At every secondary school in Kenya I have ever visited, I ask the students what they want to do when they finish school. And without fail, one student will raise their hand and say they want to become a journalist. Often, they say they want to report about war and conflict, because they see so much of it here, but they think the reporting is skewed by western media. We have started to make sure we include in our secondary book lists a healthy section of books on War Correspondence, to give these students a chance to read about the experience of such a profession, and to gain an ‘insider’s perspective’. Though I have yet to come across a book about War Correspondence written by an African, I am keeping an eye out. If anyone can offer suggestions, we would be greatly appreciative:
Below are some of our favorites:
Every Man In This Village Is a Liar
Publisher: Bloomsbury
A beautifully written account of her time as war correspondent in the Middle East, Megan Stack reveals a dimension to war a reader rarely comes across.
Under An Afghan Sky
Publisher: Harper Collins
CBC reporter Melissa Fung’s memoir of being kidnapped in Afghanistan by the Taliban. An incredibly gripping story.
Another Bloody Love Letter
Publisher: Headline
Anthony Loyd describes his time as war correspondent for The Times in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. Only a few months ago, he managed to escape captivity in Syria. We hope he writes a book about
Talking to Terrorists
Publisher: Harper Collins
A candid analyses of what drives individuals to terrorism, BBC Reporter Pete Taylor gives insight into his 30+ years of experience on the subject, and discusses what must be done to reduce the threat of terrorism worldwide.
