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Place of Cool Waters
When Jude Wilson decides to travel halfway across the world to visit the graves of his childhood Boy Scout heroes, he unwittingly signs up for a lot more than he imagined. Growing up in the placid little Pacific Northwest town of Clarksville could never adequately prepare him for what he encounters in the vibrant, mercurial streets of Nairobi, where context defines meaning and words alone are not always sufficient to communicate across a cultural gap. He meets Qadir Mohamed—the affable manager at the youth hostel where he is staying—and a valuable friendship develops between two people from disparate backgrounds with seemingly little in common.
In Kenya, the past is never far away, though it is sometimes remembered differently by insiders. As a result, the unexamined triumphal legends from Jude’s scouting days begin to unravel in the face of new discoveries. It is, however, a disastrous taxi ride and ensuing case of mistaken identity that emerge as the defining moments of this life-changing trip, leading him to stumble upon truths about himself that he was previously unaware of.
In Kenya, the past is never far away, though it is sometimes remembered differently by insiders. As a result, the unexamined triumphal legends from Jude’s scouting days begin to unravel in the face of new discoveries. It is, however, a disastrous taxi ride and ensuing case of mistaken identity that emerge as the defining moments of this life-changing trip, leading him to stumble upon truths about himself that he was previously unaware of.
262 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 10, 2023
So without realising it until after the fact, thus is actually the third novel by this author I've listened to.
As usual the narrator has a calm, measured for and is easy to listen to. The story does get a little farfetched at times but is otherwise an interesting look at what home and family means. It also sounds a salutary note to do things when we want rather than keep putting it off as we may not be given the time or ability to do things we want in later years.
Jude and Qadir are two young men living very different lives - Jude in Washington and Qadir in Kenya. However after a tragedy Jude decides to visit the grave of a hero (Baden-Powell) in Kenya where the two meet.
Jude's life takes some very startling turns but as all this happens in the second half of the book you do get a good amount of background about the two boys first.
A pleasant enough read but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as either Ten Thousand Rocks or People of Ostrich Mountain.
As usual the narrator has a calm, measured for and is easy to listen to. The story does get a little farfetched at times but is otherwise an interesting look at what home and family means. It also sounds a salutary note to do things when we want rather than keep putting it off as we may not be given the time or ability to do things we want in later years.
Jude and Qadir are two young men living very different lives - Jude in Washington and Qadir in Kenya. However after a tragedy Jude decides to visit the grave of a hero (Baden-Powell) in Kenya where the two meet.
Jude's life takes some very startling turns but as all this happens in the second half of the book you do get a good amount of background about the two boys first.
A pleasant enough read but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as either Ten Thousand Rocks or People of Ostrich Mountain.
March 5, 2023
“I see you’re one of those people who feel they have to be able to reciprocate any kindness they’re about to receive. But what if you have nothing to give yet still need help? What then?”
A young man embarks on a journey to Nairobi, Kenya, in order to pay homage to a childhood hero, and unwittingly ends up in an adventure of mistaken identities and retracing his own roots, in this third literary fiction novel by traveling author Ndirangu Githaiga.
Jude grew up with his adoptive family, as one of the few black kids within the quaint town of Clarksville, USA. He enjoyed a worry-free childhood with a loving family, longtime friends and low-stake adventures with his fellow- Boy Scouts. Now 27, his life is shaken up by the sudden death of his childhood friend Connor following a short uphill battle with cancer. Inspired by one of their final conversations about their shared hero from their Boy-Scout days, as well as Connors deathbed advise to “not postpone anything”, Jude sets off on a journey to Kenya to honour both of them by visiting their hero’s final resting place in Nairobi. Along the way, he finds more than he bargains for. Hero’s fall in the light of new discoveries, mistaken identities uncover hidden truths, and an unexpected friendship with a local hotel manager places his own roots in a different light.
What I liked:
Pulled along by the very readable narrative voice and the fast moving plot, I finished this novel within one day, and had a very good time throughout. Although a character-driven story at heart, the star of Place of Cool Water is its vibrant cultural, environmental and political setting of Kenya, which leaps of the pages to greet you. It makes for the perfect background to host the many themes the novel touches upon, including race, discrimination, privilege and the lingering feeling of mistrust brought upon by the political upheaval and terrorist threats in the country. Although the novel doesn’t quite have the scope and length to unpack all these topics completely, it still put them at the front of my mind for days and had me thinking about this book for days after finishing it. Key here are the contrast and similarities between Jude and Qadir, that Githaiga uses to maximal effect.
Githaiga manages to keep the novel light and readable, with a likable cast and a good balance of elements of character-work, political- and cultural themes, mystery and some quite suspenseful scenes.
What I didn’t like:
The novel unfortunately suffers from a lack of balance in many other aspects, including pacing, and the attention of detail between different characters and themes. The synopsis makes Jude and Qadir out to be dual-protagonists, when that does not reflect the content of the book at all. This truly is Jude’s story, with him taking up about 80% of the page-time, leaving Qadir to be little more than a side character. Considering the reveal at the end, I really would’ve liked to have seen more development of Qadir and his background.
Speaking of the reveal; a rushed, exposition-filled and very abrupt ending strongly took away from my enjoyment. The pacing at the end only seems to pick up speed, in stark contrast with the start. A major development is dropped within the final pages, leaving no more room for us to see the characters react and grow from it.
Overall, Place of Cool Water is an easy book to recommend; it’s compact and well-written and its themes will make it a great candidate for book club-discussions and the like. For readers who prefer to listen, rather than read visually, the audiobook is great as well. The narrator has a very pleasant tone and I personally loved to hear the pronunciation of the Swahili sentences sprinkled throughout the text.
Aforementioned balancing-issues and the abrupt ending kept it from rising “good” into “great” for me personally, hence the 3-star rating.
Many thanks to Bon Esprit Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man embarks on a journey to Nairobi, Kenya, in order to pay homage to a childhood hero, and unwittingly ends up in an adventure of mistaken identities and retracing his own roots, in this third literary fiction novel by traveling author Ndirangu Githaiga.
Jude grew up with his adoptive family, as one of the few black kids within the quaint town of Clarksville, USA. He enjoyed a worry-free childhood with a loving family, longtime friends and low-stake adventures with his fellow- Boy Scouts. Now 27, his life is shaken up by the sudden death of his childhood friend Connor following a short uphill battle with cancer. Inspired by one of their final conversations about their shared hero from their Boy-Scout days, as well as Connors deathbed advise to “not postpone anything”, Jude sets off on a journey to Kenya to honour both of them by visiting their hero’s final resting place in Nairobi. Along the way, he finds more than he bargains for. Hero’s fall in the light of new discoveries, mistaken identities uncover hidden truths, and an unexpected friendship with a local hotel manager places his own roots in a different light.
What I liked:
Pulled along by the very readable narrative voice and the fast moving plot, I finished this novel within one day, and had a very good time throughout. Although a character-driven story at heart, the star of Place of Cool Water is its vibrant cultural, environmental and political setting of Kenya, which leaps of the pages to greet you. It makes for the perfect background to host the many themes the novel touches upon, including race, discrimination, privilege and the lingering feeling of mistrust brought upon by the political upheaval and terrorist threats in the country. Although the novel doesn’t quite have the scope and length to unpack all these topics completely, it still put them at the front of my mind for days and had me thinking about this book for days after finishing it. Key here are the contrast and similarities between Jude and Qadir, that Githaiga uses to maximal effect.
Githaiga manages to keep the novel light and readable, with a likable cast and a good balance of elements of character-work, political- and cultural themes, mystery and some quite suspenseful scenes.
What I didn’t like:
The novel unfortunately suffers from a lack of balance in many other aspects, including pacing, and the attention of detail between different characters and themes. The synopsis makes Jude and Qadir out to be dual-protagonists, when that does not reflect the content of the book at all. This truly is Jude’s story, with him taking up about 80% of the page-time, leaving Qadir to be little more than a side character. Considering the reveal at the end, I really would’ve liked to have seen more development of Qadir and his background.
Speaking of the reveal; a rushed, exposition-filled and very abrupt ending strongly took away from my enjoyment. The pacing at the end only seems to pick up speed, in stark contrast with the start. A major development is dropped within the final pages, leaving no more room for us to see the characters react and grow from it.
Overall, Place of Cool Water is an easy book to recommend; it’s compact and well-written and its themes will make it a great candidate for book club-discussions and the like. For readers who prefer to listen, rather than read visually, the audiobook is great as well. The narrator has a very pleasant tone and I personally loved to hear the pronunciation of the Swahili sentences sprinkled throughout the text.
Aforementioned balancing-issues and the abrupt ending kept it from rising “good” into “great” for me personally, hence the 3-star rating.
Many thanks to Bon Esprit Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2023
Quick and easy read, but I wish it were longer and more balanced between Jude and Qadir (who in my opinion had the more interesting story). The entire story just felt rushed and the ending was quite abrupt. It’s a good read, but it could use more in depth development.
