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A Thousand Hills: Rwandas Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It Audiobook, by Stephen Kinzer Play Audiobook Sample

A Thousand Hills: Rwanda's Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It Audiobook

A Thousand Hills: Rwandas Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It Audiobook, by Stephen Kinzer Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Paul Boehmer, Paul Boehmer Publisher: Tantor Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: July 2008 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781400177813

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

20

Longest Chapter Length:

58:40 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

18:14 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

37:55 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

7

Other Audiobooks Written by Stephen Kinzer: > View All...

Publisher Description

Paul Kagame grew up as a wretched refugee. He and a group of comrades, determined to force their way back home after a generation of exile, designed one of the most audacious covert operations in the history of clandestine war. Then, after taking power, they amazed the world by stabilizing and reviving their devastated country. Now, as President Kagame, he's obsessed with a single outlandish dream: to make Rwanda the first middle-income country in Africa, and to do it in the space of a single generation.

A Thousand Hills tells Kagame's tumultuous life story, including his early fascination with Che Guevara and James Bond, his years as an intelligence agent, his training in Cuba and the United States, the dazzlingly original way he built his secret rebel army, his bloody rebellion, and his outsized ambitions for Rwanda. It is the adventure-filled tale of a visionary who won a war, stopped a genocide, and then set out to turn his country into the star of Africa. Like Ishmael Beah's bestselling A Long Way Gone and Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, this book recounts the thrilling and uplifting tale of a man who defied the odds to lift himself and his country out of misery toward a more promising future.

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"You must read this! Kinzer's writing is interesting, insightful, and honest and about a country most of us know little about. Thinking about Rwanda forces you to think about human nature, imperialism, evil, forgiveness, freedom vs. security- there is so much in this book. While learning about the tragedy of Rwanda is difficult at times, it was important to me to also get into the political nuances that I never thought about or understood before."

— Megan (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • A fascinating account of the near-miracle unfolding before our very eyes.... A very good read.

    — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  • “A fascinating account of the near-miracle unfolding before our very eyes…A very good read.”

    — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  • “Boehmer brings out the author’s scorn…[and] expresses Kagame’s enthusiasm for the new Rwanda.”

    — AudioFile
  • “A nuanced portrait of a complex figure in morally ambiguous times.”

    — Library Journal

A Thousand Hills Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.9615384615384617 out of 53.9615384615384617 out of 53.9615384615384617 out of 53.9615384615384617 out of 53.9615384615384617 out of 5 (3.96)
5 Stars: 8
4 Stars: 12
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 3
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I couldn't help but compare it to _We Wish to Inform You . . ._ This one didn't conjure up as many emotions, but it was more a political history than an account of the genocide. And half the book was post-genocide. It left me cautiously optimistic, just like many Rwandans. "

    — Caroline, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I saw Stephen Kinzer talk a couple of times at my school. He was really interesting. I came across his latest book in my school library, and decided to read it. The way that he writes is very easy to understand, and the story kept me interested. I understand that Mr. Kinzer spent many hours with Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda, and therefore he has a personal opinion of the man. The one thing that made me a bit uncomfortable with this book though, was that I was able to feel the bias towards Kagame throughout the story. There have been some very serious allegations against Mr. Kagame and his regime in Rwanda, and while I would expect him to justify his actions, I didn't really understand why Kinzer kept justifying his actions. When it was obvious that there were no justifications for Kagame's actions, it felt like Kinzer glossed over the situations, or tried to rationalize the behavior. Other than that though, the story is fascinating, and I look forward to the future for Rwandans. "

    — Jill, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book covers history and politics leading up to the genocide, the genocide, and events since as the country tries to recover. If you don't want to read all the political stuff (even though he does make it very readable) at least check it out of the library and read chapter 15, p.253-279 and p.315 -322. It is inspiring to see how people can move forward after such incredible violence and tragedy. "

    — Lana, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " So far, 25 pages in, the prose matches the title for imagination and originality. "

    — Jina, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Well-written and informative story of Rwanda's descent into genocide and the rise of its current president, Paul Kagame. Detailed biography of Kagame, along with narratives of other survivors. Hard to read at times, but overall really enjoyable. "

    — Amy, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " After spending a few weeks in Rwanda, this book was recommended to me and it filled in all of the missing pieces that only history can tell. This is a remarkable book filled with the facts that everyone tried so hard to hide. I highly recommend this book! "

