Walking Home

I loved the detail and emphasis the author used in this book. I would read it as many times as I could for sure.

Wonderful tale of courage and determination! Having been to Kenya and seen many of these places it rings true. Well written.

This book hooked me from the beginning, and surprised me. This book took me to Kenya, where this book takes placed, and I followed along with Muchoki and Jata’s amazing journey. Along the way we see the determination and kind heart that Muchoki has. The possibilities in this book are endless, and just when you think nothing else bad is going to happen, a major plot twist happens. Determination and responsibility are all traits that come up in this book, along with being caring and loving. Muchoki is a one of a kind character with traits that make him so amazing to read about. After getting far enough in this book, you will start to realize that once you set your mind to something, you can do it with a little hope and determination.There’s four of them. Then three. And now it’s just Muchoki and Jata, traveling alone. Muchoki and Jata are doing the impossible-they are walking over one hundred miles across Kenya to search for the last of their remaining family. They had first lived in Eldoret, where their dad was killed in a church by attackers. They then moved to a refugee camp, where they suffered from hunger and boredom. Because of these conditions, their mom soon gets sick from malaria and dies a few weeks later. Now that their mom has died, the refugee guards need to separate them into orphan homes. Muchoki decides to escape the camp because he loves his sister and he can’t imagine life without her. So now it’s out to the long road by themselves to travel across Kenya with no money, a tiny bit of food and water (that they had saved up), and a lack of shelter.Our main character, Muchoki is very kind hearted and optimistic. These traits get shown very clearly when he takes care of his mother in the camp. “She pushed open the flap and came out. Her stride was uneasy, and although she was smiling, she didn’t look well. Her eyes were yellow and some how she looked like she was faded. ‘Come and sit,’ I said, offering her my hand. ‘You are a hunter, a cook, and a gentleman.’[…] Without asking, I scooped some more of the meal from the pot and put it in my mother’s bowl. ‘Eat.’ ‘I think you have come to believe that you are my mother rather than my son.’ ‘You need to eat. Food is the best medicine when you are ill,’ I say. ‘It is the only medicine we have, and we only have it thanks to you.’ She paused and looked at me thoughtfully.” (Walter, pg. 54, 56, 57) He also shows responsibility when he decides to take matters in his owns hands and starts to take care of his sister by himself and take her to their family members across Kenya. His perserverance and determination make his character very strong, and the amount of kindness in his heart is unbelievable. Even to other strangers, he is very delightful and enjoyable. For example, when his friend, Jomo, and him went to hunt gazelle, Jomo did not offer any of his share but Muchoki offered some of his, even though Muchoki does not have much. “‘But if you come to my tent,’ I said,’you are welcome too share a bowl of soup made from the meat. I would be honored if you joined us.’ […] I started walking again, towing the gazette and Jomo behind me.’He is not getting any of my share,’ Jomo declared.” (Walters, pg. 52).Throughout this adventure, Muchoki’s true colors shine through and we see the hero that he is. All the obstacles he goes through helps him learn that he can do anything if he sets his mind to it, and has a little determination and hope. Even the longest journeys start with one step, and of course hope! All in all, I give this book five out of five stars for the journey it took me through with two incredible characters that I will never forget! This book made me so emotional and I really got what he was going through. This novel also acts like a reminder to never take things for granted because somewhere else in the world people cannot even have a decent shelter or clean water.

I was transported to the dusty fields of Kenya as this story unfolded. Barbed wire surrounded me yet I felt secure. Living in an off-white makeshift tent, nestled amongst the thousands, we stood in line for food and water, every day was basically the same and the word that we clung to was hope. It was amazing how the author’s words carried me to a world so different from my own; I felt like one of them, accepted and wanted. I was amongst all the different tribes who were thrown all together by the in this tent society. These tribes were still divided yet Kenyans through and through. I was connected to Muchoki and Jata and when our trip was over, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.Thirteen-year old Muchoki, his sister Jata and their mother, who has malaria, exist here in this camp, the conditions deteriorating as the days pass. The family plans to return to mother’s homestead once she is well enough to make the trip yet mother’s health never improves. Muchoki and Jata must make the long journey alone. As the siblings set off on this dangerous journey, it becomes less daunting for his seven-year old sister as he tells her a Kamba tale to ease her fears. This remarkable tale is a gem and I enjoyed the magical elements it unleashes in the story. It’s a dangerous journey for these two children, walking alone in a country where individuals are fighting, fighting for their individual tribes. Their journey was incredible and one that I could not put down until the very end. Each individual they met had a story, a story rich in history and full of pride. It was remarkable the journey, the more I think about the book, the more I love it. It would have been so much easier had they had a ride but looking back I think of everything they experienced, the people that they met and effect the journey had on them and I’m glad they embarked upon this journey together.

I had to read it for school, but i think i would have read it regardless. In the book there are many different themes that make the main character question is morals and ideas. It makes the reader do the same too. It made me laugh and cry. Eric Walters is an amazing author and I plan on reading more of his books in the future.

We are currently doing a family book challenge and needed to read a book by a Canadian Author. What a brilliant choice, very emotional,and well written. Great for younger and older adults!

This novel exceeded my expectations. I have always been an Eric Walters fan and enjoy the 'educational' in his YA novels. Walking home features a digital companion with maps, videos, music and readings that enrich this touching story of two orphans who make a gruelling journey across Kenya. in search of relatives. Muchoki and Jata encounter many perils. In balance they also meet very kind people who provide shelter, food and guidance.

Great read.

Great quick read for book club...wasn't a genre I would have picked but enjoyed it a lot