Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read to prioritize how lucky some of us are.
Review: I just wanted to say that I picked the phone up and called Mark after having read his second book. He demonstrated to me a complete understanding of the Apartheid system while I was studying the subject in school in 1990. Years later, 1999, I was given a copy of his second book. I had no idea that there was a second book. As one who has read Kaffir Boy knows, I was desperate to find out Mark's fate? I was touched and felt very Meloncholy for a few days after reading his second book. Read them for yourself!
Rating:
Summary: apartheid from the bottom up
Review: An addictive story about surviving hell on earth. Unfortunately, the Nazis didnt have a monopoly on cruelty--the Orwellian arbitrariness of the Apartheid regime sounds exactly like communism under Mao and Stalin, bringing out the worst in humanity. As an aside, this autobiography shows why there are very very few successful athletes from poor and developing countries. If you find this inspirational yet humbling book interesting, dont miss Nadine Gordimer's work.
Rating:
Summary: As inspirational as they come!
Review: If you're looking to be inspired look no further. Mark Mathabane's autobiography reveals the horrors of aparthied South Africa in his personal story of triumph and perseverance. A true page-turner! A book you'll have to read in one sitting.
Rating: 
Summary: Worst book ever
Review: I was forced to read this book in school, and each night i didn't look forward to reading this book. I would of gave it no stars if that was an option. Not only were some scenes very obscene, it was really bad. Don't read this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading, but writing was annoying
Review: This book became a controversial topic in my children's school district not long ago when it was temporarily banned from the tenth grade English curriculum where it had been assigned reading for an Honors class. The Board of Education felt the the graphic sexual content was inappropriate for the age level it was assigned to. Of course, it found its way into my Book Discussion Group's agenda not long after! I found the frank descriptions of prostitution utilizing young boys the least of its problems. The writing was melodramatic, superficial and full of contradictions. It's "Angela's Ashes" without the comic relief, humility or realism. That having been said, the book is an eye-opener to those who assume that this level of racism and poverty no longer exists. The despair that these tribal ethnic families have lived through, the rage and hatred for the ruling Afrikaaners that has been seething is profound. And to think that this incredible slavery and racial segregation existed as recently as only a decade ago! For this reason alone "Kaffir Boy" is a worthwhile reading experience.
Rating:
Summary: A great book and I highly recommend it.
Review: I feel that this book is a true look at why racism is morally wrong and the South African people should not be able to get away with it. I really liked this book and I would really recommend it to someone looking to read a good book. I really have nothing to say bad about the book. I also like the book because this book has a good tennis background, and I really like tennis. I think the author Mark Mathabane has a really interesting life and I can honestly say that this book keeps you in tune with whatever is going on. This book has a lot of action and not to many parts where there is not anything going on. This book also has a good affect on the way people look at life and can open people's mind and help them change their lives for the better. One thing that I have noticed is that it can help you to stop judging people.
Rating:
Summary: A story so shocking and inspiring that it could only be true
Review: Mark Mathabane captures and shares his feelings about the struggles of growing up black in a world full of fear so well that by the middle of the story I forget that I am white because I have identified with him and his human struggles. He has allowed himself to be vulnerable in describing his home, his family, and his dreams. It is this vulnerability that has touched me and caused me to feel his pain, a continent away. Reading this book will leave you with a new insight into fear and injustice, and fill you with a sense of joy and hope that as long as there are those who are willing to stand for peace, there will always be a light out of the darkness.
Rating:
Summary: Autobiography by Mark Mathabane.
Review: KAFFIR BOY; "Inspiring beyond belief" This is an autobiography written by Mark Mathabane. It tells of his struggle to survive and make some-thing of himself against the odds in Apartheid South Africa. The book tells many stories of day to day horrors he faced ,and most importantly, what kept him going and what kept his faith. This book will make you laugh and cry. After reading it you'll want to jump up and save the world, or maybe just have the inspiration and the courage to help yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone that's open-minded, open-hearted, and willing to be ' inspired for life'. This book would probably be aimed at ages 15 and up.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging
Review: Kaffir Boy was a great book.Mark Mathabane so open and honest and allowed the reader to explore his life from a first hand account. I am a student who had to read this book for class it wasn't an assignment at all. If you have never picked up a book pick this one up. It's engaging and very real. I plan on reading the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping, poignant and disturbingly real
Review: As a high school English teacher who wishes to introduce the form of the autobiography as well as to expose students to the injustices of Apartheid that have existed and continue to do so in other forms, this book is an outstanding vehicle for understanding. It is a book that young people not only should read, but will want to read. Mathabane's style of writing is remarkably direct and the frankness of his descriptions will anger, disturb and entice one to read further. In spite of occasional vulgarity, which serves to add to the reality of the text, high school and college students should and must read this book. It will change one's perceptions and stay with the reader long after the reading experience concludes.
| 
