Beth reviewed on
I have re-written this review 3 times. Must keep my emotions out of it and just say...
This is a story of how bringing books to a nomadic African tribe affects their lives. In order for this bookmobile to survive, they must have strict guidelines for the return of the books. If the books are not returned when due, the book mobile will no longer visit that tribe. One member of the tribe, did not return the books. Now the entire tribe will suffer because of it. Why won't this member return the books? How do other members of the tribe react? How do the people supporting this endeavor react?
The question that screams from my mind throughout reading this book is, "Why does modern society think their way is always the right and only way?" Why bring books to a nomadic African tribe where most can't even read? Their lives may seem extremely hard compared to ours but it is not the wrong way to live. It is their way of living, rich with traditions and lore that go back many generations. Will bringing books to them enhance their existence or start to alter it? Will it be for better or worse?
Is my reaction to this book my desire for a simpler life? Am I envious of their traditions because the traditions of today seem so shallow? Maybe I am reacting to the latest, repulsive demonstration of the almighty dollar in the USA. Retail stores opening early on Thanksgiving Day. We are losing sight of what is important in life.
This is a story of how bringing books to a nomadic African tribe affects their lives. In order for this bookmobile to survive, they must have strict guidelines for the return of the books. If the books are not returned when due, the book mobile will no longer visit that tribe. One member of the tribe, did not return the books. Now the entire tribe will suffer because of it. Why won't this member return the books? How do other members of the tribe react? How do the people supporting this endeavor react?
The question that screams from my mind throughout reading this book is, "Why does modern society think their way is always the right and only way?" Why bring books to a nomadic African tribe where most can't even read? Their lives may seem extremely hard compared to ours but it is not the wrong way to live. It is their way of living, rich with traditions and lore that go back many generations. Will bringing books to them enhance their existence or start to alter it? Will it be for better or worse?
Is my reaction to this book my desire for a simpler life? Am I envious of their traditions because the traditions of today seem so shallow? Maybe I am reacting to the latest, repulsive demonstration of the almighty dollar in the USA. Retail stores opening early on Thanksgiving Day. We are losing sight of what is important in life.
