In Unbowed, Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai recounts her extraordinary journey from her childhood in rural Kenya to the world stage. When...
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reviews
Aug 08, 2011
Write a review...A great perspective on environmental, agricultural, political (particularly "ethnic/tribal" politics), feminist and community aspects of African development. I was disappointed that so little attention was given to the barriers to small business (and business in general) in Africa. Africa is bursting with people trying to trade but almost all are prevented from growing beyond the small-scale informal sector. She gives the issue one paragraph in relation to deterrents t
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May 17, 2011
Andy
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Development, like a traditional African stool according to Ms Maathai, is based on three legs - democratic space; sustainable and accountable management of natural resources both for those living today and for those in the future, in a manner that is just and fair, including for people on the margins of society; and cultures of peace- fairness, respect, compassion, forgiveness, recompense, and social justice.
Ms Maathai says that "Scientists estimate that the cutting down of trees in th More...
Ms Maathai says that "Scientists estimate that the cutting down of trees in th More...
Aug 18, 2010
Ryan
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Wow. I'm still absorbing this book and the many, many, many ideas it casually contains. To start off, here's Publishers Weekly's review:
"Africa's moral and cultural dysfunctions loom as large as its material problems in this wide-ranging jeremiad. Maathai (Unbowed), a Kenyan biologist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for organizing the tree-planting Green Belt Movement, surveys Africa's struggle with poverty and disease, political violence, climate change, the legacy of colon More...
"Africa's moral and cultural dysfunctions loom as large as its material problems in this wide-ranging jeremiad. Maathai (Unbowed), a Kenyan biologist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for organizing the tree-planting Green Belt Movement, surveys Africa's struggle with poverty and disease, political violence, climate change, the legacy of colon More...
May 08, 2011
Chrishna
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Wangari Maathai clearly had some assistance in writing this book about Africa's challenges. Her writing is much improved from her previous book. I do take issue with her sometimes contradictory propositions. For example, in one chapter she states that one problem is that too much aide is given to Africa and then a chapter later she complains that not enough aide is given to Africa. Unfortunately, my overall sense from the book was a overwhelming sense of despair that an entire continent has
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May 07, 2011
Drick
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Some years ago I read a book on post colonial Africa written by a European journalist. I was appalled at the elitist bias in this supposedly historical book. I asked a colleague of mine from Malawi about a good book on Africa by an African; he could not recommend one. Now I have found the book Wangiri Matthai, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient for environmental work in the Green Belt Movement, is a native Kenyan, who speaks as an African about Africa to Africans and those concerned. While remaining
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May 27, 2009
Rafiki
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Maathai presents a fresh analysis of the complex issues facing Africa today. She offers hope through passionate ideas for improvements-mostly through the nurturing of some basic values. Respect of self & of others,civic & personal responsibility/accountability ,and care for the environment are keys. Africans of all micro-nations(tribes) are encouraged to reclaim their cultures, but live in peace with those of other micro-nations. She challenges African leaders to provide (and civil society to e
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Oct 29, 2011
Emily
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really fantastic insight into the many problems faced by countries and peoples across the African continent. she gives a surprisingly comprehensive account of issues and potential solutions, grounding many in personal and historical accounts. she at once challenges the people of the world to do their part in ameliorating the situations many Africans find themselves in and provides real hope for future generations. as you might expect, it is a very dense read and overwhelming at times.
Nov 12, 2009
Debby
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My literary agent, LH, recommended this book to me. Excellent account of the struggles the people in Africa encounter. Africans are hardworking, resilient and in need of the basics (education, skills, opportunity, freedom to express their culture/spirituality and a voice in their leadership/government).
Aug 10, 2011
A critical book for Africa that challenges those that care about her future. A must read for anyone with interest in Africa. It presses us to see ourselves as part of the challenge and part of the solution. It makes us think and hopefully take action to follow.
Nov 21, 2011
Danielle
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I suppose my review might be biased because I didnt choose to read it, but I was glad to see it end. This book covers a lot of issues in Africa and Maathai's perspective on them. It really didn't hold my interest. Suppose this might also be because I read this after reading Unbowed, which was much more interesting than this. If you are interested in African issues, then this is a great book for you. But it's definitely a non-fiction read with a lot of facts, where i would much rather read ficti
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Aug 05, 2009
I'm writing a longer review of this book but it's one of the best commentaries on Africa I have read in recent years. This woman just nails it. Too bad the male oligarchies in most African countries ignore her. She is simply too smart for them.
Aug 08, 2011
Gabriela
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Interesting but not presenting anything really new. At least for me. It may be inspiring and has a comprehensive approach to Africa's problems and challenges. It's a good starting point if you are interested about this issues.
Sep 24, 2009
Jerihurd
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Media depictions of Africa focus on poverty, violence and desperation. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maathai presents a different vision, analyzing the problems and describing what Africans need to do for themselves.
Jun 04, 2009
Paul
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Wished I had this prior to the peace corps, especially the first half of the book's summary of Africa's colonial history.
Apr 23, 2011
Sarah
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nothing that anyone has ever taken a survey course in community development doesn't already know. this should have been titled: the idiot's guide to basic community planning.
Apr 21, 2009
Just went to an interview of her given at Town Hall. She's hilarious - and has great info.
Jun 01, 2010
Franklin
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A well researched book that explores many dimensions of issues that need to be addressed
Feb 20, 2011
Lucy
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I had to persevere with this book; initially I found it a little bland and uninspiring; its descriptions of African troubles, I thought, where limited and almost insultingly basic.
I am pleased to say it got better. Wangari Maathai has a vision for Africa which is based on independence but responsibility. She doesnt seek to blame individuals or groups for Africa's problems but instead looks to guide those groups who can make a difference.
Her chapters on environment - unsur More...
I am pleased to say it got better. Wangari Maathai has a vision for Africa which is based on independence but responsibility. She doesnt seek to blame individuals or groups for Africa's problems but instead looks to guide those groups who can make a difference.
Her chapters on environment - unsur More...
Nov 18, 2010
Mandy
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This book was difficult to keep reading. Maathai has some interesting things to say about corruption and environmental issues in Africa, but it quickly became repetitive and ranty. (Yes, I did just create the word 'ranty', meaning like a rant.) Unless you're planning to move to Kenya or are really interested in the subject, I would skip it.
Sep 25, 2009
Lily
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What an interesting, well-written, carefully crafted read. Though everything in this book is old knowledge if one knows even a little bit if African political history, it is refreshing to see a well-educated woman exposing the ills of Africa and proposing concrete ways to alleviate the plight of her people. Well done, Ms. Maathai!
Oct 15, 2010
Kwesi
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A thoughtful meditation on where Africa stands and what needs to happen to accelerate development.
Feb 11, 2012
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