March 15, 2023
“Nobody knows everything…but everyone knows something. There is no shame in not knowing; only in not wanting to learn.”
Read the ARC audiobook & was a little rocked by the All-American accent of this narrator, particularly in light of the fact this book centres around the experiences of two young, Black men. Why? Admittedly, one IS from America, but the other resides in Kenya and this narration does his lived experience a huge disservice in my view.
“I used to think arriving was a destination, but in recent years I feel like it’s mostly a journey.”
Place of Cool Water starts off in two distant lands, and Ndirangu Githaiga does a brilliant job at weaving these two lives together. This occurs as a result of Jude Wilson -the American - deciding to voyage to Nairobi, Kenyan to visit the gravesite he’s heard about all his life as a Scout serving under his adopted dad. In the process, the readers live through grief, discrimination, micro aggressions and so much more with both Jude and Qadir - the Somali-Kenyan young man.
“Sometimes we’re so focussed on what’s ahead, we miss out on the beauty of the moment; only to recognise it in hindsight.”
Not the biggest fan of this book but it’s an easy read & very well written. Lots of topics skimmed over and would’ve liked the author to delve deeper, but appreciate the insight nonetheless.
“Life comes with its share of pain but there’s often sweetness hidden inside. It’s often difficult to appreciate the sweetness until after the pain has passed.”
Read the ARC audiobook & was a little rocked by the All-American accent of this narrator, particularly in light of the fact this book centres around the experiences of two young, Black men. Why? Admittedly, one IS from America, but the other resides in Kenya and this narration does his lived experience a huge disservice in my view.
“I used to think arriving was a destination, but in recent years I feel like it’s mostly a journey.”
Place of Cool Water starts off in two distant lands, and Ndirangu Githaiga does a brilliant job at weaving these two lives together. This occurs as a result of Jude Wilson -the American - deciding to voyage to Nairobi, Kenyan to visit the gravesite he’s heard about all his life as a Scout serving under his adopted dad. In the process, the readers live through grief, discrimination, micro aggressions and so much more with both Jude and Qadir - the Somali-Kenyan young man.
“Sometimes we’re so focussed on what’s ahead, we miss out on the beauty of the moment; only to recognise it in hindsight.”
Not the biggest fan of this book but it’s an easy read & very well written. Lots of topics skimmed over and would’ve liked the author to delve deeper, but appreciate the insight nonetheless.
“Life comes with its share of pain but there’s often sweetness hidden inside. It’s often difficult to appreciate the sweetness until after the pain has passed.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Place of Cool Waters is a beautiful story of grief, family, race, and identity.
Githaiga is a wonderful writer that gives vivid descriptions that help you dive into the beautiful story that is woven. Early on in the book I predicted the ending but it didn't take anything away from the journey to get us there. The main characters felt real and were compelling. And the descriptions of Washington and Nairobi were both so vivid that I could clearly imagine them. The book is fast paced, and the narrator was easy to listen to, so it felt as though it was all over too fast. I was ready for more adventures of Jude and Qadir.
I didn't give five stars because it was over too fast. Not because the story was done, but because it felt rushed, and there was a major event that, despite driving the story forward, seemed to be handled too easily. There was a lack of high stakes so the event didn't seem impactful, when it should have been. The story wraps up nicely, but maybe too nicely. I was left wanting more; wanting to know what came next.
Audiobook provided by Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books in exchange for my honest review.
Githaiga is a wonderful writer that gives vivid descriptions that help you dive into the beautiful story that is woven. Early on in the book I predicted the ending but it didn't take anything away from the journey to get us there. The main characters felt real and were compelling. And the descriptions of Washington and Nairobi were both so vivid that I could clearly imagine them. The book is fast paced, and the narrator was easy to listen to, so it felt as though it was all over too fast. I was ready for more adventures of Jude and Qadir.
I didn't give five stars because it was over too fast. Not because the story was done, but because it felt rushed, and there was a major event that, despite driving the story forward, seemed to be handled too easily. There was a lack of high stakes so the event didn't seem impactful, when it should have been. The story wraps up nicely, but maybe too nicely. I was left wanting more; wanting to know what came next.
Audiobook provided by Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2022
Place of Cool Waters by Ndirangu Githaiga takes the topics of race, family, and grief, and wraps them up into a breathtakingly beautiful novel. The reader follows the stories of two men - Jude, who lives in America, and Qadir, who lives in Kenya - until they meet halfway through the book. Githaiga takes us through a cleverly crafted story, highlighting the universal experiences of loss, love, and identity.
While there is sometimes long-winded dialogue that could be condensed, Guthaiga’s description of places is breathtaking and his overall writing style is very easy to read. From the moment I picked it up, I felt as though I had been completely transported into the world of the characters. Furthermore, the use of Swahili in the sections set in Kenya draws the reader into the location and provides an authentic and rich world to support the characters’ journey.
I absolutely adored the characters of Jude and Qadir. Jude, in particular, showed realistic growth throughout the story and became more open to the world around him. His motivations clearly changed as he was impacted by external events and the reader was taken on that journey of discovery with him. Some side characters could have been more fleshed out so that the reader could understand their motivations. However in general, the cast of characters was diverse, and intriguing, and made the book full and rich.
I absolutely love stories that come full circle. The prologue of Place of Cool Waters was seemingly random and irrelevant right up until the last few pages. While I had guessed the general ending about three-quarters of the way through, I was not disappointed in the closure that the last chapter brought the reader.
If you like writing that takes you through high-highs and low-lows, makes you cry for the grieving characters, and isn’t afraid to discuss important topics like racism and identity, then I would highly recommend picking up Place of Cool Waters.
While there is sometimes long-winded dialogue that could be condensed, Guthaiga’s description of places is breathtaking and his overall writing style is very easy to read. From the moment I picked it up, I felt as though I had been completely transported into the world of the characters. Furthermore, the use of Swahili in the sections set in Kenya draws the reader into the location and provides an authentic and rich world to support the characters’ journey.
I absolutely adored the characters of Jude and Qadir. Jude, in particular, showed realistic growth throughout the story and became more open to the world around him. His motivations clearly changed as he was impacted by external events and the reader was taken on that journey of discovery with him. Some side characters could have been more fleshed out so that the reader could understand their motivations. However in general, the cast of characters was diverse, and intriguing, and made the book full and rich.
I absolutely love stories that come full circle. The prologue of Place of Cool Waters was seemingly random and irrelevant right up until the last few pages. While I had guessed the general ending about three-quarters of the way through, I was not disappointed in the closure that the last chapter brought the reader.
If you like writing that takes you through high-highs and low-lows, makes you cry for the grieving characters, and isn’t afraid to discuss important topics like racism and identity, then I would highly recommend picking up Place of Cool Waters.
January 15, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books for a pre-publication audiobook copy of this book, this is my honest voluntary review.
The plot follows a 3rd person account of Jude and Qadir at different points in their life. Jude grew up in Clarksville, Washington (state) after being adopted, with a good childhood and memories spend in the boys scouts as his father Tom was the town’s scout master and middle school principle. Tom and his mother Doris both loved Jude lots as wasn’t able to conceive a child naturally. He got on well in school and moved to Seattle for university, staying to work and settling. He reconnects with a school friend, Connor, who pushes him to pursue a childhood dream as “the one thing that’s become clear to me in all this is that if you have any big plan that you hope to accomplish in life, don’t put it off for later” so he sets out to Kenya to visit the grave of the scout founder Lord Baten Powell and captain Tom Wilson. Interspersed are chapters with Qadir at the centre, who grew up under the supervisor of his uncle Hussain and family after his dad died in Nairobi, Kenya. He too was smart but because of being from Somali heritage, faced discrimination in his life which is worsened after a Somali terrorist attack. I won’t say how but when Jude travels to Kenya, the two men meet and there is more to the story but I don’t want to give any spoilers away.
The characters I would say were the best part, there is nuance and you do like them. Development and complexity can be seen as the story unfolds and you feel for them at certain points. Connor I think was my favourite character and his storyline just agh my heart. The writing is also quite good, eloquent and well crafted in places but nothing that stands out in all honesty. I liked the split character narrative but it’s about 70/30 (or even more) from Jude’s perspective so I would have liked a more even division and to have explored Qadir’s life more so. The plot is once again okay but not that gripping - it’s definitely not boring and I was intrigued but like I dunno, pretty average. There is kind of multiple plot lines and the book takes a few too many tangents as well, for the first 50% and some I was unsure exactly where it was going or trying to do. It does come together better towards the end but I was left with questions and other plot lines not fully being rounded off - I don’t think ambiguity was really intended, it’s more like other parts were forgotten in an attempt to bring the central plot line to a close.
Audiobook only: I didn’t like the narration, just wasn’t very engaging and slightly boring.
Would recommend this book but I do have reservations. Good and intriguing but not great.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books for a pre-publication audiobook copy of this book, this is my honest voluntary review.
