The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur

Once you receive and read the book, post your thoughts here!

Thanks for starting the thread fannyprice. I'm looking forward to getting this book and also to see what others think of it. =)

I just found out today that I managed to snag this book. Looking forward to discussing it here !

I am too. Judging by when my other Early Review book, Nearly Human arrived, I'd say I should look for it the second week of next month or so. Though I probably shouln't let it weigh too heavily, as they're published by different companies.

Maybe while we're waiting we could toss around some questions - why did you request this book? What other books in your library would you recommend to people interested in this book?

For me, I've been interested in the conflict in Sudan for a while. Not sure if anyone else is familiar with the Save Darfur initiative (I don't want to be accused of soliciting so I won't post their website but run a Google search on "Save Darfur" if you're curious) It's a pretty great organization and I get their updates and help with their causes regularly.

Another book I'd recommend is Not On Our Watch: The Mission To End Genocide In Darfur And Beyond by Don Cheadle - I've heard it's excellent and am waiting for a friend to finish it so I can read it too. Also, Left To Tell and An Ordinary Man are great biographies from survivors of the Rwandan genocide.

Can't wait to get The Translator and I'm looking forward to discussing it with all of you as well!

Peace,
el :)

The Touchstone for Not on Our Watch isn't working but you can probably get to it through the Don Cheadle link or else it's in my catalog.

>5 elbakerone:
I've heard that We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families by Philip Gourevitch is a really good account of the Rwandan genocide. Just in case you're interested.

Great idea. I requested this book to confront my own tendency to turn my face when confronted by unpleasant news. Continuing to do that, and joining all the others who turn away, is contributing to the prolongation of tragedies of Darfur, and other "hot" spots. I was briefly in the Peace Corps in Africa, and I taught for 30 years in an urban school district. While teaching, I met several students who were immigrants from parts of Africa where intertribal warfare caused instability and havoc. I reluctantly want to know more. I do not want to be among those who pretend such unpleasantness does not affect us all.

#5

Why did you request it? I'm very interested in what's going on in the world (especially the countries in crisis). This is why I've recently read books about Iraq and Afghanistan.

What other books in your library would you recommend? I don't have any other books about Darfur but recently read Emergency Sex, a memoir of 3 UN workers who spent time in Rwanda and Somalia.

#6 - You're the third or fourth person to recommend that one to me :) My local library doesn't have it and I keep forgetting to look it up at the bookstore. Might have to see about an inter-library loan. Add another one to the good ol' TBR pile...

#7 - I know all too many people who are content to turn away from the horrors going on worldwide every day but I'm always heartened to hear of people with the courage to face travesties head on. And your experiences sound fascinating. I'll be interested to hear how your Peace Corps time might color your perspective of the book.

#8 - Ditto my comment to #7 about facing troublesome issues and ditto my comment to #6 about my TBR pile.... ;)

I am excited for my book. I have gotten 2 other ER books & one took about a month to arrive & the other only a week. So while I am very excited, I know it could take a few days or weeks.

I feel very uniformed about what is going on in Darfur, so I think this has the potential to light a spark in my brain so I can learn more.

I requested this book because I have decided it is time to face my fear of unpleasant realities...
I know I will have trouble sleeping at night after reading this book, but I really need to educate myself about the world we live in. This is the year I will start reading more non-fiction books. I represent the ones who like to stick their head in the sand...

I'm among those who just wants to know more about the world, especially the places I feel I Should know about. I used to mostly follow environmental and natural science writing, but then some years ago I started educating myself on the Diamond trade, blood diamonds out of Africa, and then politics and disease relief, etc. I still read a lot of natural science, but I'm trying to expand on the nonfiction level, and this book seemed like a good chance; I'd actually earmarked it on Amazon for when it came out before it popped up on the early reviewer's page. Especially now, I have some students in my classes who've come over from Africa pretty recently, and I feel like I should start knowing a bit more about the world outside of the U.S. I can't wait for it to arrive, though I'm in the same boat on early revier books--one came in about a week, and one from the December batch is still on its way...

elbakerone - whata great questions to jump start this thread! =)

I signed up for this book because like others I want to know more about the greater world that I live in. I read many of the various news articles to get updates but those articles only tell you so much....and depending on who writes them they can be a little biased in how the information is presented. I love to read books about a country/conflict that was actually written by someone who lived through it. To get that first hand account of what happened. Granted the first hand accounts also have their biases but I know that walking in. I then also try to seek out other books on the subject from different points of views to try to get a well-rounded idea of what really happened.

I've done that with my readings on Iran. I've read books written by people who lived through the Shah and tell how great he was and how horrible the regime change was for the country...and books on the flip side that tell how the Shah was a horrible ruler. Then I've read books from different time periods after the regime change to see how Iran has changed over the years. Doing this has given me a broad perspective of the country and I can say that the opinions that I have on it are my own and not based on the one book I've read....but its based on multiple books and views which has allowed me to form my own thoughts.

This will be the first book that I've read that's about Darfur so I'm eager to learn more about the conflict. I've read up about it on the Save Darfur sight and various news articles but again there is just something about that first hand account that means more to me then hearing the same information from some random reporter who has no ties to the country/conflict.

Not having read this book yet I'm not sure what other similar books I'd recommend. Though the ones listed above all sound interesting (and will be added to my ever growing TBR list). As I've said this is the first book that I'll be reading about Darfur so I can't recommend others from that country. After I've read the book I'll be better able to read similar books about other countries/conflicts. I'll have to keep this question in the back of my head once the book comes and I start to read it.

I requested this book because I enjoy reading about African issues, in both fiction and non-fiction formats. I traveled to Africa in '05, and since then, it has been one of my top interests, and I hope to return some day. Also, I think it is extremely important to educate onself on world events -- watching CNN just doesn't cut it.

I'm pretty sure I was awarded this selection because I have quite a few Africa books in my library, including some of the more popular ones... We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families, etc.

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone sharing thoughts thus far. I really like that we have a spectrum of thoughts and tastes and I like that we've sparked some good discussion even before receiving our books. :)

I agree with Irisheyz about reading first-hand accounts. I have a decent amount of autobiographies in my catalog and for me, it's always been a powerful way to learn history. Political events, especially, always have a bigger impact on me when I read about them from a personal testimony.

Edited to Add: I got ER books from the September and November batches. I was fortunate that each arrived to me within a week of my notification. I've heard enough from others though to learn that there's a chance I might have to be more patient. ;)

I'm also getting this particular book. This thread is a great idea!

I'm getting the book too. I can't believe how many galleys they gave out- 200 it said on the page! Did they forget to bring it to ALA Midwinter or something?! Yay for LT!

I'm getting the book too. I signed up because, like others above me, I have a bad habit of burying my head in the sand. I tend to avoid books about tragedy and sadness, but honestly, it's going on and I need to know about it. It sounds like a really interesting book, and if it turns out to be a good one, it's also very topical - so something to recommend to my library patrons!
K

A book on Rwanda that you may want to look at is Shake Hands with The Devil by Romeo Dallaire who was head of the UN Forces. His story is one of frustration as his hands are tied by politics. He went on the become a Canadian Senator ( appointed ) and a spokesman for African people in distress. There is also a very good documentary about his travels back to Rwanda years after and a feature film of the same name.

