This was short and sweet, a cute little piece of travel writing that’s in aid of charity. It was fine, but it wasn’t amazing. Still, Bryson’s stuff is always fun and this book was no exception. I won’t remember it, though.

Been there, done that.!

Have travelled in his footsteps, excellent read so vivid and full of life. Great research for travellers and feel for the country with a human touch. (Swanson)

This is my second go at Bill Bryson, and the second time I've been totally underwhelmed. I really don't get the hype.

Please see my detailed review at Amazon.com n  Grace's "African Diary" Reviewn

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Very short, but oh so interesting - and, in true Bryson style, hilarious.

I read some disappointing reviews of this book less than five minutes ago -- when I was entering this title into my "Read" shelf -- but I'll stick to the five stars I had in mind when I finished it.

Firstly, I agree with comments that the title "African Diary" is misleading -- Bryson went to Kenya for a week, that's all. One country is NOT a whole continent. That said, it was an entertaining AND educational read nevertheless, however short it is. No this book does not suffer from a lack of Bryson's trademark wit and humor. It's still there, except the writing is darker due to the serious nature of the trip. Yes his description of some of the places he visited may be dispiriting and dreary, but what would you expect from a social work visit to a slum? This trip with CARE workers was obviously no holiday-in-the-sun jaunt. Still, Bryson described the Kenyan landscape in such a way that made me wished I were there.

Also, I liked how Bryson summarized some socioeconomic issues faced by Kenyans (and likely many other African countries) and seamlessly inserted the explanations into his daily experiences without talking down to the reader.

I read the Kindle edition of this book but would totally buy a paperback copy if I come across it in the bookstores. 1) Because the profit goes to CARE, 2) I felt the pages of information about the work CARE is doing in Africa are useful, 3) the chapters about paleoanthropology and Great Rift Valley are right up my alley! (I work with archaeology publications)

I love this guy, every time I read one of his books I think that I need to read more of his books. Next our teenager will read this book. It's really short and characteristically funny, but a very readable view of poverty and struggle in Kenya.

Learned more about the organization of CARE and what they are doing to help the people of Africa. Tough situations. Doing what they can. Seeing the beauty of Africa too.

Bill Bryson gehört zu meinen Lieblingsautoren, deshalb war ich auch sehr froh, als dieses kleine Buch mir in die Hände gefallen ist. Natürlich erreicht es nicht die Qualität seiner sonstigen Bücher, sondern erzählt nur ein paar Anekdoten rund um seine Kenia-Reise. Inhaltlich ist es natürlich längst überholt, denn auch an Kenia sind die letzten 20 Jahre nicht spurlos vorbeigegangen, aber trotzdem hat es mich einen Abend lang gut unterhalten.

Bill Bryson's African diary in which he has described his trip to Kenya as requested by CARE international is a short yet poignant read. It is humourous at times yet makes you ponder and feel for the people of Kenya.

Too short, wanting more

This is a diary as Bill Bryson travelled around Kenya, mostly visiting slums and refugee camps and similar places. He was travelling with people from an NGO/charity called CARE.

It was decent (44 pages for my ebook), but not nearly long enough. I would have loved for there to be more. He has his trademark humour, and he met some interesting people, but in one day, I’ve already forgotten much of it. It was just too short to really get “into”.

3.5 stars More a short essay then a book ut if you like Bryson's writing as much as I do you'll enjoy this, and learn something about Africa and C.A.R.E. along the the way.