The plot follows a 3rd person account of Jude and Qadir at different points in their life. Jude grew up in Clarksville, Washington (state) after being adopted, with a good childhood and memories spend in the boys scouts as his father Tom was the town’s scout master and middle school principle. Tom and his mother Doris both loved Jude lots as wasn’t able to conceive a child naturally. He got on well in school and moved to Seattle for university, staying to work and settling. He reconnects with a school friend, Connor, who pushes him to pursue a childhood dream as “the one thing that’s become clear to me in all this is that if you have any big plan that you hope to accomplish in life, don’t put it off for later” so he sets out to Kenya to visit the grave of the scout founder Lord Baten Powell and captain Tom Wilson. Interspersed are chapters with Qadir at the centre, who grew up under the supervisor of his uncle Hussain and family after his dad died in Nairobi, Kenya. He too was smart but because of being from Somali heritage, faced discrimination in his life which is worsened after a Somali terrorist attack. I won’t say how but when Jude travels to Kenya, the two men meet and there is more to the story but I don’t want to give any spoilers away.
The characters I would say were the best part, there is nuance and you do like them. Development and complexity can be seen as the story unfolds and you feel for them at certain points. Connor I think was my favourite character and his storyline just agh my heart. The writing is also quite good, eloquent and well crafted in places but nothing that stands out in all honesty. I liked the split character narrative but it’s about 70/30 (or even more) from Jude’s perspective so I would have liked a more even division and to have explored Qadir’s life more so. The plot is once again okay but not that gripping - it’s definitely not boring and I was intrigued but like I dunno, pretty average. There is kind of multiple plot lines and the book takes a few too many tangents as well, for the first 50% and some I was unsure exactly where it was going or trying to do. It does come together better towards the end but I was left with questions and other plot lines not fully being rounded off - I don’t think ambiguity was really intended, it’s more like other parts were forgotten in an attempt to bring the central plot line to a close.
Audiobook only: I didn’t like the narration, just wasn’t very engaging and slightly boring.
Would recommend this book but I do have reservations. Good and intriguing but not great.
June 9, 2023
I just finished this audiobook.
A coming of age and finding oneself on the trip of a lifetime to Nairobi.
Jude, an African American child, adopted by a Caucasian family in Minneapolis. It takes us on a good background of Jude's history, parents, and friends. Do not skip the prologue!
He is very drawn to scouting as his father, Tom Wilson, is head Scout Master of his troop. His scout troop included his best friend Connor, with whom he keeps in touch with.
The untimely death of his best friend and an unexpected health condition with his father, sends Jude on a self-journey of a lifetime to Nairobi to discover and pay homage to the gravesite of Lord Baden-Powell, who wrote the 1st scouting handbook.
However, during his travel, he had some unexpected events that almost cost him his life.
In the end, it was still the trip of a lifetime, and he made a wonderous and heartfelt discovery.
My only regret, I needed closure on the ending.
The narrator was not monotone, conveyed enthusiasm, sorrow, and delight were needed. Kept it upbeat and easy to follow.
Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for advanced audiobook access. Review also posted on Goodreads, but the editions have not been updated yet, so I had to use "kindle" copy to submit.
A coming of age and finding oneself on the trip of a lifetime to Nairobi.
Jude, an African American child, adopted by a Caucasian family in Minneapolis. It takes us on a good background of Jude's history, parents, and friends. Do not skip the prologue!
He is very drawn to scouting as his father, Tom Wilson, is head Scout Master of his troop. His scout troop included his best friend Connor, with whom he keeps in touch with.
The untimely death of his best friend and an unexpected health condition with his father, sends Jude on a self-journey of a lifetime to Nairobi to discover and pay homage to the gravesite of Lord Baden-Powell, who wrote the 1st scouting handbook.
However, during his travel, he had some unexpected events that almost cost him his life.
In the end, it was still the trip of a lifetime, and he made a wonderous and heartfelt discovery.
My only regret, I needed closure on the ending.
The narrator was not monotone, conveyed enthusiasm, sorrow, and delight were needed. Kept it upbeat and easy to follow.
Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for advanced audiobook access. Review also posted on Goodreads, but the editions have not been updated yet, so I had to use "kindle" copy to submit.
February 23, 2023
This was a pleasant book to listen to, likable characters and good writing. However, the revelation is very anticlimactic albeit abrupt. You learn about it and then the book is over. It was a very odd ending.
January 4, 2024
This was a nice book to listen to. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters. All were likeable. The writing was strong and articulate. I did not care for the abrupt ending and a revelation that, I felt, needed more attention. I gave this a 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
February 15, 2023
I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I will first say read the book and skip the audiobook. The reader’s voice and cadence was droll and not a good fit for this book.
This book follows the independent then overlapping journeys of Black American Jude, adopted at birth by a white couple in a small Washington State town, and Quadir, a Somali-born Kenyan who was raised by his uncle and aunt. Jude embarks on a journey to Kenya to visit the graves of long dead white men that were revered by his adoptive father. He encounters both incredible people and real dangers along the way.
I enjoyed this book overall. The writing held my attention and moved me in simple ways through the interactions of the characters and descriptions of Kenya. Jude is impossibly naive, and I believe that this was intentional. As a Black American, it was painful for me to read his experiences navigating the world even in America, but I could see how it could happen with his idyllic upbringing.
I do feel that this book was rushed. I believe that more detail could have been given to the lives of both men. I also felt jarred by some of the time jumps in between chapters.
The book is quick read and worth the time it takes even if it leaves you wishing for more.
I will first say read the book and skip the audiobook. The reader’s voice and cadence was droll and not a good fit for this book.
This book follows the independent then overlapping journeys of Black American Jude, adopted at birth by a white couple in a small Washington State town, and Quadir, a Somali-born Kenyan who was raised by his uncle and aunt. Jude embarks on a journey to Kenya to visit the graves of long dead white men that were revered by his adoptive father. He encounters both incredible people and real dangers along the way.
I enjoyed this book overall. The writing held my attention and moved me in simple ways through the interactions of the characters and descriptions of Kenya. Jude is impossibly naive, and I believe that this was intentional. As a Black American, it was painful for me to read his experiences navigating the world even in America, but I could see how it could happen with his idyllic upbringing.
I do feel that this book was rushed. I believe that more detail could have been given to the lives of both men. I also felt jarred by some of the time jumps in between chapters.
The book is quick read and worth the time it takes even if it leaves you wishing for more.
February 7, 2023
“I see you’re one of those people who feel they have to be able to reciprocate any kindness they’re about to receive. But what if you have nothing to give yet still need help? What then?”
Thank you to Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books for early access to this ALC (audiobook listening copy). And a big thank you to the author, Ndirangu Githaiga, as well.
Below is my honest review. I have formatted it into a couple primary lists of things I liked and things I disliked, and close by summarizing those thoughts.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars
Things I liked:
- Prose was clever and had fun phraseology throughout
- Both Jude's and Qadir’s individual stories were interesting, and the book did a good job of making you eager to keep reading so you could find out how their stories intertwined
- Most of the characters were mature and thoughtful, even outside of the main characters. I found there were many nuggets of wisdom provided throughout the story as the main characters received help from others
- In addition to to wisdom and maturity, there was plenty of good natured humor throughout
- Explores racism in both America and Kenya.
- I was on the author’s website after reading the book to look into some of his other works, and the following was written in his ‘about’ section: “He guides his readers to examine the shades of gray that exist between our unique challenges, triumphs, and perspectives.” This is entirely accurate and I think a great depiction of what the author achieves in this story!
Things I disliked:
- The storytelling style I don’t necessarily dislike, but it isn’t a favorite of mine. It’s very matter of fact and straightforward, and the character POVs don’t necessarily feel like they have their own distinct “voice”
- The narration also wasn’t one I preferred; I felt more like I was being read “at” versus feeling like I was fully immersed in the story
- The “disastrous taxi ride and ensuing case of mistaken identity” were mentioned in the book synopsis, but the book doesn’t get to where these events start to take shape until ~70% through the story. I think this worked for the way the story was written and paced, but because it was mentioned in the synopsis, I unfortunately spent much of my time reading wondering when these events would take place, pulling my focus from the excellent setup being built along the way by the author.
- [SPOILERS -->] I found it a little unrealistic that Jude did all the research he did leading up to the trip but didn’t somehow learn about the ongoing terrorism within the country he was planning to visit as well as general international travel safety tips. It felt as though he didn’t know of these things solely for the purpose of moving the plot forward with his travel faux pas. This would be less glaring to me if the book didn’t emphasize how much he researched his trip ahead of time.
Overall, this was an engaging story that drew me in quickly and made me care about the characters and their journeys. I really appreciated the author’s clever writing and the maturity his characters portrayed. It felt like I was learning something every few chapters as various characters dispensed pieces of knowledge and personal truths, causing me to stop to jot things down and mull over later. While the big “action” of the story doesn’t appear until much later on, the build up to these climactic events is thoroughly enjoyable. Looking back, I probably would have preferred to read this book instead of listening to the audiobook, just as a personal preference for a different narration style.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bon Esprit Books for early access to this ALC (audiobook listening copy). And a big thank you to the author, Ndirangu Githaiga, as well.
Below is my honest review. I have formatted it into a couple primary lists of things I liked and things I disliked, and close by summarizing those thoughts.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars
Things I liked:
- Prose was clever and had fun phraseology throughout
- Both Jude's and Qadir’s individual stories were interesting, and the book did a good job of making you eager to keep reading so you could find out how their stories intertwined
- Most of the characters were mature and thoughtful, even outside of the main characters. I found there were many nuggets of wisdom provided throughout the story as the main characters received help from others
- In addition to to wisdom and maturity, there was plenty of good natured humor throughout
- Explores racism in both America and Kenya.
- I was on the author’s website after reading the book to look into some of his other works, and the following was written in his ‘about’ section: “He guides his readers to examine the shades of gray that exist between our unique challenges, triumphs, and perspectives.” This is entirely accurate and I think a great depiction of what the author achieves in this story!
Things I disliked:
- The storytelling style I don’t necessarily dislike, but it isn’t a favorite of mine. It’s very matter of fact and straightforward, and the character POVs don’t necessarily feel like they have their own distinct “voice”
- The narration also wasn’t one I preferred; I felt more like I was being read “at” versus feeling like I was fully immersed in the story
- The “disastrous taxi ride and ensuing case of mistaken identity” were mentioned in the book synopsis, but the book doesn’t get to where these events start to take shape until ~70% through the story. I think this worked for the way the story was written and paced, but because it was mentioned in the synopsis, I unfortunately spent much of my time reading wondering when these events would take place, pulling my focus from the excellent setup being built along the way by the author.
- [SPOILERS -->] I found it a little unrealistic that Jude did all the research he did leading up to the trip but didn’t somehow learn about the ongoing terrorism within the country he was planning to visit as well as general international travel safety tips. It felt as though he didn’t know of these things solely for the purpose of moving the plot forward with his travel faux pas. This would be less glaring to me if the book didn’t emphasize how much he researched his trip ahead of time.
Overall, this was an engaging story that drew me in quickly and made me care about the characters and their journeys. I really appreciated the author’s clever writing and the maturity his characters portrayed. It felt like I was learning something every few chapters as various characters dispensed pieces of knowledge and personal truths, causing me to stop to jot things down and mull over later. While the big “action” of the story doesn’t appear until much later on, the build up to these climactic events is thoroughly enjoyable. Looking back, I probably would have preferred to read this book instead of listening to the audiobook, just as a personal preference for a different narration style.
August 19, 2023
Place of Cool Water
By: Ndirangu Githaiga
Place of Cool Water takes place between Washington state and Nairobi, Kenya and follows a young man be the name of Jude Wilson. Jude works a low to mid level position in publishing, where he unconsciously battles to overcome workplace biases. After a personal tragedy, Jude sets out on a journey to visit the graves of two prominent Boy Scout figures who are buried in Kenya and hold a strong childhood connection to Jude. While on this journey, a case of mistaken identity leads Jude to a version of himself that he could have never imagined.
The characters that we meet along the way had so much potential and I believe that if the book was longer, there would have been more opportunity to flesh them out. As it is, they felt a bit undone. Jude should an inkling of growth by the end of the book, but with all that he had gone through, it felt like such a small step. Qadir, who is a significant part of the story and can almost be considered another protagonist; simple ends up feeling like a supporting character for Jude,due to a lack of balance in the storytelling.
I really appreciated the themes of family, loss and the idea of home that the author explores. I also recognized the attempt to touch on racism and xenophobia. With more space and pages, I think we would have gotten more “meat.”
Overall the book had some really beautiful moments and the writing flowed well and was easy to follow. Still, the story felt a bit disjointed. I don,t want to say that it was all over the place, but it was close. By the end, I believe I understood why the author chose to make the characters’ stories appear so random and unconnected, but I didn’t love the way that it was done.
I did not enjoy the narrator for the audiobook. It very much felt as though I was listening to a commercial or documentary. There were moments in the story that likely should have hit an emotional tone, but I wasn’t able to fully connect with those moments, because the narrator did not inject any emotion. I did not mind the narrator’s voice in general, but he was not a good fit for this story. I think I would have had a better experience if I had read a physical copy of the book.
By: Ndirangu Githaiga
Place of Cool Water takes place between Washington state and Nairobi, Kenya and follows a young man be the name of Jude Wilson. Jude works a low to mid level position in publishing, where he unconsciously battles to overcome workplace biases. After a personal tragedy, Jude sets out on a journey to visit the graves of two prominent Boy Scout figures who are buried in Kenya and hold a strong childhood connection to Jude. While on this journey, a case of mistaken identity leads Jude to a version of himself that he could have never imagined.
The characters that we meet along the way had so much potential and I believe that if the book was longer, there would have been more opportunity to flesh them out. As it is, they felt a bit undone. Jude should an inkling of growth by the end of the book, but with all that he had gone through, it felt like such a small step. Qadir, who is a significant part of the story and can almost be considered another protagonist; simple ends up feeling like a supporting character for Jude,due to a lack of balance in the storytelling.
I really appreciated the themes of family, loss and the idea of home that the author explores. I also recognized the attempt to touch on racism and xenophobia. With more space and pages, I think we would have gotten more “meat.”
Overall the book had some really beautiful moments and the writing flowed well and was easy to follow. Still, the story felt a bit disjointed. I don,t want to say that it was all over the place, but it was close. By the end, I believe I understood why the author chose to make the characters’ stories appear so random and unconnected, but I didn’t love the way that it was done.
I did not enjoy the narrator for the audiobook. It very much felt as though I was listening to a commercial or documentary. There were moments in the story that likely should have hit an emotional tone, but I wasn’t able to fully connect with those moments, because the narrator did not inject any emotion. I did not mind the narrator’s voice in general, but he was not a good fit for this story. I think I would have had a better experience if I had read a physical copy of the book.
November 21, 2023
A Tale of Two Worlds Come Together
To began with, the story line of Place of Cool Waters is really moving. A story of two men who are guided by destiny to meet in each other's path. Jude Wilson, a boy who lived pleasures life with memorable childhood in Clarksville, Washington. As an ideal life should, surrounded by friends and family, Jude goes through
Life changes when his friend, Conor, a soccer player loses his battle to cancer. Conor was a man with a lively heart and the bond between both was a emotional one. After death of Conor, Jude decides to visit Paxtu, Kenya to pay homage to a childhood hero Robert Baden-Powell. Things unfold quite other way as he meets Qadir who was a bright young student, now working in Nairobi, finds himself entangled in the misery of life.
The novel is divided into two parts, the first of which follows Jude's journey to Kenya. Githaiga does an excellent job of bringing Kenya to life through his vivid descriptions of the country's landscape and culture. He also explores the themes of race, discrimination, and privilege through Jude's experiences as a Black man in Kenya.
The second part of the novel follows Qadir's story. Githaiga paints a sympathetic portrait of Qadir, who is struggling to make a life for himself in Kenya. He is also facing discrimination because of his status as a foreigner.
The two stories converge in the end, and the reader is left with a sense of hope and possibility. Githaiga's novel is a powerful and moving story about two young men who are trying to find their place in the world. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Overall, Place of Cool Waters is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. Githaiga is a talented storyteller who has crafted a story that is both entertaining and insightful.
The only criticism I will make is I found the novel's pacing to be a bit uneven at times. The first part of the novel moves at a slower pace, while the second part is more fast-paced. However, I really liked the development of the characters, particularly Jude and Qadir. This novel focuses a lot on identity which is fascinating because it serves as module reflection of the world we live in.
The novel theme is vastly set-up, from high standard neighborhood of Washington to struggling streets of Kenya, the content is extremely relatable with its political, cultural and social theme. Most importantly, Githaiga has succeeded in depicting the life from Jude and Qadir's perspective, what they go through and how they encounter it. I really enjoyed Place of Cool Waters and would recommend it to others.
To began with, the story line of Place of Cool Waters is really moving. A story of two men who are guided by destiny to meet in each other's path. Jude Wilson, a boy who lived pleasures life with memorable childhood in Clarksville, Washington. As an ideal life should, surrounded by friends and family, Jude goes through
Life changes when his friend, Conor, a soccer player loses his battle to cancer. Conor was a man with a lively heart and the bond between both was a emotional one. After death of Conor, Jude decides to visit Paxtu, Kenya to pay homage to a childhood hero Robert Baden-Powell. Things unfold quite other way as he meets Qadir who was a bright young student, now working in Nairobi, finds himself entangled in the misery of life.
The novel is divided into two parts, the first of which follows Jude's journey to Kenya. Githaiga does an excellent job of bringing Kenya to life through his vivid descriptions of the country's landscape and culture. He also explores the themes of race, discrimination, and privilege through Jude's experiences as a Black man in Kenya.
The second part of the novel follows Qadir's story. Githaiga paints a sympathetic portrait of Qadir, who is struggling to make a life for himself in Kenya. He is also facing discrimination because of his status as a foreigner.
The two stories converge in the end, and the reader is left with a sense of hope and possibility. Githaiga's novel is a powerful and moving story about two young men who are trying to find their place in the world. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Overall, Place of Cool Waters is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. Githaiga is a talented storyteller who has crafted a story that is both entertaining and insightful.
The only criticism I will make is I found the novel's pacing to be a bit uneven at times. The first part of the novel moves at a slower pace, while the second part is more fast-paced. However, I really liked the development of the characters, particularly Jude and Qadir. This novel focuses a lot on identity which is fascinating because it serves as module reflection of the world we live in.
The novel theme is vastly set-up, from high standard neighborhood of Washington to struggling streets of Kenya, the content is extremely relatable with its political, cultural and social theme. Most importantly, Githaiga has succeeded in depicting the life from Jude and Qadir's perspective, what they go through and how they encounter it. I really enjoyed Place of Cool Waters and would recommend it to others.
March 7, 2023
I love the concept of this book. Jude Wilson is a black man who was adopted as a baby and raised in the Pacific Northwest by a well-off (and very white) family. After his friend becomes sick, he feels an urge to visit the graves of his and his father"s (mostly his father"s) Boy Scout heroes. The thing is- these graves are in Kenya. Once Jude arrives in Kenya, he faces some unimaginable circumstances: both good and bad. Through the challenges he is faces with a new perspective of family and home.
I appreciate that the book attempts to address the themes of identity, discrimination, and family. I think if you are someone who likes simple, direct, writing with a simple and direct story, this book could be for you. However, while I love the concept, I felt that the book could have addressed the themes better and portrayed the story in a more engaging way. The biggest obstacles between me and loving this book are:
1. I really feel like Jude exists to make white people comfortable- both in the book and for white readers. There is a scene in the novel where Jude faces blatant discrimination, and he seems mostly apathetic about it. I was expecting some sort of character development in which he reconciles his apathy, but (sorry- spoiler) he doesn't.
2. There is no difference in tone/vocabulary/perspective between the narrator and ALL of the characters. This drove me crazy. I want to close my eyes and hear the characters, but they all blended together.
3. Similar to number 2, there is too much explanation in the descriptions. Let us readers figure things out!
4. I listened to the audiobook version, and I wish another audiobook narrator was chosen. About 20% into the book, I was really feeling like the voice was too "newscaster" sounding and Googled the narrator out of curiosity. I was not surprised to find that he mostly reads for nonfiction book.
Despite my qualms, I like that the book made me question aspects of society and perspective. This is one of the best things a book can do.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for providing the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
I appreciate that the book attempts to address the themes of identity, discrimination, and family. I think if you are someone who likes simple, direct, writing with a simple and direct story, this book could be for you. However, while I love the concept, I felt that the book could have addressed the themes better and portrayed the story in a more engaging way. The biggest obstacles between me and loving this book are:
1. I really feel like Jude exists to make white people comfortable- both in the book and for white readers. There is a scene in the novel where Jude faces blatant discrimination, and he seems mostly apathetic about it. I was expecting some sort of character development in which he reconciles his apathy, but (sorry- spoiler) he doesn't.
2. There is no difference in tone/vocabulary/perspective between the narrator and ALL of the characters. This drove me crazy. I want to close my eyes and hear the characters, but they all blended together.
3. Similar to number 2, there is too much explanation in the descriptions. Let us readers figure things out!
4. I listened to the audiobook version, and I wish another audiobook narrator was chosen. About 20% into the book, I was really feeling like the voice was too "newscaster" sounding and Googled the narrator out of curiosity. I was not surprised to find that he mostly reads for nonfiction book.
Despite my qualms, I like that the book made me question aspects of society and perspective. This is one of the best things a book can do.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for providing the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
November 27, 2023
Place of Cool Waters by Ndirangu Githaiga follows Jude Wilson, who travels to From Clarksville US to Nairobi, Kenya, to visit the graves of his childhood Boy Scout heroes. During his trip, he meets Qadir Mohamed, the manager of the youth hostel where he is staying, and they develop a valuable friendship. Things take an unexpected turn when he leaves Nairobi in search of the Powel's resting place and he uncovers some things about the world and his roots that will change his life forever.
The novel explores the cultural differences between Jude's hometown of Clarksville and Nairobi, and explores themes such as colonialism, history, terrorism, and family, with a balanced and nuanced perspective.
The book is written in a clear and engaging style, with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters. The author does a great job of portraying the contrast and similarities between Kenya and America, as well as the different perspectives and experiences of the people living in both places. The book also offers a rich and diverse historical background and shows how event affect not only the political landscape, but also the personal lives of the characters.
The book's main strength is its characterization. Jude is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, who is somewhat naïve but very endearing. His parents are also well-developed characters with their own peculiarities and motivations, which contribute to the plot and the themes of the book.
The narrator of the audio version does a decent job of conveying the emotions and tones of the story. However, he struggles with pronouncing some of the Kenyan names and words correctly. It would have been better if the book was narrated by someone who was more familiar with the Kenyan language and culture.
I found Place of Cool Waters to be a poignant, engaging, and entertaining novel that offers a unique and insightful look into the lives people living in Bible Belt America and rural Kenya. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The novel explores the cultural differences between Jude's hometown of Clarksville and Nairobi, and explores themes such as colonialism, history, terrorism, and family, with a balanced and nuanced perspective.
The book is written in a clear and engaging style, with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters. The author does a great job of portraying the contrast and similarities between Kenya and America, as well as the different perspectives and experiences of the people living in both places. The book also offers a rich and diverse historical background and shows how event affect not only the political landscape, but also the personal lives of the characters.
The book's main strength is its characterization. Jude is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, who is somewhat naïve but very endearing. His parents are also well-developed characters with their own peculiarities and motivations, which contribute to the plot and the themes of the book.
The narrator of the audio version does a decent job of conveying the emotions and tones of the story. However, he struggles with pronouncing some of the Kenyan names and words correctly. It would have been better if the book was narrated by someone who was more familiar with the Kenyan language and culture.
I found Place of Cool Waters to be a poignant, engaging, and entertaining novel that offers a unique and insightful look into the lives people living in Bible Belt America and rural Kenya. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
February 23, 2023
Place of Cool Waters is a novel about two young Black men, one living in the United States and the other in Kenya. Jude, who lives in the small town of Clarksville, Washington, was adopted by a white couple. Qadir, raised by his uncle and aunt following the deaths of his parents, lives in Nairobi, Kenya.
Jude has an unremarkable, happy childhood in Clarksville, despite it being a small "lily-white" town. An only child, his favorite activity is camping with his dad - hiking, fishing, and swimming in creeks. Jude feels particularly proud when he is able to use the tools learned in Boy Scouts to follow a subtle trail left by his father.
Qadir grows up in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Nairobia with his uncle, aunt, and two cousins. In his free time, Qadir helps his uncle at his kiosk where he sells essential household items in smaller quantities than those sold at the bigger grocery stores, and thus more affordable to many of the local people. Qadir attends college but does not have a very exciting job since there are not many positions for history majors.
Jude's father's dream of going to Kenya to visit the graves of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and Captain Tom Wilson, founding scoutmaster of the Nairobi, Kenya Boy Scout troop, send Jude there in his place. It is at this point in the book that the dual storylines merge.
Author Ndirangu Githaiga addresses the topics of family, hopes and dreams, as well as the harsher issues of racism and grief. His writing flows easily and reads quickly. His manner of infusing the reader with characters' personalities and towns' identities in an indirect way is masterful. His renderings of landscapes and even simple surroundings are beautiful.
I enjoyed the book although the ending seemed a bit predictable after the hints the author left and more cinematic than literary. I do plan to read Mr. Githaiga's other books, as I enjoyed his writing style.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for the ARC.
Jude has an unremarkable, happy childhood in Clarksville, despite it being a small "lily-white" town. An only child, his favorite activity is camping with his dad - hiking, fishing, and swimming in creeks. Jude feels particularly proud when he is able to use the tools learned in Boy Scouts to follow a subtle trail left by his father.
Qadir grows up in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Nairobia with his uncle, aunt, and two cousins. In his free time, Qadir helps his uncle at his kiosk where he sells essential household items in smaller quantities than those sold at the bigger grocery stores, and thus more affordable to many of the local people. Qadir attends college but does not have a very exciting job since there are not many positions for history majors.
Jude's father's dream of going to Kenya to visit the graves of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and Captain Tom Wilson, founding scoutmaster of the Nairobi, Kenya Boy Scout troop, send Jude there in his place. It is at this point in the book that the dual storylines merge.
Author Ndirangu Githaiga addresses the topics of family, hopes and dreams, as well as the harsher issues of racism and grief. His writing flows easily and reads quickly. His manner of infusing the reader with characters' personalities and towns' identities in an indirect way is masterful. His renderings of landscapes and even simple surroundings are beautiful.
