Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions

A little heavyhanded... until the last chapter, when it went a LOT heavyhanded, we're talking over-the-top soapbox. But I loved it anyway: it was sweet, thoughtful, and the ranting was 100% on target (bullies, religiofanatics, rpblcns).

One aspect that resonated deeply with me, and I wonder how this comes off for U.S. natives, is the plight of competent people from third-world countries. Stay, or emigrate? Live surrounded by incompetence and corruption, but possibly able to effect positive change in a land one knows? Or move to the first world, small fish in big pond, making no difference to the world? Ogunyemi does a superb job of evoking the draws of each: there are comforts of living in one's childhood culture, and drawbacks to living in an increasingly nazified U.S. Even when the decision is clear, it isn't always easy; not for anyone. And it's clear where Ogunyemi's sympathies and hopes lie, ... but you'll need to read the book to feel the depth and richness of all the beautiful lives she depicts.