Customer Reviews

African Odyssey: The adventurous journeys of a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though I was only a baby during the time of this very down to earth writer's time in the Peace Corps. I feel as though I can see much in my mind of what he went through, I doubt many of us could have handle the situations he found himself in with as much calm and restraint. I enjoyed the book very much couldn't put it down it has you laughing and wondering what you yourself would have done. We have much to learn from people who have the courage to volunteer themselves and their knowledge with those who are truly in need. A Wonderful read thank you.

The time was the 60's and we were going to save the world by hard work and caring. If you were part of that time then you will find this book interesting. The author is smart and serious and oh so funny. There are parts of this book that are laugh out loud funny and parts that are very wistful. How could we be so sure that we knew how to "help" another culture. Of course, it is clear that one learns much from the other culture and hard work and even disappointment are not the worst things that can happen to a young person. This would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who remembers those times. I loved it.

I began the book with a great anticipation of seeing an old friend among the pages. Soon, although the character was familiar, I found myself thinking of this young doc as a separate entity. Through the narration I could hear him, but the character within became like many others whom I have read: Bryson, Theroux, William Least Heatmoon; I fell in love with the character whose story was told.
I walked the dusty road along with the author, saw the dust swirl in the dry air and paint the sunset soft. I heard the water lap the edges of a kayak in Theroux's, Heatmoon's and O'Dell's work and could feel the coolness of the water and see the sky it reflected. I felt what they wrote, I dreamed and strived and leaned in spirit as you would while watching a sports car race on the somewhat grainy 3-D show at the carnival or county fair. I questioned "why did you do that and not this" as I read about failed attempts at this or that, and in other places decided that I did not like the characters at all but would however tolerate them for a few more pages just to see if they would redeem themselves to me... and to my great pleasure they always did....what a great read.
Four stars because it just was not long enough.

I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed these adventurous journeys! I didn't want the book to end! So descriptive. Many times I burst out laughing -- and was moved to tears by other stories.

Don't think I'll ever forget the chicken head story, the ants marching across the living room, the church experience.... or all the poignant stories, especially about the students.

A wonderful read!