I enjoyed the book although the ending seemed a bit predictable after the hints the author left and more cinematic than literary. I do plan to read Mr. Githaiga's other books, as I enjoyed his writing style.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bon Esprit Books for the ARC.
November 28, 2023
Place of Cool Waters, by Ndirangu Githaiga, is a story that follows two protagonists – Jude Wilson and Qadir Mohamed – on a journey of self-discovery. Jude journeys to Kenya after heeding the advice of someone he lost. Qadir navigates violence and ignorance as he tries to carve a life out for himself in Nairobi. Both, in need of a friend, meet each other at the right time.
Ndirangu Githaiga has an impressive ability to capture backstory in cleverly written, never boring, descriptions. He does this by constantly showing and not telling. For example, Jude’s adoption was turned into a rather interesting story that characterizes Doris and Tom. That detail could have been a single sentence, but the story allowed the reader into an extremely heartwarming moment.
The same treatment extends to the characterization of Clarksville. Instead of telling the reader what makes Clarksville interesting, the author expertly uses a detail about farmers arguing Aristotle to infestations. While showing and not telling seems like a no brainer, Ndirangu Githaiga’s writing talent is on full display with his ability to maximize detail.
While the detail was wonderful within the novel, I did find myself confused by the author’s use of dates. In both the prologue and first chapter, Ndirangu Githaiga uses dates to cue the reader in to the scene in an effective way. However, after those chapter the dates become less frequent. That was disappointing, as there were a couple chapters that could have benefited from a date to orient the reader in the novel’s timeline.
Overall, Place of Cool Waters is a great piece of literary fiction. It carries a strong narrative and sub-narrative. The novel boasts excellent characterization, along with a satisfying ending that answers a question established straight from the prologue. If this book sounds even remotely interesting, I would suggest giving it a read.
Ndirangu Githaiga has an impressive ability to capture backstory in cleverly written, never boring, descriptions. He does this by constantly showing and not telling. For example, Jude’s adoption was turned into a rather interesting story that characterizes Doris and Tom. That detail could have been a single sentence, but the story allowed the reader into an extremely heartwarming moment.
The same treatment extends to the characterization of Clarksville. Instead of telling the reader what makes Clarksville interesting, the author expertly uses a detail about farmers arguing Aristotle to infestations. While showing and not telling seems like a no brainer, Ndirangu Githaiga’s writing talent is on full display with his ability to maximize detail.
While the detail was wonderful within the novel, I did find myself confused by the author’s use of dates. In both the prologue and first chapter, Ndirangu Githaiga uses dates to cue the reader in to the scene in an effective way. However, after those chapter the dates become less frequent. That was disappointing, as there were a couple chapters that could have benefited from a date to orient the reader in the novel’s timeline.
Overall, Place of Cool Waters is a great piece of literary fiction. It carries a strong narrative and sub-narrative. The novel boasts excellent characterization, along with a satisfying ending that answers a question established straight from the prologue. If this book sounds even remotely interesting, I would suggest giving it a read.
March 12, 2023
Thanks to Bon Esprit Books through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book.
There are many wonderful elements to “Place of Cool Waters”. The book follows the early lives of two characters born in opposite parts of the world. Jude Wilson is black orphan who was adopted by a childless white couple in Washington State, US. Jude’s father is a boy scout leader who instilled his love of scouting and boy scout history into his son. Qadir Mohamed is the orphaned child of Somali immigrants living in Nairobi, Kenya. Qadir lives with his uncle’s family and they are Muslims in a majority Christian country. Both Jude and Qadir have to try and make their way in the world as minorities in a sometimes hostile majority culture.
The author, Ndirangu Githaiga, is a doctor from Kenya who has traveled around the world and now lives in the U.S. An interesting thing he does in the book is that when he is following Qadir, Githaiga will often write the dialogue in the local language (sometimes Somali, and sometimes Swahili I believe) and then he will provide an English translation. He is a relatively new author and this is his third book. The English dialogue in the book is a little wooden, but American English at least is not his first language. I wasn’t sure if all the elements in the book had a connection to, or developed the plot, but I might change my mind on a second reading.
Overall, this book is definitely worth reading for a look at life in Kenya and America. I want to read Githaiga’s other books now.
I listened to the audio version of this book. Lee Goettl did a good job reading the book, but I wish they had gotten a Kenyan-American or Somali-American to narrate it because of all the dialogue in African languages.
There are many wonderful elements to “Place of Cool Waters”. The book follows the early lives of two characters born in opposite parts of the world. Jude Wilson is black orphan who was adopted by a childless white couple in Washington State, US. Jude’s father is a boy scout leader who instilled his love of scouting and boy scout history into his son. Qadir Mohamed is the orphaned child of Somali immigrants living in Nairobi, Kenya. Qadir lives with his uncle’s family and they are Muslims in a majority Christian country. Both Jude and Qadir have to try and make their way in the world as minorities in a sometimes hostile majority culture.
The author, Ndirangu Githaiga, is a doctor from Kenya who has traveled around the world and now lives in the U.S. An interesting thing he does in the book is that when he is following Qadir, Githaiga will often write the dialogue in the local language (sometimes Somali, and sometimes Swahili I believe) and then he will provide an English translation. He is a relatively new author and this is his third book. The English dialogue in the book is a little wooden, but American English at least is not his first language. I wasn’t sure if all the elements in the book had a connection to, or developed the plot, but I might change my mind on a second reading.
Overall, this book is definitely worth reading for a look at life in Kenya and America. I want to read Githaiga’s other books now.
I listened to the audio version of this book. Lee Goettl did a good job reading the book, but I wish they had gotten a Kenyan-American or Somali-American to narrate it because of all the dialogue in African languages.
November 13, 2023
Navigating the cool waters: A tale of distant identities
Place of Cool Waters offers a profound literary journey into the heart of Kenya, exploring the multifaceted experiences of the two main characters, Jude and Qadir, against the backdrop of a nation undergoing significant cultural and social transformations. Ndirangu Githaiga's narrative is richly textured, weaving together the personal and the political to create a tapestry that captures the essence of a nation in flux. The novel unfolds, primarily, in relation to Nairobi, a symbolic setting that becomes a microcosm reflecting the intricacies of community life, cultural shifts, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
The strength of Githaiga's storytelling lies in his ability to intricately connect the individual narratives of the characters with the broader context of Kenya (and the United States). The novel masterfully navigates the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and globalisation's impact on ordinary people's lives. As characters grapple with personal challenges, societal expectations, and a drive for travelling, the novel emerges as a poignant reflection on the ongoing quest for selfhood and belonging.
Place of Cool Waters is a literary testament to the nuanced storytelling that brings the vibrancy of antithetical regions of the world. Githaiga's prose is both evocative and insightful, and a great invitation for fiction readers who enjoy stories extending over great geographical distances.
Place of Cool Waters offers a profound literary journey into the heart of Kenya, exploring the multifaceted experiences of the two main characters, Jude and Qadir, against the backdrop of a nation undergoing significant cultural and social transformations. Ndirangu Githaiga's narrative is richly textured, weaving together the personal and the political to create a tapestry that captures the essence of a nation in flux. The novel unfolds, primarily, in relation to Nairobi, a symbolic setting that becomes a microcosm reflecting the intricacies of community life, cultural shifts, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
The strength of Githaiga's storytelling lies in his ability to intricately connect the individual narratives of the characters with the broader context of Kenya (and the United States). The novel masterfully navigates the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and globalisation's impact on ordinary people's lives. As characters grapple with personal challenges, societal expectations, and a drive for travelling, the novel emerges as a poignant reflection on the ongoing quest for selfhood and belonging.
Place of Cool Waters is a literary testament to the nuanced storytelling that brings the vibrancy of antithetical regions of the world. Githaiga's prose is both evocative and insightful, and a great invitation for fiction readers who enjoy stories extending over great geographical distances.
November 14, 2023
Jude is a young Black man growing up as the adopted son of a respected Boy Scout leader in Washington State. In childhood, his father taught him woodcraft and survival skills, and he has always nurtured a desire to travel to Kenya and visit the graves of two men who influenced the Boy Scout organization and his father's life. When a friend is diagnosed with a rare and lethal cancer, and his father too experiences a health crisis, Jude decides not to delay his plans any longer.
Meanwhile, Qadir is growing up in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where he faces prejudice as a result of his Somali ancestry and employment challenges due to the vagaries of the market. When Jude arrives in the city on his quest, the lives of the two young men intersect in ways that almost seem to be fate. The final reveal will probably surprise no one, but it's still satisfying to watch it all play out.
This is the second novel I have read by Githaiga, after Ten Thousand Rocks. Place of Cool Waters worked better as a cohesive whole for me, although it preserves many of the pacing idiosyncrasies I noticed in the previous work. Minor plot points are given the same amount of attention as major ones, so it is difficult to tell where the main story begins. In addition to the events that I have summarized, there is workplace drama, the convoluted inheritance rules of a beloved family recipe, and detailed backstories of tangential characters. This did not especially bother me personally--it could even be said to add to the sense of realism--but it did strike me as the kind of thing that some readers might find jarring. Still, Githaiga has created a cast of relatable characters and a story that is warm without being saccharine.
