Getting Started

[David]

I have heard great things about this book, so I got excited to read it. After getting started, i didn't realize how difficult it would be to read this book.

For me, it's very hard to get into.

[Mr Moore]

Life is too short to read books that you can't get into. Let it go if you've given it a chance and just aren't digging it. (That's my philosophy, anyway.)

[Karen]

If you do get into it, I think that you will find that it's a story that really sticks with you. I often find that autobiographies by "non-authors" can be difficult to read, but Mark Mathbane overcame soooo much and it is an inspiring story.

[Global]

This is a great inspring story... we Americans can't relate to such hardships as those who are in other countries.... Keep reading it might just grab you... it did me.. and yes... it has stuck with me...He also has another book out.. He lives here in America now... married with children...

[J.K.]

Stick with it if you can. This is one book I will always remember reading. I had the privilege of meeting Mark Mathabane and hearing him speak. This is a great book.

[Ms Johnson]

I met Mark Mathabane too. I've read selections of this book with students in urban,rural, and international schools. It is horrifying, but sometimes the only picture that young people get of racism outside of North America and it reflects meaningfully on our experience here.

While I have quit books before, but I think this one is worth sticking out. (I'm doing the same with Things Fall Apart.)

[Global]

I've read "Things Fall Apart" years ago .. and after a few chapters one will get into it... You will find it enjoyable,

[Karen]

@JK and Ms Johnson- I'm jealous that you met Mark Mathbane. He's such an inspirational person.

[Carol]

Kaffir Boy is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Similar to the autobiography of Frederick Douglass in many ways. It IS inspiring and frustrating and sad and eye-opening -- and it makes you want to stand up and cheer at the author's drive and determination! AND I've been an admirer of the late Arthur Ashe ever since reading this book. CJ

[Global]

CJ wrote: "Kaffir Boy is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Similar to the autobiography of Frederick Douglass in many ways. It IS inspiring and frustrating and sad and eye-opening -- and it makes..."

Authur was a dynamic person... it's a shame he contracted the disease. Arthur is an inspiration to us all.

[Selena]

I loved Kaffir Boy until about 2/3's of the way through when he started painting himself as a victim when in fact he had many more opportunities than most of his black countrymen. However, it was a real eye-opener. It's always shocking to realize what tragic things were happening during the time that I was a naive, pampered and privilaged American

[Jeanette]

David wrote: "I have heard great things about this book, so I got excited to read it. After getting started, i didn't realize how difficult it would be to read this book.

For me, it's very hard to get into."

I realize this is an old post, but I really hope you were able to complete reading this book. It's one of the best I've read and a truly inspiring story.

[Lynsey]

I find this surprising. "Kaffir Boy" grabbed me from the beginning. The events of his childhood are just so horrifying...THAT'S what made it a difficult read for me, but that had nothing to do with Mathabane's writing style, except to say that it was powerful and effective.

Just looked at the previous comment...I read this book around the time that this post was started! Yes, I, too, hope that you read it.