Review of Inspirations from Africa

Chinedu Umeobika · Post by **Chinedu Umeobika** » 07 Oct 2024, 04:35

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Inspirations from Africa" by Mollen Rinomhota.]

4 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Poems are special works of art, and when inspired by African heritage, they surely become even more interesting pieces, don't they? Inspirations From Africa by Mollen Rinomhota is a poetry book designed to remind African children of their roots, just as the author references in the quote by Marcus Garvey: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree with no roots. The book is filled with poems structured to help readers learn, reflect, and recall the beautiful African culture, discussing significant topics that revive African traditions. The poems truly yield inspiration forged from African soil, especially from the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

The author, being from Zimbabwe, has visited various regions of Africa and hopes to bring this inspiration to readers, especially children. This book serves as a starting point on that journey. It consists of 14 poems, including "The Big Five"—which highlights Africa's most famous predators (the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the rhino, and the buffalo); "The Courtyard"—a place central to African culture where fathers and sons gather to pass on traditions through tales; "The Clay Pot"—a poem reminiscent of African kitchen culture; and "Mosi oa Tunya"—the magnificent Victoria Falls. Other poems, such as African Beauty, reflect on the inner qualities that define African beauty, such as kindness, hard work, and resilience. The poems are catchy, well-structured, and filled with African heritage. Words like "Ubuntu," "Bira," and "DzimbaDzemabwe" are used to engage readers and make them reflect on their African roots, as the book is designed primarily for an African audience.

What I like most about this book is the thought put into it. This is a work with good intentions, and the words of the poems are truly inspiring, which is another endearing aspect of the book. The writing is exceptional, making it easy to connect with the author—impressive, especially considering the target audience is children. The book contains educational African concepts that should make any reader, especially children, reflect on their African roots. I loved The Clay Pot poem the most; it reminded me of the early days when my granddad told me fables related to it. The inclusion of fascinating African pictures was also thoughtful and well done.

However, I did have some dislikes. I understand that this is a starting point and the target audience is children, but given the title of the book, I found it disappointingly shallow in its exploration of African culture. At times, it feels more like general poetic inspiration rather than being rooted specifically in African heritage. Furthermore, when something is designed to be African, it should remain true to that identity. In the Superwoman poem section, the inclusion of a picture of a non-African woman with children doesn't suit the book well. An African mother in an African community would have been a better representation. Similarly, the image of a non-African on the summit of a mountain felt out of place. Little details can take so much away from a book, and this might be no different.

Regarding errors, I found only a minor one, which I thoroughly checked and confirmed to be an error. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a stylistic choice. This shows that the book is duly professionally edited. Great job! I loved the writing style so much, too.

With everything said, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, based on my likes and dislikes outlined above. Does it seem harsh? Well, my rating is structured fairly around what I feel the book aims to achieve based on its content and title, and my dislike was tempting enough to deduct a star. This gives the author room to do even more in future books. Inspirations From Africa is a soothing, educational, funtastic, artistic, and reflective book that I recommend to everyone, not just children. I would say it's more suited for those with African roots, as it is designed to reconnect readers with their origins and heritage, especially if they have been forgotten.

******
Inspirations from Africa
View: on Bookshelves

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 11 Oct 2024, 17:34

Great review, Jason! I agree with you. If the book is about Africa and African people, then they should have used an African mother. This sounds like a very interesting book to read.

Anaïs Quesson · Post by **Anaïs Quesson** » 13 Oct 2024, 10:01

Amazing review, Jason! You skillfully detailed what makes the identity of this book. I understand why you would lower your rating to give the author room to improve. Nonetheless, I am very intrigued by this poetry collection and I would love to give it a try!

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 14 Oct 2024, 02:55

African culture is really rich in so much. It's nice to have a book that connects with children's African roots. Especially if they live in a foreign country.
Jason, The review is really great in terms of analysis and honest criticism. I also liked your comment on your rating of the review.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 16 Oct 2024, 09:54

Jason Axel wrote: ↑07 Oct 2024, 04:35 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Inspirations from Africa" by Mollen Rinomhota.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Poems are special works of art, and when inspired by African heritage, they surely become even more interesting pieces, don't they? Inspirations From Africa by Mollen Rinomhota is a poetry book designed to remind African children of their roots, just as the author references in the quote by Marcus Garvey: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree with no roots. The book is filled with poems structured to help readers learn, reflect, and recall the beautiful African culture, discussing significant topics that revive African traditions. The poems truly yield inspiration forged from African soil, especially from the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

The author, being from Zimbabwe, has visited various regions of Africa and hopes to bring this inspiration to readers, especially children. This book serves as a starting point on that journey. It consists of 14 poems, including "The Big Five"—which highlights Africa's most famous predators (the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the rhino, and the buffalo); "The Courtyard"—a place central to African culture where fathers and sons gather to pass on traditions through tales; "The Clay Pot"—a poem reminiscent of African kitchen culture; and "Mosi oa Tunya"—the magnificent Victoria Falls. Other poems, such as African Beauty, reflect on the inner qualities that define African beauty, such as kindness, hard work, and resilience. The poems are catchy, well-structured, and filled with African heritage. Words like "Ubuntu," "Bira," and "DzimbaDzemabwe" are used to engage readers and make them reflect on their African roots, as the book is designed primarily for an African audience.

What I like most about this book is the thought put into it. This is a work with good intentions, and the words of the poems are truly inspiring, which is another endearing aspect of the book. The writing is exceptional, making it easy to connect with the author—impressive, especially considering the target audience is children. The book contains educational African concepts that should make any reader, especially children, reflect on their African roots. I loved The Clay Pot poem the most; it reminded me of the early days when my granddad told me fables related to it. The inclusion of fascinating African pictures was also thoughtful and well done.

