What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexandria of Africa #1
Alexandria of Africa
For Alexandria Hyatt having a fabulous life is she knows what she wants and she knows how to get it. Being glamorous and rich is simply what she was born to be. When Alexandria is arrested for shoplifting, having to drag herself into court to face a judge just seems like a major inconvenience. But Alexandria has been in trouble before–and this time she can’t find a way to scheme out of the consequences. Before she knows it, she’s on a plane headed to Kenya where she has been ordered to work for an international charity.
Over 7,000 miles away from home with no hot water, no cell phone reception, no friends or family, Alexandria is confronted with a land as unfamiliar as it is unsettling. Over the course of her month in Africa, Alexandria will face a reality she could never have imagined, and will have to look inside herself to see if she has what it takes to confront it.
Over 7,000 miles away from home with no hot water, no cell phone reception, no friends or family, Alexandria is confronted with a land as unfamiliar as it is unsettling. Over the course of her month in Africa, Alexandria will face a reality she could never have imagined, and will have to look inside herself to see if she has what it takes to confront it.
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2008
34 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books909 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 11, 2015
3.5 stars
I finished this book in almost no time flat. It was a really quick read!
Going into this book I thought that Alexandria would have amazing character development, and end up being a nice humble girl, but no such thing happened. She only ended up being slightly less snooty than before. Although, at the end of the book her act of kindness in the last 3 pages is generous, but there wasn't much improvement of her personality.
However, I really enjoyed the friendships between Alexandria and Ruth and Alexandria and Nebala. The best friend thing was really cute. I was a little disappointed also with how we didn't really see any other characters. I would have liked to see more Sarah and Mary Beth.
Overall though this book was pretty good. It was a light, fun and quick read and I would recommend it if you're in a reading slump!
I finished this book in almost no time flat. It was a really quick read!
Going into this book I thought that Alexandria would have amazing character development, and end up being a nice humble girl, but no such thing happened. She only ended up being slightly less snooty than before. Although, at the end of the book her act of kindness in the last 3 pages is generous, but there wasn't much improvement of her personality.
However, I really enjoyed the friendships between Alexandria and Ruth and Alexandria and Nebala. The best friend thing was really cute. I was a little disappointed also with how we didn't really see any other characters. I would have liked to see more Sarah and Mary Beth.
Overall though this book was pretty good. It was a light, fun and quick read and I would recommend it if you're in a reading slump!
March 26, 2022
i really didn’t expect much from this book but i loved it so much. such a beautiful well written story especially for a ya book. i loved that the personality of alexandria doesn’t change but her perspective changes and grows which makes her adapt to the community and develop in that way. so much more realistic than full character development of just becoming this super moral being and arghhhh it makes my heart so happy. thank you so much sophia loved it so much.
October 16, 2008
**Some Spoilers**
Alexandria Hyatt is a fifteen-year-old rich white girl from LA. An only child of divorced parents, she’s always got everything she’s ever wanted, and expects nothing less. She’s manipulative, selfish, narrow-minded, sheltered and ignorant. Two months before, she was up before a judge after taking a golf club to a schoolgirl’s car – while the girl was in it. Now she’s been caught shoplifting while on probation and the judge – the same judge, who has his neck in a brace due to whiplash after being rear-ended by a girl just like Alexandria – is not inclined to believe her yet again. Six months in a juvenile detention centre is her sentence.
Naturally, the idea of living in a prison with a roommate and a toilet in the room is the worst thing Alexandria can think of, so when an alternate proposal is made by the DA that she join a diversion program that would see her working with an international charity for three weeks, she jumps at it instantly.
From the moment she arrives in Nairobi, Alexandria is confronted with the worst thing she can imagine: her contact with Child Save, Renée, wears socks with sandals. The rest of the people at the centre – staff and volunteers who are building a new school for Maasai children – include a group of eager church youth and a uni student, Christine, who is just as pretentious and superior as Alexandria. And they all dress bad.
What with the lack of electricity, the toilets that are holes in the floor, the hard work needed to build the school, the bad food and contaminated water, Alexandria uses her manipulative wiles to get her own way as much as possible, but finds it’s not as easy as it usually is. A Maasai girl, Ruth, befriends her and introduces her to village life – mud huts and families of 12, the girls walking miles to collect dirty water while their brothers patrol with spears to keep the lions at bay. When Ruth’s mother goes into labour and the baby is a breach, the family comes to Alexandria for help in getting to the nearest clinic – 25 miles away on a deeply rutted, pitted road. She takes the centre’s old jeep and when the clinic refuses to take the dying woman, throws her enormous amount of spending money in order to get the surgery happening.