Meanwhile, Qadir is growing up in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where he faces prejudice as a result of his Somali ancestry and employment challenges due to the vagaries of the market. When Jude arrives in the city on his quest, the lives of the two young men intersect in ways that almost seem to be fate. The final reveal will probably surprise no one, but it's still satisfying to watch it all play out.
This is the second novel I have read by Githaiga, after Ten Thousand Rocks. Place of Cool Waters worked better as a cohesive whole for me, although it preserves many of the pacing idiosyncrasies I noticed in the previous work. Minor plot points are given the same amount of attention as major ones, so it is difficult to tell where the main story begins. In addition to the events that I have summarized, there is workplace drama, the convoluted inheritance rules of a beloved family recipe, and detailed backstories of tangential characters. This did not especially bother me personally--it could even be said to add to the sense of realism--but it did strike me as the kind of thing that some readers might find jarring. Still, Githaiga has created a cast of relatable characters and a story that is warm without being saccharine.
December 4, 2023
Tom is befuddled when his wife Doris with no preamble tells him that they should adopt a child. This catches him by surprise because this is something that they had not considered doing in their twenty years of marriage. Tom agrees to this idea and they choose a recognized agency. Upon arrival at the agency, Doris sets her eyes on Jude and she immediately tells her husband that he is the one they will adopt. Tom asks her if she is sure about the decision and Doris is confident about it. The Wilsons grow very fond of their son and this is evident in the camping escapades that Tom has with Jude. Tom Wilson is a principal and a Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop in their town and this makes Jude a bit of a celebrity. As expected, Jude is taught wilderness camping skills by his father and camping becomes something that they love doing together. As the story unfolds, Jude decides to make a trip to Kenya to visit the gravestone of Lord Baden-Powell. He knows that this is something that his dad will love to see him do. Unfortunately, his dad is taken ill but he still tells his son to move forward with his plan. His trip to Kenya is a blessing as he gets to meet his biological brother Qadir Mohamed. He also gets to know that his original name is Warsame meaning “bearer of good news”. I love how the author of the book, “Place of Cool Waters” has kept everything simple and easy to understand. He has also listed a number of words and their meaning at the end of the book for those who do not understand his native language. I think this is very thoughtful. This is an amazing read!
November 29, 2023
"Place of Cool Waters" is Githaiga's third novel that follows the lives of two young men on opposite sides of the world, who cross paths due to unexpected circumstances. The novel switches perspectives between the two protagonists, Jude Wilson and Qadir Mohamed. Jude is a young Black man, raised as the son of a prominent white Boy Scout leader in Washington state. Qadir lives with his uncle and his uncle's family in Kenya's capital of Nairobi. Growing up, Qadir faces lots of prejudice and obstacles in his work life due to his Somali ancestry. Both young men have seemed to settle in life, accepting full time jobs that they particularly don't care for.
Jude has always dreamed of going to Kenya, to visit the graves of two Boy Scout leaders that greatly influenced his father's life. When Jude's friend is diagnosed with cancer and his own father has a health scare, Jude seizes the opportunity to make his long awaited trip. While in Kenya, Jude crosses paths with Qadir, who happens to run the hostel where Jude is staying. Despite their different backgrounds, a friendship develops between Jude and Qadir. Throughout the novel, Githaiga touches on topics such as race, privilege, and discrimination. Unfortunately, there's more emphasis on Jude and his story, which makes the plot feel unbalanced at times. The only other issue I had with the writing was that the ending felt abrupt and a bit rushed. This was an enjoyable read otherwise.
Jude has always dreamed of going to Kenya, to visit the graves of two Boy Scout leaders that greatly influenced his father's life. When Jude's friend is diagnosed with cancer and his own father has a health scare, Jude seizes the opportunity to make his long awaited trip. While in Kenya, Jude crosses paths with Qadir, who happens to run the hostel where Jude is staying. Despite their different backgrounds, a friendship develops between Jude and Qadir. Throughout the novel, Githaiga touches on topics such as race, privilege, and discrimination. Unfortunately, there's more emphasis on Jude and his story, which makes the plot feel unbalanced at times. The only other issue I had with the writing was that the ending felt abrupt and a bit rushed. This was an enjoyable read otherwise.
September 2, 2022
Place of Cool Waters is an interesting and atmospheric read made of compelling characters, intriguing plotlines, and beautiful settings. The writing has a way of painting a detailed picture of every setting, from the small, rainy Washington town where the main character is from to the lively, overwhelming city of Nairobi, Kenya. The characters of Jude and Qadir were interesting in their own unique ways. Personally, I found Qadir’s experiences being a Somali living in Kenya to be one of the most captivating elements of the story. Although Jude’s life was a little quieter before he made the big journey to Kenya, the chapters focused on his workplace, his relationship with his parents, and his childhood were compelling and had an odd yet entertaining sense of humor. Jude’s adventures in Kenya were fascinating, and the different people he met and friendships he formed only contributed to the excitement. I think more time needed to be spent on Jude and Qadir’s friendship to strengthen the bond, especially given how much they had in common despite their different backgrounds. More page time would have undoubtedly allowed for the various themes and relationships to be more fleshed out. Overall, Place of Cool Waters could have benefitted from being longer, but was still an extremely engaging read. 4.5/5
March 30, 2023
4 BIG STARS
I received the ARC audiobook thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Bon Esprit Books, for my honest and unbiased review. This novel initially took me some time to get into, but once I did, I ended up really enjoying it and actually loving the characters and story. Part of the reason is possibly because I found the narrator, Lee Goettl, an unusual choice to be the voice of this young adult, male, as well as the other characters. Don't get me wrong, Goettl is just an incredible storyteller, so just go with the narration. The theme was transporting and visually clear.
The story takes place in the state of Washington and we get to know Jude, the young man, and his loving, adoptive parents. Jude soon finds out that a very good friend of his, about his age, has terminal cancer and little time to live. The dying man encourages Jude to travel somewhere meaningful and interesting, just in case he won't be able to do it later and to take more chances in life.
While growing up, Jude and his father did a lot of work in the Scouts. This reality created the interest for Jude to take his very first trip outside of his home state of Washington and travel to Africa, where he'll be able to see the gravesite of one the 5 founders of the Scouts, British born, Robert Baden-Powell. Jude and his dad had hoped to do this together, but his father's recent illness causes Jude to plan this trip alone to where Baden-Powell is laid to rest at St. Peter's Cemetery in Nyeri. (Note of interest: His gravestone bears a circle with a dot in the center “ʘ”, which is the trail sign for “Going Home,” or “I have gone home.” from Wikipedia).
Jude's travels begin well, from staying at a friendly hostel and receiving assistance from several locals, to when it suddenly derails in a very upsetting turn of events in a taxi ride. Does Jude make it to the gravesite of his hero? There are deadly hyenas and other prey in the isolated areas Jude travels. He meets other important people during this trip and learns life lessons along the way.
The writing and narrator transported me along with Jude on this trip. It gave me all the feel-goods and will stay with me a long time.
I received the ARC audiobook thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Bon Esprit Books, for my honest and unbiased review. This novel initially took me some time to get into, but once I did, I ended up really enjoying it and actually loving the characters and story. Part of the reason is possibly because I found the narrator, Lee Goettl, an unusual choice to be the voice of this young adult, male, as well as the other characters. Don't get me wrong, Goettl is just an incredible storyteller, so just go with the narration. The theme was transporting and visually clear.
The story takes place in the state of Washington and we get to know Jude, the young man, and his loving, adoptive parents. Jude soon finds out that a very good friend of his, about his age, has terminal cancer and little time to live. The dying man encourages Jude to travel somewhere meaningful and interesting, just in case he won't be able to do it later and to take more chances in life.
While growing up, Jude and his father did a lot of work in the Scouts. This reality created the interest for Jude to take his very first trip outside of his home state of Washington and travel to Africa, where he'll be able to see the gravesite of one the 5 founders of the Scouts, British born, Robert Baden-Powell. Jude and his dad had hoped to do this together, but his father's recent illness causes Jude to plan this trip alone to where Baden-Powell is laid to rest at St. Peter's Cemetery in Nyeri. (Note of interest: His gravestone bears a circle with a dot in the center “ʘ”, which is the trail sign for “Going Home,” or “I have gone home.” from Wikipedia).
Jude's travels begin well, from staying at a friendly hostel and receiving assistance from several locals, to when it suddenly derails in a very upsetting turn of events in a taxi ride. Does Jude make it to the gravesite of his hero? There are deadly hyenas and other prey in the isolated areas Jude travels. He meets other important people during this trip and learns life lessons along the way.
The writing and narrator transported me along with Jude on this trip. It gave me all the feel-goods and will stay with me a long time.
