Twenty Chickens for a Saddle (Abridged): The Story of an African Childhood Audiobook

" This memoir is written by a woman who moved with her parents and two younger siblings to Botswana when she was eight or nine. Her father was a flying doctor and her mom was a sometimes-author, home-school teacher who together created a very loose but very loving home. It was a pretty interesting read. "

" I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. It is the true story of Robyn Scott's childhood growing up in Botswana. I have always dreamed of going to Africa, and this book definitely added fuel to my fire. I loved reading about all the encounters with wild animals and the crazy adventures of the Scott family, but also learned a lot about the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and how it affected the African population. "

" Another growing up white in Africa memoir - this time in Botswana. I think she might have the most laid-back parents that I have ever read about. A really interesting, unique childhood - I was constantly reading sections to Matt... "

" The eccentricities and adventures of this young family establishing themselves in an out of the way spot in Southern Africa may be entertaining to some. Memoirs seem difficult to write in an engaging way. I just couldn't keep interested...I couldn't finish it. "

" Given the title and the description of a childhood in Africa, I had high hopes for this book based on similar books I have read. However, this one was rather boring. For most of the more than 400 pages, the childhood could have been that of any expat child almost anywhere, as the story featured the parents, the siblings, the other relatives, pets, local wildlife and local plants. There was little conflict, very little drama, and I almost gave up reading except that I had ordered this as an interlibrary loan. The exception to the boredom came close to the end, with an informative seemingly well researched chapter on AIDS and the impact it had in Botswana from the late 1980s until recently. I wish the author had added some equally informative decriptions of the effect that the end of apartheid had on the Botswana region - socially, economically, educationally - right by the South African border where much of the "action" was set. "

" Book club choice for August. I am sorry I missed the discussion as I would love to know what others thought. I found this entertaining but it got a little self-aggrandizing as it progressed. Initially reminded me of 'Glass Castles' just because I kept wondering what those people were thinking living in a cow shed! However it became clear they had a lot more money and were typical 60's hippies in many ways. In all a fairly good read. "

" I loved this book. Just a great story "

" I loved this book. The story of an unconventional upbringing, mainly based in Botswana. Made me want to up sticks and move out there; always a sign of a good "travel" book. "

" I couldn't get beyond the second chapter...this book literally put me to sleep every night! "

" Just finished and found this to be an amusing and informative memoir. Love the quackiness and intelligence throughout. "

" Great memoir for the author's family to have. Interesting to read about her life in Africa and her experiences being homeschooled by her mother. "

" Reading this book after having lived in Botswana for a few months, I found so much I could relate to! Scott does as excellent a job of describing the cultural quirks of that country as she does the quirks of her crazy but lovable family. "

" Great read - a bit of adventure, a true account of growing up in Botswana "

" sad book about being brought up in Zimbabwe "

" What an amazing book! A fantastic memoir of a family who emigrate from NZ to Botswana. The recount of their ups & downs & unusual lifestyle is told through the eyes of the eldest child. Highly recommended "

" Oh my God, the BEST book of 2008 hands down IMO. Robyn Scott brings to life a most unusual childhood and an unforgetable setting. I was fascinated from the very first page and could not put this book down. Immediately went out and ordered a couple of copies. "

" I loved this book. Robyn Scott writes well and the story is informative and interesting. "

" This is a book that is intimate and informing.It is a childhood memoir that is fascinating because the author's childhood was gifted by her exposure to a place and people that inspire independence and curiosity. "

" What a fabulous true story about a family growing up "on the fringe" in Botswana in the '80s and '90s. "

" Very interesting book about the author's childhood in Botswana. "

" I'd give it 4 1/2 stars, just not 5 "

" Definitely a twist on homeschooling for this family. I enjoyed the family's unique experiences, things you couldn't imagine growing up and going through. "

" This was good company from Boise to Sacramento. A memoir from a woman who was raised in Botswana. Many unexpected experiences from unorthodox parents in an extraordinary place! She and her siblings benefitted from this unique upbringing, and it's fun reading. "

" This is one of the most engaging biographies I've read. The author grew up in Africa in an unconventional, but loving, family. She is an excellent writer, and has included details about how the AIDS epidemic is affecting Africa, and other African history. "

" What an amazing book! A fantastic memoir of a family who emigrate from NZ to Botswana. The recount of their ups & downs & unusual lifestyle is told through the eyes of the eldest child. Highly recommended "

" What an intriguing, interesting book that has made me want to jump on a plane to Botswana. Robyn Scott had a most fascinating childhood and it was eye-opening to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and will definitely recommend and reread. "

" Interesting look at life in Africa but it wasn't one of those books I just couldn't put down. I also wonder if the kids were just smart or if that "type" of homeschooling really worked. "

" First, I loved the title. A memoir of a young girl growing up in Botswana. Beautiful, fun stories--though it was a bit long. I love reading and learning of new places--a great adventure. Thanks to my sweet son for buying for me for Christmas. "

" sad book about being brought up in Zimbabwe "

" I couldn't get beyond the second chapter...this book literally put me to sleep every night! "

" Read for my new Shrewsbury Library Reading Group. The cover didn't attract me but I really enjoyed this mix of My family and other animals and No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The author herself comes across as charming as do all her family in their different ways. "

" Reading this book after having lived in Botswana for a few months, I found so much I could relate to! Scott does as excellent a job of describing the cultural quirks of that country as she does the quirks of her crazy but lovable family. "