It's written simply - narrated by Alexandria, so we get to hear all the charming things she thinks (and see how sluggishly her mind sometimes works) - and can be read in just a few hours. Walters has carefully focused on just a few of the things troubling countries like Kenya, and introduces a whole new culture: the Maasai, who believe they own all the cattle in the world, so taking yours isn't actually stealing. This book doesn't come across as propaganda or a "do-gooder" story, though I often wondered, while reading it, how much different it would have been had it been longer, more involved and fleshed out, and with a different kind of protagonist - an adult book, I guess.
For all her flaws, Alexandria is a surprisingly engaging main character. She is alone because she cuts herself off from people she deems unworthy or simply too daggy. She very gradually confronts some of her assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes, and is not really a bad or mean girl: she just has always valued possessions and impressions over anything else. Only in Kenya where no one is impressed by her clothes or jewellery or connections, can she throw off some of the pressure she’s put on herself to match expectations, and begin to appreciate things.
One of the things I liked about this story was that Alexandria doesn’t change, she doesn’t become a completely different person. When she returns, her father gives her the keys to her 16th-birthday-present-Mercedes, and she asks him to instead get her a cheaper car so she can spend $20,000 on a medical clinic for the people she knew, like Ruth. It’s not that she doesn’t want a car at all, just that she’s recognised her exorbitant extravagances and how needless they are. She gains perspective. While the character is based off the Paris Hilton-types, it’s not a satire, and even if you can’t relate to her wealth, priorities or sheer superficiality, she becomes a (surprisingly) good role model and her experience brings Africa just that bit closer to home.
Alexandria Hyatt is a fifteen-year-old rich white girl from LA. An only child of divorced parents, she’s always got everything she’s ever wanted, and expects nothing less. She’s manipulative, selfish, narrow-minded, sheltered and ignorant. Two months before, she was up before a judge after taking a golf club to a schoolgirl’s car – while the girl was in it. Now she’s been caught shoplifting while on probation and the judge – the same judge, who has his neck in a brace due to whiplash after being rear-ended by a girl just like Alexandria – is not inclined to believe her yet again. Six months in a juvenile detention centre is her sentence.
Naturally, the idea of living in a prison with a roommate and a toilet in the room is the worst thing Alexandria can think of, so when an alternate proposal is made by the DA that she join a diversion program that would see her working with an international charity for three weeks, she jumps at it instantly.
From the moment she arrives in Nairobi, Alexandria is confronted with the worst thing she can imagine: her contact with Child Save, Renée, wears socks with sandals. The rest of the people at the centre – staff and volunteers who are building a new school for Maasai children – include a group of eager church youth and a uni student, Christine, who is just as pretentious and superior as Alexandria. And they all dress bad.
What with the lack of electricity, the toilets that are holes in the floor, the hard work needed to build the school, the bad food and contaminated water, Alexandria uses her manipulative wiles to get her own way as much as possible, but finds it’s not as easy as it usually is. A Maasai girl, Ruth, befriends her and introduces her to village life – mud huts and families of 12, the girls walking miles to collect dirty water while their brothers patrol with spears to keep the lions at bay. When Ruth’s mother goes into labour and the baby is a breach, the family comes to Alexandria for help in getting to the nearest clinic – 25 miles away on a deeply rutted, pitted road. She takes the centre’s old jeep and when the clinic refuses to take the dying woman, throws her enormous amount of spending money in order to get the surgery happening.
It's written simply - narrated by Alexandria, so we get to hear all the charming things she thinks (and see how sluggishly her mind sometimes works) - and can be read in just a few hours. Walters has carefully focused on just a few of the things troubling countries like Kenya, and introduces a whole new culture: the Maasai, who believe they own all the cattle in the world, so taking yours isn't actually stealing. This book doesn't come across as propaganda or a "do-gooder" story, though I often wondered, while reading it, how much different it would have been had it been longer, more involved and fleshed out, and with a different kind of protagonist - an adult book, I guess.