Ok people you need to stop recommending books. I know you mean well but you are doing horrible things to my TBR pile. I'm supposed to read books to make it shrink....not continuously add more!!! And every time someone recommends something here I find myself adding it to my list. So please....stop!

lol

O.K. but my TBR pile has grown by 150% or more since I joined LT.
PS -You could always rent the movie ( you have two to choose from )

@21 torontoc - as has mine. If I was capable I would quit LT cold turkey....but alas I am completely addicted and can't keep myself away. I am going to have develop a way to live forever so that I have time to actually read all the great books that I read about on here! =)

I've got well over a hundred that are tbr. I'm working on adding them to my LT catalog. That doesn't count my 'wishlist' books in places like bookmooch and amazon. Yup, if book-printing in the universe is suddenly ended, I'm good for a long while!

I requested the Translator because I work in a NIH research lab where we have postdocs (scientists with PhD's but doing additional study/research before going on to a 'real' job) from all over the world. It truly lets me know how ignorant I am about a lot of the world. I enjoy memoirs and first person accounts, so have started reading memoirs from a number of places worldwide.

I've been peaking at everyone's library to see what books we share in common. I see a number of Reading Ophelia in Tehran, Three Cups of Tea, and even Water for Elephants. Does anyone else see any patterns in the books that we have in common?

Well, one thing I've learned is that finding books like this that deal with current issues, foreign relations, etc., can be easier than expected at a used book store. Most of the books I've got in my TBR pile I found either in used bookstores or ridiculously cheap (six dollars or less) on Amazon used. I'm going to add one more to the TBR pile though for some of you. There's a book on my shelf called How de Body: One Man's Terrifying Journey Through An African War that, obviously from the title, is a first person account that I know some of you expressed interest in above. The author is Teun Voeten and I found my copy on Amazon (hardcover) for around eight dollars. I'm afraid I haven't gotten around to reading it yet, but it came highly recommended from a friend of mine who's much more well-read on the subject. Sorry for the additional suggestion, but if it's any consolation, I knew a long time ago that I can't live long enough to read all the books I want--the pile grows exponentially. My consolation now is a hope to open up a used bookstore when I retire.... Anyhow, enjoy the book as it gets there...

I just got word I'm receiving The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur too. I am thrilled to receive a book from the Bonus Batch and look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

I requested if because I've been following Amnesty International's campaigning re: Darfur, so if it's been on Amnesty's agenda, it's pretty much an issue I'm interested in. Human rights is a biggie for me. The situation there, though, is such a huge issue that a memoir (and I love memoirs) seemed like one way to wrap my head around it.

In case anyone is interested, here's the link to Amnesty's main page re: Darfur. You can find some background info there if you'd like:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/Our_Issues/Darfur/page.do?id=1041028&n1=3&n2=5...

Another good book is A long way gone: memoirs of a boy soldier by Ishmael Beah. I suspect it is one of the reasons I am getting The translator.

Ever since I started reading the No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith I've been reading more books about Africa, fiction and nonfiction. Two that I enjoyed were Purple hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chanda's secrets by Allan Stratton (the latter is a YA novel exploring the HIV/AIDS epidemic).

The high school library where I work just got a couple of books on Darfur (we have several teachers who are doing papers on activism so we're beefing up that aspect of the collection -- esp. since most of our books on social issues seem to have been purchased in 1972....). I haven't had a chance to read them yet.

I am excited to be getting this book also and look forward to the discussion. I requested it because I have made it a goal this year to learn more about Africa through reading.

FionaCat-- agree about Beah's book, it was riveting. Have you read Half of a Yellow Sun by Adichie? I read it after several people recommended it; it's one of the best novels I've ever read. The Reading Globally group has a great thread about African literature with numerous recommendations; you can find it here http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=8882.

No, I haven't read anything else by Adichie but I want to. We happened to have Purple hibiscus at work which is how I found it. And thanks for the tip about the Reading Globally group; I'll have to check it out!

I'm with #7; Maggie 1944 "I reluctantly want to know more. I do not want to be among those who pretend such unpleasantness does not affect us all." Like Irisheyz and elbakerone, I believe that reading a variety of first person accounts contributes to an informed opinion of events, whether the Holocaust or current tragedies.

My books are overflowing their shelves, and FionaCat gave me an idea to see if our local high school librarian could use some of the like-new books.

TBR? Growing exponentially? I've had to split the pile into three shelves: fiction; non-fiction; from the library ("must read soon"); and that was after I put some into the BookMooch pile and the Goodwill pile. Yikes! I'm a book addict. But I feel so at home here at LT....

I requested this book because I am interested in the history of genocide in the 20th century, particularly the African genocides, and the international reaction to modern genocide.

I first became intrigued by this topic six years ago when a friend referenced the Rwandan genocide, of which I knew nothing - I didn't even know it had happened. I was appalled at my ignorance and vowed to learn more, so I read We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families. I then completed a research project on various resources chronicling the Rwandan genocide in grad school. I also have been learning more about the genocide in Darfur, although I want to know more.

I have many of the books referenced above in my library, although I would add Samantha Power's A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide to the running recommendation list. I read sections of her book for my research project, but plan to read it in full soon. Currently I am reading Healing Invisible Wounds: Paths to Hope and Recovery in a Violent World by Richard Mollica, who is the director of the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma.

Although I will not be going to Sudan or Rwanda, I will be spending time in Africa this summer working with women and HIV/AIDS orphans.

I requested this book because I have ties to people living in Africa, which has sent me on a mission to read as much as I can about what their lives could actually be like.

Specifically, I have read both We wish to inform you... and A long way gone, which are both excellent but heartrending reads.

I requested the book because my heart is in Africa. God put Africa on my heart many years ago and 4 years ago I travelled there on a missions trip to Tanzania leaving my heart behind when I returned home. Now, after my dh and ds have both travelled there we are moving to Mwanza Tanzania to work with a ministry starting an orphanage and Christian radio station. We are planning to do missions work in other African countries as well and want/need to learn as much about Africa, it's people and it's culture as I can. We currently have ties in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria and Liberia.

I actually had to force myself to check the request option for this book. I requested this book because I know that I often turn my eyes and ears from unpleasantness and know that I need to inform myself so that maybe, just maybe I can help. I have not received it yet but will make sure that I read every page.

Thanks again to all for the continued book recommendations and story sharing. I like that we are all striving to educate ourselves about current events. If anyone is near the Washington DC area there's an excellent exhibit at the Holocaust Museum about the crisis in Darfur that I would highly recommend - I was there last summer but I suppose it may have been a temporary exhibit.

I know there's a Jan. Book Watch thread but maybe the first few people who receive their books can post here too to let the rest of us know when to be expecting our copies. I really hope it's soon.... :)

ETA: The exhibit I mentioned is still at the Learning Center area of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. For those not near the DC area you can also view some of the information and resources online:
http://www.ushmm.org/visit/whatinside/lc/#darfur

Save Darfur provides information on advocacy groups, links to request position statements from presidential candidates, etc.

One thing that can be done on a personal level is to make sure that you are not inadvertently funding the genocide in Darfur by investing your 401k, IRA, etc. in companies that profit from the genocide. Divest for Darfur (accessible by a link on the right side of the main Save Darfur page) provides information on which funds invest in suspect companies, and form letters to request divestment of the offenders. I was surprised to find one of the funds in my 401k listed there.

I requested this book because I want to understand what's going on outside my neighborhood. I think I have many wrong assumptions about life in other parts of the world, so I try to find books that will open up my mind. In a strange bit of synchronicity, I found Dave Eggers' What Is the What on the audio bookshelf at the library. I took it because I had seen it mentioned in LT catalogs, not knowing that it's a history of the civil war in Sudan. 20 hours, 31 min and reader is spellbinding.

