A+Girl+Named+Disaster

This summer I read a book called A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer. This book is about a girl named Nhamo (which in her language means disaster, hence the title) who lives in a small village in Mozambique right next to the border of Zimbabwe in Africa. She lives with her extended family because of her mother’s, Runako’s, death and her father’s disappearance. Her extended family includes her Aunt Chipo (who absolutely despises Nhamo) and her husband Uncle Kufa, Masvita (who she envies)and Ruva are Chipo’s two daughters Masvita being the oldest and Ruva being the youngest, Aunt Shuvai, Ambuya-grandmother- (Runako’s, Chipo’s, and Shuvai’s mother), Takawira (ambuya’s brother, a very old man). Everyone in her mother’s family hates her because her parents are a disgrace. When sickness strikes the village killing her family goes to visit the witch finder because they think a witch is to blame for this tragedy. When they find out an ngozi is to blame, they have to marry off Nhamo to the ngozi’s brother so they do not suffer anymore. Nhamo does not want to marry this man so she runs away to find her father and his family.I like the way the author uses fiction and truth about the beliefs of this village and how they treat one another. I have nothing bad to say about the book because it was an unbelievable book. I think that you, Virginia, would like this book because it is full of adventure and is a fun book to read. Book Review posted by Katherine Simmons

Reply Grace Flickinger A Girl Named Diaster sounds like a good book. I don't normally read books that don't take place in a time period close to today. However, the books that I have read from differnt time periods, I have really enjoyed. This book seems very sad because her family hates her. I am very interested to see what the journey is like for Nhamo to find her father. This book reminds me of so many books I have read in the past. From her running away to find her father, to her family hateing her, there are so many books that can relate to it. I can't wait to read the book and I really want to know if she finds her father! If she finds her father, her life will probably change drastically. I can't wait!

Mary Sturgis I think that this is the kind of book that I would love to read. It must really grab you and make you think about how lucky you are and how not to take things for granted. I am going to put this book down as must read and I can't wait to read it! I also really liked you review. I thought you did an amazing job laying the groundwork and giving a taste for what the book is like without giving away what will happen to Nhamo and her search to find her father. It really gives me motivation to read this book and I have no doubt that I will!

Reply by Virginia Thanks Katherine for recommending this book to me! It sounds like a lot of books I have read and enjoyed, including a book called __A Homeless Bird__, which takes place in India. In my experience, this kind of book is a little sad, but gets better at the end.Two other examples are books that I know you have read, Katherine. They are __Once Upon a Marigold__ and __Dealing with Dragons__.In both these books, the main characters are being forces to marry. Because I enjoyed those books, I agree that I might like this one! Thanks again!