For all her flaws, Alexandria is a surprisingly engaging main character. She is alone because she cuts herself off from people she deems unworthy or simply too daggy. She very gradually confronts some of her assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes, and is not really a bad or mean girl: she just has always valued possessions and impressions over anything else. Only in Kenya where no one is impressed by her clothes or jewellery or connections, can she throw off some of the pressure she’s put on herself to match expectations, and begin to appreciate things.
One of the things I liked about this story was that Alexandria doesn’t change, she doesn’t become a completely different person. When she returns, her father gives her the keys to her 16th-birthday-present-Mercedes, and she asks him to instead get her a cheaper car so she can spend $20,000 on a medical clinic for the people she knew, like Ruth. It’s not that she doesn’t want a car at all, just that she’s recognised her exorbitant extravagances and how needless they are. She gains perspective. While the character is based off the Paris Hilton-types, it’s not a satire, and even if you can’t relate to her wealth, priorities or sheer superficiality, she becomes a (surprisingly) good role model and her experience brings Africa just that bit closer to home.
August 4, 2011
This review is taken from my new review blog:
http://www.trythisbookonforsize.blogs...
Alexandria of Africa is written in first person, from Alexandria's point of view. Interestingly enough, Alexandria is not very likeable. She's actually quite terrible. She steals for kicks. She lies. She's in trouble with the law and doesn't understand why everybody won't just leave her alone.
The story opens in Canada, with Alexandria facing a judge for a second offense. She is so blasé the reader wants to reach into the pages and smack her. Such is her sense of entitlement. Walters does a wonderful job of taking us right to the brink of unrest in the way we feel for the narrator. The reader wants to see Alexandria receive just punishment not only for her actions but also for her outlook on the world around her.
Although she does receive a sentence, it's not the one the reader would like. In lieu of a stay in a youth detention centre, Alexandria is sentenced to a work program in Kenya. The reader becomes more angry as we are privy to Alexandria's constant inner dialogue of entitlement. But we know she's in for a rude awakening...or a blossoming, if you will. Walters sets all the signposts for that eventual enlightenment with dead accuracy, through the experiences Alexandria faces along the way.
This poor little rich girl is a slow learner. As she meets the people she will work with in Kenya, she stubbornly finds fault with them where others would see good. The turning point doesn't happen when Alexandria is put to work in the sweltering heat of Africa. That, I think, is what makes Walters' storytelling so fine. He could have taken the easy route and made Alexandria open her eyes when she saw the work that needed to be done for these people less privileged than her. But she didn't. She did everything to make it look like she was working, when in fact she was slacking off...thinking about nails and clothes and cars and home.
Enter Ruth, a Maasai girl who takes Alexandria in to the world of her small village. It is an eye-opening experience for Alexandria that shaves some of the sharper corners off of this unlikeable character. The outcome of Alexandria's journey is a fulfilling one for the reader, who was beginning to think there was no way she would compromise her spoiled rich-girl outlook on life.
To tell you more would be to reveal more spoilers than I already have revealed. I'll just say that Walters wrote a fine story of personal growth that doesn't come off as being too preachy or lesson oriented. He manages to make the reader dislike his narrator to the point where they seek her failure. But he also manages to subtly make that character open to the possibility of change.
This was a pleasant read. It brought me back to the wonderful country of Kenya. It also helped to shed light not only on the plight of some of the country's poorest people, but also on the wonderful spirit they have in the face of that plight. I happily recommend this book. If you have been to Africa, it will skillfully take you back there. If you have not...it will allow you to see it as acurately as any book can.
http://www.trythisbookonforsize.blogs...
Alexandria of Africa is written in first person, from Alexandria's point of view. Interestingly enough, Alexandria is not very likeable. She's actually quite terrible. She steals for kicks. She lies. She's in trouble with the law and doesn't understand why everybody won't just leave her alone.
The story opens in Canada, with Alexandria facing a judge for a second offense. She is so blasé the reader wants to reach into the pages and smack her. Such is her sense of entitlement. Walters does a wonderful job of taking us right to the brink of unrest in the way we feel for the narrator. The reader wants to see Alexandria receive just punishment not only for her actions but also for her outlook on the world around her.
Although she does receive a sentence, it's not the one the reader would like. In lieu of a stay in a youth detention centre, Alexandria is sentenced to a work program in Kenya. The reader becomes more angry as we are privy to Alexandria's constant inner dialogue of entitlement. But we know she's in for a rude awakening...or a blossoming, if you will. Walters sets all the signposts for that eventual enlightenment with dead accuracy, through the experiences Alexandria faces along the way.
