Malachite Lion: A Travel Adventure in Kenya

Rating:
Summary: My first travel log
Review: I am not one to read the genre that I suppose could be called "travel logs" or "travel adventures". My only experience with them up until this point in time were those of the fictional type, mostly those of the science fictional or fantasy type. But, knowing little of Africa and intrigued by the " real life sudden trip" aspect, I decided that _Malachite Lion_ could be fun. And it is. It is quite fun to read. If I had to describe its writing style, I would say somewhere between the wide brush strokes of Melville (mixed in with a Moby Dick-esque pattern of dropping facts along with narrative) and the simple water color lines of Hemingway. It tends more towards repetitive description rather than bare walls, so you had better like having your scenery painted for you. The book's one fault is that it sometimes gets a little bogged down in the details (4.5-4.75 is where I would rate it on the 5.0 scale...almost perfect but not quite), and loses its rhythm here and there, but generally it is not too hard to pick it back up before the end of the page. I truly believe anyone with a few questions about if they could make will find a good deal of empathy in Dr. Modlin's portrayal of himself as the "shy biology prof". I will not say it will change your life, but it does suggest that we all arrange for an unexpected trip...we might just make it out alive. I recommend it, it is a overall great first novel.

Rating:
Summary: Malachite Makes Quite an Impression
Review: I read this book while traveling alone for the first time in a foreign country. It was inspirational to me as a traveler, especially one who travels alone, to have a companion (even if it is just a book) understand want it means to discover a place on your own (and all the fears that go with it). The style is a bit scientific, but I think that is one of its best qualities because you get details about animals, insects, and plants that go beyond the aesthetics. After you finsih this book, you feel ready to take on an adventure of your own, or do something quite unexpected!