The Lion's Eye Seeing in the Wild by Joanna Greenfield

This book literally takes you into the heart of Africa, where the author has gone to study chimpanzees. It's nonfiction, and as you read along about the trials and tribulations she had to go through to study the chimps, you realize she had to be very dedicated to her work and the wonders of the chimps to stay.

Her vivid descriptions about the constant dampness, her illness from using unboiled water to wash with, and the various bugs make you feel like you're there and it's happening to you.

Her life is in danger from the soldiers in Uganda, and there are poachers in the area. She's not even sure if her own escorts to the camp are on her side or if they would sell her out to soldiers or poachers. But she persists.

The authorities harass her. They run out of food and when she goes to purchase more, she has to endure more humiliation and taunting.

Do you want to eat beans for six months solid? Do you want to eat the worms that get in the beans?

This is a very authentic look at what it's like to live in the wild with no amenities and no one checking on you - you have to take care of yourself and not let the jungle or the animals within it kill you.

Her plans don't come to fruition like she hoped, but she does learn a lot. Africa changed her. While she was studying the chimps, the jungle and the animals about her taught her about life.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about Africa, chimpanzees or survival.

If you would like to have my review copy, leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info NOSPAM @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces and NOSPAM out) and tell me your name and address and why you'd like to have it.