This poor little rich girl is a slow learner. As she meets the people she will work with in Kenya, she stubbornly finds fault with them where others would see good. The turning point doesn't happen when Alexandria is put to work in the sweltering heat of Africa. That, I think, is what makes Walters' storytelling so fine. He could have taken the easy route and made Alexandria open her eyes when she saw the work that needed to be done for these people less privileged than her. But she didn't. She did everything to make it look like she was working, when in fact she was slacking off...thinking about nails and clothes and cars and home.
Enter Ruth, a Maasai girl who takes Alexandria in to the world of her small village. It is an eye-opening experience for Alexandria that shaves some of the sharper corners off of this unlikeable character. The outcome of Alexandria's journey is a fulfilling one for the reader, who was beginning to think there was no way she would compromise her spoiled rich-girl outlook on life.
To tell you more would be to reveal more spoilers than I already have revealed. I'll just say that Walters wrote a fine story of personal growth that doesn't come off as being too preachy or lesson oriented. He manages to make the reader dislike his narrator to the point where they seek her failure. But he also manages to subtly make that character open to the possibility of change.
This was a pleasant read. It brought me back to the wonderful country of Kenya. It also helped to shed light not only on the plight of some of the country's poorest people, but also on the wonderful spirit they have in the face of that plight. I happily recommend this book. If you have been to Africa, it will skillfully take you back there. If you have not...it will allow you to see it as acurately as any book can.
May 18, 2012
I think this is my all-time favorite book! Eric Walters is an amazing author, and this book was amazing beyond belief! Everyone NEEDS to read this book; I can't explain how much I loved it!!
January 4, 2014
This book was nothing out of the ordinary. Your typical spoiled teen, always rebelling and finally gets a punishment.
I thought a few elements were interesting, such as Alexandria's unexpected friendship with Ruth, but otherwise, this book fell flat for me. Alexandria's character isn't strong at all, in one word she's a brat. The ending was really lacking, of course Alexandria would learn her lesson, and become a better person.
I wouldn't really recommend this book to any age group. For younger kids, Alexandria could be a bad influence. For older kids, the book is quite mundane and I found myself rolling my eyes at Alexandria's immaturity.
Overall, I think this is a waste of 200 pages and since this book's main focus is on one character, that character is really disappointing.
I thought a few elements were interesting, such as Alexandria's unexpected friendship with Ruth, but otherwise, this book fell flat for me. Alexandria's character isn't strong at all, in one word she's a brat. The ending was really lacking, of course Alexandria would learn her lesson, and become a better person.
I wouldn't really recommend this book to any age group. For younger kids, Alexandria could be a bad influence. For older kids, the book is quite mundane and I found myself rolling my eyes at Alexandria's immaturity.
Overall, I think this is a waste of 200 pages and since this book's main focus is on one character, that character is really disappointing.
September 17, 2011
"My mother also wants to know how to spell your name." Ruth said
"Do they need it for the hospital forms?"
Ruth shook her head. " They need your name for the birth certificate. My baby sister, her name is Alexandria."
I was stunned. I looked down at the little baby in my arms.
"what do you think?" Renee asked.
"I like it. Alexandria...Alexandria of Africa."
"Do they need it for the hospital forms?"
Ruth shook her head. " They need your name for the birth certificate. My baby sister, her name is Alexandria."
I was stunned. I looked down at the little baby in my arms.
"what do you think?" Renee asked.
"I like it. Alexandria...Alexandria of Africa."
July 30, 2019
3.5 Stars
Read
March 15, 2016i loved it!!! it was absolutely amazing! i loved the way the crocodile ate her at the end.
January 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book but think it could have been longer as a lot happens in a very short amount of time.
October 26, 2024
Nostalgic as I recall my 6th-grade teacher reading this book to the class after lunch every day. At first, I disliked how Alexandria acted, but slowly I started loving her as a character. Being sent to Africa has given her the best character development. It was a story that I looked forward to every day after lunch. It gives me great joy to say I've read this book. There's nothing I would change about it.
April 29, 2013
Africa. Eric Walters. Characters I hate. Characters I did hate but now I frickin' adore. I want this book to bear my children.
