The Greatest "Nonfiction, Kenya" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen

    The book is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences and observations living in Kenya, then British East Africa, from 1914 to 1931. It is a lyrical meditation on her life amongst the diverse cultures and wildlife of Africa. The author shares her trials and tribulations of running a coffee plantation, her deep respect for the people and land of Africa, and her intimate understanding of the subtle nuances of African culture and society.

    The 326th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. West With the Night by Beryl Markham

    The book is a memoir of a British-born woman who grew up in Kenya during the early 20th century. She recounts her unconventional upbringing, her passion for horses, and her career as a bush pilot. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the African landscape and wildlife, as well as her personal adventures and encounters. The book culminates with her historic solo flight across the Atlantic from east to west.

    The 866th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright

    "The Looming Tower" is a comprehensive historical examination of the events leading up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. It delves into the origins of Al-Qaeda, the rise of Osama bin Laden, and the failure of U.S. intelligence agencies to prevent the attacks. The narrative is extensively researched and provides a detailed account of Islamic fundamentalism, the complex politics of the Middle East, and the role of the United States in the region. The book also explores the personal stories of key figures on both sides of the conflict.

    The 2103rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Flame Trees Of Thika by Elspeth Huxley

    The book is a vivid memoir that recounts the author's childhood experiences in colonial Kenya during the early 20th century. Through the eyes of a young girl, it captures the pioneering spirit of her parents as they establish a coffee farm in the untamed highlands of East Africa. The narrative is rich with descriptions of the stunning landscapes, the diverse cultures of the local tribes, and the various colonial characters who are trying to make their fortunes on the frontier. The memoir is both a coming-of-age story and a portrayal of a bygone era, marked by challenges, adventures, and the complexities of cultural interactions during the period of British colonial rule.

    The 3460th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Facing Mount Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta

    "Facing Mount Kenya" is a comprehensive study of the Kikuyu people, their history, culture, and traditions, written by Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent figure in Kenya's struggle for independence. The book explores various aspects of Kikuyu society, including their political organization, economic activities, social structure, and religious beliefs. Kenyatta's work provides valuable insights into the Kikuyu way of life and offers a critical analysis of the impact of colonialism on their society.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux

    In this travel memoir, the author recounts an overland journey across Africa, starting from Cairo and ending in Cape Town. Along the way, he traverses a continent rich with diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories, while also confronting the stark realities of poverty, political turmoil, and the complex legacies of colonialism. His encounters with aid workers, missionaries, and locals provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and beauty of Africa, as well as a critical look at the effects of foreign aid and development. The narrative is a blend of adventure, reflection, and social commentary, revealing the author's deep fascination with the continent and its people.

    The 4736th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Sage Philosophy by Henry Odera Oruka

    "Sage Philosophy" explores the rich philosophical traditions of Africa, particularly focusing on the oral traditions of the Luo community of Kenya. The book challenges the conventional view that Africa lacks its own indigenous philosophy by documenting and analyzing the thoughts and teachings of various African sages, who are wise and respected figures within their communities. Through interviews and discussions, the author presents a comprehensive examination of their philosophical perspectives, arguing that these individuals engage in critical reflection and rational argumentation akin to their Western counterparts. The work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving these intellectual traditions as a vital part of Africa's cultural heritage.

    The 5866th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. No Picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi

    This book is a true story about three Italian prisoners of war in British East Africa during World War II who escape from their POW camp to climb Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain. The narrative is not only about their audacious adventure, but also about the power of the human spirit, camaraderie, and the freedom of the wild. After their climb, they voluntarily return to their POW camp, where they are punished but also celebrated for their incredible feat.

    The 5893rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Warriors by Gerald Hanley

    "Warriors" is a compelling account of the author's experiences during World War II while stationed in Somalia. Tasked with leading Somali soldiers in the British Army, the author confronts not only the harsh realities of a brutal and unforgiving desert war against insurgent tribes but also grapples with the psychological toll of isolation and the moral complexities of leadership and colonialism. The narrative delves deeply into themes of courage, loyalty, and the human condition, offering a poignant exploration of the burdens carried by those in command.

    The 5948th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Kiswahili, Past, Present And Future Horizons by Rocha Chimera

    "Kiswahili, Past, Present And Future Horizons" explores the rich history, current state, and potential future of the Kiswahili language. The book delves into the origins and development of Kiswahili, highlighting its significance as a lingua franca in East Africa. It examines the language's role in literature, education, and communication, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities it faces in a rapidly changing global landscape. Through insightful analysis and compelling examples, the author presents a comprehensive overview of Kiswahili's past achievements and its promising prospects for continued growth and influence.

