Notes from My Travels: Visits with Refugees in Africa, Cambodia, Pakistan and Ecuador

I won't go into much detail of how this book is written neither give this book moral evaluation like some people here do in their reviews. Especially the guy who gave it 1 star accusing Ms Jolie of doing little. Disgusted as that man probably wrote his wrote whilst seated at a comfy desk himself. Anyway, I personally enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to my friends. Below is a brief list of pos/neg sides of it.
Positive:
- it gives you insight into the places most media have lost interest in, draws a vivid picture of places she visits in your own mind;
- you get to know Angelina better. And she doesn't disappoint you with her willingness to understand, help, her open mind and endless compassion;
- easy to read (well she can also be blaimed for simplicity of her language but I think in this case it was appropriate and nicely worded).
Negative:
- she shows little knowlegde of history and other cultures so this book can't be used as a guide into other cultures as some reviewers pointed out;
- it's too short!

This is a poorly written and factual book (0/7 people found this helpful)

I'm sorry but apart from supporting the causes of this woman (Angelina) this book is poorly slapped together with incorrect facts about Cambodia. I'm shocked, as this country is claimed to be her second home! How's that then? The Tuol Sleng Prison is called 'S-21' - NOT 5-21, the woman who is craddling her baby whilst having her picture taken is NOT having her head drilled at all, this device was made to ensure the person sitting for their portrait is sitting straight. These are pretty fundamental facts that have been misconstrued, had the book been edited or checked these would have been picked up.

I also have an issue with the sleeping in hotels with lovely beds, etc when you're dealing with refugees - what a slap in the face. I'm sorry but I have to say as a world traveller and one who ensures I intergrate with the locals this 'book' (and let's use this term loosely), is hopefully putting all profits into the refugee organisations out there - but sadly has probably only chosen Ms Jolie because of her celebrity fame. What a shame. There are many, many other bright, well educated, people doing jobs in these war torn countries that can't even get their medical supplies, are away from their families and do far more that buying children from around the world who cannot be heard. What on earth is the world coming to. These doctors, nurses and workers of the UN and other agencies are the true heros, not someone who buys children like they're in Selfridges and gets paid to do movies such as TombRaider. Very, very dissapointed.

Compassionate and educational (2/2 people found this helpful)

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the world and other cultures. The style of writing makes this journal extremely easy to read, as Jolie doesn't use too many facts and figures (just enough), but tells the personal stories of the refugees she meets. The stories are heart breaking and overwhelming at times, yet also inspiration. Luckily, in the British press we do get to hear news from around the world, but not always in great detail. Jolie doesn't try to explain in too much detail why the countries have refugees, but it did inspire me to find out more. I have so much admiration for Jolie, as she didn't need to put herself in such (physically and emotionally) uncomfortable situations but chose to and still continues to raise money and awareness for people in such tragic circumstances. Other 'celebrities' could learn a lot from her.

eye-opening read (8/9 people found this helpful)

Books like this are not usually my cup of tea, prefering sci-fi and horror. However, being a huge admirer of Ms Jolie I decided to give this book a go.
She says that she isn't a writer but within the pages of this book are the most emotional, honest accounts i've ever read. You can't help but feel that you're taking this journey with her, and boy is it one hell of a journey! Even if you're not a film fan and have no idea who Angelina Jolie actually is, then this is a must read book. You can't help but gain a great deal of respect for the people that she writes about, it truely is an eye-opening read!
But be warned, it will bring a tear to your eye at many points along the way (and a few laughs!)

A very moving read. (12/14 people found this helpful)

Angelina starts this book explaining to us, that she isn't a writer and almost apologises for that, Angy darling you are a really honest writer and that helps us focus on the true meaning and vision that she/ the book allows us to see.
I had an emotional roller coaster reading this...
Holds no punches with the reality of what has happened to these people and is still happening too, some parts really sickened me to read, I found myself looking away from the book and feeling so sick at what these people have gone through, children as young as two, I won't write about it here. I had no idea it was that bad but this is just a glimpse I'm sure that if I had seen first hand that it would be a lot worse. I bought this book as I am a big fan of A J, for her films and for her she is such a good role model, so caring and its great to see people that are wealthy and in a position to help those less fortunate. I am grateful for what I have, yeah sure we always want more, but this book really opened my eyes, and now I regularly donate money as much as I can afford to these worth while courses as stated in the book, if only more people would. I recommend this book if your a fan or not, as it makes you appreciate what we have, and forces you to look beyond our borders we think nothing of gulping down cough mixture for a little cough, would you or I have the spirit to fight on as they do if in that situation day in day out? I don't think I could... could you?

Notes from My Travels: Visits with Refugees in Africa, Cambodia, Pakistan and Ecuador

Angelina Jolie

Reader Reviews:

Encouraging you to think (0/0 people found this helpful)

This is a poorly written and factual book (0/7 people found this helpful)

Compassionate and educational (2/2 people found this helpful)

eye-opening read (8/9 people found this helpful)

A very moving read. (12/14 people found this helpful)

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