Now, I need to be clear: I am a total sucker for books about Africa, books about third-world countries, and books where you're not required to like the main character. I've also met this guy, and my copy is a signed one (although, incidentally, I got it at Chapters a few years after I actually met him - lucky coincidence that they had one, I guess,) and let me tell you, Eric Walters is a faboo dude. You can keep your John Greens and whoever else is popular these days; this right here is my man.
Unfortunately, the book wasn't flawless. I feel it was way too fast-paced, the court scene in the beginning was a real WTF-moment, and Alexandria's voice for the first third of the book was a tad too cheesy and stereotypical. On the bright side, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
Alexandria. The whole point of her was that you'd hate her, and then she'd slowly suck you in to loving her. That's not just me saying that, by the way - Walters told us that that was the point. And he did a damn good job of it, too. I wanted to choke the little beast for the first several chapters, and then she showed her hidden side. She's a Trekkie who picks up on languages fast (and not like Karou; Alexandria actually learns them, rather than cheating with wishes, like everything else Karou does.) She's got a real backbone and, best of all, it was awesome to see her apply her rich-girl skills to her real problems, especially the math and driving. Like, totally radical. Her voice even got less annoying as the book went on.
Aside from my love affair with Alexandria, I liked almost everyone else too. None of them stood out like her, mind you, except perhaps Ruth - goshems, what a cutie. I love Ruth, man, I really do. She reminds me of Seepeetza/Martha, from My Name Is Seepeetza, and that book is just artery-bustingly great.
And the ending. THE ENDING. FRICK. THE END. ING. OH MY GOD. Since I'm typing this on my iPod, I guess I'll have to hide this entire review for spoilers - sigh. They named the baby after her. THEY FREAKING NAMED THE BABY AFTER HER.
Actually, I'm being dramatic. That wasn't even the best part. The best part was, by far and without a doubt, Alexandria accidentally threatening to put the Askari in a fire and burn them. Dear god, that was great. I actually had to put the book down and laugh at the ocean for a while.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I read this whole thing in a single sitting? On the beach? In Mexico? I had no reason to tell you that, actually. I just wanted to be arrogant. TEE-FRICKIN'-HEE.
So yeah, that's that. It wasn't a huge book, so unfortunately I can't say all that much more about it. Oh, but I do love the cover. So much more interesting than any of those typical "pretty" covers - girl in a dress. Girl in a dress. Girl in a dress. Nah, this is cooler. Anyway, it's 2:08 a.m., I'm having hot flashes and I think I'm about to throw up on my bed, so it's probably best to call it a night. See you tomorrow, Goodreads.
(Shelves named in this book's honour: Africa, supermodel-thin-books, in-love-with-the-heroine)
Now, I need to be clear: I am a total sucker for books about Africa, books about third-world countries, and books where you're not required to like the main character. I've also met this guy, and my copy is a signed one (although, incidentally, I got it at Chapters a few years after I actually met him - lucky coincidence that they had one, I guess,) and let me tell you, Eric Walters is a faboo dude. You can keep your John Greens and whoever else is popular these days; this right here is my man.
Unfortunately, the book wasn't flawless. I feel it was way too fast-paced, the court scene in the beginning was a real WTF-moment, and Alexandria's voice for the first third of the book was a tad too cheesy and stereotypical. On the bright side, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
Alexandria. The whole point of her was that you'd hate her, and then she'd slowly suck you in to loving her. That's not just me saying that, by the way - Walters told us that that was the point. And he did a damn good job of it, too. I wanted to choke the little beast for the first several chapters, and then she showed her hidden side. She's a Trekkie who picks up on languages fast (and not like Karou; Alexandria actually learns them, rather than cheating with wishes, like everything else Karou does.) She's got a real backbone and, best of all, it was awesome to see her apply her rich-girl skills to her real problems, especially the math and driving. Like, totally radical. Her voice even got less annoying as the book went on.
Aside from my love affair with Alexandria, I liked almost everyone else too. None of them stood out like her, mind you, except perhaps Ruth - goshems, what a cutie. I love Ruth, man, I really do. She reminds me of Seepeetza/Martha, from My Name Is Seepeetza, and that book is just artery-bustingly great.
