Welcome to Bob’s Book Shelf


Bob Gribbin

New book column

Bob Gribbin

Greetings! (My Draft Board used to say that.) Welcome to the first of what I intend to be a monthly column of book reviews. I will pass along thoughts and recommendations on books about Kenya, books by RPCVs and books about Africa. I will try to keep a focus on newer items, but will also discuss some older favorites. I welcome suggestions, feedback and dissenting commentary. Email me at regribbin@aol.com. As for my background, I was a PCV (Settlement IV) from 1968-70, who built water systems at Muhuroni and Kimilil. I subsequently served for thirty years as a Foreign Service officer in Africa, finishing off as ambassador to Rwanda. (My memoir of Rwanda, which I may review at a later date, is called In the Aftermath of Genocide: The U.S. Role in Rwanda). A student of the continent and aficionado of kitu ya Africa, including writings, I read widely and look forward to sharing my thoughts on books.
A recommendation - M.G. Vassanji
Submitted by Alan Johnston (not verified) on Mon, 2005-07-11 22:41.
Bob, Greetings! from Chapel Hill. I'm glad you are contributing to this newsletter. Be sure to include a review of M.G. Vassanji, The In-between World of Vikram Llal. If you have not yet read this wonderful book, I am sure you will love it. I will also soon send you a proper greeting. Cheers! Alan
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Late reply
Submitted by Bob Gribbin (not verified) on Fri, 2005-09-02 05:56.
Alan, sorry for this very late reply, but we have just learned how this system works. I have read the "Inbetween World" and we are planning a review of it. Keep your eye out for other good titles. I am writing this from Bujumbura where I am posted for a few months. Regards, Bob
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Books reviewed in NY Times Book Section
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-07-07 18:24.
I wanted to ask whether you will be reviewing the three new books about the Mau Mau era in Kenya. They were reviewed in the New York Times, all on the same page, about two weeks ago. I tore out the page and today it got thrown in the trash by accident. The books sounded fabulous--a whole new perspective on the era. I'll try to get the titles if you don't have them. Let me know.
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