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What readers think of King Peggy, plus links to write your own review.

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King Peggy

An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village

by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman

King Peggy by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman X
King Peggy by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
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  • First Published:
    Feb 2012, 352 pages

    Paperback:
    Feb 2013, 368 pages

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There are currently 25 reader reviews for King Peggy
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Cheryl W. (Cassville, MO) (12/10/11)

King Peggy
Inspiring, funny, heartwarming, just a few adjectives to describe King Peggy. It is amazing what one person can do to help an entire community. King Peggy is a truly enjoyable read.
Power Reviewer
Joan V. (Miller Place, NY) (12/09/11)

A real number one lady
If you like A. McCall’s “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” books you will really like “King Peggy.” Because this book is fact, not fiction it is all the more fascinating. It is a wonderful story of how one amazing, wonderful woman had such an impact on a small village in Ghana, Africa. If we had more King Peggys the world would be a much better place.

The stories are very interesting, sometimes funny, often touching and a wonderful depiction of what modern life in rural Africa is like

I highly recommend it and think it would make a very good book club choice.
Power Reviewer
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI) (12/08/11)

King Peggy
Peggy Bartels, born in Africa but living in America for 30 years, was awoken one morning with the news that she is to be the next king of Otuam, where her family had originated hundreds of years earlier. What follows is a delightful true story rich with the customs, beliefs, superstitions, and way of life of the people living in this area.

The story of what Peggy accomplishes is nothing short of amazing. The book is full of many interesting characters, and the often dire situations are described with a good deal of humor. This is a wonderful, uplifting story.
Ariel F. (Madison, WI) (12/08/11)

A Woman King
An interesting book about a Ghanaian born woman who is a secretary at the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, DC. who become King in a Otuam, a small Ghanaian village. The villagers feel that the ancestors have selected her as King despite her being in the US. Initially, she is reluctant to accept this role. She does decide to become King even though she is a woman. She goes to the village and finds that it has many needs including running water. Once back in the US she is tells the story of the village and its needs. The pastor of Shiloh Baptist church goes to the village and sees it needs. Members of his church are to go over to the village to help the village get a school and a library among other things.

While this is Peggielene Bartels story and is being told by her, it is not written in the first person. I would have liked it to be written in the first person.

I would recommend this book for book clubs that deal with travel, world cultures or the role of women.
Jane H. (Indianola, IA) (12/04/11)

King Peggy
King Peggy - what a fabulous woman! Peggielene Bartels, an American citizen, with roots in Ghana, has been called to be the King of Otuam, a town of 7000. When she arrives for her crowning she finds that the town has no water, the palace is a wreck, the council has absconded with all the money, and that her predecessor has yet to be buried, and she has to pay for everything.

What Peggy does for her people in the two years covered by the book is outstanding. You will find humor, sadness, dedication, determination and confusion in this book. It is a fascinating read.
Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN) (12/04/11)

A story to Remember
King Peggy gives new meaning to the phrase "what one person can do." She takes her "Kingship" seriously and does the almost impossible to help her people. I was amused and horrified at some of the things her council did to line their own pockets. This is an amazing story. I want to hear more about King Peggy.
Maggie (Brookfield, VT) (12/03/11)

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
King Peggy is one woman I'd love to have sitting in my living room for an evening of good talk. Her story is eloquently written. It is endearing and enduring. The words flow comfortably and I had a hard time putting it down!
Elaine G. (West Lafayette, IN) (12/01/11)

KING PEGGY
The author encompasses the persons throughout human history who have and are creating and maintaining that which the word civilized at its most basic means. A joy to read.

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