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My Maasai Life: From Suburbia to Savannah
Growing up in suburban Illinois, Robin Wiszowaty leads a typical middle-class American life. Hers is a world of gleaming shopping malls, congested freeways, and neighborhood gossip. But from an early age, she has longed to break free of this existence and discover something deeper. What it is, she doesn't quite know. Yet she knows in her heart there simply has to be more. Through a fortunate twist of fate, Robin seizes an opportunity to travel to rural Kenya and join an impoverished Maasai community. Suddenly her days are spent hauling water, evading giraffes, and living in a tiny hut made of cow dung with her adoptive family. She is forced to face issues she's never extreme poverty, drought, female circumcision, corruption — and discovers love in the most unexpected places. In the open wilds of the dusty savannah, this Maasai life is one she could never have imagined.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 29, 2010
There are a lot of books that explain a litany of African and developing country issues for Western audiences. This is a good one. She basically wrote a book about her study abroad year living with a Maasai homestay in rural Kenya. I recommend doing the real thing, but this book is an interesting, enjoyable read with some good wide eyed analysis, adventure, and story. The most unique part of this book is that Wiszowaty actually attended a female circumcision ceremony, giving her nuanced, thoughtful commentary on the subject a much greater depth and respect than most Western accounts you'll get, without tempering her own horror or upbringing. I appreciated this.
Also check out Continent of Mothers, Continent of Hope: Understanding and Promoting Development in Africa Today
Also check out Continent of Mothers, Continent of Hope: Understanding and Promoting Development in Africa Today
December 27, 2010
Very interesting story!
I don't think I would have gotten into this book or enjoyed it if I had not actually been to Kenya and interacted with Maasai men myself. I think the saving grace for this book is that she takes the Maasai warrior into the city for the first time ever and that gives her the chance to present us with not only her analysis of The Maasai culture, but also a Massai's analysis of the more modern world.
Not the best written book ever, but I really enjoyed following her through her unusual adventure.
I don't think I would have gotten into this book or enjoyed it if I had not actually been to Kenya and interacted with Maasai men myself. I think the saving grace for this book is that she takes the Maasai warrior into the city for the first time ever and that gives her the chance to present us with not only her analysis of The Maasai culture, but also a Massai's analysis of the more modern world.
Not the best written book ever, but I really enjoyed following her through her unusual adventure.
March 14, 2012
A very interesting life story. I loved reading about the Maasai lifestyle and culture and how welcoming they were to this foreign visitor. I love how much she identified with them and became a part of their family life. I loved the tips at the end on how to get more involved in charitable or development work, as well. A really great read.
There were two things that I didn't like about the book. First, the lack of proofreading: there were so many typos and grammatical errors as to be very distracting. I would give anything to have been employed to proofread this book! It was all I could do not to pull out my pencil and start marking it up. The second thing I wasn't crazy about was how unforgiving Robin's attitude was toward her American family. Her birth parents are painted throughout in a most unflattering light, and she seems to have never lost her sulky teenage resentment towards them. It was hard to reconcile this brave, giving, nurturing "Naserian" person she became in the company of the Maasai with the self-pitying, world-hating grouch she became in the presence of her birth country and birth family. I thought she would outgrow it over the years, but even the parts written in reflection from the distance of years spent in Kenya, she still couldn't seem to understand her parents' point of view, and seemed most unwilling to try.
A small price to pay, however, for the benefit of a fascinating story.
There were two things that I didn't like about the book. First, the lack of proofreading: there were so many typos and grammatical errors as to be very distracting. I would give anything to have been employed to proofread this book! It was all I could do not to pull out my pencil and start marking it up. The second thing I wasn't crazy about was how unforgiving Robin's attitude was toward her American family. Her birth parents are painted throughout in a most unflattering light, and she seems to have never lost her sulky teenage resentment towards them. It was hard to reconcile this brave, giving, nurturing "Naserian" person she became in the company of the Maasai with the self-pitying, world-hating grouch she became in the presence of her birth country and birth family. I thought she would outgrow it over the years, but even the parts written in reflection from the distance of years spent in Kenya, she still couldn't seem to understand her parents' point of view, and seemed most unwilling to try.
