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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Masha Hamilton's THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE.
Carroll from Midlothian, VA
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
I have never read any of her other books and did not know of her before reading about her in the Bookreporter.com newsletter.
What other authors do you read?
My favorite authors to read are David Baldacci, Jan Karon and Alexander McCall Smith, among others.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
Overall, I enjoyed reading THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE. As a school librarian, I am dealing constantly with the problem of books not being returned, but this situation brings about a whole new perspective on that occupational problem. The dilemma of being taught the ways of the Western world vs. keeping village traditions brought a whole perspective to the story and to my understanding of life in this part of the world. Fi Sweeney left her comfortable life to make a difference to the world, but found that the love of village traditions and life was more important to the people of Mididima than she could ever have known, which provided a very surprising end to the story.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
I look forward to reading future books by Masha, and thank you, Bookreporter.com, for providing this opportunity to get to know her as an author.
Ellen from Wauwatosa, WI
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
I have not read Masha Hamilton's other works, but I can assure you that I will now, and I will definitely watch for her future writings.
What other authors do you read?
I am a former librarian and bookseller and read voraciously in my genres. I love a good British mystery and I read lots of current fiction --- Zadie Smith is at the top of my list right now.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE by Masha Hamilton. It was a deceptively simple and yet very moving story with many layers and memorable characters. The conflicts between tradition and change brought on by the introduction of the books felt very real, and I became emotionally connected to many of the characters, especially Kanika and Matani. I loved Ms. Hamilton's language and her ability to write from the African perspective of myth and wisdom and family boundaries.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Thank you for the opportunity to read this new book and I will wholeheartedly recommend it to my firiends and book group.
Meg from Racine, WI
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Lots of mystery writers, from Connelly and Crais to Dunning to Scottoline, Fforde to Susan Wittig Albert. I also like lots of nonfiction and enjoy exploring different topics.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I liked it. I've recommended it to several friends who I think will spread the word to their friends. I need to find the discussion questions, as they help our groups. I'd like to see a follow-up book, or several, about both the Bookmobile's travels and the characters in this story. What happened to the villagers?
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes, absolutely.
Phyllis from Louisville, MS
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
I have not previously read a book by Masha Hamilton, but I will read her other books now.
What other authors do you read?
I am an avid reader and read many authors of various genres: Christopher Moore, Anita Shreve, Mercedes Lackey, Nora Roberts (and as J. D. Robb), Susan Isaacs, James Patterson, David Baldacci, Janet Evanovich, Brad Meltzer, Richard North Patterson, Dean Koontz, MaryJanice Davidson and many more.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I have recommended it to friends. Masha Hamilton captured the emotions of Fi as she answers her heart's desire for adventure and a taste of difference in her life before she settles for a life being pushed on her. Fi is able to find a way to combine this adventure with her love for books. As the book shows us how a different culture can view books and the changes in ideas they bring with suspicion, it also reminds us that we often take the ability to read and the abundance of books for granted. It left me wanting to know more about what happened to Fi, Kanika, and Taban (Scar Boy).
Thank you for letting me read this book.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes, I will watch for future books by Masha Hamilton
Lani from Narberth, PA
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes, I have read both of her previous books.
What other authors do you read?
I read a large variety of books, from Joanne Harris, Ishmael Beah, and Kiran Desai to T. C. Boyle, Cormac McCarthy and Melissa Faye Green. I like to read an eclectic assortment of books, and am fond of third-world literature as well.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I did not love this particular venture by Masha. I loved the topic, but found her abundant use of metaphors a bit trite. The narrative did not pull me in, although the story resonated well in the issues of cultural intrusion, the need for literacy initiatives in third-world countries, and the ability of words and books to support knowledge and pleasure. As I read voraciously, I expected to be enamored by the plot line and characters, but did not feel the strength of her prose. This seems most suited for young adults, as a gentle story of cultural differences and shared humanity.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes.
Yvonne from El Sobrante, CA
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
Sitting on my shelves were Masha Hamilton's two previous books, which had been sitting unread but not untouched, just sort of moved around here and there. Upon completing THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE, I quickly decided to delve into STAIRCASE OF A THOUSAND STEPS and THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, all of which were very interesting and emotional in each of their individual ways.
What other authors do you read?
I read a variety of authors and a variety of subjects. Most recently, I've read Irene Nemirovsky, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, John Connolly, Christopher Moore, Michael Lowenthal and many more.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I really enjoyed the story that THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE was conveying and the obstacles that the real project must face. I was slightly disappointed that a number of key characters disappeared (which I'm sure was to be expected) as the tribe relocated, because I so wanted to see how things went for them. Overall, THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE raises awareness of a real problem that many in Africa face as they struggle with maintaining traditions, as well as trying to progress with an ever-changing climate. One of the things that I was most amused and touched by was Mr. Abasi's love/hate relationship with Siti, the camel, as he treated and spoke to her as though she were the embodiment of his mother.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
I am eagerly anticipating the next book that Masha Hamilton has in store for her readers.
Israel from New York, NY
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Anne Rice, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J.K. Rowling and J.R.R.R. Tolkien.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
I liked it very much. It was interesting and held my attention.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes.
Barbara from Afton, NY
Have you previously read a book by Masha Hamilton?
Yes, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US.
What other authors do you read?
Too many to list, but primarily contemporary female authors.
What did you think of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE?
Great read. I love books about books and about places that I've never been, both features of THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE. Masha Hamilton, a seasoned journalist and world-traveler, used her experience and skills well in writing this story.
I also am intrigued by the background --- that there is an actual camel bookmobile in Kenya and that the author has organized an effort to donate books to that traveling library.
Would you ever read a future book by Masha Hamilton?
Definitely and I will recommend this one to my book group (and to other friends). But because my book group only chooses books available in paperback it won't be for a while.
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