April 4, 2023
This is a delightful and, as the internet might say, "wholesome" book, that's easy to read, and that comes with a lovely ending. It opens with a flashback scene where a baby is found on a bridge, and then we meet Jude, who was adopted by a couple in Clarkesville, Washington, in the US. We also meet Qadir, a Somali living in Nairobi, Kenya. We follow their lives as they move into adulthood, college, and work, and then Jude goes to Kenya on an adventure, and he meets Qadir.
The writing is really wonderful, reminiscent of writing in the books I read as a child, with a certain, slightly formal, cadence and style. All of the characters are great, even the villains, and this may be the flaw in the book: it is so light and wholesome that difficult subjects–for example, racism in the US, and the situation of Somali people in Kenya–lack an emotional punch. Still, the book does not pretend to be anything that it isn't, and a little light reading is sometimes needed.
Swahili and Somali dialogue are translated sentence by sentence, which disturbs the flow of the story to some degree, but is nice if you want to pick up a bit of language. I listened to the audiobook and followed along in the DRC, which is a nice new way I've found to speed-read (and I recommend it!); the audiobook is very ably narrated by Lee Goettl.
Thank you to Bon Esprit Books and to NetGalley for access.
The writing is really wonderful, reminiscent of writing in the books I read as a child, with a certain, slightly formal, cadence and style. All of the characters are great, even the villains, and this may be the flaw in the book: it is so light and wholesome that difficult subjects–for example, racism in the US, and the situation of Somali people in Kenya–lack an emotional punch. Still, the book does not pretend to be anything that it isn't, and a little light reading is sometimes needed.
Swahili and Somali dialogue are translated sentence by sentence, which disturbs the flow of the story to some degree, but is nice if you want to pick up a bit of language. I listened to the audiobook and followed along in the DRC, which is a nice new way I've found to speed-read (and I recommend it!); the audiobook is very ably narrated by Lee Goettl.
Thank you to Bon Esprit Books and to NetGalley for access.
September 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel, which follows two different characters, Jude and Qadir, who live in different parts of the world but end up at the same place at the right time in their histories. The book is fairly fast paced, though there were some parts that seemed to not necessarily add to the story.
Jude and Qadir are both content to move through life with no true ambitions. Jude has a job, but he doesn't love it or hate it, it just is. And Qadir, who lives in Nairobi, also works, but again doesn't love it or hate it...though I think he does enjoy his job at the YMCA.
I liked that Jude decided to go on his journey to Africa, though I was sad about the circumstances that brought it on. There is also the very beginning, the prologue, that I didn't think was necessary as it's clearly stated in the first chapter that Jude is adopted...
Overall, I would recommend this book. The writing was lovely, though at times I felt like some fancy words were used where simpler ones would have sufficed. I loved the twist at the end, and can't say I was expecting it, but I'm glad Jude and Qadir's journeys in life ended up having a bigger impact on them than the beginning of the book would have had the reader believe.
Jude and Qadir are both content to move through life with no true ambitions. Jude has a job, but he doesn't love it or hate it, it just is. And Qadir, who lives in Nairobi, also works, but again doesn't love it or hate it...though I think he does enjoy his job at the YMCA.
I liked that Jude decided to go on his journey to Africa, though I was sad about the circumstances that brought it on. There is also the very beginning, the prologue, that I didn't think was necessary as it's clearly stated in the first chapter that Jude is adopted...
Overall, I would recommend this book. The writing was lovely, though at times I felt like some fancy words were used where simpler ones would have sufficed. I loved the twist at the end, and can't say I was expecting it, but I'm glad Jude and Qadir's journeys in life ended up having a bigger impact on them than the beginning of the book would have had the reader believe.
January 7, 2023
4 stars
What a wonderful story full of coincidences, both happy and sad! I haven’t read much about Kenya, so it was also fun to learn about the country by proxy of Jude’s travels. I highly recommend this short novel.
[What I liked:]
•Jude, his family, his best friend in his hometown, & the many wonderful people he meets on his travels were all great characters. Even the minor characters have interesting facets we get to learn about.
•I nearly cried at the ending, it was so touching. Jude had some really bad luck, but it also led to him finding some truly amazing people & experiences.
•The prose is simple & straightforward & allowed me to really focus on the storytelling, which is detailed & carefully crafted but never overwhelming with superfluous information or flowery words.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There are some rather big coincidences that some readers may find contrived; I didn’t mind, however, because they aren’t slapdash coincidences but carefully constructed & foreshadowed. Ymmv though.
CW: racism, mentions of ethnic violence/murder/terrorism
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
What a wonderful story full of coincidences, both happy and sad! I haven’t read much about Kenya, so it was also fun to learn about the country by proxy of Jude’s travels. I highly recommend this short novel.
[What I liked:]
•Jude, his family, his best friend in his hometown, & the many wonderful people he meets on his travels were all great characters. Even the minor characters have interesting facets we get to learn about.
•I nearly cried at the ending, it was so touching. Jude had some really bad luck, but it also led to him finding some truly amazing people & experiences.
•The prose is simple & straightforward & allowed me to really focus on the storytelling, which is detailed & carefully crafted but never overwhelming with superfluous information or flowery words.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There are some rather big coincidences that some readers may find contrived; I didn’t mind, however, because they aren’t slapdash coincidences but carefully constructed & foreshadowed. Ymmv though.
CW: racism, mentions of ethnic violence/murder/terrorism
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
January 13, 2023
I received both the book and audiobook as ARCs from NetGalley.
I really enjoyed Place of Cool Waters, which I’m pretty certain is the first book I’ve read set in Kenya. I learnt so much about Kenyan culture and Nairobi sounds like an incredibly interesting place!
The two main characters the book revolves around, Qadir and Jude, seem very different at the outset and I enjoyed the background to both their lives, with Jude living with his adoptive parents in the USA in Washington State and Qadir living and working in Nairobi, but originally having come from Somalia. Both men have to deal with racism in their respective countries, and it was interesting (and frustrating) to read about what they both had to deal with.
Once their stories intertwined, the book really got going and I found the faster pace very enjoyable and sped through the last half. I do wish that there had been more from Qadir’s viewpoint during the last few chapters as I missed his side of things, particularly during the parts set in the hostel.
Definitely an excellent read for anyone wanting to learn more about Kenya, or just wanting to read a good book about travelling somewhere new.
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated, and I highly recommend listening to it as well! I both read and listened, which was great for being able to continue with the story while working or being otherwise busy.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
I really enjoyed Place of Cool Waters, which I’m pretty certain is the first book I’ve read set in Kenya. I learnt so much about Kenyan culture and Nairobi sounds like an incredibly interesting place!
The two main characters the book revolves around, Qadir and Jude, seem very different at the outset and I enjoyed the background to both their lives, with Jude living with his adoptive parents in the USA in Washington State and Qadir living and working in Nairobi, but originally having come from Somalia. Both men have to deal with racism in their respective countries, and it was interesting (and frustrating) to read about what they both had to deal with.
Once their stories intertwined, the book really got going and I found the faster pace very enjoyable and sped through the last half. I do wish that there had been more from Qadir’s viewpoint during the last few chapters as I missed his side of things, particularly during the parts set in the hostel.
Definitely an excellent read for anyone wanting to learn more about Kenya, or just wanting to read a good book about travelling somewhere new.
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated, and I highly recommend listening to it as well! I both read and listened, which was great for being able to continue with the story while working or being otherwise busy.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
February 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for access to this audiobook
Set between the Washington and Nairobi this story brings us to Jude Wilson who decides to travel halfway across the world to visit the graves of his childhood Boy Scout heroes. Growing up in the placid little Pacific Northwest town of Clarksville could never adequately prepare him for what he encounters in the vibrant, mercurial streets of Nairobi, where context defines meaning and words alone are not always sufficient to communicate across a cultural gap.
I never really got drawn into the story, it could have been in part as I didn't feel the narrator fit the story. In times I got lost between where the story was and who was telling it, particularly in the first quarter as I was learning the story, i feel a lot of the back story was unnecessary. I did enjoy the friendship between Jude and Qadir and Jude learning about the customs and practices in a new country, most people who aren't living with the call to prayer always recall their first experiences in the early hours of the morning as Jude does. It's hard to remember back to my first solo travel trip but I can imagine a lot of Jude's experiences would have been familiar.
Set between the Washington and Nairobi this story brings us to Jude Wilson who decides to travel halfway across the world to visit the graves of his childhood Boy Scout heroes. Growing up in the placid little Pacific Northwest town of Clarksville could never adequately prepare him for what he encounters in the vibrant, mercurial streets of Nairobi, where context defines meaning and words alone are not always sufficient to communicate across a cultural gap.
I never really got drawn into the story, it could have been in part as I didn't feel the narrator fit the story. In times I got lost between where the story was and who was telling it, particularly in the first quarter as I was learning the story, i feel a lot of the back story was unnecessary. I did enjoy the friendship between Jude and Qadir and Jude learning about the customs and practices in a new country, most people who aren't living with the call to prayer always recall their first experiences in the early hours of the morning as Jude does. It's hard to remember back to my first solo travel trip but I can imagine a lot of Jude's experiences would have been familiar.
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