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These chapters mostly cover Obama's journey through Kenya in search of his roots and learning more about his father. He meets many family members, some more memorable than others. I found it a little sad and disheartening at the way that many of his family members behaved... realising that one of their own had 'made it' and although Obama doesn't use such words, it seemed like quite a few of them were greedy and out for what they could get from him moreso than wanting to build a relationship with him. I took a particular dislike to his aunt Sarah.

He has had such an interesting life!

Well I think Obama does make a commentary about the problem of over romanticising an ancestral home. Kenya clearly has it's own share of racism, political and social problems. We can gain an understanding of why his father left, as he left so many of Obama's half-siblings. In traditional African culture polygamy and chauvanism is normal. The consequences seem to be marriages without love or intimacy and children who don't really know their fathers. Obama pointed out, some customs that are harmful carry on because they are equally defended with those that are beneficial when resisting white western standards.

I apologize for taking so long to respond. The lawn service cut my cable line at my house and I've been without internet for 2 1/2 days.

There is a part in the Kenya chapters where Obama criticizes the fine treatment of tourists versus the poor treatment of fellow Kenyans. He makes a comment about how the tourists can relive a colonial fantasy of being served by Africans without feeling guilty. This made me think about a time when I was on vacation in Jamaica. I'm in a service industry so I try to tip well when I'm being served by someone else, but when I read this I couldn't help but think... is that what at least some of the employees on the beach resort thought of me and tourists like me? Was I unconsciously reliving a colonial fantasy world where I was assured of my cultures' wealth and position in the world? I had never thought of it this way before.

Hi Trish:

I am really enjoying this book. The type of treatment that you received in Jamaica is typical of countries that rely on tourism for their hard currency. In some countries, the penalties for harming tourists or damaging their property are many times more than if the offence were committed against a local.

Regards,