BOOK REVIEW: Crossroads: Women Coming of Age in Today's Uganda edited by Christopher Conte

BLURB:

They are rooted in their culture's rich traditions, yet they stand at the cutting edge of change. This is the crossroads where many Ugandan women find themselves today. With dignity and grace, they play a complex social role, balancing worldly sophistication with reverence for the values of their upbringing.

In "Crossroads," a group of these women explore the past that shaped them and the future they hope to build, telling varied stories about a rapidly changing society where they serve both as guardians of culture and harbingers of reform.

While one woman examines the cultural implications of Ugandan names, another describes being tortured in a secret prison, and a third traces the mix of African and imported religions that shaped her. One mocks girls' traditional sex education, while another voices her love of sports and a third reflects on her struggle to overcome a legacy of growing up in a war zone. All challenge social expectations, yet many view "modernization" with ambivalence.

Covering topics from sex roles to western ideas of "development," this compelling picture of the lives of women in today's Uganda, sometimes funny and sometimes tragic, provides powerful testimony to the strength of the human spirit.

REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 8 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

Ummmmmm...I wouldn't really recommend this book for kids, some of the stories are okay for kids and some are not because they talk about more adult things. I had to skip over those types of stories. 

However, this is a really good book and I find it amazing to hear about these women's lives. The women really put so much into writing their stories that it is absolutely unbelievable. It is very emotional and made me cry a few times. 

My favorite stories were about the girl with sores and Metallic Glory. I enjoyed most of the chapters that were okay for me to read. 

I recommend this book for older readers that want to learn more about what third world countries and women go through. 

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 15 and up.