My daughter gave me THE NO.1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY by Alexander McCall Smith for Father's Day. I have found it, and the sequels, to be full of little vignetes of African life, customs, frame of mind, etc. Each time I pick it up, I re-discover that the little book just warms my heart with the uniqueness of Africa and Africans.



I suggest you get it if you want to smile a little and remember some good times.



Has anyone else read the series? And do you agree?

Judge,

I must say you have good taste in literature. Great minds must think alike! I'm currently reading the third book in the series. I agree with all of your comments. Delightful books. I went to Botswana in 1998 (on a photo safari) so I can relate some to a lot of things in the books.

Here's the author's web site:
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/mccallsmith/

-Bob F.

I've read the whole series and also find it delightful. MY wife has listened to the Books on Tape version as well, and the reader does a good job with the storytelling and the accents.

My wife has read them all, they have piqued her interest and she might go along next year! (Then I don't have to listen to any jabs about my annual pilgrimage..). So, even if you don't read them, make sure your wife does!

Hi, JudgeG. Long time no see (last July, flight from ATL/JNB.)

I've read a couple of these and you are right. They do give you that warm, fuzzy feeling of Africa. Now that you've reminded me I'll track down copies of the others. I usually read fast but I read these very s-l-o-w-l-y to savor every word.

Russ, maybe they'll publish a few more and fully convince your wife to go! My first trip (Namibia, 2002) was on a hunting safari with my husband and one of his friends. My second trip was solo to South Africa & Botswana (photo safari, last July/Aug). I definitely encourage anyone and everyone to go at least once.

Cindy

CJW313:



Nice to hear from you again. I guess you read my posts about the 2003 safari in the Selous. What a trip! I hope you have another visit to Africa planned soon. I'll be back in Tanzania in 2005. Can't wait!



and..



Sure I remember you. Who'd forget a good looking blonde lady! Problem was, every man on the plane thought so too! Your husband is a lucky guy. I've got a great wife, but Africa is not yet in her plans... maybe I'll get her to read the No 1 DETECTIVE series.. and keep my fingers crossed.

Yes, Judge, I read about your trip and am glad you had a great time. I am jealous of every one of you that gets to go and that includes you, Mr. Tanzania 2005.

I took my daughters to Pompeii and Rome over spring break and that was to be the big trip this year. But since then I've had 2 different RT tickets reserved to Africa with my Delta FF miles but the camp dates didn't work out with the flight dates. But I haven't ruled Africa 2004 out yet.

Take your wife on a photo safari. There is nothing like it. If you want the see the photos I took last year go to http://www.pbase.com/cjw/south_africa. Several of these were taken at the bow hunting lodge where I met up with Ann - all the warthogs were taken from a pit hide there. Your daughters might enjoy them also. There aren't many "manly" pictures. I guess the trophy size game hide out even when they aren't being shot at.