I requested this book because I am considering focusing my freshman seminar on Darfur. It seems to get more difficult every year to come up with a topic they are interested in--at least one that I won't get sick of myself.

#36 - Thanks for the info. I've been meaning to double check my portfolios.

#38 - I think that would be a fascinating option. Can I sign up? ;) What other things have you taught about in the past?

#37 I read What is the What earlier this month. One of the things I liked about this book is that it talks about how the Civil War affected Southern Sudan over the past 15 years or so. I saw Dave Eggers and one of the "lost boys" speak at the Free Library of Philadelphia on January 8 and they talked about some of the ways that the situation in Southern Sudan is being replicated now in Darfur.

This morning I started A Long Way Gone. I didn't intend to being reading books about war in Africa right now but it all just came together that way.

I'm looking forward to getting my copy of The Translator.

I am looking forward to getting The Translator, too. You all have inspired me and I just bought What is the What for my Kindle. This instant gratification is going to be hard on my budget, I bet.

#39 I wish my students had that response! I taught the seminar on immigration last fall, and in the spring the couse was based on the American image abroad--how people in other countries see the US and why.

#42 - In all fairness, I'm much more interested in current events and politics now than I was when I was in college - especially when I was a freshman. ;) Maybe if you choose Darfur as a topic, The Translator will have some excerpts or quotes that you can use in your seminar.

#37,40,41 - I'll have to add What is the What to my reading list now too. It sounds like a really interesting book.

Went into the bookstore today with a friend and one of the books that I walked out with was What is What based on all the good things that I've heard about it here. =)

I did not get picked for this book, but one of the reasons I am interested in it is that my youngest sister is a freshman in high school participating in the National History day competitions and she is presenting about the conflict in Darfur. It made me curious about the conflict as well as wanting to be able to discuss the topic with her, or let her read the book too. The offering was happening at the perfect time.

Ah well, I look forward to hearing people discuss the book. If it turns out someone dislikes it, I would not mind snagging one though.

Kris

Looks like Darfur is in the news again as the uprising in Chad has insurgents coming from the Darfur region:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/02/03/chad/index.html

>33 savedbyhisblood: savedbyhisblood --I also have a small tie to Kenya as I sponsor an AIDS orphan in a settlement there. Thankfully the unrest in that area has not affected the settlement itself although violence continues in the area.

I too am getting The Translator and feel privileged. It was the only selection in this offering that held any interest for me. Am currently reading What is the What and am curious to compare and contrast the two, even though W is the W is a fictionalized account.

First hand accounts hold a particular interest for me. Three Cups of Tea (Afghanistan in the '90s) and Mountains Beyond Mountains (Paul Farmer's work with drug resistant TB in Haiti) are two I would highly recommend. On my nightstand are Opium Season (Afghanistan, again) and River Town (two years on the Yangtze River).

If one can't be well traveled literally, then well written books can pave that road.

I got my copy today; nice paperback ARC copy with a little letter from Random House. I'll start it this week as soon as I'm done with the (short) book I'm almost done with now. Yay!

mariekat - where are you located?

maggie1944- cambridge, massachusetts.

I started reading What is the what last night on my Kindle in bed. Perfect. I hope I can finish it before The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir gets here. I did read Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier a while ago. I was disturbed by its oh so smooth writing style as I felt Ishmael's voice was very much more Western than I expected. It will be very interesting to compare it to The Translator: A Tribeman's Memoir of Darfur.

Received my copy five minutes ago via UPS. Will start reading this P.M. I'm located in Morton, Pennsylvania

They sent it UPS? Well that sucks...I've had one instance of a package being stolen so now I have to be home to sign for a package sent by UPS. This is going to prove troublesome. Not too long ago I'd send it to my work since it was on the same UPS route....but now I work in Boston. It could take forever to get the book. =(

Must start thinking of alternate ways of getting the book.

Irisheyz--I work long hours teaching, so I usually have things delivered to my boyfriend's house since he's home more and has a bigger mailbox anyway; if you've got a close friend who gets packages easier, you might try that....

Not too long ago I'd send it to my work <snip> Must start thinking of alternate ways of getting the book. #53

If it were sent via USPS, I could probably have it sent to the office, since our usual delivery guy here at least gets things to us. But anyone else? I doubt it. We've had too many calls from UPS and DHL and FedEx trying to find us, and our mail has a tendency of showing up on 12 (and vice versa) when the regular carrier is out.

Abby, if my copy gets sent back to Random House, will they notify you? (And if they do, will they re-ship if I can find someone else to take the package?)

I arrived home today to see a sticky from UPS about a package from Random House. I am assuming that its this book. Going to try to have it delivered to a friend's house if they are will.

If the book had been sent by USPS then they would leave it...if it didn't fit in the mailbox the maillady will hang it over it in a plastic bag (a practice which I hate - I'd rather have the slip left and pick it up at the post office.)

All because of one incident by some thief who thought it would be fun to steal a package from barnes & noble. Stupid book theifs. *pouts*

Well, despite my awfulizing in post 55, my copy just showed up a little after 8PM. I didn't think UPS delivered that late.

Maggie1944 - I think am a little jealous that you have a Kindle, ... even though I swore I would not be jealous of Kindle people ;)
I have a colleague who just finished What Is The What and she highly recommended it. She said it was so beautifully written, she was impressed that it really seemed to be an autobiography even though she knew it wasn't! I am eager to read it now. I think Carrie's exact words were that the book was wonderful and positive even though it could have been dark and tragic.
Anyone else feel that it was hopeful rather than somber?
Best
K

Well, still no copy in smalltown South Carolina--I'll keep hoping and be jealous of ya'll in the meantime...

A friend of mine said she'd be able to accept the package at her work for me. =D And since she works close to where I get off the train I'll be able to pick it up tonight. Score!

Friends at the best.

kmoellering - I accept your jealousy as coming from a good place * smirk *

So far I am enjoying What is the What and I agree that the language is skillful, definitely giving me the impression that this is an autobio. even tho, as you said, we know better. Dave Eggers gets my admiration.

So far no The Translator showing up in our far flung Pacific Northwest home. I seem to get books from 2-3 days after folks closer to the East Coast. Why is that, I wonder, could it be the disgustingly snowy cold weather between you'all and me?

BTW I found a documentary at Netflix entitled "Darfur Diaries" . It's recommended by Amnesty International. I've added it to my queue but I don't think I'll it watch it until after I read The Translator.

It'll be interesting to see how long it takes the book to travel west to Montana so I can have the copy in my hot little hands.

I'm in Chicago and if weather is a factor in slowing the books down I could be waiting a looooooong time. ;)

At least you're in a major city (and one with a "hub" at that), which should help. Maybe even cancel out the weather entirely.

#64 - I use the term "Chicago" kind of loosely. I'm in the suburbs. Mostly I was commenting on the *fabulous* winter weather we're experiencing. ;)

I think the publisher is on the east coast though because it seems like most people in the New England are getting their books first.

Yep, they're here in New York City. Which is why I was one of the first to get it.

UPS called me. My package will be delivered to my friends place tomorrow. So I can pick it up then. =)

Called them last night to change the address. Thought it had a more likely chance of going through and getting delivered today. But I guess that they were slow. =( Ah well, I have plenty to keep me occupied until then.

I just finished The Translator. I asked for this book, because I also believe I tend to turn off to the news. I don't watch TV anyway, and I get most news via internet. This memoir was exceptional in my opinion. It truly opened my eyes and Hari did not appear to sugar coat anything. I honestly couldn't put the book down. I found myself delving deeper into the history of Darfur and current events after reading the book. A disturbing, memorable, reflective read.

#59 whitewavedarling - No copy in "smalltown" Georgia, either. Maybe they'll get to us soon!

The Translator just walked through my door here in Chicago, delivered by UPS. There is hope for you, Elbakerone (#65).

>62 streamsong: -- not sure if it is the same thing, but there is a book entitled Darfur Diaries, maybe the film is based on it? I haven't read it, but I believe it is YA focused.

Arrived yesterday down the Jersey Shore way - stayed up most of the night reading it and finished in the wee hours.

I got my book today! Can't wait to read it.

Not yet in California

My copy arrived this afternoon. Woohoo!

I want my book!!!

*says to self: one more day, just one more day*

I'm in smalltown central PA, and my copy arrived about an hour ago via UPS.

Mine was waiting for me when I got home! I also scored a non-bonus batch book that came today as well (two free books in one day - happy times!) so I'll probably read the other first but I'm a quick reader so I'll start in on The Translator very soon!

I got a note on my door from UPS saying a package from RandomHouse had been attempted to be delivered today. I have diverted it to the boyfriend's house. Very excited!!! :)

no book in Washington State yet....tick tick tick tick

oh, well, maybe tomorrow

no book yet in south carolina, but i'm hoping for today....

Got my copy yesterday here in Virginia. Started last night and I'm already hooked. Looking forward to hunkering down this weekend for some serious reading time.

My last Early Review book was Nearly Human, which was set in an ugly (distracting, even) Courrier typeface. So I was pleased that this one has a more readable type.

I got sucked into that vortex known as Borders today and walked out with We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch and Not on Our Watch by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. The first has already been talked about in this thread and is stories from Rwanda. The second deals with the genocide in Darfur. I think that what sucked me in most about it is the quote on the back.

"Remember: silence helps the killer, never the victims." ~Elie Wiesel

Wiesel also wrote the forward....and a portion of the proceeds goes to an organization called ENOUGH, a group which wants to end genocide and mass atrocities (at least that's what it says on the book cover, I don't know much about them).

Arrived in upstate SC yesterday, via UPS. Reading other Jan. book so haven't started it yet, but it looks like it's going to be good.

Finally arrived here in Iowa today - thankfully it made it through the foot of snow we've just had. I can't wait to get started!

My copy arrived today even with all the bad weather here in Georgia.

Mine arrived today but I am in the middle of Sitting Practice. I have it next on my TBR pile though and am anxious to start it.

Got mine today. Yay! My other ER book came today too. I don't know which one to start with.

The book hasn't reached me in Toronto, yet.

I hope your customs people don't give books more trouble than they do people (or, at least I didn't have much going to Montreal by Amtrak).

nothing in northwest Washington State yet except much snow on our mountain passes..... maybe we're snowed in -

Got mine here in Alaska yesterday.

Mine arrived today.

Still nothing in southern CA -- and I live near an airport which usually means I get packages faster than usual.

nothing in northwest Washington State yet except much snow on our mountain passes..... maybe we're snowed in - (#93)

If you weren't waiting for a book, I'd say it probably beats being snowed out. Just ask my mother. (Oh, waittaminute, she was in L.A. while we got too much snow here.)

Started to read this book this morning and have made it to Chapter 12 so far....and without giving anything away to those who haven't gotten it yet....I just wanted to say that so far this book is amazing. It is told simply, but powerfully at the same time. There is so much tragedy in the words but also an underlining sense of hope. I was nearly brought to tears while reading it on the train....its been a long time since a book has made me feel such strong emotions. I feel very privaledged to have been given to read this book through this program.

Yep--got to SC yesterday; hope to start it tomorrow when I have fewer papers to grade....

I just got my copy in San Diego -- it is a very short book (less than 200 pages, large print), so it shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours to read it.

To those who have started to read or have finished the book. What did you think of it? Did you learn anything new? Do you think that you've been changed by reading it? Has it inspired you at all? And if so, what has it inspired you to do?

If those who are finished reading the book want to discuss it, please, start a separate thread that states clearly in the title that it has *SPOILERS* so that those of us who have not yet read it can avoid the discussion and have our own response to the book. Thanks.

maggie - the original purpose of this thread was for people to read and discuss their thoughts on it when they were through (see post #1)

ETA:
When i see a book specific thread for a book that i want to read, I simply avoid it until I have read that book. I expect there to be spoilers in a book specific topic...and so I avoid if I don't want to read anything about the book before I start. But then maybe that's just me.

sorry, misunderstood. Seems to be my trick today. See you later...after I get the book.

Re: msg. 102

I am now up to chapter 7 and I have to say it's rare for a book to affect me the way this one has. It brings the tragedy of Darfur into a human focus; these are not just nameless crowds on the news, these are brothers, sisters, mothers, that are being killed in the most brutal and pitiless fashion. Daoud frequently asks the reader to imagine certain situations happening in his/her hometown, to his/her mother, etc., and it really brings it home. To imagine the devastation of this senseless genocide on innocent people who are just trying to live their lives is beyond heartbreaking. His descriptions of the way things use to be in the villages, versus the present, with the burnt out devastation wrought by the war, are so heartrending. While I was reading I vacillated between tears, and feeling this extremely angry sense of "why is this still being allowed to happen?" This book makes me want to get involved somehow. My hubby has Guard duty this weekend so my plan is to finish the novel over the weekend. Looking forward to hearing how it is impacting other people as it certainly has opened my eyes.

Finsihed, Read and reviewed.

I think that after reading this book I've learned more about the conflict in Darfur then in all the years that its been a story on the news. The deeply personal descriptions from Hari about how things were in his past and how they are now were powerful. This book made me feel a whole gambit of emotions. I cried at some of the horrors he wrote about. I was angry that these horrors are allowed to continue. I felt joy when he was with his family. And I also felt hope. Hari has such hope for his people that they will survive and return to Darfur to rebuild their homes. Like Litfan above it makes me want to act. To do more then I've done in the past - which hasn't been much, just donating money to savedarfur.com.

In some ways I wish that there was also a small section in the back with ideas of what the average person could do to help the situation in Darfur.

Got my copy yesterday via UPS and have read the intro and first chapter (would have read more but it was a mad day at work and my brain was fried). With a 3 day weekend coming up (yay!) I should have it read and reviewed shortly.

I was really struck by how close-knit the communities are - that everyone knows everyone else, and how fast news traveled, and how everyone is able to give updates on family and friends in different areas.

I think Daoud has a beautiful writing style, that I found to be very evocative - there were some wonderful passages that just really moved me.

I also was amazed at how much hope, love and humor he maintains, even in the face of these atrocities!

Just received my copy moments ago. Looks like it's time to brew a pot of coffee...

Received my copy of The Translator today. I plan to read it this weekend.

On the doorstep when I woke up from nap.

I just finished a few minutes ago - wow, what a book. I was really affected by the first-person narrative - for some reason the cadence of the words on the page swept my into the situations in a very visceral way. I was surprised at how much information everyone seems to have - family members knowing everything that happened to Daoud before he turns up to tell them, him knowing where everyone is all the time, etc. I was surprised to laugh out loud at points - his ability to find humor in some situations was remarkable. I thought it was an amazing read.

Link to my review:

http://www.librarything.com/work/4732163/details/26642260

Finally arrived today. I was working from home, in the middle of a lengthy conference call with a client, when I heard the package thump against the front door. It was all I could do to avoid running down to grab it immediately!

