Foreigner Books

This is the final volume in the second trilogy of what is becoming Cherryh's magnum opus -- and this is only the halfway point. Having been told by the late Senior Captain Ramirez just before his death that Reunion Station wasn't destroyed after all, only damaged, and that the autocratic, xenophobic Pilot's Guild is probably still in charge there, the starship Phoenix knows it must return, not only to rescue those left behind, but also to destroy anything that might lead "the other aliens" to the atevi world. Not only that, the aiji is sending his grandmother, the formidable Ilisidi, to represent him, as well as his six-year-old heir, and Bren Cameron, the human paidi, will accompany the atevi party on its two-year mission. And there will be a contingent of Mospheiran humans, as well. Lots of ways things could go wrong with that many disparate elements, and many of them do, but they also learn to cooperate. And Bren gets to practice his original trade as translator in dealing with the ship they find parked near the damaged station, and he does a very creditable and ingenious job, making full use of his atevi resources -- including a highly cinematic grenade-delivery via the heir's toy cars. I particularly like the way the Good Guys get around the station's control of communications by printing up full-color illustrated brochures! Line up the next few volumes and just keep going!

Bren and his Atevi bodyguards, (Atevi are a race of super tall dark-skinned aliens) travel to a distant space station to rescue some stranded humans. When they arrive they discover things at the space station aren't what they seem. Can Bren get to the bottom of the strange alien presence or will the delegation be caught inside a battle zone?

As usual, Cherryh writes an excellent sci-fi novel. Her world-building is extremely well done and each character is well articulated. I did get a bit tired of the `humans are to blame for everything' attitude that is an underlying theme in these novels. Only humans seem to make mistakes, and if there is a war or a problem it is doubtless the result of ignorant humans. Sometimes I'd like to see one catastrophe that humans WEREN'T responsible for. Also, at times the dowager is a bit of a mary-sue. I like the character, but not every book. Overall, this was a great book which had me on the edge of my seat. 5 stars.

I consider Cherryh to be the premier science fiction writer I have read and enjoyed, since starting as a sub-teenager, back in the 1950s. The entire Foreigner series, to date, as there appear to be some more on the way, is absolutely outstanding. When I read the last book in the sequence, I went an ordered the entier set to date. And have enjoyed each and every one as well as the first and latest! If you have not read them, start at the beginning and be prepared to buy, read and retain each and every one. I am posting this verbatum on the other two requested Foreigner series books I have been given the opportunity for which to review!

First of all, I started reading the Foreigner series in the library, then when I had finished the first trilogy, I went to the main branch of the library and lo and behold, were two books from a second Foreigner series. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first trilogy, I read them and learned that there was a final book in the trilogy, which I immediately ordered off of Ebay(no offense Amazon.com). It was everything the other books were, and more. An extremely well drawn alien society. With just the right mix of drama, suspense and then action.

The story is that the paidhi-aiji has finally arrived at Reunion station. However, as they thought, rescuing the stationers would not be easy...

umm, C.J. Cherryh is a WOMAN. http://www.cherryh.com/www/menu.htm

as to the book itself, i thought it was better than average but not as good as the Chanur novels or 'Downbelow Station'. an improvement on the previous foreigner books but she still mistakes dithering for decision making, a common failing in many of her novels.

I was lucky enough to see Larry Shue play the role of Charlie off-Broadway in May of 1985 (he died in December of that year). To my mind, he was the perfect Charlie, although years later I saw a performance of the play with Jaston Williams and Joe Sears that rocked the house and showed just how sharp Shue's wit was.

So much can be said about this light-hearted play that it's hard to pick where to start (and what to leave out)...

Larry Shue really set up a diverse and side-splitting play. First of all, it incorporates many accents and notions as cultures collide in the Deep South. One character even makes up his own dialect and tells an entire story in it (it's a lot funnier than it sounds trust me)! The plot also drives off of a cleverly set up situation of mistaken identity.

Somehow Shue created a hilarious, yet somehow realistic cast of characters. He followed this up by setting up an absurd plot that flows naturally and is exciting to read. Great character + great plot = what can go wrong?

I loved this play so much that I went to see it live at a somewhat small theatre. Literally everyone in the audience was laughing hysterically throughout the performance and they all stayed after for about an hour to learn more about the play and Larry Shue. The great thing is that this play is funny without being crude, which shows real comedic talent (and seems to be a rare find these days).