And the ending. THE ENDING. FRICK. THE END. ING. OH MY GOD. Since I'm typing this on my iPod, I guess I'll have to hide this entire review for spoilers - sigh. They named the baby after her. THEY FREAKING NAMED THE BABY AFTER HER.
Actually, I'm being dramatic. That wasn't even the best part. The best part was, by far and without a doubt, Alexandria accidentally threatening to put the Askari in a fire and burn them. Dear god, that was great. I actually had to put the book down and laugh at the ocean for a while.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I read this whole thing in a single sitting? On the beach? In Mexico? I had no reason to tell you that, actually. I just wanted to be arrogant. TEE-FRICKIN'-HEE.
So yeah, that's that. It wasn't a huge book, so unfortunately I can't say all that much more about it. Oh, but I do love the cover. So much more interesting than any of those typical "pretty" covers - girl in a dress. Girl in a dress. Girl in a dress. Nah, this is cooler. Anyway, it's 2:08 a.m., I'm having hot flashes and I think I'm about to throw up on my bed, so it's probably best to call it a night. See you tomorrow, Goodreads.
(Shelves named in this book's honour: Africa, supermodel-thin-books, in-love-with-the-heroine)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2011
This book is about fifteen year old Alexandria Hyatt who is a spoiled brat. Basically she gets everything she wants. Anyways she gets charged with shoplifting and she has been charged with shoplifting before. She then gets sent to juvenile detention centre in Africa.
So I will admit it this plot line is perfect. You could really tie this into a great a book. See the key word is COULD, Eric Walters did NOT do that. This book was in many ways poorly written. This man cannot write. To be honest it was really sad. MAYBE the book got better towards the end? I could barely even get through the court scene, which was poorly written and was not at all like a actual court scene. Alexandria's brattiness wasn't even real. I found myself skipping most of the dialogue it made me yawn so much. I got to where she has landed in Africa... then I called it quits. When she got in Africa she all the sudden felt like she did not need to wear makeup. When before that was all she was concerned about. The change happened way to quick when realistically that wouldn't happen.
Eric Walters did nothing but disappoint me and make me VOW NEVER to EVER read another one of his poorly written books. i advise you never to read one of his book ever.
This was TERRIBLE!!
So I will admit it this plot line is perfect. You could really tie this into a great a book. See the key word is COULD, Eric Walters did NOT do that. This book was in many ways poorly written. This man cannot write. To be honest it was really sad. MAYBE the book got better towards the end? I could barely even get through the court scene, which was poorly written and was not at all like a actual court scene. Alexandria's brattiness wasn't even real. I found myself skipping most of the dialogue it made me yawn so much. I got to where she has landed in Africa... then I called it quits. When she got in Africa she all the sudden felt like she did not need to wear makeup. When before that was all she was concerned about. The change happened way to quick when realistically that wouldn't happen.
Eric Walters did nothing but disappoint me and make me VOW NEVER to EVER read another one of his poorly written books. i advise you never to read one of his book ever.
This was TERRIBLE!!
August 18, 2016
This book is on my son's mandatory reading list for the upcoming school year. I read it yesterday.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The story is very well written, which truly helped stomach the voice of the spoiled, obnoxious, manipulative teenage narrator.
The plot unfolds very nicely and, I must say, surprisingly. Although it is a quick read, it takes longer than expected for Alexandria to actually arrive in Africa after her day in court. Once she is there, things get even more interesting than at the beginning, and the story plays out so fast that she is back home before you know it. Kudos to Eric Walters for getting straight to the point, getting things done, and getting her home.
As for the ending, I thought I knew exactly what would happen, what the transformation would be, but there were still surprises in store. The change that comes over Alexandria is very well written. I could see it unfolding and it was all very believable. She is still herself at the end of the book-she doesn't suddenly turn into a saint or anything like that. This isn't a fairy tale.
I think my favorite thing about this story is how the title isn't actually about the main character, Alexandria. Read the book and you will understand. Alexandria left a little something behind in Africa...
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The story is very well written, which truly helped stomach the voice of the spoiled, obnoxious, manipulative teenage narrator.
The plot unfolds very nicely and, I must say, surprisingly. Although it is a quick read, it takes longer than expected for Alexandria to actually arrive in Africa after her day in court. Once she is there, things get even more interesting than at the beginning, and the story plays out so fast that she is back home before you know it. Kudos to Eric Walters for getting straight to the point, getting things done, and getting her home.
