Liberia

[close] This is a discussion group for the childhood memoir that I wrote about Jabonkah Sackey: Driving The Birds. Jabonkah has a remarkable life as young girl who grows up deep in the Liberian bush of West Africa, in the mid 1950's, as a member of the Gola tribe. In Driving The Birds, Jabonkah exposes the Sande, tells us about the zoe, the devils of the secret society, and reveals her firsthand account of the centuries-old the ritual that promises death to those who dare speak of it. She was eight-years old at the time. At age twelve, her father gives her away to a missionary from Oakland, California who then enslaves her and forces her to work on a mission where Jabonkah cooks and cleans for two hundred boys. After four years of difficult labor and at the age of sixteen, Jabonkah is finally freed from the bondage of the missionary and goes to America to get an education. Here is what Rebecca wrote about Jabonkah's story: "The language is understated, but quietly beautiful, and I find myself invested in Jabonkah as she's portrayed on the page, not only because of what happens to her, but because of her view of the world, sometimes sweet and sometimes shrewd, and always strong." Rebecca, literary agent Read Driving The Birds and let me know if have questions for either Jabonkah or myself. Thank you...Russell

[close] Here is an overview of the group reads & activities: Regional reads Nominations and Book discussions. Buddy Reads Find someone to read along with!. Share/discuss your current reading All current polls Vote for the group reads here Challenges, challenges, challenges! Set up a personal challenge Challenge: 50 Books By African Women That Everyone Should Read African Lit TBR Takedown challenge Bingo Challenge 2025 Authors! If you would like to promote your book, give away copies or otherwise advertise your books please do so in this folder - selfpromotion in other places will be deleted. Photo: Nairobi Skyline by Orientalizing

[close] A place to discuss all the unique aspects of Deaf culture as highlighted in the thriller Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) by Lance & James Morcan. This group can also be an intersection of sorts where Deaf and hearing people can engage and learn from each other.

[close] This is a discussion group for readers of The Walk - Memoir of a Liberian War Survivor. Group members will be able to discuss the book among themselves as well as solicit author input.