A Girl Named Disaster

Nhamo's story in the book, A GIRL NAMED DISASTER, is not a typical young girl's story. For example, how many girls do you know without a mother, without a father, and with family who either is not aware of her existence or hates her? Not many. In this book you are taken on a journey with Nhamo as she battles against life's hardships and finds where she really belongs. I would not recommend this book to boys

Nancy Farmer weaves a beautiful tale of a young girl in search of her father's family. The conflicts she faces are woven into this captivating story. Words of Nhamo's native language are used in this story. I was amazed by how well this story was told. I was hooked from page one.

I first found out about this book from my friend, who is really into African history. She told me that it was actually, very historically accurate. Those who disagree with me and say that they found all of it hard to believe should know that Africans were, in fact, VERY superstitious. I think this is also a great book because it shows a girl's journey not only to Zimbabwe, but through womanhood.

If you like novels about self dicovery or Africa, then this is one for you.

This masterpiece was recommended to me by a librarian, and, let me tell ya, it was like my hands had been stuck to it with silly putty. Best book I ever read. I learned all kinds of stuff about Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and African culture, plus the Shona people. I strongly suggest that folks who are hungry for knowledge take a peek into the pages of "A Girl Named Disaster."

Nancy Farmer is a terrific writer. I was deeply involved with this story - a physical and personal journey of wonderful complexity. Both of my teenagers read this and urged me to read it and I am glad I did.