Reading a play doesn't take that long at all! If you are a theatre geek, or someone that is just starting to read plays this one will be a great choice for you. It's diverse, funny, witty and masterfully set-up. I strongly recommend it.

This is about the funniest play I ever read. Have never seen it staged either. But it is typical of modern plays in having only seven characters, all of whom have meaty roles. Needs thick Southern accents and one cultured British and one Cockney accent. Five men and two women.

I had the sheer joy of playing Charlie several years ago and I hope some day I can do it again. It is funny and thought provoking at the same time. When I first read it I couldn't stop laughing and I wondered how we would get through it as actors without cracking up.
Everyone should read it and try to see it if it is playing at a theatre near you.

Having taken part in a performance of "The Foreigner" over ten years ago, I was anxious to take a trip down memory lane. After reading the play today, I am reminded what a precise and humorous tale this is. Despite remaining relatively obscure, it is one of my favorites. Larry Shue's attention to detail and sharp wit make this play a laugh a minute and thought provoking.

Charlie accompanies Froggy to Georgia on military business as Charlie's wife's health declines. Feeling his marriage is failing, Charlie becomes very asocial. To maintain his silence, Charlie adopts the persona of a foreigner with no English speaking skills. In the lodge he takes up residence, the lodge's keeper Betty is about to loose the property to a conspiracy of Owen and a resident of the lodge and preacher David. As a member of the Ku Klux Klan, Owen's feelings of hatred rise when he feels Charlie mocks him. This causes Owen as well as David, whose membership in the Klan is not known, to attempt to exact revenge. When their violent scare tactics fall apart, so does the conspiracy of David and Owen. Additionally, the corrupt preacher David's image is soiled as his true intentions are revealed toward his fiance and her wealth.

It is a misfortune that this show is hard to find on the stage. Were it more well known, I am sure it would achieve much deserved recognition. If you are unable to see the show, reading it is the next best thing.

This book is so enjoyable and amusing you may consider moving to England. You can't even read it without having a cup of tea handy. The writer jumps around between a history of the world cup and his own favourite team, Wrexham in the lower regions of the English football league. In the process he also tries to explain the rules of the english game for the readers who were preparing to host the world cup in 94. Ironically some things that may be quite confusing are never explained! That is part of the fun. Obviously it is a bit dated now but still a hoot and very worthwhile. Great history of the world cup and also offers some understanding of what this sport means to those across the pond.

Speaking as a person who was born only a dozen or so miles from the small town of Wrexham in north-east Wales, I think that this book accurately captures the pleasure and the pain of being a grass-roots fan of a small, only mildly successful, football club, struggling in the nether regions of the English league system.

If one short, sweet, book can not only explain the rules of football, but also its history, and what it's like to be an ordinary fan - then this is the book for you.

Everything you need to understand football is in this book.

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is about 5 to 10% of it is outdated. The rest is smart, funny, passionate and insightful, a joy for beginning and serious soccer fans alike. I read it in 3 days and now my girlfriend, a soccer novice, is consuming it with equal speed. I highly recommend it in full measure. (By the way: you can find out about Wrexham by going to espn.com/soccer, then going to "Soccernet/UK" and searching for club standings. They're still in the 2nd division, though close to relegation! )

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat as you read about Wrexham's 1993 season to see if they can be promoted to Divsion 2 from Division 3. What capitivated me, a youth soccer coach that is still (and according to the author) and will always be learning the game, is the manner and style of his writing. Direct, hard-edged and always to the point, Mr. Davies tells us the story of Wrexham (a mid-sized town in North Wales south of Liverpool), what each of the players do on the field, soccer strategy and most enjoyably, a history of the World Cup to 1994.

Since I had never heard of Wrexham before and knew very little of the World Cup, the book allowed me to "follow" the 1993 season without knowing the outcome. Since most Americans are in that position, the book is every bit as fresh as it was when first published in 1994. Also, Mr. Davies has very little love and respect for the English soccer establishment and is always candid and fresh with his opinions.

Now that I have become a Wrexham fan, my biggest problem now is finding reliable and up to date information on the English Division 2 soccer standings (assuming that they have not been relegated to Division 3).

All in all, a great, fresh and enjoyable read!!!

