Rating: 
Summary: Waaaay too short, but perfect in all other respects
Review: I came to Bill Bryson because "A Walk in the Woods" seemed like an interesting book. It was, too. But not as good as it turned out to be after hearing him read it. I've since bought every one of his travel books AND listened to all of them on CD. Hearing the way the Bryson reads his books will give you insights into the way that you should in turn read them: the inflection, the pace, the tone, everything.Taking that voice to his new work made me laugh all the more, and touched me tremendously. To hear his utter despair when he's told about the bandits; or to shudder with disgust as he learns about street kids asking for money or they rub...[edited for Amazon]...in your face; or his perfect contentedness when seeing an artifact that few in the world have ever seen makes this book a classic Bryson tome. And for all the profits to go to such an organization as CARE, well, that's the icing on the cake. I am disappointed that it was only about 50 pages, though. Not close to an hour of reading and so not enough juice. But the book, besides going to a great cause, is amazing. In 50 short pages, you'll have a clear picture of what CARE is acomplishing, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn, and you'll help a worthwhile organization. Do yourself and the world a favor: Buy this book. Then do yourself and Bill Bryson a favor: Buy the rest of his books. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: A Waste of Money
Review: I enjoyed Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" and recently bought a few of his other books, the "African Diary" included. As a Kenyan reading this book, he had nothing but negative things to say. It felt like the only positive experience he had was seeing all the fossils of early man that he was "honoured" to see, since these exhibits are not open to the general public. I found my blood boiling as I kept reading, and to be honest, I had to keep willing myself to finish reading it. I kept looking for hope, but there seemed to be none. This book portrayed Kenya as a bleak place-- like it is a death sentence to be there. Yes, I acknowledge that Kenya has many, many problems, just like every other country does, but there are lots of things that are wonderful about it. Honestly, whoever would like this book can contact me, and I will gladly mail it to you FREE. I really have no use for it, and do not want it sitting on my bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: Hope, Despair and a Little Humor
Review: I enjoyed reading this "slender volume," that merely scratches the surface of life in Kenya. Through his CARE escorts, Bryson sees and describes a country that most tourists either never see and (even after visits to East Africa) do not know exists. I have seen the slum Kibera from a passing train and the smell and noise perforated the train walls as we rumbled by. That Byrson walked the streets of this enormous conglomeration of tin roofs and dung and garbage-filled alleys is amazing. Peppering in his fears and a little humor, he captures the despair and ultimately, the hopelessness. While Kenyan residents like to say there's always hope, anyone who has worked for CARE or is familiar with its tasks, realizes that there isn't much hope in changing the lives of those in Third World slums and refugee camps. I'm happy to know my purchase of this book made a contribution to CARE, because all we can really do is keep funding the attempt to improve these lives just a little bit. Mr. Bryson, I'm glad you made it through all those light aircraft adventures and look forward to reading more of your future work. Submitted by the author of "I'm Living Your Dream Life."
Rating:
Summary: I think he'll go back
Review: I gave this book 5 stars for its simplicity, its humor, and for the publicity it brings to CARE and the important work they do. Bryson is greatly impressed by the people of Kenya most, which with the background of the incredible landscape and wildlife says a lot. He says," I can't tell you how much I wish you could have met William Gumbo, for he was an inspiration.". William Gumbo is a CARE success story, as part of the Dak Achana program, William was shown how to increase his farm yields and diversify his crops. His output today is amazing, every detail kept track of in his notebook. The most important part of the program is William then teaches other farmers what he has learned. He passes it on. Kenya is a complex country with incredible problems and incredible beauty and people. I bet Bill Bryson will make a longer visit, avoiding small planes. There are so many stories waiting to be told. Thank you for doing this book project, it makes me ache to visit again also.
Rating: 
Summary: interesting....but.......
Review: i love travel books, and i like bill bryson. this book was entertaining, but needed a bit more... story? However, all proceeds go to charity!! I did think he portrayed a part of africa i know little about, so for that reason, i would recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: interesting....but.......
Review: i love travel books, and i like bill bryson. this book was entertaining, but needed a bit more... story? However, all proceeds go to charity!! I did think he portrayed a part of africa i know little about, so for that reason, i would recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Loin King
Review: I promised myself I wouldn't write a review because I work for CARE and went on the trip to Kenya with Bill Bryson. However - His undertaking was phenomenal. Breaking off from his current writing project to travel to an unknown continent for 8 days, make sense of it, write up 10,000 words ( that's how many we felt we could ask him to undertake, he actually wrote 12,000)in two weeks, and turn it round in time for a Christmas book. Admire that, but also admire the motives and the results of this short but sweet volume. There are classic Bryson moments, humour and a well structured view of a country on the verge of great change. Believe me, your ($$) is making a huge difference to people's lives. And the book on your shelf can be a gentle reminder of your generosity and compassion. Thank you Amazon and all purchasers!
Rating: 
Summary: CARE
Review: I read Bill Bryson's book on my way to Europe. A great little carry along that doesn't take up much space, and doesn't take long to read. I love the fact that humor is mixed in with the seriousness of what the book really covers. It is great that all profits go to help the CARE cause.
Rating:
Summary: Not worth the money.
Review: I was really surprised to find such a short little book in the mailbox. It looks like about a one hour effort by the author.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Recommended
Review: I'm a big fan of Bill Bryson and have read most of his works. This book mirrors his other travel books and keen insight into the people and places he visits. There's a little more discussion of local people and their circumstances than some of his other works. Bryson's account is truly moving despite being quite short. The book is only about 50 pages. The book's cover states that royalties and profits from the book will be donated to CARE International. Highly Recommended.
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