My review is posted in my library and at my blog, www.bostonbibliophile.com. Quite a book.

@marie....I read your review and like it. In response to your last thought I don't think that Hari included details about his emigration because the book wasn't about him. Yes it was his memoir's but his story was more about what was happening in Darfur then what was happening to him. At least that was the impression that I got while reading the story. To me Hari is a truly selfless person, doing what he thought needed to be done in order to get the word out. First he did so by leading journalists into the heart of the conflict. Then when that became impossible for him to do he wrote his story down....and travels the country talking about it. Still using his words to get the word out.

My review has been posted here on LT, BN.com and on my blog http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/

once its published I plan on adding it to amazon.com as well.

116: Yeah but I think it would have rounded out the narrative nicely. I would also argue that the story was about what happened to him- almost minute by minute in those last chapters- and not a history of Darfur or an overview of a the wider political/military situation. The motivation was to advocate for Darfur but he did that by talking about what HE did and HIS experiences. There's nothing wrong or selfish about that- he wrote about his experiences because that's what he had to offer to advocate for his cause. So when it ended so abruptly I just felt like something was missing and that as a reader it would have been more satisfying to have that gap filled in a little.

I'm not trying to say that there is anything wrong or selfish about Hari's story....or that it would have been any of those if he had added more to it. For me it was fine how it ended. It inspired me to do some looking on line to find out more about Hari as well as about Darfur.

I think that the parts of his imprisonment were necessary...and yes they were deeply personal and while mostly about him were also about others like him. Hari was lucky. He had made important friends abroard and had teh 'good fortune' so to speak to be imprisoned with a reporter from the National Geographic. His prison experiences during the last part of the book were horrific. But only think what other Darfur residents go through that don't have the friends and connections that Hari had? He said it himself at one point...they simply disappear.

For me as a reader his imprisonment just further amplified the story that he was telling about his countrymen. I love how the story affected people in different ways and I love talking about it. I don't want to try to change yours or anyone else's opinion of it.

My copy arrived on Friday - I have set aside some time this afternoon to get started on reading! Memoirs set in Africa are a particular favorite of mine; I recently read Peter Godwin's When a Crocodile Eats the Sun which was fabulous, and one of my favorites of the past couple of years.

I have finished the book and posted my review here as well as on bn.com. What an incredible book. As someone else mentioned, I was touched by the moments of humor that Daoud was able to find. Daoud's story really speaks to how the goodness in the human spirit can survive in horrific circumstances. I find myself haunted by images from the book, especially the four-year-old girl who was impaled on a bayonet as her father watched helplessly. What incredible courage Daoud has to willingly go back, over and over, to the place where such atrocities occur, in order to make the world more aware. This is one of those rare books that has the ability to truly change people.

Still waiting in Wyoming...

Another possible read for all of you Beyond the Storm treating the powerless and the powerful in Mobutu's Congo/Zaire by Dr. William Close.

clik - i hope that it makes you to you soon!

This is one of the most inspiring books that I have ever held in my hands.
So much hope and optimism. There are many personal stories here that will continue to haunt me, yet they serve a purpose. Hari continues his mission to bring his story to the world in a remarkable and memorable book.

I was out of town this weekend and read the book in the car. It was absolutely amazing! I'll be adding my review this week.

I don't think I can add anything to what's already said, except perhaps that I'd say this may be the wisest book I've read--I can't quite think of another term I feel fits it. In any case, my review is up. I'll be surprised if this one gets any negative reviews truthfully. I will say though that I noticed one review mentioned that Memoir wasn't the perfect word for it--while it doesn't bother me, I can see that. Good luck to those of you who haven't gotten it yet--rest assured you'll read it in two or three sittings once it comes, if that!

I've finished and added my review to my library, I hope that is right.

I am in agreement with that which had been said, and would only add that I was impressed with the role of education in Daoud's life. If his father and brother had not made him go to school and learn, his fate might have been that of thousands of other young men there, an early death with very little impact on the world. I think he has made an excellent use of his education and fulfilled his father and brother's wishes for him. Who knows what the extent of his impact on the world will be, time will tell, but he has had a strong impact on me.

As of 2/11/08 no book here near Seattle. I am feeling very left out. Should I worry and email Amy or shall I just wait a few days more? What advice?

I live near Portland Oregon and only received The Translator Friday afternoon - three days ago - so I'd say a couple more days, and see if it comes by then? If not by Thursday, I'd be concerned...

@127 MrsLee - I think that you make an excellent point about the role of education in Hari's life. I also think that education is something that we often take for granted in developed countries. Perhaps this book can be used by educators to not just highlight an important world event but also to highlight the importance of education in a person's life. As you say, Hari's life would have gone on a completly different path if he had never gone to school.

OK, panic over. I received late this afternoon. I'll start reading it tonite.

There was one thread (maybe in the 50 book challenge--not sure anymore) where we were having a discussion a while ago about the books colleges choose to assign for all incoming freshmen to read. I was thinking yesterday that this would be a good choice for one of those programs, especially now that you bring up the topic of education, which I'm a little embarrassed to say I hadn't really considered before...

I believe it was on the 50 book challenge group - I think that it was teelgee's thread that was shanghai'd for the discussion, but I could be wrong. I agree with you that this would make a good book for that program. I also that that it would make a good book to read in high school. Perhaps it could inspire those kids who don't think that college is for them to continue on and get that additional education.

Like you, I too didn't really consider the importance of education in Hari's life. Coming from a country that does offer a semi-decent education system I just sort of took it for granted that he went to school. Not really stopping to think that school isn't a first priority for some developing nations. I'm not trying to say that these nations don't think its important, but when survival can be such a tenuous thing I can understand how getting a formal education takes a back burner to learning the skills of farming or hunting or what have you

I'm rereading and pondering.

There was one place he commented about the lack of international aid when the West's 'agressive consumption' was in part a cause of the problem. I'm not sure that's quite the phrase he used; I'm trying to find it. I didn't understand this statement until I read the Appendix: Darfur Primer.

And so we in the developed countries with our thirst for oil are contributing to this disaster because of the politcs and greed behind the production of oil; climatic change which may or may not also be linked to western use of oil is also contributing.

It's like throwing a stone in a pond and seeing the ripples spread outward.

There is no doubt that the ruler Omar Bashir is evil and the direct cause of all this death; it humbles me to know that my own choices may be contributing to the problem.

Yes, there would be lots for a college class to think about.

streamsong - your message reminds me of a favorite quote of mine:

"We each have within ourselves the ability to shape our own destinies. That much we understand. But, more important, each of us has an equal ability to shape the destiny of the universe. Ah, that you find more difficult to believe. But, I tell you it is so. You do not have to be the leader of the Council. You do not have to be king or monarch or the head of a clan to have a significant impact on the world around you. In the vastness of the ocean, is any drop of water greater than another? No, you answer, and neither has a single drop the ability to cause a tidal wave. But, I argue, if a single drop falls into the ocean, it creates ripples. And, these ripples spread. And perhaps - who knows - these ripples may grow and swell and eventually break foaming upon the shore. Like a drop in the vast ocean, each of us causes ripples as we move through our lives. The effects of whatever we do - insignificant as it may seem - spread out beyond us. We may never know what far-reaching impact even the simplest action might have on our fellow mortals. Thus, we need to be conscious, all of the time, of our place in the ocean, of our place in the world, of our place among our fellow creatures. For, if enough of us join forces, we can swell the tide of events - for good or for evil."
~Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

ETA touchstones....but only one wants to work, oh well.

Beautiful, Irish! Which book is that from? I swear I've read it but can't place it!

Its from Weis and Hickham's death gate series, I forget the exact book....I think it may have been The Seventh Gate. I read it years and years ago and that passage has always stayed with me.

#133
I am donating my copy to the high school library I work in, and after reading your post I may suggest it for supplemental reading in Honors or AVID classes.

I finished the book yesterday and haven't written my review yet. I need some time to come to terms with what I want to say about this marvelous book.

I was struck by Daoud's constant emphasis on friendship and family. There were several times he used his knowledge of others' families to create a bond between himself and his captors, which probably helped save his life. This is something that we in the 'civilized' Western world are sorely lacking. Things happen to strangers and we don't really care. What's so sad though is that genocide can occur in a region where everyone is related (socially or biologically).

I loved Daoud's writing style. It felt like I was listening to a story told by a master storyteller. The cadence and simplicity of his sentences reminded me a bit of Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana books. This would be a great audio book, if read by the author. I would love to hear Dauod's voice.

#134
I too noticed the connection between oil and the politics of Sudan. Daoud also mentions the climate changing in Darfur -- which ties in with the greed for oil. A great example of the butterfly effect. Hopefully, people will read this book and realize that their own choices can affect others halfway around the world.

Ack, I am rambling on and on -- must put a lot of thought into my review!

It arrived in Wyoming! Now for a weekend, I am excited due to reading all of your excitment. Thanks!

I requested this book because I am very interested in human rights and human aid, and I am already halfway through the book. I must confess, though, that is tremendously heartbreaking and inspires me with a mix of pessimism as well as thinking of ways to really get active in trying to work towards ending genocide. It is amazing to me that our headlines manage to feature every single Britney Spears step (I mean, come on, do people really read her stuff anymore?) and yet they neglect to report these stories. I hope more books like this get printed and distributed!

Is there anybody who did not get the book yet? I am still waiting in Toronto.

#137 - Thanks!
#141 - Perhaps it takes longer since it's crossing borders? Have you or others in Canada had slower deliveries of ER books before? Hope it gets there soon.

As for me, I finished the book yesterday. I haven't written my review yet because I'm still...

digesting it...

processing it...

I find that I'm dealing with a wide range of emotions (grief, anger, guilt, shame, sadness, helplessness, frustration...hope?) in response. Think I need to sort out those before I write the review.

I'll get around to it soon but for now, I just want to say how great it's been to read everyone's thoughts and comments here. I like that we've formed a makeshift community out of this shared read. (I think this is the longest thread about a single book that the ER group has ever had!)

peace,
el :)

I did tool around at www.SaveDarfur.org which according to the book, is the organization Daoud Hari is involved with.

There is a ton of info on that site; political needs to contact our own governments about; statements by US political candidates. email addy's for officials in Chad and the Sudan; places to donate money and buy merchandise which help fund and also help educate the world. I was also pleased to see there is a 'Voices From Darfur' event at the University about an hour away in March.

In the recent news section, it says that the ruler of Chad has now decided that all the refugees must leave Chad on a very short deadline. I wonder where they will go?

--kticesk8s--I watched the DVD Darfur Diaries. I have no idea if the book and documentary are related although they did show drawings on diary pages by some of the kids in the camps. The stories of the people were very similar to those in The Translator; it did give me a good visual of the area, the ruined camps, the people, the grace of the camels, etc.

Since Hari mentioned the documentary "The Lost Boys" as part of the same problem, I've also put that one on my 'to watch' list. I noticed a new book on Darfur at the library yesterday (sorry I didn't get the title and somehow I am just not in an emotional place to read another book on the subject right now).

There is a MySpace profile that is dedicated to Darfur and they've recently published blogs that contain videos on where some of the major front runners in the presidential campaign stand on what is going there. Here's the profile link to those interested: http://www.myspace.com/help_save_darfur_now

I haven't watched them yet, but its on my list of things to do!

@elkbakerone - i think that the length of this thread owes a lot to you. You started us all off thinking about why we chose the book which probably helped lead to the more in depth discussions that have occurred with our thoughts after we read it. Hopefully other ER threads will take note and more people will start discussing the book more. Rather than the generic, read it & reviewed it comments that I normally see. I've really enjoyed discussing this book with everyone and reading everyone's thoughts.

@141 torontoc - if it doesn't get there soon then I'll send you my copy....just so long as you send it back when you're done. Not so sure I'm ready to part with this one for good just yet. =)

#141 - I'm also in Toronto, and I received my copy last week. Hope it arrives soon!

#133 "I loved Daoud's writing style. It felt like I was listening to a story told by a master storyteller". . . The title page states:"As told to Dennis Burke and Megan McKenna" which explains the effect you notice. (This does not decrease my appreciation of the book or of Daoud Hari.)

#144 - thanks Irish but it sure wouldn't be a discussion if others weren't willing to share!

I saw this article on BBC news this morning. Normally when celebrities take up a cause it seems self-promoting, but this was a pretty bold move that seems sincere:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7242016.stm

Just a thought... what if we took this book talk as the start for a whole group? Sort of a Darfur and Beyond discussion group where we could review and recommend books to each other and maybe talk about news events too. Lots of us have mentioned not wanting to "look the other way" at tragedies in the world and I thought it could be cool to maintain discussions like this one. I'd be willing to get things started but mostly I'm curious if others would be willing and interested in joining me.

elbakerone - I would definitely be willing to join such a group and participate. I will predict my participation will wax and wane depending on how much I feel emotionally able to deal with the tragedies of the entire world. There are so many, and we should not turn the other way, however I do feel limited in my ability to take it all on.

elbakerone - I'm with you.

like maggie1944 my participation may wax and wane depending on the discussion but I do have a definite interest in such a group.

I'd like to participate in such a group with maggie1944, Irisheyz77, elbakerone and others.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I just created the group but it looks like LT is having some issues.... stay tuned for more info...

Alright we're official...
Readers Without Borders

The name is a play off of Doctors Without Borders - I wasn't feeling particularly creative. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions or ideas!

I've joined the group, although as others have said my participation will wax and wane depending on what I'm reading at the moment. I have to throw some fun books in there now and then :)

I STILL need to write my review ....

The name is a play off of Doctors Without Borders (#153)

I think there's a Knitters Without Borders somewhere (I heard about it in a podcast). But I'm too lazy to look it up right now.

My review has been posted. Short and sweet.

I also joined the Readers without Borders book and look forward to it.

@156 savedbyhisblood - I'll read your review shortly....but please do share your thoughts on it hear as well for all to enjoy. =)

Re 157

I enjoyed the book. The author has a story that needs to be shared and I am thankful it has been recorded. I think it is extremely important and our responsibility to be educating ourselves about other cultures, countries and tragedies and that we do all we can to help change the evil in the world. No, not one of us can change the world, but all of us working together can.

Our family is preparing for a move to the mission field of Tanzania so this may be heavier on our hearts than it is on most people's. I have a lot of frustration with myself and those around me who find ourselves able to turn our eyes and pretend that there are not children dying for need of clean water while we spend money foolishly. I recently had a co-worker tell me that if "they would just quit having babies" over in Africa there wouldn't be so many hungry people. Excuse me? My response to that is if we, the industrialized nations, would quit exploiting the resources of Africa and her people many of her problems would be solved.

