Rated of 5
by Hilary H. (Tucson, AZ) The Clouds Beneath the Sun
I was anticipating liking this book as I've enjoyed a number of books set in various parts of Africa. Though I've not been to Kenya, I have been to other countries in southern Africa. The topic and setting were appealing. I found the first half of the book to be slow - a mix of historical fact, good description of the countryside, interesting views on politics and archaeology, and eventually a love story - but it could have moved a bit faster. Some of the characters are strongly developed though you are left wanting more about others. The trial near the end talked about the passion at the gorge but I think there could have been more about which to be really passionate. It was a good summer read. I liked it but didn't love it.
Rated of 5
by Barbara S. (Brick, NJ) Tell Me More
This is my first book trip to Kenya and it leaves me with a longing for more tales of the Maasai and their culture. Ordinarily I would not search for a book about archaeology but found this book utterly fascinating. The author transports you to the dig location, Kihara gorge, and paints a perfect picture even though I have never seen one. The story tied in beautifully with the setting. If you have a "passion" in life, this book is for you. I am adding this to my Book Club selections for 2011.
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV) Disappointing
This is the second book I've read by this author. I really hoped this one would be better. The author may be a well known and respected historian, but I think he should stick with writing non-fiction. His lame attempts at romance only cheapen the story for me. I found the background and location interesting, but the characters disappointed me.
Rated of 5
by Anne G. (Austin, TX) The Clouds Beneath the Sun
I love most any book that can transport me to a place and a time other than my own; a book that I can get lost in. The Clouds Beneath the Sun is such a book. From the very first page I liked Natalie’s character and was interested in and intrigued by the excavation project she was joining as a team archaeologist. From the initial premise, the book expanded to deal with social customs of the Masai, local politics, romance, history, mystery, adventure and more. It may seem like an ambitious undertaking but Mackenzie Ford was definitely capable of dealing with every challenge. I was completely enthralled by the events of the story and think most everyone I know would enjoy this book. It would definitely make a good book club selection because of the variety of topics that could be discussed. The only negative: it ended too soon.
Rated of 5
by Kay B. (Lake Jackson, TX) The Clouds Beneath the Sun, McKenzie Ford
The story of a 28 year old British woman's participation on an archeological dig in Kenya was very enjoyable on many levels. Although the descriptions of her past relationships with her family and her lover drag somewhat the overall story is suspenseful and ends with many surprises. The way the author weaves together the theme of music with African history and politics and with archeology should keep most readers interested. Especially because of the family relationships of both the main character and the dig participants, this book would be an interesting one for a book club.
Rated of 5
by Wendy E. (Mechanicsville, VA) The Clouds Beneath the Sun
This book started with such potential – Natalie has been invited to an archeological dig in Africa shortly after getting her PhD. This is the clean break she is looking for as she mourns the death of her mother and the rejection by her lover. The bits about the roaming herds, the discoveries in the dig, and the descriptions of the politics are all interesting, but the book lags with the overly done descriptions of Natalie’s struggles to maintain her reserve in the small group of scientists. We read again and again about her grief, her reluctance to enter into a new relationship, her distrust of her colleagues’ intentions and her various accidents, all of which she is able to miraculously recover from. I wanted to like the characters, but overall, I couldn’t truly embrace them or their trials. The ending was a bit too pat and anticlimactic.
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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of 5
by Hilary H. (Tucson, AZ) 
of 5
by Barbara S. (Brick, NJ) 
of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV) 