I picked up this book a couple of years back when a local San Francisco sports columnist described it as 'the best book on soccer ever written.' After reading 'Twenty-Two Foreigners,' I'll second that opinion.

This book successfully weaves a general description of the game, a review of all Word Cups prior to US 94, and the author's own passion for his local team - Wrexham, a Third Division Welsh club struggling to gain promotion to the Second Division in 1993. Pete Davies mixes these themes together masterfully. Despite these three unique threads, the book never seems jumbled or hodge-podge.

Through Davies' sections on the history and nuances of the game, you'll develop a keen appreciation for why certain teams/countries deploy different playing styles and alignments without feeling overwhelmed by jargon and technical detail. In the overview of the World Cups, you'll understand how world dominance has inexorably tilted from its initial power base in the UK to the far reaches of Europe and - especially - South America. And in detailing his long-time affair with Wrexham, you'll begin to comprehend the deep-seated passion for the simplest of games which, unfortunately, has still not quite resonated here in the States.

Despite the fact that the material is now seven years old (Mr. Davies - an updated version in preparation for WC 2002 would be fantastic!), I wholeheartedly endorse this book as a comprehensive and engaging introduction to 'The Beautiful Game.'

I'm an American woman, married to an Italian. Although we live in the U.S., we are trying to raise our daughter to be fluent in Italian. This course is probably the best one that I have seen for kids.

Here's the problem: once you have finished this course, there seems to be nothing more (no volume/course II). I guess this can still be useful if you wish to get your child excited about studying Italian. However, if you are both serious about learning, you soon will have to switch to another system (or move to Italy).

For long-term Italian study we are using the Rosetta Stone DVD course.

As an elementary school teacher i know that things for children are a good, simple way for people to start learning; even "older" adults. I have been correct. I also like hearing the language from both children and adults as my husband and I will be spending six weeks in italy with families. I plan to pass this along to friends that want to review their past italian language skills. The workbook also provided good review and learning. It's been fun. Ciao.

This package is a great place to start your children on the way to learning Italian. I wish they made a part 2. Best place to start 3yrs and up.

The illustrations are great along with the little work sheets,so
colorful and easy for little ones to understand plus the audio
is very clear sounding.We are thrilled with the book and audio.
arriverderci

I have been searching for an easy way to teach my daughter, age 4 who has grown up only speaking english, my native Italian. I have tried various computer programs, books and tapes, and other teaching methods. All were rather boring and unhelpful, my daughter soon lost interest. This system is wonderful! The lessons are interesting and fun. They are blended wonderfully with songs and activities that keep a child's attention. I highly recommend this program. I do recommend that someone in the family practice with the child and participate with them while they listen. This is by far the best children's language packet I've seen.

Josecito, estas de la cabeza, darling!! Te felicito por el libro y te deseo muchos exitos. Un beso, te recuerdo con cariño,
Ana Casteran

We humans have a remarkable brain-mediated capacity to make sounds and let them act as symbolic representations of other things. Two hundred thousand years ago, the first word was spoken. Since then we have been able to sequence, structure, and sort the roughly 40 sounds we are capable of making into thousands of complex languages with millions of unique "words." Yet while words are our most amazing invention, human communication starts when words have no meaning or like with Lorente a "new meaning". This book needs asks some readers work, but gives a surreal & amazing ride.

That's what I follow. Other visual connections in between words.
The first part of this book is a little bit the background of the main character his name is T and he was born in Uruguay. As he goes through different jobs and situation I try to escape from the realism of those activities to try to reach another level described with words chosen in a spontaneous way.
A surreal level but coming and inspired from those real actions T is going through.
Till he starts to play tennis and that's when the second part of this book starts and is the one that I like more. Because on the second part all the actions are described in a surreal way. And that's what I like.
I think on the second part of the book is when I really reach what I have been always looking for.
That is surrealism on it's maximum expression

This book is for true admirers of the finest works of surrealism. Lorente is both a scholar and a visionary. An inspiring endevour.

The one thing Jose Lorente manages to do is enjoying making his reader uncorfortable.
You might think then, why would I be interested in going through that?
Well, when we read a book, we look forward to feeling something. It?s OK not to know what.
But when we read this book, there is no doubt you are experiencing something. And for those who are addicted to constatly feeling things, good or not, this becomes a drug.

You will know if this is for you.

Happy struggling.....

