I'm not leaving. [Paperback]

Carl Wilkens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2011

Why did Carl Wilkens decide to remain in Rwanda in 1994, with a genocide swirling around him? How did he and his wife Teresa maintain communication during the one-hundred days of terror when Tutsis were being hounded to death by Hutu militia extremists? How does the only American who chose to stay-in order to protect two Tutsi household workers-look back on that fearful time? Working from tapes made for his family, which chronicle daily events from the sublime to the horrific, Carl reconstructs in fascinating detail both personal and political events triggered by the April 6 plane crash assassination of the Presidents of Rwanda and Burundi. He takes us through the poignant good-bye to his family, as they join the mass exodus of expatriates leaving this dangerous situation. He affirms his presence in the neighborhood he has known for four years, by standing barefoot in the middle of the dusty road, waving farewell. - Helen Kweskin,

Product Details

• Paperback: 165 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1450780806
• ISBN-13: 978-1450780803
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,225,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positively Stirs the Soul, July 29, 2011

By 

Ms. Divine (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm not leaving. (Paperback)

Carl Wilkens refused to leave Rwanda when the genocide started, and is the only American who remained the entire time. Carl's insights are simply profound, cutting right to the essense of humanity and faith. This book is short and self published, not containing analytical fluff or excessive genocide violence. Many books about the Rwanda Genocide leave you feeling dispair for humanity. Carl Wilkens tells his riveting story in a way that will positively stir your soul.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of Compassion, November 27, 2011

By 

Student15 - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Not Leaving (Kindle Edition)

I'm Not Leaving by Carl Wilkins is a book not just about the genocide that took place in Rwanda. This short self-published book moves past all the analytical stuff of genocide violence. It contains powerful stories of extreme compassion, love, and justice. The book pushes past all of the slaughter and hatred of genocide and goes into the homes and lives of the people Carl encountered in his time living there. The stories contained in this book are extremely compelling and powerful. The relationships Carl makes with neighbors their ended up saving His life.
When the genocide was starting to form many people ran from the dangers in order to find safe havens. Carl, on the other hand remained because of his heart for the people there. Carl ended up staying because he felt called to protect his household employees who were in real terms his friends. They ended up surviving because of his compassion and love.
He also describes how he learned to relate to the killers as human beings, in order to protect many orphans and people under his care. Hundreds of people were saved because of his heart for them. The heart of one man is what I found to be the most impacting. Justice, in his case was a life risking job in order to save others. There is such beauty displayed throughout the pages of this book. It shows that standing up for something when everyone else is running away is what we are called to do.

3.0 out of 5 stars Wilkens memoirs, February 9, 2012

By 

Scott (Tempe, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm not leaving. (Paperback)

I'm Not Leaving is a good account of the author's experiences during the Rwandan genocide. The memoirs definitely have a slow start, concentrating on his thoughts after his family first leaves, but also closely explains what he did and how he was able to make relationships with criminals in order to better help the victims of the genocide. Overall a decent memoirs, although I personally had trouble getting interested in the beginning.