature. For those who can read Afrikaans or Dutch, this books is a must. You will be unable to put it down, and it takes you on an unforgettable and memorable journey that will not just excite, but also stimulate you intellectually and emotionally.

Ann Biersteker has produced an extremely insightful and quite extraordinary piece of art. Bearing in mind that literature is the collective memory of a people, she points out what a significant role language plays in literature. She stresses that language is not just a means of communication, but also a carrier of culture. In Swahili Poetry we find unexpected elements of resistance and it becomes a fascinating undertaking to trace the development of a culture in the language of its poetry. Biersteker also emphasizes how rich the heritage of Swahili Poetry is and it occurs to me that her text should be included in many syllabi in East Africa to foster an appreciation of the East African identity. Especially students of history and literature will find her work helpful since it provides such insight into power-relationships that explain the events of the 20th century. This book is a fabulous reading experience, although I must say that knowing the Swahili language made the reading much richer. I thoroughly enjoyed the balance between analytic text and melodic poetry. I also appreciated the authenticity in research and the credibility of sources. This book is definitely a brilliant source for further studies in East African poetry, but also East African Political Thought.

Any objecive, unbiased and well argued book on African civilizations or history deserves a 5 star for me: the reason being simple, there are not many of such books in the world! Ms Monges has presented both sides of the argument (an art of arguing) and has logically and objectively rejoindered some of the eurocentric views and arguments very well. I have read 3 other books on Africa and Kemet (Egypt) and all share to a great extent the same well argued, objective and afrocentric view as potrayed by Ms Monges. I have always asked myself what do european anthropologists or so-called egyptologists mean by: 'negroid', but not 'negro'; to rephrase, black but not black enough? Indeed I have found several of the their arguments very irrational, absurd and illogical. Indeed Ms Monges does well to deal with most of the misconceptions surrounding Kemet, Kush and Africa. She seeks partly to adduce evidence for the Blackness of Egypt by comparing it to other cultural practices in modern Africa. Something which she does very well! Jesus said: there is nothing that is hidden that will not be revealed. Thank You Ms Monges for you objective Afrocentricity!

"Lake of the Big Snake: An African Rain Forest Adventure" combines a story by Isaac Olaleye with illustrations by Claudia Shepard. The easy-to-read text opens, "In an African rain forest called Inisa, lived two boys, Ade and Tayo. Best friends they were." The friends have an adventure which, as the title hints, involves a startling encounter with a huge water snake.

This book features some really beautiful illustrations: the colorful African clothing, bright green foliage of the rain forest, purple berries, etc. Ultimately, it presents commendable messages about loyalty, courage, and the danger of irresponsibility.

The book is a detailed chronological account of nearly three years of difficult travel between Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika, circa the late 1850's. Nothing escapes Burton's observation. He writes of everything from the local hairstyles to the price of pombe (African beer). He gives detailed descriptions of the landscape, geography, flora, and fauna. He writes of Arabs and the Eastern slave trade. He depicts safari life in the days of human porters and mules. He tells of the people he encounters, though his descriptions of Africans may be offensive to some. There is a wealth of information here, something for everyone with an interest in Eastern Africa, or exploration, or imperialism. The place names have sometimes changed from Burton's time to ours, as have the English spelling conventions of Swahili words. Anyone with any interest in Eastern Africa, especially the precolonial period, should arm themselves with a good atlas and reference book and read Burton.

Burton led an amazing life of exploration and scholarship [he wrote "The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" after disguising himself as an Arab to travel to the sacred city; he visited Salt Lake City and wrote "City of the Saints"; after exploring in South America he wrote "Explorations of the Highlands of Brazil"; and he translated the "Arabian Nights" and poetry of Luís de Camões], still he may not be an easy writer to come to terms with for many contemporary readers. He is far from what we would call "politically correct". But he wrote so much and so well, and is practically the only writer to travel in Eastern Africa in the 1850's that is in print today (except for John Hanning Speke who was with him on this trip, and who wrote "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile").

To put this book in context it is wise to read something about Burton, particulary Burton and Speke in Africa; know why in "Lake Regions" Burton never refers to Speke by name. (There are a few Burton biographies, and books about Burton and Speke; or see the movie: "Mountains of the Moon")

This charming bilingual picture book always makes me smile when I read it aloud to young children. The artwork follows a young African boy as he says good-night to various wild animals, which are humorously depicted by the author/illustrator. The Swahili text is enhanced by a pronounciation guide at the back of the book. A great addition to any family library.

The book kept both the attention of the kids but was interesting for adults. The adventure forces the reader to create images in your mind of each place in the book.

Some African countries have only 15% of their road system of the 1950s still usable. Improved infant mortality statistics led to a more than 700% population increase in the last century with increased crime and social chaos the payoff. This little-known gem of a book convincingly shows the coming and present chaos of modern Africa. Investor Jim Rogers self-named website tells of how massive fraud has led to South Africans easily obtaining fake airline pilot licenses and public school teaching certificates.
Anyone currently below the age of 30 will have the chance to live perhaps the ultimate adventure, rebuilding Africa as its suicidal combiation of AIDS,civil war (Rwanda), and unbelievable crime finishes its impact over the next 15-20 years.