Love in the Driest Season: A Family Memoir Audiobook

" This memoir covers the life of Neely Tucker, a journalist, who while stationed in Zimbabwe, falls in love with a sweet little African girl and begins the difficult journey of international adoption. The book discusses racial matters: Neely is a white male from the deep South of Mississippi, his wife, Vita, is an African American woman from Detroit. These characteristics actually prove to be hindrances to the obstacle of adopting Chipo. The book is actually pretty intense, Neely is an active journalist correspondent, who travels to some dangerous places and lives the complete jet-set lifestyle. After reading this I could never be an internationalist journalist, at least not one that covers the subjects he did, and I could not be married to one. It is touching to see the sacrifices and changes he is willing to take to adopt his daughter. It was so frustrating to read how inept and corrupt the Zimbabwean government system proved to be, especially in regards to foreign adoptions. The descriptions of the orphanages were so heart wrenching. The AIDS epidemic/statistics/consequences were very sobering. Although depressing at times, this book is about perseverance and the triumph of a family against all odds. Favorite Quote: Sitting in that chair, my blue store apron on and a stupid look on my face, I think I understood for the first time that the word I had used said nothing about Theron, about the actor, or even about black people in general. It said boatloads, however, about me.” "

" I have not given many books 5 stars. This book is incredible. The true story is about the author and his wife fighting to adopt a Zimbabwean infant in the midst of racial and cultural battles. Their perserverance was inspiring and I appreciated learning about Zimbabwe and the AIDS crisis. But the crowning reason for the 5 stars is Neely Tucker's writing style. He is talented, real, and entertaining. I highly recommend this book!!! "

" I don't know much about AIDS in Africa. I felt like I learned a bit about it after reading this book. It was well written and interesting. The great part is that the author not only told the story about adopting thier daughter, but also told about some of the political and social troubles these countries have been having. Overall I thought it started out pretty sad, but definitely perked up. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys memoirs or location reads. "

" A book to keep you on the edge of your seat, Mr. Tucker's account of living and adopting in Zimbabwe is troubling and hard to put down. He writes about the horrifying collapse of family structure due to the AIDS epidemic in Africa with great perception and clarity. The plight of orphans in Zimbabwe is terrible to learn and this book offers no hope for improvement, which is the unfortunate reality of the situation. The specifics of his personal journey are fascinating but made me very anxious to read. Until the very end of the book, it is not clear how his family's situation could be resolved. A very good book, well-written and edifying. "

" A true eye opener and heart wrencher. I loved the surprisingly blunt open authentic and raw writing and the diversity of real world issues laid out for inspection in the midst if this picturesque love story. With gratitude and love for the entire Tucker family for sharing their lives and experience. "

" A great book for two reasons, a)it is about Zimbabwe, b)about adopting a foreign child. Read! "

" This was a fascinating book! True story of an American couple living in Zimbabwe and their struggle to adopt a Zimbabwean orphan. An amazing story of love and perseverance. "

" Quite possibly one of the best authors I've ever read. An amazing memoir that will draw you in and you won't be able to put down. "

" Amazing and very engaging. I loved how Tucker writes. "

" This is an amazing true story of international adoption set in Zimbabwe! It was a totally different perspective and because the author is a reporter, he tells some pretty harrowing stories. "

" I loved this book, for reasons too obvious to list. "

" I couldn't put this book down. The journey of this family is one that inspires hope and mindfulness. "

" An amazing story of how perseverance pays off the presence of over whelming adversity. "

" Didn't finish it. An interesting story, but lost my interest with all of the side stories about Neely's assignments. I would have liked to hear more about the wife/baby. "

" Very interesting book about the struggles of life and having determination to overcome them. Sometimes very sad, but always with hope in not giving up. "

" An unbelievable story and one of my favorite books ever. Was stopped in the subway on several occassions while carrying this around by random people saying "isn't that book great." "

" I loved this book. It could be that this topic is just close to my heart, but i do think writing was really well done. Amazing journey through one of the most difficult situations I can imagine. Also an interesting insight into the AIDS epidemic and recent events in Zimbabwe. "

" Good read. Left an indelible imprint on my heart about AIDS/orphan crisis in Africa. Made me realize, though, that without Christ the deep calling and full beauty of adoption can't be realized despite the deep love and commitment of this couple and their plight to adopt their daughter. "

" Really liked this book. It is a great story. "

" Amazinz story about adoptin a little African kid . About love and determination "

" One of the first non fiction books I REALLY enjoyed. "

" I read this as our family began the process of adoption... "

" Touching firsthand account by an American journalist stationed in Zimbabwe about his family's decision to adopt a Zimbabwean child. His tales of personal and professional sacrifice, as well as his adventures navigating the bureaucratic process in a developing country, resonated with me. "

" Actually, I listened to this book during a long drive. Excellent. "

" Too much caffeine and a bad storm? This book is one to read all. night. long. "

" This book made me thankful for our relatively easy adoption process. It also broke my heart to hear the plight of Zimbabwe's orphans. "

" The true life story of what happens when you open yourself up to life, love, and a world bigger than your own problems. "

" Not a bad book but very predictable. "

" A memoir of a US journalist in Zimbabwe in the 90's. The book gives a very sad, close-up view of AIDS orphans and focuses on the author's determination to adopt one of them. Interesting writing. "

" moving,tremendously sad memoir of Tucker's life as a journalist in zimbawe,his marriage to an african american woman,and their struggles in adopting and rescuing a baby,Chipo, there.depicts the pain of african nations and the fear and ignorance that allows aids to flourish.well done. "

" This book is obviously written by a journalist. His worldview and love for his daughter are really worth respecting. "

" wonderful book...the true story of a reporter and his wife, assigned to Zimbabwe, who moved heaven and hell in their efforts to adopt a child from that country while they were stationed there. great writing and a great insight into at least a slice of life in Zimbabwe. "

" I loved this book, for reasons too obvious to list. "

" This book was not for me. So many babies dying of AIDs was just too sad. There weren't enough uplifting parts to balance it out and make it more readable. It as eye opening though. That's why I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1. "

" I LOVED this book. It was frustrating to read what the family went through to adopt. The adoption policies in some countries is just baffling. It's a happy ending though, and you know it will be throughout the story. "

" Oh my word, I loved this book. It's so well written and, I'll admit it, it made me bawl... in a good way. "

" Part adoption tale, part foreign correspondent in corrupt war torn country tale. Engaging, heart-breaking and joyous. "