A small price to pay, however, for the benefit of a fascinating story.
December 5, 2010
When I first started reading this book, I immediately became hesitant about whether I'd like the story or not. I mean, the main character (the author) starts out as a kind of bratty, spoiled girl -- who considers herself to be some unique and beautiful snowflake not meant to be held down by the trappings of modern society... or something.
Thankfully, she became more likable as I kept reading.
Despite a couple small typos, it's a very well-written story. I'm not sure how fictionalized it is or if it stays pretty true to what happened, but there seemed to be enough substance to the story that it doesn't really matter. It was enjoyable and I quickly found myself hooked.
Before I had even realized it, I was done with the book.
I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in African culture or the Maasai in particular. It was pretty interesting to get a glimpse for how things have shifted over the past few generations.
Thankfully, she became more likable as I kept reading.
Despite a couple small typos, it's a very well-written story. I'm not sure how fictionalized it is or if it stays pretty true to what happened, but there seemed to be enough substance to the story that it doesn't really matter. It was enjoyable and I quickly found myself hooked.
Before I had even realized it, I was done with the book.
I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in African culture or the Maasai in particular. It was pretty interesting to get a glimpse for how things have shifted over the past few generations.
March 31, 2021
Book Review
3 stars
Old story= A loser in his/her own country can be a king/queen among people that development has passed by--but featuring a Jewish lady instead.
*******
I have tried to come up with a compromise between my dislike for this author and the things that I could learn from this book that she wrote. In a lot of ways, this book has been written before (and it has echoes of a book that I have reviewed a couple of years ago on here: I Chose China: The Metamorphosis of a Country and a Man )
1. Some Silly Self Indulgent White Person that is angry at the world for No Reason in Particular and finds a third world country to give his/ her life meaning. It seems like so few of these people are interested in actually learning about the local culture as they are escaping something (that was not really all that bad to begin with).
2. (My sister was a Peace Corps Volunteer, and she made this observation for me). A lot of the volunteers that go to these African countries are morbidly obese/ not-so-soft-to-look-at white women. My sister observed that a lot of the women come there to enjoy the muscular 8 packs/ attentions of the African men. After all, in the United States/ Canada-- how often does a guy even smile at a woman who does not have a waistline/ is not readily distinguishable from biscuit dough? (The girl who is on the front cover of this book does not appear to be the same as the author, and I have googled her in several other places after looking at her on the back flap of the book. She was homely in all of those other places.)
3. I also get the impression that the the author was looking for something to escape TO or just someplace to hide. I am reading that there are something like 46mln people in Kenya and 52mln in Tanzania (for a total of 98 million). The Masai are something like 1.6mln out of that-- about 1.6% of the total population of the two regions in which they are found. And the two governments of those regions are "encouraging" them to abandon their nomadic lifestyle. (Notice that when the author's boyfriend went to the big city--where other Africans lived every day-- he was terrified of cars and movie theaters.) Why would you move to Africa and then live a lifestyle that ignores 98.4% of the country? That would we like moving to America from China (Shanghai) and then joining some Old Order Amish (you know, the ones that speak a version of German that no one else speaks and ride horses and don't use electricity?) in order to get an experience of America.
4. The author of the aforementioned book (Sidney Shapiro) could not find happiness taking over his father's business or being a practicing Jew. He had to go to China to be forced to clean toilets behind revolutionaries and bow before portraits of Mao Zedong and Lin Biao before he could find meaning in his life. The author of THIS book could not be happy with her stereotypical fat, hick indulgent Midwestern family. She could not delve deeper into her mother's Judaism (and a visit to a local Chabad house would probably have solved a lot of what bothered her). Nope. She was not satisfied until she was sleeping in a hut made of cow dung and walking a mile each way to draw water and carry it on her head. And working harder than any Western person has worked in *centuries* for the barest of subsistence. (It has been said by Eric Hoffer that "people who toil from sunup until sundown for the barest of subsistence dream no dreams and nurse no grievances.")
And it might not have been so bad if the village life that she lived was even real. But if there was a water shortage and conditions got bad, then she had the option to be airlifted right bad to her comfy, obese Midwestern life.
4. The units were a bit annoying. And that may be because she used a no name Canadian publisher. But someone, somewhere went out of their way to completely eliminate feet and miles from the book (and not even put them in as parenthetical inserts) for people who speak American English.
Verdict: I would not pay more than $0.01 for this book. Also, if a person has read the Sidney Shapiro book, then this book can be skipped. And vice versa.
3 stars
Old story= A loser in his/her own country can be a king/queen among people that development has passed by--but featuring a Jewish lady instead.
*******
I have tried to come up with a compromise between my dislike for this author and the things that I could learn from this book that she wrote. In a lot of ways, this book has been written before (and it has echoes of a book that I have reviewed a couple of years ago on here: I Chose China: The Metamorphosis of a Country and a Man )
1. Some Silly Self Indulgent White Person that is angry at the world for No Reason in Particular and finds a third world country to give his/ her life meaning. It seems like so few of these people are interested in actually learning about the local culture as they are escaping something (that was not really all that bad to begin with).
2. (My sister was a Peace Corps Volunteer, and she made this observation for me). A lot of the volunteers that go to these African countries are morbidly obese/ not-so-soft-to-look-at white women. My sister observed that a lot of the women come there to enjoy the muscular 8 packs/ attentions of the African men. After all, in the United States/ Canada-- how often does a guy even smile at a woman who does not have a waistline/ is not readily distinguishable from biscuit dough? (The girl who is on the front cover of this book does not appear to be the same as the author, and I have googled her in several other places after looking at her on the back flap of the book. She was homely in all of those other places.)
3. I also get the impression that the the author was looking for something to escape TO or just someplace to hide. I am reading that there are something like 46mln people in Kenya and 52mln in Tanzania (for a total of 98 million). The Masai are something like 1.6mln out of that-- about 1.6% of the total population of the two regions in which they are found. And the two governments of those regions are "encouraging" them to abandon their nomadic lifestyle. (Notice that when the author's boyfriend went to the big city--where other Africans lived every day-- he was terrified of cars and movie theaters.) Why would you move to Africa and then live a lifestyle that ignores 98.4% of the country? That would we like moving to America from China (Shanghai) and then joining some Old Order Amish (you know, the ones that speak a version of German that no one else speaks and ride horses and don't use electricity?) in order to get an experience of America.
4. The author of the aforementioned book (Sidney Shapiro) could not find happiness taking over his father's business or being a practicing Jew. He had to go to China to be forced to clean toilets behind revolutionaries and bow before portraits of Mao Zedong and Lin Biao before he could find meaning in his life. The author of THIS book could not be happy with her stereotypical fat, hick indulgent Midwestern family. She could not delve deeper into her mother's Judaism (and a visit to a local Chabad house would probably have solved a lot of what bothered her). Nope. She was not satisfied until she was sleeping in a hut made of cow dung and walking a mile each way to draw water and carry it on her head. And working harder than any Western person has worked in *centuries* for the barest of subsistence. (It has been said by Eric Hoffer that "people who toil from sunup until sundown for the barest of subsistence dream no dreams and nurse no grievances.")
And it might not have been so bad if the village life that she lived was even real. But if there was a water shortage and conditions got bad, then she had the option to be airlifted right bad to her comfy, obese Midwestern life.
4. The units were a bit annoying. And that may be because she used a no name Canadian publisher. But someone, somewhere went out of their way to completely eliminate feet and miles from the book (and not even put them in as parenthetical inserts) for people who speak American English.
