Customer Reviews

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Until 3 years ago, Joseph Lekuton was the only person from my village to ever go to college. Today a small number of us whom he helped all through high school both financially and as a sole role model in the villages have something to smile on. Facing the Lion is a constant inspiration to me , it gives me the strength to take on every challenge. When College life becomes a lion to me, I reach for Facing The Lion ! Lekuton's journey is every nomadic child's journey the difference is that he had no one to look to but my agemates and I have a big picture in Joseph Lekuton and Facing the Lion is a living testimony that whatever you do today seeds the future .

As Trustee of a private foundation that supports projects in countries like Kenya in the developing world, I was particularly moved by Joseph's story. I have been to his part of the world. He truly represents that "Point of Light" we always hope will emerge. Joseph's message is a universal one. Success is measured by the quality of the person you become not how much you acquire in a material sense. You must look for opportunities, develop strong values, work hard and believe in yourself. With great humor and a flair for story telling, Joseph captures your imagination as you follow him through his adventurous rites of passage. It's a real page turner! I feel this book is destined to become a classic for all ages.

"Facing the Lion" is a truly amazing story about a boy growing up with his Maasai people in Kenya, and later - through incredible twists and turns in his life - comes to the United States for college, and even an MBA. Joseph Lekuton writes in such a way that one is drawn into his life, and it reflects his loving relationship with his people and the land. He is living a most unusual life, and as far as he has come, he never forgets where he has come from. I can't wait to read volume two!! While it is written for young people, I find it absolutely alluring as an adult, and couldn't stop reading until I was finished. An exciting and uplifting story of what amazing things can happen in the life of one man, and to each of us.

Facing the Lion is a terrific read. For those that have dreamed of African success stories, this story tops them all. Mr. Lekuton has worked his way from the desert near Marsabit, Kenya to Langley School near Washington D.C. He is still a product of the environment he grew up in, but conversant with people in the top level of government in Kenya and the U.S. His story is an inspiration to all that worked in Africa for the Peace Corps or Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's) because it proves that out there in Africa there is much hope waiting to be found. I have a strong visual image of Joseph sitting across from Moi High School trying to figure out how he could get in, even with the entrance letter amoung his things. He is now a hero to all those secondary school children at Moi, a true African role model.
In a time of uncertainty and despair, this book shines as a true
beacon of the good things that can come from Africa. My hat is off to this Maasai and Harvard warrior.

Andy Hanson
Aspen, Colo.

This book is the most powerful book ever. It should have a Newberry Award to go along with the other fifteen. He is the best teacher ever. "Any person can teach social studies out of a textbook, but it takes a heart, soul, mind to really have the student learn something." I have learned more in two mnths from Mr. Lekuton than anyone in twelve years. HAVE FUN READING! Read it to your kid or else i will get mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

During our trip to Tanzania last summer, my 11-year-old son saw and spoke to some Masai warriors. He was very impressed by their look and attitude, their knowledge and bravery. When we came home, we read Facing The Lion together. Although we had learned a lot about the Masai while in Africa, this book taught us much, much more. We were so impressed by how much Mr. Lekuton had to overcome to get where he is today, and how much he has given back to his people. A fantastic book -- especially for today's kids who have it all and rarely appreciate it.

I received the book from Amazon.com, just before my lunch break on a Friday afternoon. I went to a nearby park, and just about two hours later, I had finished reading it. Wow! Unbeknownst to me, the book had shut out the world around me for two hours!

Not only did I find the author's story quite exceptional, he has a way of telling it, interspersed with humor. Some lines just left me rolling down with laughter. Within those humorous lines, however, is a humbling story of a young man who emerged from the harsh world of the northern Kenya frontier to become a success story in the academic world. Very few people can do both. Many fall by the wayside. The author just soldiered on.
I'm glad I bought the book, and I can't wait to read it to my 6-year old, chapter-by-chapter, every night.

Excellent book.

Lekuton's personal account sheds light and beauty on the Maasai culture and the uniqueness of life in the savanna. For those who call Kenya home, it is both a chance to reminisce and an opportunity to explore the diversity in lifestyles. It is an educational story of how one man struggles against the tide and carves out his own destiny. Although sometimes misunderstood, all that he does is carried about to give back to his land and his people, to keep something precious to him alive. He hopes to give his people the tools they need to preserve their traditions and create a better tomorrow. We all need such a purpose driven life - Blessings to Lekuton on his wonderful journey...

After reading this book I was impressed that someone who grew up in a remote nomadic society could accomplish so much. As previous reviewers have stated, I have absolutely no excuse for not acheiving anything. This book is very inspirational to me. Now, a story of a son of a nomad whose mother still lives in a cowdung hut, and a recent Harvard graduate is truly amazing. This is a story of unbeleivable proportions. A story of perseverance, harwork, dedication, love for culture, respect, and much more.

It is a great book for all ages. Students and adults alike will truly find this book very useful. In a society where we are trying to embrace multiculturalism, "Facing the Lion" comes in handy!

Everyone in America ought to read this one! You will truly be amazed!

He is both a wonderful author and teacher. It has been a wonderful experience hearing first-hand the stories told in this book, but as many cannot meet him in person, this is the next best thing. This is an entertaining book that narrates the life of a child in Africa. I have never heard anything like this before. I highly recommend this book. Unfortunately, Mr. Lekuton will be leaving the school where he teaches after this year to go back to Kenya. He will be running for Senator there. If you live there, vote for him! This book is a great read for anyone, and it really puts our own lives in perspective