    The 6212th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Born Free by Joy Adamson

    The book tells the true story of Elsa, a lioness raised by a game warden and his wife after being orphaned as a cub. Unlike other lions raised in captivity, Elsa is taught how to survive in the wild. The narrative beautifully captures the deep bond that forms between Elsa and her human caretakers, as well as the emotional struggle they face as they prepare to release her into her natural habitat, aiming to grant her freedom while fearing for her survival. The story is a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between humans and animals, and the moral implications of their interactions.

    The 6305th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann

    The book is a true story of a Swiss woman who, while on holiday in Kenya, falls in love with a Samburu warrior. Defying her family, friends, and cultural norms, she decides to leave her life in Switzerland behind to marry him and live in his remote village. The narrative delves into her challenging and transformative journey as she adapts to a vastly different culture, learns the local customs, and navigates the complexities of her interracial marriage and the community's expectations. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of extraordinary cultural differences.

    The 6698th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The End Of Poverty by Jeffrey D. Sachs

    This book presents a compelling argument that extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1 a day, can be eradicated globally by the year 2025 through targeted interventions and international cooperation. The author, an esteemed economist, draws on his extensive experience advising governments in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa to outline a practical plan for achieving this goal. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the "poverty trap" that many developing countries find themselves in, where low income leads to insufficient investment in basic needs such as health, education, and infrastructure, which in turn keeps these nations in a cycle of poverty. The book advocates for a combination of increased aid, debt relief, and investment in technology and infrastructure, tailored to the specific needs of impoverished regions, to empower these communities to achieve sustainable economic growth.

    The 8565th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson

    "I Married Adventure" is an autobiographical account of the author's life and travels with her husband, as they explored and documented wildlife and indigenous cultures in Africa, Borneo, and the South Seas during the early 20th century. The book is filled with thrilling adventures, dangerous encounters with wild animals, and fascinating insights into tribal cultures, all captured through the lens of their camera. The author's courage, resilience, and love for adventure shine through, making it an inspiring and captivating read.

    The 8721st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Poor Economics by Abhijit V. Banerjee, Esther Duflo

    This book delves into the complex world of poverty, challenging conventional wisdom and assumptions about the economic decisions of the poor. Through rigorous analysis and empirical evidence, the authors explore how the poor make choices regarding education, health care, savings, and investments, revealing the logic behind these decisions. They argue that understanding these choices is crucial for designing effective anti-poverty policies. The book advocates for a more nuanced, bottom-up approach to economics, emphasizing the importance of specific, targeted interventions over broad, one-size-fits-all solutions. By combining detailed field research with economic theory, it provides insightful perspectives on how to empower the world's impoverished populations.

    The 9296th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Idealist by Nina Munk

    This book provides a deep dive into the ambitious quest of a well-known economist to eliminate poverty in Africa through the implementation of "Millennium Villages." The narrative follows the economist's journey, highlighting both the inspirational vision and the challenging realities of trying to transform the lives of the poor on a grand scale. Through on-the-ground reporting, the author critically examines the project's outcomes, successes, and significant setbacks, offering a nuanced exploration of the complexities involved in international development and the limits of good intentions. The story is a compelling account of passion, innovation, and the hard lessons learned when idealism confronts the harsh truths of practical implementation.

    The 9504th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Imperial Reckoning by Caroline Elkins

    "Imperial Reckoning" is a historical account of the British Empire's brutal suppression of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya during the 1950s. The book reveals the atrocities committed by the British colonial government, including mass detention, torture, and forced labor, which resulted in the death of tens of thousands of Kenyans. It also exposes the systemic efforts to cover up these crimes and the lasting impact on Kenya's social and political landscape.

    The 10672nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Wisdom Of Bones by Alan Walker, Pat Shipman

    "The Wisdom of Bones" is a captivating exploration of human evolution and the remarkable insights gained from the study of ancient remains. Written by renowned scientists, the book delves into the fascinating world of paleoanthropology, revealing the intricate details of our ancestors' lives and the clues they left behind in their bones. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, the authors shed light on the origins of humanity, offering a thought-provoking journey through time and the remarkable wisdom that can be gleaned from the study of bones.

    The 10906th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download