Verdict: I would not pay more than $0.01 for this book. Also, if a person has read the Sidney Shapiro book, then this book can be skipped. And vice versa.
February 4, 2019
Robin Wiszowaty’s story is remarkable. As a young woman she traveled to Kenya and stayed with a rural Maasai family for months. She lived as part of the family, hauling water, washing clothes by hand, while learning Swahili so she could better communicate with her adopted family. Through her book readers can gain a bit of insight into the joys and challenges of rural life in Kenya. Unfortunately, I wished she had provided more detail on day to day life. For example, one photo in the book is captioned “Fetching firewood has always been my least favourite chore,” but the author never describes fetching firewood during her months living with the Maasai family. The book could also have used a good copy editor as a number of sentences are missing individual words. These can usually be easily inferred, but it was still annoying. You can also skip most of the first chapter with its generic, I am a lost teen not knowing what to do with my life. Nonetheless, this is a powerful portrait of what life is like for many rural Africans who are living on the edge. Highly recommended for anyone interested in international development, or moden Africa.
February 25, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is a re-read for me. I think I read this one for the first time maybe around 10(?) years ago. I remember enjoying it the first time I read it, so I figured I would give it another go!
This memoir is really interesting and provides readers with an eye-opening view into rural Kenyan communities, and Maasai culture. This book is informative, funny, and emotional. I enjoyed reading about how quickly and greatly Robyn fell in love with Africa. This book was published in 2010, but I believe her experiences are from the early 2000s—I’m sure that a lot has changed since then! While this book might not be current (and therefore might not accurately depict the people of rural Kenya today) it was still enjoyable to read!
This is a re-read for me. I think I read this one for the first time maybe around 10(?) years ago. I remember enjoying it the first time I read it, so I figured I would give it another go!
This memoir is really interesting and provides readers with an eye-opening view into rural Kenyan communities, and Maasai culture. This book is informative, funny, and emotional. I enjoyed reading about how quickly and greatly Robyn fell in love with Africa. This book was published in 2010, but I believe her experiences are from the early 2000s—I’m sure that a lot has changed since then! While this book might not be current (and therefore might not accurately depict the people of rural Kenya today) it was still enjoyable to read!
April 23, 2018
A good book. Robin Wiszowaty of suburban Illinois leaves her while middle class life behind to live for a year with a family of Maasai in rural Kenya. There she finds a new life, extended family and a fulfilling future. Just as interesting as the culture shock of jumping full in to the unknown is the culture shock she endures with her return to Illinois. It would be hard to live with the excess and waste of suburban America after experiencing drought and hunger with no options available to lessen either. An inspirational read.
January 25, 2017
An inspirational story about a girl from Schaumburg (like me) who is tired of the suburban life and feels she doesn't fit in. She travels to Kenya for a school trip for a year. She lives in a small Maasai village and lives a traditional African life with her adoptive family. She feels a sense of belonging she has never felt before. Very insightful first-hand account of life in rural Africa and what it's like to completely flip your world view. Very eye-opening
May 17, 2018
I loved the description of rural Kenyan life, BUT couldn’t get past the main character (spoiled, entitled, bratty personality) she viewed those that didn’t travel abroad beneath her. Also littered with grammatical errors....
November 1, 2021
3.5 I recommend it to others, but the writing is only okay. It is really amazing that she was so incorporated into the Massai community. I read it when it came out so I'd love to hear how her experience changed how she lived her life in the long term.
January 22, 2022
This book has been on my shelf for more than 10 years, and I finally read it. She is someone from Free the Children. About Robin’s escape from her Canadian childhood into the world of FTC and its Kenya outreach. Well-written, actually, and engaging. Impressive grit, to go there and make it work.
September 27, 2017
I loved this book and how the author told the story, I felt as if I was travelling and experiencing everything with her
August 3, 2022
A surprisingly good read!