As for the ending, I thought I knew exactly what would happen, what the transformation would be, but there were still surprises in store. The change that comes over Alexandria is very well written. I could see it unfolding and it was all very believable. She is still herself at the end of the book-she doesn't suddenly turn into a saint or anything like that. This isn't a fairy tale.
I think my favorite thing about this story is how the title isn't actually about the main character, Alexandria. Read the book and you will understand. Alexandria left a little something behind in Africa...
August 3, 2013
This. Book. Is. Amazing. I loved it sooooo much!!! I had to read it for school, because we had these book clubs where the teacher picked our books (I was in the Alexandria of Africa group, obviously). After we finished the book, we had to use the school's ipads to make a movie trailer for it with imovie. I played Christina, the mean girl and I wore my "Be the change: WE DAY" shirt and a bandanna (as the child save volunteers are described to wear in the book). I really want there to be a movie of this awesome novel (unless there is one and I don't know about it). I give the characters 5/5 stars because i think they were absolutely perfect, and each one had a totally unique and awesome personality. I recommend this to EVERYBODY it is a must-read. I usually am not fond of Eric Walters' novels and style of writing, but this book was perfectly plotted and epicly written. He captured "snobby-teenage-rich-girl" so well that I couldn't believe it wasn't written by one.I loved the ending so much and I also enjoyed the humor throughout the book. Simply awesome, and highly recommended by moi.
August 4, 2011
*Spoiler Alert* So, this was a really short read and I don't know why but I thought it was a very cute read as well. Alexandria is your typical rich, spoiled American and after some trouble with the law she is sent to Africa to help build a school. When she first arrives she is keen on not having to do anything an is shocked but how little everyone has there. She has to learn how to do her hair without electricity, how to share the warm water with everyone, how people in the villages send the children to walk twenty minutes to get the water then twenty-five minutes, how there's no clinic close enough to Ruth's village that they have to try and wheel her mother to the closet village and there's plenty more. Furthermore, it was an interesting book to read and I enjoyed it very much. My only problem with this book is that it wasn't long enough I think it could have been a bit longer and then it would have been perfect.
May 22, 2018
I love this book! It's very well-written, the protagonist is pretty relatable, and the story is wonderful and has good lessons. My aunt got it for me when I was a kid and I've read it at least twice since then. Not only is it a good book, but it's by a Canadian author too (bonus!)!
This story is so great because it appeals to more privileged kids who otherwise may not want to read about people in another part of the world who go through different struggles. This book takes a rich protagonist and contrasts her with people who aren't so materialistic.
The book has obvious morals, it has a purpose and a point, is written well (for younger audiences too, which is something).
Would recommend to all kids (girls would probably enjoy it more), probably around age 9 or 10 and up. Would recommend to adults too, for a light and sweet read.
This story is so great because it appeals to more privileged kids who otherwise may not want to read about people in another part of the world who go through different struggles. This book takes a rich protagonist and contrasts her with people who aren't so materialistic.
The book has obvious morals, it has a purpose and a point, is written well (for younger audiences too, which is something).
Would recommend to all kids (girls would probably enjoy it more), probably around age 9 or 10 and up. Would recommend to adults too, for a light and sweet read.
May 3, 2011
Alexandria, the heroine of Alexandria of Africa by Eric Walters, is a teenager who has everything she wants but downplays her intelligence and resourcefulness in favour of make-up, designer clothes and material processions, until she gets caught shoplifting and is sent to Kenya to help build a school. As Alexandria learns to live without cell phone reception or hot water, has encounters with Maasai warriors, a herd of elephants, and a mud hut village; she discovers an inner strength and resilience. Her adventures, woven together with descriptions of the Kenyan landscape and people, make this a compelling read. Every first-world teenager should spend time in a developing country but most of them won't. This book is the next best thing.
July 31, 2015
This book was disappointing considering the author Eric Walters usually writes excellent kids books. For 3/4 of the book, Alexandria would critique every person she came in contact with, judging their hair, clothing, make up, social status, etc. I found it to be quite overdone. I won't be recommending this book to anyone.
Alexandria is a spoiled rich girl who has been caught shoplifting for the second time. This time the judge does not let her off but rather sends her on a trip to Africa to help build a school. She never shows remorse for shoplifting but does come to see that money isn't what makes people happy and wants to give money to help these people she has met (not her own money but her rich father's).
