Scared:A Novel on the Edge of the World by Tom Davis

Scared is the story of Adanna, a young girl living in Swaziland, just northeast of South Africa. It tells of her and her young siblings life growing up in an AIDS infected and poverty stricken land. A land where men aren't around to support their families because they have died or are working in the mines. A place where the men that are left think it is ok to use little girls to satisfy their urges. A place where death and sickness are so prevalent there is no family unaffected.

It also tells the story of a young international photographer, Stuart. A man on a mission, to get the perfect picture and save his career. A man who arrives in Swaziland to do one thing but leaves a changed man after living the life with the people.

The book, written by Tom Davis, a man who has obviously spent much time in Africa due to his incredibly detailed depictions of Africa, is an incredibly difficult read. Although the book is fiction, it accurately depicts the plight of the widows and orphans of many parts of Africa. I dare you to read it! You will not be unchanged.

Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison

This is the funniest book I have read in a long time. Peter is an Australian man who moved to Botswana and became a paid safari guide. This book shares his tales of adventure-walking on the back of an alligator, being charged by an elephant, getting up close, very close, and personal with a cheetah family. He tells of his trip from South Africa to Botswana in a super-modified semi truck, and his adventures of traveling, in Africa, at night. He tells of the interesting tourists he saw, Germans with no sense of humor, fat Americans and the tourist who almost caused a plane to crash due to too much luggage and his need to take pictures. I really enjoyed this book and it was a quick read for me. The short chapters allow one to fit in a chapter or two even, between the many activities of daily living.