The Flame Trees of Thika by Elspeth Huxley

Beautifully written, The Flame Trees of Thika is a classic story portraying the European settlement of Africa (specifically Kenya) during the early part of the twentieth century. Interesting memoir told through the the insights of a child growing up as a European in Africa. Interesting insight to some of the different native cultures and tribes of Africa.

Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat

Krik? Krak, is a fascinating collection of stories that gives insight into the lives of men and women in Haiti as they have dealt with extreme cruelties and brutalities under the country's dictator and because of superstitious beliefs. I believe that all of us would have a greater compassion and understanding of why the people are willing to risk their lives to flee to America as "boat people" as they read this finalist for the National Book Award.

Here's the Story by Maureen McCormick

I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to me because of how faithfully I watched The Brady Bunch while I was a young teenager and I have a keen interest in the effects fame and the entertainment industry have upon child entertainers. The book was very revealing. Her openness and honesty were amazingly brave. Not particularly well-written, but an interesting memoir, nonetheless.

Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark

The value in this book, in my opinion, is the exposure to the Aztec culture of Peru. Otherwise, the story was a strange one and I am not exactly sure what the message was. I felt that there was a lot of loose ends and unexplained. Nonetheless, I did find the Aztec culture information very interesting.