This book certainly "fills a void". It is intended for adults and all the information is up to date which is important. I'm sure it will need some supplementing but overall it is worth the cost! It covers a lot! I'm excited to use it in my class.

As an adult who is learning Portuguese, I have found Aquarela to be an excellent course that teaches grammar and vocabulary (including useful idiomatic expressions) in a way that is sensible as well as entertaining. In addition, the textbook is up-to-date, with scenarios and exercises that cover everything from eco-tourism to web-chats. Finally, the authors include useful cultural notes about important aspects of Brazilian history and culture, including the familiar topics of soccer, samba and caipirinhas, but also the martial art of capoeira, the "vestibular" college entrance exam, and the role of humor in Brazilian discourse. In short, study Portuguese with this textbook and you will not only speak and understand this beautiful language, but you will also possess useful insights into the fascinating and vibrant culture of Brazil. Highly recommended!

This Brazilian Portuguese book is excellent, thorough and well structured. I have studied Portuguese and used several other textbooks, but this one is by far the most comprehensive and user-friendly.

It spans an entire curriculum so that you don't need book 1, book 2, book 3 etc. It is a great text for university level and beyond classrooms, or a super individual review for those who have been exposed to some Portuguese. It includes a CD to help with pronunciation and listening skills. It is well organized and gives complete grammar explanations. Most importantly, it provides and opportunity to practice the critical language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

This text introduces vocabulary for each lesson, provides helpful grammar exercises for each point introduced, incorporates many cultural tidbits on topics such as food, music, jokes, geography, etc. The themes in the book are very practical life skills topics like travel, finance, sports, housing, etc. There are quizzes at the end of each lesson for review and comprehension, as well as cloze (fill-in-the-blank) exercises for listening comprehension. The answer key in the back, which many language texts lack, is especially useful for those studying on their own.

If trying to choose a complete text for your classroom or for self-study, you will find this book a wonderful resource!

The best Portuguese Text book I have ever bought and used. I highly recomend for those who are looking for a easy, well organized and structured. It is practical and user-friendly.

I appreciated that this book was aimed at adults, rather than adolescents (eg, dialogues focused on culture, work situations, etc, instead of the "what do you want to be when you grow up/what is your favorite subject" dialogues present in other textbooks). I also liked the audio package, with dialogues neither too fast or too slow and constructed to maximize comprehension building.

There is often an inverse relationship between the policy importance of a country such as Iran and the seriousness of the books published about it. Most authors give short shrift to history; few add anything new to their discussion.

Happily, Tsadik's study of the Jewish community in nineteenth-century Iran is an exception. Between Foreigners and Shi'is incorporates Persian, Hebrew, Judeo-Persian, Arabic, and European-language documents. Tsadik is a traditional historian who has held a number of academic fellowships in the United States, Germany, and Israel. His prose is dense and detailed, yet readable. He footnotes prolifically and supports analysis with fact.

He begins with an overview of Shi'i law with regard to Jews and other minorities on issues such as cleanliness (can Muslims eat food touched by Jews?), intermarriage, inheritance, and punishment. He then follows the Jewish community through the nineteenth century and contextualizes the community in the broader sweep of Iranian state and society. The latter half of the nineteenth century was a period of rapid and formative change, but Tsadik makes Iran's complex politics and development accessible to the non-expert.

Persecution and anti-Semitism occurred at all levels of Iranian society, but was not uniform over time or place. Just because the shah advocated tolerance, for example, did not mean that local authorities took such sentiment to heart. And even if governors and district heads were lenient, the Shi'i clergy might not be. Thus, in 1889, Jews in Isfahan faced prohibitions on wearing cloaks, going outside on wet days (when rainwater might transfer their impurity to others), touching food, speaking loudly, or purchasing any goods in the market. Jews in other areas of the country fared better.

Between periods of relative tranquility, the Jewish community in Iran suffered blood libel, forced conversion, and pogroms. Iranian Jews often turned to their European co-religionists for help. Where once Iranian Jews had no recourse but to suffer in silence, by the mid-nineteenth century, the Jewish community in Iran was in contact with its European and Canadian counterparts to petition for their relief from persecution. Persecution became a barometer, if not engine, of globalization.

Tsadik argues that Iran's treatment of minorities was a crucial facet of the country's identity. Was (and is) Iran a country for all Iranians, or for Muslim Iranians first and foremost? It is a question relevant to recent Iranian history--Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, first gained prominence for his opposition to the notion of equality under the law for all Iranians. Today, this remains a critical question for all of Iran's minorities, if not millions of Iranians who emphasize national identity over religion.

