Reader Reviews

Excellent writing that captured me from the beginning. Read first chapter and printed it, took it to work, and now everyone wants a copy of it chapter by chapter. Thank you for sharing this most vivid encounter of your life with the world and yes, my co-workers!!

Peggy Rivers

Melinda,

I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your story! I incidentally found it, (searching for Mara) and I love it... cant wait to read the next chapter.

I was in Kenya in Oct/Nov 1994, I celebrated my 34th birthday at lake Nakuru, during a wonderful safari. When you said you were humming the "Out of Africa" tune, I had a deja-vu..... I also visited Karen Blixen's house and the things you described were so familiar, even the feelings... You have done what I did not dare!

Greetings from Holland and... keep writing!

Miriam Tulen

This book just keeps getting better. Thank you for letting me live my dreams through you.
Donna Schlitz

Hello Melinda.

I just finished reading the first chapter of your book and I am SO grateful to you for taking the time to write it. I was attending Daystar University in Nairobi about five months ago and I desperately miss Kenya and my dearly loved friends there. I plan to go back to live there just as soon as I can.

Reading your words has refreshed and reminded me of specific feelings and thoughts that I had while I was there - and had since forgotten or covered up in order to survive here in the States. My heart made a profound leap when I read the paragraph that begins with, "I also noticed that in Africa I liked me better." That is exactly how I feel but have never been able to express it that well.

Anyway, THANK YOU - your words have touched my soul. Good luck with the rest of the book...I will definitely be reading.

a fellow lover of Africa-
Tera Bloodgood

Dear Melinda Atwood,

I have just finished reading 15 chapters of the book that you so generously shared with us on the Internet. I enjoyed it tremendously. Thank you so much. When can we expect Chapter 16?

I'm thinking about visiting a friend who lives near Nanyuki in thespring. I wanted a realistic picture of Kenya which your book gave me. Every day I read the Kenyan Nation newspaper; so I'm well aware of the rains, raids, and robberies. But your intimate glimpse into your home-life was both realistic and inspiring.

I especially admired the courage and compassion you demonstrated in dealing with your burned employee, Lucy, and the harrowing night-time drive to her mother's house.

It seems you have faced your fears, straight-on and survived. I write to tell you that your book has quickened my pulse and strengthened my resolve to go to Africa.

Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Agnes Merrick

Bwana Zulia,

I am an African form Kenya, and it gives me great joy when I read great stories from other people who have had the opportunity to explore the greatness of Kenya. Being In California for eight years, I have learned that many people know very little of Africa (Kenya). This is a great book, wish you continued success in your publication.

Alan Escalante

Delighted with the first three chapters and can't wait to read the entire book. So well written about a place that I've longed to visit for forty years."

and later.....

"This book just keeps getting better. Hate to finish the current chapter. Thank you for letting me live my dreams through you. Can't wait for my next installment---thank you again.

SheenaC1@aol.com

From: Barbara Biggs-Wessel

I am enthralled by Jambo,Mama. I fell for Africa watching a pbs show on Beryl Markham about ten years ago called World Without Walls. I am so enjoying someone living out my fantasies and I can't wait until the next installment. I also think it is admirably written and quite professional. Thanks to Melinda.

Wow, what a surprise to find this book.... downloaded it and stayed up late reading last night. It pulls a few strings for sure. My family lived in Karen for 15 years and I am overdue for a return. (I think we have an Ethiopian Carpet that was moth proofed at Kufuma)

I skipped right to the chapters on the NFD. Ever have the feeling that this is where it all began?... maybe that's why Africa gets in you blood. It was there all along starting a few million years ago near Lake Turkana!

I am going to have to share this find.

Adrian

I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading your online book, "JAMBO MAMA". I started reading it last fall before my trip to Kenya, but didn't finish. Now that I've been to Kenya and on a safari, reading your book is so much more exciting. Reading about your safaris, your feelings (the land, the air) about everything, is exactly how I felt while I was there and how I also yearn to return one day. I doubt that I'll get the chance to move there, but I intend to return many times to visit. I'm anxiously awaiting your next chapter I'm on the edge of my seat. Thanks again for sharing your experiences.

Anonymous Reader, Atlanta, GA

Great book. I have thoroughly enjoyed each chapter and your perspective on Kenyan culture. I will visit Kenya in the future but until then I can honestly say I feel as if I have been there after reading about your experiences.

I am looking forward to the upcoming chapters.

Thanks,
Roy Cooler
Tampa, Florida

Dear Melinda Atwood,

I would just like to tell you how much I have enjoyed the first 12 chapters of your book.

I live in Beijing, China. My husband works for an international news agency and there is talk of us moving to Kenya for his work sometime quite soon.

Before accepting the transfer I decided to gather as much information about Kenya and living in Nairobi as possible and came upon your very informative web site.

Unfortunately most information available deals more with tourism to Kenya and there is very little information about actually living in Nairobi - till I started reading your book.

Besides being totally absorbed and charmed by your wonderful experiences I have also gleaned valuable information - such as shipping all our necessary kitchen supplies and equipment and not rushing off for Kiswahili lessons in preparation as the Nairobi Swahili is completely different!

I hope that you will continue writing your book as it is such a pleasure to read - I have spent the last two days camped out at my computer unable to tear myself away. Besides being beautifully written and incredibly interesting, I feel I have learned so much from your interesting observations about day to day life and the people and tribes of Kenya.

It has been a wonderful experience and I am waiting in anticipation for further chapters!

Wishing you the best,
Francoise Phillips

When can we expect more chapters of "Jambo Mama." I down loaded the first 15 chapters and read them on my recent flight to Kenya. After reading each chapter I passed them on to other people in our party. As a first time traveler to East Africa, I found the book to be enthralling. A must read for anyone traveling to Kenya. It really gives one a flavor of the culture and people of East Africa. I've recommended the book to other people and was disappointed to find that this book was not in print. I (we) have no choice but to patiently wait for the next installment Melinda Atwood; keep up the good work!

ChetJan@aol.com