May 19, 2024
My only real criticism is that the type is so small. I felt my eyes straining to read the small font. A great story though.
September 13, 2010
From My book review blog Rundpinne.
My full review is located here.
"...My Maasai Life is an extraordinarily beautiful and blunt look at life in Kenya, primarily in Maasailand, through the eyes of a young, middle-class American whose experience living as part of the Maasai proves to be an invaluable lesson. Wiszowaty writes about her experiences in a beautiful and reverent manner, the reader will feel as though they are witnessing what Robin is experiencing as she takes the reader through the day-to-day activities as well as the cultural differences, practices, and beliefs. The similarities and differences are astonishing and a reader would be hard pressed to come away from this book unchanged. Wiszowaty wants the reader to understand the Maasai, to see the beauty they see, share in their joys, sorrows and of course the suffering brought on by poverty. Words truly fail me when I try to describe how profoundly this memoir affected me. It is my hope that all readers will pick-up a copy of My Maasai Life, if for no other reason than it is an unforgettable memoir."
My full review is located here.
"...My Maasai Life is an extraordinarily beautiful and blunt look at life in Kenya, primarily in Maasailand, through the eyes of a young, middle-class American whose experience living as part of the Maasai proves to be an invaluable lesson. Wiszowaty writes about her experiences in a beautiful and reverent manner, the reader will feel as though they are witnessing what Robin is experiencing as she takes the reader through the day-to-day activities as well as the cultural differences, practices, and beliefs. The similarities and differences are astonishing and a reader would be hard pressed to come away from this book unchanged. Wiszowaty wants the reader to understand the Maasai, to see the beauty they see, share in their joys, sorrows and of course the suffering brought on by poverty. Words truly fail me when I try to describe how profoundly this memoir affected me. It is my hope that all readers will pick-up a copy of My Maasai Life, if for no other reason than it is an unforgettable memoir."
January 6, 2014
Theory: many memoirists would benefit from writing the book, then scrapping the first chapter and writing it anew.
As far as 'white girl moves to Africa' books go, this was a surprisingly good one. I'll admit to some disappointment that the author wasn't more, well, confidently badass, but I think you could successfully argue that she proved her badassery in quieter ways.
What works so well here is that she does obvious growth over the course of the book. As she finds her way in a new culture, she's also in a good position to discuss the Maasai, and cultural differences, in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. She comes away with both a better understanding of the Maasai (and Kenya more generally) and a better understanding of how she does and doesn't fit into the picture.
The pre-Kenya portion of the book is probably useful background on the author but feels like a warm-up, so if you're struggling with it, keep pushing through; the book's worth reading once the author gets to the meat of the story and finds her rhythm.
As far as 'white girl moves to Africa' books go, this was a surprisingly good one. I'll admit to some disappointment that the author wasn't more, well, confidently badass, but I think you could successfully argue that she proved her badassery in quieter ways.
What works so well here is that she does obvious growth over the course of the book. As she finds her way in a new culture, she's also in a good position to discuss the Maasai, and cultural differences, in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. She comes away with both a better understanding of the Maasai (and Kenya more generally) and a better understanding of how she does and doesn't fit into the picture.
The pre-Kenya portion of the book is probably useful background on the author but feels like a warm-up, so if you're struggling with it, keep pushing through; the book's worth reading once the author gets to the meat of the story and finds her rhythm.
March 31, 2012
Robin Wiszowaty never felt she belonged in suburban Illonois. She was angry and looking for a purpose. Spending a year living with a Masai family in rural Kenya gave Robin her purpose: International Development. She eventually became a speaker for Me to We, and a facilitator for their trips to Africa.
In this book, part memoir, part call to action, Robin details her journey and shows readers how she found peace, love and purpose in Africa. Written primarily for the youth market, Robin spares the reader some details (details BTW the adult reader wants to hear, specifically about her relationship with Samuel) but keeps her message of being able to change the world front and centre.
