Kinship: A Family's Journey in Africa and America

Rating:
Summary: How Refreshing! How Thought provoking
Review: This book has enlightened me on so many issues affecting the Africans and the African-American communities. As an african living on the american soil, it has opened my eyes to some peplexing complicated behaviours which I observed among our extended family folk for which I lack the history to verbalise it and understand it. Phillipe was placed in unique position to dig deeper into both worlds and find the answers he needed in order to maintain a healthy balance of his dual heritage.What amazes me is the fact that he became properly assimilated into the Tanzanian community its cultures and values, while on the other hand reverse assimilation on his african-american side proved to be a challange "He was still the African cousin"? Its a wonderful book and a job well done.. We will be looking for more literary works from you Phillipe... and be assured in knowing that I am going to recommended this book to every Mwalimu I know.. we will pad your pockets alright!!

Rating:
Summary: Could have been better.
Review: While it was overall a good read I feel the author could have done more with the book than he did. I felt as if I was left hanging. Mr. Wamba, for the most part, only focused on his and other Africans' negative experiences with African-Americans while barely touching on their positive encounters (which I'm sure there are many) outside of the impression African-American pop-culture has made on African youths. Mr. Wamba fails to fully explain the reasons for the hostility African-Americans and African people have for each other. He only mentions it and gives no intelligent explanation or solution. The author gave us little hope that the gap between African and African-American people will ever be bridged. But it's a great book if you want to learn more about African culture.