Alexandria is a spoiled rich girl who has been caught shoplifting for the second time. This time the judge does not let her off but rather sends her on a trip to Africa to help build a school. She never shows remorse for shoplifting but does come to see that money isn't what makes people happy and wants to give money to help these people she has met (not her own money but her rich father's).
March 8, 2017
Throughout the beginning and middle of the plot, I had felt that everything about the story had been... lacklustre. Alexandria's character especially had me rolling my eyes and wanting to put the book down and mark it off as another Did Not Complete.
Still, I read on, and was pleased to find that the character development I had been hoping to find for the fifteen-year-old rich girl protagonist was very much present after all. Alexandria's quickly developing friendship with Ruth proved very helpful towards her character, allowing her the room and opportunity to grow from a snotty brat into someone more empathetic, someone caring, someone kind.
It is for this reason that I have given 3 stars as opposed to 2; had it not been for Ruth, the story as a whole would have been quite dull.
Still, I read on, and was pleased to find that the character development I had been hoping to find for the fifteen-year-old rich girl protagonist was very much present after all. Alexandria's quickly developing friendship with Ruth proved very helpful towards her character, allowing her the room and opportunity to grow from a snotty brat into someone more empathetic, someone caring, someone kind.
It is for this reason that I have given 3 stars as opposed to 2; had it not been for Ruth, the story as a whole would have been quite dull.
August 26, 2018
Semi-spoiler: This was a reread from high school! I still love this book! I still think that Eric Walters did a great job in getting into the mind of a spoiled rich girl. While some parts did seem a little unbelievable, I did have to remind myself that unfortunately there are people who have such an entitled mindset and are unaware about the hardships of other people. I also found that the character development was very believable. There wasn't anything heroic about Alexandria, nor did she have some huge epiphany in the climax of the book. It was just a story about a well-off rich white girl learning that the world didn't revolve around her. And while in the end she did learn very powerful lessons, she still had a lot of growing up to die.
April 28, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it! In fact I think everyone needs to read it at some point in their life.
Thank you to my god sister for recommending it (or rather her teacher at school for recommending it and to my god sister for telling me she’s reading it).
Although I read this from the library I’ll definitely be buying a copy for my bookshelf.
This book came into my hands during a time where I was making a decision to continue teaching English at an enhanced learning centre and it has swayed me to continue teaching simply because I want to share this story with my students.
Thank you Eric Walters for sharing this story.
Thank you to my god sister for recommending it (or rather her teacher at school for recommending it and to my god sister for telling me she’s reading it).
Although I read this from the library I’ll definitely be buying a copy for my bookshelf.
This book came into my hands during a time where I was making a decision to continue teaching English at an enhanced learning centre and it has swayed me to continue teaching simply because I want to share this story with my students.
Thank you Eric Walters for sharing this story.
January 14, 2019
Alexandria of Africa provided a beguiling deconstruction of what it means to be a "white saviour," neatly hidden within a compelling and attention-grabbing narrative. It's easy to take this book at face value, but the salient points make themselves evident with very little effort on the part of the reader. This book is always a pleasure.
January 3, 2011
This book waas insperational and so amazing to see the way this young girl changes. This makes me want to go to africa. The end was my favourite! The way the title ties in with the end. I have read this book 7 times!! I recamend this book to EVERYONE!!
April 4, 2011
I am not quite sure what to think of this book. Eye-opening for the Princess Diaries set? Yet I like to give teenage girls a bit more credit than Alexandria gets at the beginning of this story. They aren't that insipid.
February 4, 2013
Amazing and inspirational story about a rich snobby girl who realizes that there's much more to life than nice shoes and make-up. The ending is amazing and I recommend this book to anyone who is a Eric Walters fan or wants to make a change!!!
September 3, 2013
A self-centered girl gets to see Kenya & befriend some of the Masai people after shoplifting and given the option of juvenile detention and a work trip to Africa. Alexandria's character transformation is slow, but realistic. I enjoyed this book.
January 30, 2015
I am surprised I giving this book five stars! It was very simple but so well written and articulated! It's. A book every teenager should read and every adult should read to because it it really is so genuine and authentic !!!
November 11, 2008
This is a great story for young girls. It really teaches them a lot about the reality that children in another country actually live without cell phones etc.
March 1, 2009
Just read it!No questions asked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews