The Camel Bookmobile - by Masha Hamilton (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Fiona Sweeney wants to do something that matters, and she chooses to make her mark in the arid bush of northeastern Kenya. By helping to start a traveling library, she hopes to bring the words of Homer, Hemingway, and Dr. Seuss to far-flung tiny communities where people live daily with drought, hunger, and disease. Her intentions are honorable, and her rules are firm: due to the limited number of donated books, if any one of them is not returned, the bookmobile will not return.

But, encumbered by her Western values, Fi does not understand the people she seeks to help. And in the impoverished small community of Mididima, she finds herself caught in the middle of a volatile local struggle when the bookmobile's presence sparks a dangerous feud between the proponents of modernization and those who fear the loss of traditional ways.

Review Quotes

"Masha Hamilton's portrayal of nomadic culture is lovingly and colorfully told" -- USA Today

Hamilton presents a rare and balanced perspective . . . using rich and evocative prose . . . Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

"a poignant, ennobling, and buoyant tale of risks and rewards, surrender and sacrifice" -- Booklist (starred review)

"The Camel Bookmobile vibrates with the life and landscape of Africa" -- BookPage

"captivating" -- Entertainment Weekly

"Hamilton's captivating third novel...weaves memorable characters and elemental emotions in artful prose." -- Publishers Weekly

"Inspired by real events, this captivating story about a determined chick with a big heart will touch you deeply." -- Cosmopolitan