Good read for teens and a great addition to classroom libraries.
In this book, part memoir, part call to action, Robin details her journey and shows readers how she found peace, love and purpose in Africa. Written primarily for the youth market, Robin spares the reader some details (details BTW the adult reader wants to hear, specifically about her relationship with Samuel) but keeps her message of being able to change the world front and centre.
Good read for teens and a great addition to classroom libraries.
February 10, 2011
Non-fiction book by a girl who grew up in Schaumburg. I loved the book. There were times I would purposely put off reading because I didn't want to be finished too fast! It tell of Robin's year living with a Massai family in Kenya. They lived in a hut with a dirt floor and no running water. It talks of her interactions with other villagers and how she decides to live her life after Africa. I thought it was well-written, interesting and kept you wanting to know what would happen next. It was a pretty fast read. Originally I suggested the book to my daughter just because it was someone she knew. I didn't have big expectations. After reading it I would highly recommend it.
February 9, 2011
The author's experience as an American university student living for a year with a traditional Maasai family in a remote village in Kenya was really interesting and she presents lots of information and stories clearly. But her writing is nothing special. Competent enough to get the point across, but nothing imaginative or original. The book even contains several grammar mistakes and incomplete sentences. But overall, worth reading if you're interested in knowing more about the Maasai.
October 24, 2010
Mesmerizing. Inspiring. Passionate. These were my impressions of Robin Wiszowaty after hearing her speak at our school about becoming a part of a Masai family in Kenya. Themes include; cultural identity, international aid and development work, Masai cultural identity, education, health, finding one's purpose and creating opportunities and change.
December 13, 2010
I enjoyed this book. Was nice to read more about the Maasai perple. Robin reminded of me moving away at a young age to live with people from another culture and all that is learned from this experience. But she has developed her experience into a lifestyle of helping and this is inspiring. A bit preachy at the end but other than that, a good read.
January 23, 2012
Alannah says: "This book inspired me to learn more about the maasai culture. It led me on 2 adventures through rural Kenya. These trips taught me invaluable lessons. I talked with the local mamas, participated in a water walk and worked side-by-side the local community members. It’s a must read for anyone looking for an inspiring, enthusiastic book. Asante Sana Kenya!"
November 4, 2010
I really enjoyed this one. The beginning seemed to be written by a young lady and the second half by an adult whose eyes have been opened. Very enjoyable tale that will hopefully shine a light on the African struggles and our privileged life in North America.
February 4, 2011
Good book. Inspiring.
At first I thought it would just be about a college girl not knowing what to do with her life, and just about her searching for herself. But it ended up being very interesting, with lot of info on Maasai culture, without any prejudice.
Interesting!
At first I thought it would just be about a college girl not knowing what to do with her life, and just about her searching for herself. But it ended up being very interesting, with lot of info on Maasai culture, without any prejudice.
Interesting!
May 22, 2012
In depth, personal view on what life was like as a Maasai from an outsiders perspective. Acclimating with a whole new world proved to be an amazing, insightful adventure for Robin. It was incredible to be a part of her experience & transformation.
November 20, 2012
A fantastic story about the way others live with so much less than we do and the contributions we can all bring to these underdeveloped areas! A truly inspiring story about the warmth of cultures we know little about and the options to help those who truly need it!
September 7, 2013
I enjoyed reading this and her experiences in Kenya, with the Maasai, and her work following. After spending two weeks in Kenya and getting to know and better understand the Maasai culture and people this was especially interesting to read.
July 14, 2014
I thought it was very interesting to learn about the life in a Maasai tribe. I wasn't aware of how they lived and the challenges they face. It makes you appreciate what we have in the western society.
August 24, 2014
A good book for youth/young adults. Inspiring, although I felt like the book just ended without resolution of her relationship with Samuel. (Perhaps she's planning a sequel?) Could have used more editing in terms of repetition of words, sentence structure, etc., but a good effort.
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