abbykruth's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
rachelb36's review against another edition
3.0
A typical do-good read: inspiring and encouraging, informative enough, but not a dynamic, superbly crafted story.
I would have liked to hear less detail about Kaguri's experiences with fundraising and more about the people who are doing the day-to-day work, and the students' lives.
I really liked that the author included the costs of various items in the book; though early in the book he states that USD$85 is a low-end monthly wage for a teacher in Western Uganda, and that only $2 or $3 will cover a student's tuition and book fees. Later he says $85 is a competitive wage, and a students' books for the year are $45. I'd like to know which is true.
There were also some cultural differences which were not explained, so readers who are unfamiliar with Ugandan culture may be confused at points.
I also couldn't help feeling that the author's Christian beliefs were downplayed, or didn't influence many of his decisions. While it makes perfect sense to me that the school would accept students from any or no religious background, it saddened me that there were nonbelievers in leadership and that the students seemed to be getting indoctrinated with the idea that a person's religion doesn't really matter, as if they are all equally correct and good - an idea which completely contradicts Christianity.
I would have liked to hear less detail about Kaguri's experiences with fundraising and more about the people who are doing the day-to-day work, and the students' lives.
I really liked that the author included the costs of various items in the book; though early in the book he states that USD$85 is a low-end monthly wage for a teacher in Western Uganda, and that only $2 or $3 will cover a student's tuition and book fees. Later he says $85 is a competitive wage, and a students' books for the year are $45. I'd like to know which is true.
There were also some cultural differences which were not explained, so readers who are unfamiliar with Ugandan culture may be confused at points.
I also couldn't help feeling that the author's Christian beliefs were downplayed, or didn't influence many of his decisions. While it makes perfect sense to me that the school would accept students from any or no religious background, it saddened me that there were nonbelievers in leadership and that the students seemed to be getting indoctrinated with the idea that a person's religion doesn't really matter, as if they are all equally correct and good - an idea which completely contradicts Christianity.
val_halla's review against another edition
3.0
Twesigye Jackson is definitely an inspiring man, but I wasn't a huge fan of this book. The "ghostwriter" probably did more damage than help, with tortured metaphors on every page and irrelevant details littering the descriptions of places. Each person's outfit was described, each car given a make and model. I find it hard to believe that the narrator (Twesigye) really remembered all of those details over the years, and at any rate, they added nothing but bulk to the story. Despite the mediocre writing skill, though, this book is helpful to see why nonprofit organizations are best served by the people who live in the area, or are from there. The Nyaka school is a good example of charity done right.
marierossi's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really liked this book! It was just a quick, easy read that was very informative. I found the author personable through his words and experiences. It's brings a new angle to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
d_nice_'s review against another edition
4.0
An inspiring story of dedication, determination and generosity.
fallingstar924's review
4.0
Great book! Very inspriring, and looking forward to getting involved with the Nyaka AIDS Foundation soon!
This is a great look at how an idea can become reality and help a community.
This is a great look at how an idea can become reality and help a community.
littlelarks's review against another edition
2.0
Read for my International Studies World Cultures Class this semester. The actual story of the Nyaka school becoming a refuge for AIDs orphans and a hub of reforms and programs in Uganda is a fascinating one in and of itself, but it loses itself a bit in the telling - better pacing and more detail is needed for it to really be a book I'd recommend to others.
fallingstar924's review against another edition
4.0
Great book! Very inspriring, and looking forward to getting involved with the Nyaka AIDS Foundation soon!
This is a great look at how an idea can become reality and help a community.
This is a great look at how an idea can become reality and help a community.
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