Between Foreigners and Shi'is is an important addition to the library of those interested in Iranian or Jewish history. Hopefully, Tsadik will produce a sequel continuing his narrative through the twentieth century to the present day.

Michael Rubin
Middle East Quarterly
Summer 2008

Daniel Tsadik is an outstanding scholar whose contribution to the history of Iran and Iranian Jewry will do much to open up a field still coming into its own.

There is often an inverse relationship between the policy importance of a country such as Iran and the seriousness of the books published about it,as Michael Rubin reminds us in the Middle East Quarterly. Most authors give short shrift to history; few add anything new to their discussion.

Happily, Tsadik's study of the Jewish community in nineteenth-century Iran is an exception. Between Foreigners and Shi`is incorporates Persian, Hebrew, Judeo-Persian, Arabic, and European-language documents. Tsadik is a traditional historian who has held a number of academic fellowships in the United States, Germany, and Israel. His prose is dense and detailed, yet readable. He footnotes prolifically and supports analysis with fact.

He begins with an overview of Shi`i law with regard to Jews and other minorities on issues such as cleanliness (May Muslims eat food touched by Jews?), intermarriage, inheritance, and punishment. He then follows the Jewish community through the nineteenth century and contextualizes the community in the broader sweep of Iranian state and society. The latter half of the nineteenth century was a period of rapid and formative change, but Tsadik makes Iran's complex politics and development accessible to the non-expert.

Persecution and anti-Semitism occurred at all levels of Iranian society but was not uniform over time or place. Just because the shah advocated tolerance, for example, did not mean that local authorities took such sentiment to heart. And even if governors and district heads were lenient, the Shi`i clergy might not be. Thus, in 1889, Jews in Isfahan faced prohibitions on wearing cloaks, going outside on wet days (when rainwater might transfer their impurity to others), touching food, speaking loudly, or purchasing any goods in the market. Jews in other areas of the country fared better.

Between periods of relative tranquility, the Jewish community in Iran suffered blood libel, forced conversion, and pogroms. Iranian Jews often turned to their European co-religionists for help. Where once Iranian Jews had no recourse but to suffer in silence, by the mid-nineteenth century, the Jewish community in Iran was in contact with its European and Canadian counterparts to petition on their behalf for relief from persecution. Persecution became a barometer, if not engine, of globalization.

Tsadik argues that Iran's treatment of minorities was a crucial facet of the country's identity. Was (and is) Iran a country for all Iranians, or for Muslim Iranians first and foremost? It is a question relevant to recent Iranian history--Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, first gained prominence for his opposition to the notion of equality under the law for all Iranians. Today, this remains a critical question for all of Iran's minorities, if not millions of Iranians who emphasize national identity over religion.

Between Foreigners and Shi`is is an important addition to the library of those interested in Iranian or Jewish history. Hopefully, Tsadik will produce a sequel continuing his narrative through the twentieth century to the present day.

This work sets forth in clear prose and brings to light a lesser known part of the history of the Jews. Doctor Tsadik should be praised for revealing this aspect of Jewish history to scholars and laymen alike.

Lots of exercises, non-technical and easy to understand language...a real boon for those who are truly interested in learning Finnish on their own.

The Book is excellent for people wanting to learn Finnish. It gives you plenty of excersizes to do along with the lessons. I hear that this is the same text they use at Colleges in Helsinki for English speaking students learning Finnish who are studying in Finland!

This is an excellent book, even though the example texts are getting a little dated. The book goes from zero to a reasonable grasp of Finnish in forty chapters. Each chapter is short enough to cover thoroughly in one lesson (in a teacher-led environment) and clearly focused on a single gramatical point (as a rule). They are also short and focused enough that the self-studier can feel they have really grasped the material. The book concentrates on written Finnish, but there is enough about the spoken language to help the student in the later transition to the 'real thing.' This is as close as language learning gets to painless !

I am still using this book and it is much better than other books about Finnish. Both the text and the exercise books are divided into short chapters with just enough material for a lesson. The Exercise book contains lots of good practice. You should get the cassettes since this will increase memorization and improve pronunciation. Once you finish this course I think you will have a good understanding of Finnish. Finnish is a unique language. It is quite different from English and may seem hard but once you understand a little how it works it should become easier. For beginners I would recommend studying one unit for three days to a week and then have a short review. Then proceed to the next unit and do likewise. Stick to it, go slowly, and study at your own pace. I hope this will be of help.