However, I did have some dislikes. I understand that this is a starting point and the target audience is children, but given the title of the book, I found it disappointingly shallow in its exploration of African culture. At times, it feels more like general poetic inspiration rather than being rooted specifically in African heritage. Furthermore, when something is designed to be African, it should remain true to that identity. In the Superwoman poem section, the inclusion of a picture of a non-African woman with children doesn't suit the book well. An African mother in an African community would have been a better representation. Similarly, the image of a non-African on the summit of a mountain felt out of place. Little details can take so much away from a book, and this might be no different.

Regarding errors, I found only a minor one, which I thoroughly checked and confirmed to be an error. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a stylistic choice. This shows that the book is duly professionally edited. Great job! I loved the writing style so much, too.

With everything said, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, based on my likes and dislikes outlined above. Does it seem harsh? Well, my rating is structured fairly around what I feel the book aims to achieve based on its content and title, and my dislike was tempting enough to deduct a star. This gives the author room to do even more in future books. Inspirations From Africa is a soothing, educational, funtastic, artistic, and reflective book that I recommend to everyone, not just children. I would say it's more suited for those with African roots, as it is designed to reconnect readers with their origins and heritage, especially if they have been forgotten.

******
Inspirations from Africa
View: on Bookshelves

Africa is a fascinating continent. I believe that the beginning of man started there and that we all have African roots. I would enjoy reading this book. I admire the elders who pass on their culture and wisdom to the youth by way of storytelling- stories that are centuries old! Thank you for reviewing this book. I am adding it to my bookshelves.

Qwerty Writes · Post by **Qwerty Writes** » 17 Oct 2024, 04:00

I love Africa and its culture. It's mostly because I live there but also because it's the only place I feel at home. Its culture is my culture. I don't know what you mean by non-African though. I have my origins in India but I was born in Africa. As well as my parents before me. My roots are from Africa so I'd love to give this book a try. Ubuntu is a familiar concept in South Africa, where I'm from, but I've heard it's a dying concept. It's one I hope will revive in our current generation and era. Your review got me excited because Africa inspires me. It's full of life and vibrant in every way. It's also what I thought when I read your review. Happy writing pal, see you in the next review!

Jason Axel wrote: ↑07 Oct 2024, 04:35 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Inspirations from Africa" by Mollen Rinomhota.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Poems are special works of art, and when inspired by African heritage, they surely become even more interesting pieces, don't they? Inspirations From Africa by Mollen Rinomhota is a poetry book designed to remind African children of their roots, just as the author references in the quote by Marcus Garvey: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree with no roots. The book is filled with poems structured to help readers learn, reflect, and recall the beautiful African culture, discussing significant topics that revive African traditions. The poems truly yield inspiration forged from African soil, especially from the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

The author, being from Zimbabwe, has visited various regions of Africa and hopes to bring this inspiration to readers, especially children. This book serves as a starting point on that journey. It consists of 14 poems, including "The Big Five"—which highlights Africa's most famous predators (the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the rhino, and the buffalo); "The Courtyard"—a place central to African culture where fathers and sons gather to pass on traditions through tales; "The Clay Pot"—a poem reminiscent of African kitchen culture; and "Mosi oa Tunya"—the magnificent Victoria Falls. Other poems, such as African Beauty, reflect on the inner qualities that define African beauty, such as kindness, hard work, and resilience. The poems are catchy, well-structured, and filled with African heritage. Words like "Ubuntu," "Bira," and "DzimbaDzemabwe" are used to engage readers and make them reflect on their African roots, as the book is designed primarily for an African audience.

What I like most about this book is the thought put into it. This is a work with good intentions, and the words of the poems are truly inspiring, which is another endearing aspect of the book. The writing is exceptional, making it easy to connect with the author—impressive, especially considering the target audience is children. The book contains educational African concepts that should make any reader, especially children, reflect on their African roots. I loved The Clay Pot poem the most; it reminded me of the early days when my granddad told me fables related to it. The inclusion of fascinating African pictures was also thoughtful and well done.

However, I did have some dislikes. I understand that this is a starting point and the target audience is children, but given the title of the book, I found it disappointingly shallow in its exploration of African culture. At times, it feels more like general poetic inspiration rather than being rooted specifically in African heritage. Furthermore, when something is designed to be African, it should remain true to that identity. In the Superwoman poem section, the inclusion of a picture of a non-African woman with children doesn't suit the book well. An African mother in an African community would have been a better representation. Similarly, the image of a non-African on the summit of a mountain felt out of place. Little details can take so much away from a book, and this might be no different.

Regarding errors, I found only a minor one, which I thoroughly checked and confirmed to be an error. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a stylistic choice. This shows that the book is duly professionally edited. Great job! I loved the writing style so much, too.

With everything said, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, based on my likes and dislikes outlined above. Does it seem harsh? Well, my rating is structured fairly around what I feel the book aims to achieve based on its content and title, and my dislike was tempting enough to deduct a star. This gives the author room to do even more in future books. Inspirations From Africa is a soothing, educational, funtastic, artistic, and reflective book that I recommend to everyone, not just children. I would say it's more suited for those with African roots, as it is designed to reconnect readers with their origins and heritage, especially if they have been forgotten.

******
Inspirations from Africa
View: on Bookshelves

Alissa Nesson · Post by **Alissa Nesson** » 17 Oct 2024, 15:10

Thanks for a wonderful review, Jason! I completely understand why you deducted a star; it makes perfect sense. It seems odd that some of the pictures didn’t really go with the book’s premise. I’m glad you enjoyed the poems for the most part, though. It sounds like a great book of poetry for African children to connect with their culture.