Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Counted for 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
I learned a lot about Liberia's past; it's glory days and it's rough times. The Cooper family was certainly not one of poverty, yet Helene Cooper still shares a really interesting memoir.
I learned a lot about Liberia's past; it's glory days and it's rough times. The Cooper family was certainly not one of poverty, yet Helene Cooper still shares a really interesting memoir.
Around the World Reading Challenge: LIBERIA
===
A friend recommended this one to me to read for Liberia and I found it a really fascinating read. I was vaguely familiar with Liberia prior to this read but I really appreciated that, while this is certainly a personal memoir, the author provides a lot of context around the situation in Liberia, going into some of the history and external forces that led to the start of the civil wars that drove her family to flee. I really enjoyed the narrative style here, but, though I understand there are limitations when working within a memoir format, I did want a bit more depth, particularly retrospectively when it would have made the most sense, in regards to the massive class disparity between her and most of the rest of Liberia. Though this is primarily a memoir, I did feel myself wanting just a bit more, though overall I very much enjoyed!
===
A friend recommended this one to me to read for Liberia and I found it a really fascinating read. I was vaguely familiar with Liberia prior to this read but I really appreciated that, while this is certainly a personal memoir, the author provides a lot of context around the situation in Liberia, going into some of the history and external forces that led to the start of the civil wars that drove her family to flee. I really enjoyed the narrative style here, but, though I understand there are limitations when working within a memoir format, I did want a bit more depth, particularly retrospectively when it would have made the most sense, in regards to the massive class disparity between her and most of the rest of Liberia. Though this is primarily a memoir, I did feel myself wanting just a bit more, though overall I very much enjoyed!
Excellent memoir with the right amount of history, culture, humor and sadness. Truly amazing story of Helene Cooper's life in and after Liberia.
Illuminating story of life in Liberia before, during and after the revolution. I thought the writing was uneven at times, but the story was excellent and well worth reading.
I liked this book, and recommend it highly. It’s a memoir, following the sweet memories and the political turbulence of one woman’s life. Helene Cooper’s childhood – the house at Sugar Beach – is spent in privilege, as part of the elite Congo People in Liberia. These were descendants of the African-Americans ex-slaves who came here before the US Civil War.
Then follows the coup, in which she and her family barely escape with their lives. And then the immigrant experience, as she is transplanted to the U.S. And then finally, Helene Cooper describes her return to Liberia, to find the bits of herself (and her family) that have been lost.
I learned a lot about Liberia, the history and the social strata. And for me, there’s always a fascination in memoirs depicting the immigrant experience from all its angles. Every new cultural perspective adds something.
Then follows the coup, in which she and her family barely escape with their lives. And then the immigrant experience, as she is transplanted to the U.S. And then finally, Helene Cooper describes her return to Liberia, to find the bits of herself (and her family) that have been lost.
I learned a lot about Liberia, the history and the social strata. And for me, there’s always a fascination in memoirs depicting the immigrant experience from all its angles. Every new cultural perspective adds something.
A remarkable story of a privileged light-skinned American ex-pat in West Africa who is knocked down to reality as a (privileged) immigrant in the USA. The history lessons are scary and sad, but necessary. That portion of the book stayed with me for days.
If there's one thing that I'd like to have, it is the authentic voice of the oppressed native Liberians. Perhaps that's for another author to write.
If there's one thing that I'd like to have, it is the authentic voice of the oppressed native Liberians. Perhaps that's for another author to write.
This book is funny but at times heart-wrenching. Helene provides vivid descriptions of life in Liberia and it's history. I'm glad I finally listened to this book (audio book) in the author's voice. I smiled at some parts because I've heard my family, and family friends use the terms in this book. This book makes me proud to be Liberian American :)
I found the narrative a bit tedious - but bumped up to a 3 for teaching me a lot about Liberian history, and for the audiobook being read by the author herself - I loved hearing the Liberian dialect.
I have always appreciated Helene's commentaries (especially on Meet the Press), but never knew anything about her personal or professional background. This unapologetic, honest, heartbreaking, and inspiring memoir has made me respect her even more. I also learned a good bit about the history of Liberia that I never knew before, so, win-win.
One of the better memoirs I've read with a nice balance of personal history and Liberian history and how the two are interwoven.
Book 1 of 2
30.4 - DLM Rose's Task - One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Paul Revere’s ride took place on April 18-19, 1775.
Paul Revere
To commemorate his ride read two books:
A. One book with a natural landform or land feature in the title- mountain, valley, plain, volcano, cliff, cave, cape, canyon etc.
And
B. One book with a natural body of water in the title: ocean, pond, lake, stream, river, bay, fjord, etc.
Book 1 of 2
30.4 - DLM Rose's Task - One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Paul Revere’s ride took place on April 18-19, 1775.
Paul Revere
To commemorate his ride read two books:
A. One book with a natural landform or land feature in the title- mountain, valley, plain, volcano, cliff, cave, cape, canyon etc.
And
B. One book with a natural body of water in the title: ocean, pond, lake, stream, river, bay, fjord, etc.