The Poisonwood Bible

This was a slow read for me at first, but I really grew to enjoy this book.
I will always be drawn to a higher rating for a book that changes my perspective on the world, and teaches me actual history through human stories. I knew very little about the actual history of Congo, only that it was tumultuous and “bad.” (Note that I'm using bad here as a reflection of my limited understanding and ignorance.) I certainly can't claim to fully understand the Congo and its people after reading this, as it is a very complex place, but I now understand the complexity that exists– and the fault the US played in the conflicts and death there.

Also, Kingsolver writes about nature in a way that would make any biologist/ecologist/naturalist proud. She sees nature like only a person who is connected to it deeply can- and draws out the intricacies and revelations with wonder, but with fairness- nature is a force here, not a thing to conquer or be pacified.