The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

“IF you want to make it, all you have to do is try …” (from the back)

William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, his life was one of magic and superstition. His father was a farmer that grew tobacco and corn. They had no electricity or running water. Then one year the crops failed and the country suffered famine, followed by disease.

The back of the book talks about the windmill William built using odds and ends from his father’s farm and the local scrapyard, a windmill that brought electricity to power lights and a radio, eventually a water pump. A windmill that brought hope, but there is much more to this memoir then that. We learn about his early life, the hardship and superstition that affected his life, his curiosity to find out how things worked. When his family could no longer afford to send him to school he started a course of independent study which led to him building the windmill.

He also explains many of the customs and beliefs of his county, giving you a look into another culture.

This is a very fascinating book, written in a very relaxed manner that is enjoyable to read. I originally gave it 3 stars, then as I thought about what I wanted to put in this review, I decided that it is a better book then that and so it now has four stars.

I recommend this book.

If you would like this book,

with the name of the book in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body of the e-mail. The first person who e-mails will receive my copy of this book. It is an Advance Reader’s Edition, and the cover has some minor damage. Other then that it is in excellent condition and is a trade paperback.

The book has been claimed by a reader in Malaysia. Congratulations! Yes I have readers all over the world. It still boggles my mind.