Routes travels through the beautiful scenery of Zambia and explores the tribal diversity within the borders. It is an anti-tribalist autobiographical book that reveals the author’s experiences as a tribal hybrid. Routes aspires enlighten readers about tribalism and encourage Zambians to embrace the national motto (One Zambia, One Nation). Essentially, Routes intends to be a thought-provoking ‘literary pun’ that prompts readers to reflect on the Zambian roots that were planted in 1964 and the routes that Zambians have taken since Independence Day.
Moono Namwizye Chungu is a passionate, persistent and patriotic writer. She has a double major degree in Journalism & Media Studies AND English Literature, which she obtained from Rhodes University, South Africa. She has been published by thirteen media companies, which include: The Post Newspaper, Nkwazi Magazine, Zambia Daily Mail, Vodafone – JUMP, New Era Magazine, Vintu, Kulani Media, Women’s Words Volume II, Headwrap, Africonté, The Zambia Food Market, Grocott's Mail (South Africa), and Embezweni (South Africa). She additionally runs a blog called That Zambian Girl on WordPress. She is passionate about anti-tribalism and aspires to be recognised as an advocate for tribal unity in Zambia.
This book was nothing short of amazing. I had so much fun reading it. One of the major highlights of the book was how the beginning of each chapter made me feel like part of the setting the author described. It was also great to learn about the author and her family. My favorite chapter "Run Tribalist, Run!", the title first of all was on point, but the contents of the chapter thooo. I was extremely engrossed in reading this chapter, I found myself snapping my fingers and saying "yes, yes,yes" to almost every sentence. The book again was amazing, and I 100% recommend you to read Routes, it'll be worth it!
What I loved most about this book was how it is you to a T. It's funny, patriotic, and overall PHENOMENAL. The descriptions of specific events literally transport you to those places and those times. For example, when you spoke about the time when Zambia won AFCON. What a moment. Also, it did open up my mind more about tribalism, and as much as it is a fun read, it is very educational and informative. And I definitely feel more people should read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this short and sweet letter to Mother Zambia.
It's a great read! The author is an excellent story teller and constantly makes you as a reader feel as though you are right there as events were happening. Would highly recommend!
This book is the epitome of patriotism! Reading it gave me an understanding of why this author is referred to as "patriotic, passionate, and persistent". I love every bit of this book; from the storyline, to the way that the author narrates the plot. I also love how poetry sneaks into the book.
An accurate representation of who we are as Zambians and using the story of her own experiences, she reminds us of existing prejudices we need to heal in our societ