The Camel Bookmobile - Masha Hamilton

Thoughtprovoking story about a meeting of cultures, as the books brought to a small settlement in the Kenyan desert have a strong impact - and unexpected consequences for the people of the tribe and the American woman who is so passionate about the project. Nicely written, with varied narrators so that different perspectives are voiced, and an honest - if painful - conclusion. The book shows the potential benefits of the project, but also reveals the dangers of wrong assumptions, and the risks of arrogantly trying to 'educate' others - one character reflects on "how uncivilized it was to bring an unsolicited gift from their world and then dictate how it must or must not be used".