I am sixty year old woman. I was planning a trip to Europe this spring. I have wanted to visit the town that my grandparents came from in Slovakia all my life. I had been in Europe before, and realized that I needed to get to Slovakia before I got older. I researched Slovakia's history, economy and my lineage for months before I left. I just couldn't get up the nerve to go until I read Margarete's book, The Foreigner's Guide to Living to Slovakia.
I read blogs and emailed Margarete to build up my determination to travel to Slovakia. Even on the day I was to get the train from Vienna to the Tatra Mountains, I was still trying to convince myself that I could do it. I read her chapter on train travel again, but decided that even though I couldn't read or speak the language, I would go. Margarete's descrption of how to read the train ticket and travel by bus, got me on the train. I even read her book on the 6 hour ride to Spisska Nova Ves.
I had the time of my life. I met wonderful people.
I want to go back. I will! I will base my next European trip from Slovakia. I feel I can drive, or take public transportation to the North and the South of Slovakia.
I have never felt more safe. I enjoyed the food that I remembered Grandma making. I felt at home.
Thank you, Margarete

Written by Margarete Hurn, an American who has lived and worked in Slovakia for more than five years, The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovakia is a straightforward guide for travelers visiting this European nation for a few weeks or a few years. Chapters offer a brief overview of the Slovak people and their culture, legal matters such as applying for a visa or extended-stay permit, social and business customs, basics in adjusting to the local food and public transportation, recreational activities available, Slovak etiquette in both business and social circles, and much more. An absolute "must-have" for anyone preparing to visit Slovakia.

Did you know that Bratislava is considered one of the major centers of European Judaism? Or that CSA can fly directly from Prague to Zilina or Poprad? Are you up-to-snuff on Slovak cultural traditions? Quick then: what foods shouldn't you eat on New Years Day? This valuable guidebook to Slovakia was written by an English teacher who lived and worked there for 5 years. The author felt there was a dearth of info everyday living for non-natives in Slovakia, hence this 200-page guidebook. Broken down into chapters like Slovak History, Law, Folk Culture, Leisure, Food, Social Customs, it gives you little tidbits of info on just about everything you could imagine. Like any god travel guide, there are ample photos, maps & tables; over 100 websites are proffered as well. TFG is written in a clear, concise manner and all diacritical marks are in place. In the Transportation chapter, a copy of a typical bus schedule is printed with tips on reading it; later, Hurn goes into some detail on the VAT tax. "The Basics" chapter covers holidays, border crossings, currency & conversion equivalents (all info in TFG is current from May 2007). General words/Slovak phrases are provided, as well as a complete calendar of name days, an index and multiple weblinks. If castles are your thing, [...] contains info on about 250 Slovak castles. No subjects are shied away from: "The Tiso question" is handled evenly and fairly as is a subchapter on the Roma. The author even discusses the pro's and cons of living in a panelak such as is found in Petrazalka. This book is packed full of practical info and insiders tips that you won't find in a Frommers or Lonely Planet.

Preface: I've been to four western European countries (France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland), but only one Central European one (Czech Republic). By coincidence two of the people on my team are Slovaks, so I'm naturally interested in learning more about their country and culture. When I heard about The Foreigner's Guide To Living In Slovakia- I jumped at the chance to read it. These are the haphazard notes I took while reading it. (In the interest of full disclosure: the author is the wife of one of my team members, however I've never met her.)

Ch1: The Land and Its People
This chapter offers an overview of the country, people, language, economy, religion, housing, and popular recreation.


Ch2: History
I'm a product of the American educational system, so it was good to see a whole chapter devoted to history-- it was mostly new to me! Before traveling to the Czech Republic, I'm ashamed to admit I read Rick Steves' Prague book (it was the best rated and most up to date at the time). There were maybe a few pages on history, some of which I've since learned its debatable. In this book however, much thought has been given to remaining accurate and neutral on still sensitive topics, given this area's volatile past.


Ch3: The Basics
This chapter covers the things you should know prior to arriving in a foreign country, such as the various options for getting around from the most convenient/expensive, to the most time consuming/cheap. It was nice to see advice useful for anyone from the business traveller on the corporate charge card to the broke student, and everything between.