An example, Mwanza Tanzania, where we are moving to, is located on the second largest freshwater lake in the world yet her people are staving because a few decades ago, the Europeans introduced a fish(Nile Perch) not native to the lake. It is a voracious eater and has killed off the natural habitat of the lake. Europeans and Americans eat tasty white filets from the fish while the people gathering it cannot afford to eat any more than the heads and tails.

The situation in Darfur, is due in part to our greed for oil and the stories of pain in Africa go on and on.

Just received the book in the mail- it took two weeks to reach me from New York. I will start reading this weekend!

My review is up both on my profile and my blog www.mhslibrarylady.blogspot.com

I've also just finished and my review is posted; you'll also find it at http://2008-theyearinbooks.blogspot.com/ (my online book journal for 2008). All I can say is don't forget your hanky or your tissues -- an amazing book. Oh! My thanks to LT and to Random House for the privilege of reading it.

I just finished and I'm not at all surprised to read these comments....this book is so inspirational it inspires one to action. I have posted my review and am happy to see that I am not alone in recommending this book!

I received 3 Early Review books in one week. One of the books has been out since last summer, so I'm reading it last. The other two I'm reading in order of publication date; I just finished The Journal of Curious Letters, so The Translator is next.

I've tried not to read too many messages in this thread, just to keep my mind uncluttered as I consider my review, but I will answer the original question about why I requested the book. I didn't think about it at the time, I just checked it. In retrospect, I'd say I requested it for a confluence of reasons...
(1) I have been interested in the lives and experiences of people around the world since I was a kid
(2) I have been particularly interested in issues such as the Ethiopian famine, Apartheid, and the genocidal wars in Africa
(3) I have worked extensively with international college students in American colleges; knowing what they've experienced helps me help them with issues of cultural adjustment
(4) I enjoy first person accounts; they make the news more tangible, more real

On #4...I had written an account of an experience I had watching a refugee boat land, but this maybe isn't the place. If you want to read it, I've posted it on my blog... www.pdxwoman.wordpress.com

If you're in the Boston, Mass., area and are interested in Darfur the following event is taking place. I am just copying this from another website so please don't ask me anything else about it! You can probably google Harvard or the Kennedy School for directions.

THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK
A Film by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern

Screening and discussion with producer Gretchen Steidle Wallace and
Amnesty International Sudan Country Specialist Denise Bell:
Wiener Auditorium, Taubman Building
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
February 25, 2008
6:00PM – complimentary pizza and refreshments will be provided
Hosted by: Amnesty International Group 133 & Harvard's Carr Center for Human Rights

I finished this book. Wow, it was so powerful. My review is posted here and on my blog.

I am having my 17 year old son read this for school. He is not a book lover, but is reading this and liking it. He is very moved by Dauod's plight. This in spite of a massive sinus infection!

MrsLee - please have your son add a review here or amazon or somewhere...I'd love to hear what he thinks about the book. =)

I'll try, but he doesn't have an account here, or on any book site for that matter. :) Perhaps I could have him write it and then post it in here? I guarantee it won't be very long, if he can help it.

Good idea. I'd like to read it, too.

Here is the best place. . . we will all appreciate it!

I finally posted my review. You can read it here. I felt like it was really hard to put into words just how amazing and profound the book was but hopefully the five stars, if not my words, will act as an adequate recommendation.

Thanks to everyone who's joined in on the discussions here and at Readers Without Borders. You guys are awesome and I've enjoyed reading all the great comments and thoughts almost as much as I enjoyed the book!
Peace! -el :)

MrsLee - it doesn't have to be long...and he doesn't even have to write you - you could always quiz him and then paraphrase what he says. If that would make it easier on him...lol ;-)

Having read and reviewed The Translater, and having read the ratings and other reviews, it looks like Random House has a real winner with this book.

I agree with you, bhowell, that Random House will probably be doing multiple printings of The Tranlator - in fact, I suspect they will be working hard just to keep up with the demand for the book.

I hope the real winners will be the people of Darfur, as the shouts around the world to stop the violence against them gets too loud to be ignored any longer! I could not read this book without 'getting it' that these people are just like me, and nothing they've done could justify the way they're being burned, raped and murdered.

I read and reviewed THE TRANSLATOR and agree that multiple printings will be needed since the story weaves an understanding of the situation in Darfur into the fabric of Hari's candid, graphic and yet philosophical work. Anyone could pick up this book and gain a basic understanding of the situation in the region as well as a reminder that the genocide is continuing...

I thought the book was well written and am fortunate to have an early copy of it. Having read a number of works about the area, conflict, etc. Hari's memoir is one I've already recommended to friends.

I've just posted my review and already have an eager recipient waiting for my copy on BookMooch. Word is definitely getting around about this book!

I've posted my review here at LT and going to post it on my blog and other places next.

I've posted my review on my LT page and will also post on my blog. This is a book that is not meant to go on a shelf, but to be passed along to many.
This book was a great privelege to have as an early reviewers edition! Thanks Random House and LT.

I've posted my review on my LT page and will also post on my blog. This is a book that is not meant to go on a shelf, but to be passed along to many.
This book was a great privelege to have as an early reviewers edition! Thanks Random House and LT.

I've noticed that touchstones reference a different book with the title The Translator, instead of Hari's book, unless we type out the entire title.

Just putting up this reminder in order to prevent confusion among those not familiar with Hari's book....

pandababy...just click the word others that appears after the default book that shows up...then look for Hari's name. He's usually in the top few.

I noticed the letter with the book also mentioned emailing reviews to Random House. Has anyone heard back after sending a review to them? Not that I would necessarily expect to, but I thought maybe they would send a generic email back along the lines of "we received your review, thanks".

There was also a page in the back of the book that you could tear out to send to them with comments - did anyone do that?

I've had two ER books from random house. I emailed them my review both times and have never heard anything back. its a little disappointing....even an auto-reply would've been nice for at least its something and I know that my review went through. right?

Irisheyz77, I agree. I emailed them as well with no response. I actually asked them a question too so it was disappointing to not get a reply.

Makes you wonder if they even read the reviews that come in.

Well, I don't know for sure (I'm not known to show up at publisher offices to watch them read email), I know Random House has read the reviews. I heard that they were particularly happy with the reviews rolling in from The Translator, at least... So they do pay attention! I don't know why they didn't answer a question though...

I emailed Random House my review of Dreamers of the Day and The Translator, and was not expecting a reply (and didn't get one). However, I felt the two books I reviewed from RH were of a very high quality, and must thank LT for having the ER Group.

I've been away for a while (conference and then grading exams), but in the meantime, I thought I'd jump way back for a minute and comment on a couple of books I picked up for the airport/airplane also on Africa. One is What is the What by Dave Eggers--it's a biography/novel (he sort of explains, though it still leaves something to be desired). In any case, it's a slow read (I'm about half-way through), and extremely disappointing after reading The Translator. For those of you looking to expand on reading, I thought I'd give a warning. On the other hand, I also started reading Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond, which is a fast and engaging read, as well as extremely informative. What I've found especially fascinating so far is Don Cheadle's entirely open account of his own "journey" from being apathetic to an activist engaged in the human rights issues in Africa. Anyhow, just thought I'd drop a note of recommendation on this thread in particular.

This was a very powerful book - one that really is a must read for anyone who cares about the people of the world. I've posted my review here on Library Thing, and also on my blog here.

I rated it 5/5.

#188 - You might consider writing up a comparison review of all three of these over at Books Compared - and ditto that to anyone else that wants to compare/contrast two or more of the books we've been talking about!