    — Susan, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book documents an amazing walk through the genocide in Rwanda. For anyone with an interest in Africa it is a must read. It is thought provoking and captivating. "

    — Lisa, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book is tough, but it's also rewarding to read a book about Rwanda that has some good news in it. "

    — Ade, 10/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent summary of Rwandan history before and after the 1994 genocide and the personal/political history of Kagame. It was a fast read and raises a lot of interesting questions about reconciliation and development. "

    — Julia, 9/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Book club selection. I would love to her Stephen Kinzer speak! "

    — Robin, 3/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Haven't been able to finish - it's very intense, difficult for me to read. "

    — Nancy, 2/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " fantastic narrative about the modern history of Rwanda. i usually don't do the non-fiction thing, but i devoured this book in a little over a day. "

    — Maureen, 1/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " About the Rwandan genocide and current Rwandan circumstances from the angle of Paul Kagame. "

    — Meghan, 12/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The power of fear, anger, and hatred that one person can hold within themself and put into action is horrific. That same power for forgiveness,tolerance, and compassion is awe inspiring. This book explores both the horrors of the past and the awesome stories of recovery in Rwanda. "

    — Rachel, 12/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is a great book that gives a concise and accurate history and does a wonderful job of putting that into the context of modern Rwanda. The author is unquestionably pro-Mugabe, but I dare anyone who isn't to read this book and come away not feeling a little bit better about him. "

    — Mike, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I could not put this book down. An excellent book regarding the life of President Kagame. "

    — Lashelle, 9/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Walked a tight line between praise and criticism for Kagame. Generally I agree with his assessments. Highly readable although not high literature. Essentially a good precis and good introduction to where Rwanda is today and how it got here. "

    — Erik, 8/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing historical book about the lives before and after the 1994 genocide. A must read to understand the scope and timeline of this tragic event in human history. "

    — Julie, 8/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was an excellent historical review that gave some explanation to why such a horrible genocide could occur. (Rwanda, 1994) It was clearly written and did not focus too heavily on the gruesome details, although there were enough to give a sense of what happened there. "

    — Sage, 7/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is a great book that gives a concise and accurate history and does a wonderful job of putting that into the context of modern Rwanda. The author is unquestionably pro-Mugabe, but I dare anyone who isn't to read this book and come away not feeling a little bit better about him. "

    — Mike, 1/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The power of fear, anger, and hatred that one person can hold within themself and put into action is horrific. That same power for forgiveness,tolerance, and compassion is awe inspiring. This book explores both the horrors of the past and the awesome stories of recovery in Rwanda. "

    — Rachel, 12/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Walked a tight line between praise and criticism for Kagame. Generally I agree with his assessments. Highly readable although not high literature. Essentially a good precis and good introduction to where Rwanda is today and how it got here. "

    — Erik, 11/4/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " About the Rwandan genocide and current Rwandan circumstances from the angle of Paul Kagame. "

    — Meghan, 9/12/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent summary of Rwandan history before and after the 1994 genocide and the personal/political history of Kagame. It was a fast read and raises a lot of interesting questions about reconciliation and development. "

    — Julia, 4/26/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I couldn't help but compare it to _We Wish to Inform You . . ._ This one didn't conjure up as many emotions, but it was more a political history than an account of the genocide. And half the book was post-genocide. It left me cautiously optimistic, just like many Rwandans. "

    — Caroline, 2/17/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book documents an amazing walk through the genocide in Rwanda. For anyone with an interest in Africa it is a must read. It is thought provoking and captivating. "

    — Lisa, 12/26/2008

About Stephen Kinzer

Stephen Kinzer is the author of over ten books, including Poisoner in Chief, The True Flag, The Brothers, Overthrow, and All the Shah’s Men. An award-winning foreign correspondent, he served as the New York Times bureau chief in Nicaragua, Germany, and Turkey. He is a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University and writes a world affairs column for the Boston Globe.

About the Narrators

Paul Boehmer is an American actor best known for his numerous appearances in the Star Trek universe, in addition to Frasier, Judging Amy, Guiding Light, and All My Children. He is a 1992 Masters of Fine Arts graduate of the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Delaware. As a narrator, Paul has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as an Audie Award.

Paul Boehmer is an American actor best known for his numerous appearances in the Star Trek universe, in addition to Frasier, Judging Amy, Guiding Light, and All My Children. He is a 1992 Masters of Fine Arts graduate of the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Delaware. As a narrator, Paul has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as an Audie Award.