Also covered are various important facts, for example grocery stores may not supply the bags for your items. After an embarrassing event in Paris involving the attempted purchase of some bananas (you need to weigh and tag them yourself, I've since learned), I really appreciate these sorts of subtle details.


Ch4: The Law
Although Slovakia is known for its beer, did you know the law allows absolutely no blood alcohol level if your driving? Better read the other important bits in this chapter before your trip-- or you might be writing the next book in the series-- The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovak JAIL!


Ch5: Relocating and Settling In
This chapter has a nice breakdown of the 5 major neighborhoods of Bratislava- valuable stuff even if you're just a tourist curious what to expect from the city. And if you're looking to live there, you'll find it interesting to read about the odd laws, for example you're supposed to pay a tax if you have a TV or radio. (I wonder how they enforce that one...)


Ch6: Culture
I found it interesting to read that the young Slovaks embrace the old traditions, such as the regional dances and music, and continue to keep it alive (as evidenced by the book's cover.) This is quite the opposite from my experience of other places. However there are, ahem, "interesting", Slovak traditions that I'm surprised to read continue to this day. Apparently if you're a young girl and the boys like you, they whip you with willow branches and douse you in cold water. Thats if they *like* you! You can read why for yourself...


Ch7: Leisure
Slovakia is home to the part of Europe's longest cycling route (extending from Germany to Hungary), is home to six UNESCO world heritage sites, and is has tons of caves. Sweeeet.


Ch8: Food & Drink
Reading this chapter reminded me of my trip to Prague- if you eat out, expect lots of variety... of meat and starch. Although there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available, for some reason they're just not served at most restaurants. This chapter describes what foods are available, and where. (I wish I read something similar for Prague beforehand-- I went crazy by day 3 of meat/starch 3 times a day.) There's also a thorough description of the Slovak beers, which can sometimes be cheaper than bottled water. Its making me thirsty just recounting it...

Ch9 and Ch10 Social Customs and Final Words of Advice
Rounding out the book are the last two chapters, on how not to stick your foot in your mouth or go crazy as a lonely expat in a foreign land.


Overall its a great book- easy to read and very informative. Highly recommended if you plan on visiting or living in Slovakia.

Upon reading this book, I was instantly moved. Although I am not an African American like Mr. Tette, I am a Chinese American immigrant.

Mr. Tette's words flew off the page as I was reading his wonderful book. We may have had different specific experiences, but our journey was ultimately the same. This clearly is one book I will never forget.

Kosi Tette does an excellent job in portraying the thoughts, thought-processes and the aspirations of the African Immigrant with the undying quest to succeed in America. Anyone in this category cannot help but overwhelmingly agree that Kosi Tette has read their mind. His ability to link events of the past to challenges of the present and to dreams of the future surely make Kosi an outstanding luminary who gives high credence to the image of Africans here in the US. Kosi is surely stepping into the ranks of Anthony Kwame Appiah of Princeton & Harvard fame.

'Silent Struggle' is so well narrated and studded with analytical and philosophical thoughts that I just couldn't put the book down when I picked it up. And when I was done I was still looking for more to devour!

I will like to see a sequel - especially how Kwasi adjusts to the strife the US has had to go through with the economic recession and the terror attacks and what it means to the African Immigrant caught in the middle of all of this which can be hard to comprehend. Once again the trail-blazing skills of Kosi are going to be very well needed for a lot of us for navigating this land of seemingly endless opportunity, if approached the right way.

Excellent job. It easily makes 5-Stars!

I enjoyed reading every bit of "Silent Struggle".
Mr. Tette's book does not only tell the world about the hurdles that Africans living abroad face, but, it also depicts the emotional conflicts that all foreigners face when they make a life outside of their home country. Job well done!

Never has the story of the African immigrant been told with such brilliant humor. This book is not only a must read for those who want insights into the experiences that mould and dictate the percepttions of the African Immigrant in the West. It also alerts all immigrants to the pitfalls that may accompany certain decisions. It gives praise to the host country where it is due and subtely alerts all to the the perils of certain dogged cultural positions and myths held by the soujourner. I highly recommend this book for your next 3 hour plane trip, light hearted, witty but very true afterall the writer lived it persoanlly or through close friends in the same perdicament.