Sydney P answers “The book sounds intriguing. Is there...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood:

The book sounds intriguing. Is there anything in it that might make it inappropriate for a mainline church library that does not limit itself to books on religion?

Sydney P I agree with Angelique. This book is a wonderful chance for people to learn more about what it was like to grow up during apartheid in South Africa. O…moreI agree with Angelique. This book is a wonderful chance for people to learn more about what it was like to grow up during apartheid in South Africa. One of my favorite passages from the book is:
"Nelson Mandela once said, 'If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.' He was so right. When you make the effort to speak someone else's language, even if it's just basic phrases here and there, you are saying to them, 'I understand that you have a culture and identity that exists beyond me. I see you as a human being.'"
This seems a relevant and important message in our country today. I hope you will consider reading the book and adding it to your church library.(less)

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