#183,184 - I would've expected at least an auto-reply too but I guess as long as they got our reviews that's what matters. Hopefully the positive feedback will encourage them to publish more books like this one!! (...and to provide more ER copies too!)

"Powerful, concise, humane, compelling..." Although I posted my review on LT, sent a copy to Random House, and posted a modified review at Barnes & Noble, I am sure I could not do justice to this sincere and important book. I simply hope everyone reads this book. (Thank you again for the ER copy).

I received my copy and have just started to read it. My reason for picking this book was a combination of reading the copy of Vanity Fair dedicated to Darfur, and I also attended a reading by Francis Bok and bought a copy of his book Escape from Slavery. I have not read the whole book yet but I will post a review as soon as I am done. It is so important for all us to continue to promote expanded conscience about the world's inhumanities to man. I appreciate all the further recommendations made here by others.

Thanks for starting the group, Readers without Borders. I started a similar book club several years ago for all the women in our extended family. They were all sitting around waiting for Terry McMillan to write another book, and when I started asking if they had read other non-Euro centric women writers, I realized that horizons could be expanded by a book club where that is all we read. It became the most popular book club and family gathering for several years. We were able to read not only women of color, but African women writers, Latin American women writers, etc. etc.

#192 - Interesting note about diversity among authors. In college I had to do a persuasive speech for a speech class and my topic was including diversity among authors for required reading in high schools. It forced me to do a lot of research and also look pretty closely at my own reading tastes and make an effort to diversify my tastes.

Yes, there is still not near enough of this done today in schools. I try to introduce as much as possible to my 4 girls outside of school so that they will be open to reading many different styles, voices, etc. from different parts of the world. It is really the only way to develop perception from more than one angle. Even here in an urban environment, there is still not enough diversity in the authors that are introduced to young people. I had one teacher question why I was letting the girls read a certain book that she had not discovered until college. My oldest had discovered it in a private school library where she was enrolled in summer program.

Being a teacher, I feel like I can say this, but it never fails to amaze me the stories I hear about what teachers feel like they can and should be questioning as far as their students. I had cases where teachers told me I shouldn't be reading something either because it was too old for me or "a waste of my time". I also had my tenth grade English teacher tell me that I shouldn't be taking any other English classes while I was in her class--I'd gotten bored at school, so I enrolled in nighttime English classes at the local community college when they approved my entrance test regardless of age. She felt that my taking a college class was undermining her authority and complained to everyone from my mom to the schoolboard--needless to say, they thought she was as out of bounds as we did.

Sorry if this has already been addressed - I tried searching this page and didn't find the answer. My cat shredded the letter that came with the book - can someone post the address that we are supposed to email our reviews to? THANKS!

They asked to post the review here on LT and to email it to RHPG AT randomhouse DOT com with a subject line of "Librarything Book Review - The Translator by Daoud Hari"

Thank you!

I've finished the book, which I really liked (and read all in one sitting), but I'm still working on my review. I want to write something *different*. My brain is kicking around ideas about how to write a review that would attract people who wouldn't be interested in the book because of world affairs, humanitarian reasons, etc, and who would be turned off by a review which emphasized these things. Every where you turn, you're going to see a review that talks about the horror and the need to do something; I want to write about it simply as a book and its merits as a book, without regard for its greater implications. However, I'm finding this to be quite a challenge!

199- I tried to do what you're describing in my review. It wasn't easy! :-) Good luck & let us know when you post it.

As requested earlier, a report on what my 17 year old son thought of the book. Sorry it took so long, been ill and all that.

He opted to talk to me about it instead of write it here directly. He had a very hard time articulating what it meant to him. He said, "It really sucks, what is happening there, and the fact that nothing much is being done or reported on." My son thought Daoud was a brave and fine man, he so admired what Daoud has done. I believe one of my son's frustrations (and mine) is the feeling of helplessness and overwhelming sorrow that these sorts of incidents are not just in Darfur, but in many other nations and continents around the world. He was very glad to have read it though, and inspired by Daoud.

Wow, I just finished this book (finally! it took me a long time to get through it, despite not being a very long book) and I went to post my review on the book page and saw that there were 90 reviews! That is amazing. Kudos to LT for starting the Early Reviewers program - I think that without something like this, an important (but depressing and often difficult) book like The Translator might be overlooked. Going now to ruminate on the book and post/email a review.

ETA a link to the review, if anyone is interested.

Great reviews everyone and thanks MrsLee for getting your son's input as well!

In case anyone's interested there's a website up for the book now: http://www.thetranslator-book.com It has some really interesting resources, photos and there's also a tour schedule where you can check if Daoud Hari might be coming to your area!

Random House sent me an email in response to my review and a question I had, just thought I would mention it because others had wondered if they would receive a response. It included the above (#203) link in it.

I also received an email from Random House with the above link and a "thank you" for my review. That was a nice! :)

So did I. But they still didn't answer the question I asked. It seemed like a form letter to me. *shrug*

No email from Random House for me. =(

I feel so unloved.

#206 - Mine read much like a form letter, but I think it was great that they made the effort.

I also got the form letter (after I rescued it from SpamBlocker limbo).

Thought folks might be interested, I only caught the tail end of this, but you can listen online - Daoud was on PRI's The World for March 18 - scroll down if you just want to listen to this section. It's wonderful to put a voice with the book.

The World - March 18

Thanks, jagmuse, for the tip. I listened, and put a link to it on my blog.

#210 - Thank you for that. Very interesting.

Finally finished my review...

On my blog

I tried to post a link to the review on LT, but every LT tab is suddenly sending me to LT's homepage, so I couldn't access my copy of the book. Sorry!

Thanks for the audio of the interview with Daoud.
I just finished watching a movie "Beyond the Gates" which tells one version of the story in Rwanda. Well worth watching. Is all of Africa being torn apart by corruption and violence? Where are the roots?

I was in Costco today and saw that they are selling The Translator: A Tribeman's Memoir of Darfur which bodes well for getting this message out to a wide audience, I think. Costco tends to sell mostly best-sellers and books with buzz.

Daoud was also on NPR's Morning Edition this morning.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89457943

>216 DevourerOfBooks:, Yeah that interview was interesting. I was really excited to hear it!

Me too.

Don't know if has been mentioned yet, but April's National Geographic has a story written by the journalist, Paul Salopek, that Daoud Hari was hired by before being imprisoned. The article seems to be on the Sahel region of Africa, with a bit on Darfur.

Haven't read it all yet, but recognized the name when I was thumbing through the magazine the other day.

I missed the interview, but am eager to listen to it. I finished the book and was so glad that I received it as part of the early reviewer program. Our library's book group met yesterday and I told the ladies in the group at Hari's story. They fought over who would get it next! I was very impressed with his story, as well as his amazing courage and sense of humor! I really loved this book and foresee hand selling this title to many, many library patrons who come in asking me for a good book!
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Daoud Hari is finishing up his author tour with readings in Portland (Powell's) on April 14, and Seattle (Elliott Bay) on the 17th. I definitely plan to attend in Portland.

Terry Gross had a 40-minute interview with Paul Salopek on Fresh Air.

I attended Daoud Hari's author tour at Powell's in Portland tonight, and I'm so very glad that I went to hear him speak. There will be a new post on my blog about the event within the next 24 hours (blog link is at my profile page).

I finally finished this book. I really struggled with it not because it was difficult to read but because I would be so agitated by the situation they were all facing. I glad I persevered. I have posted my review.