The cover of this book is intriguing, and indeed, the plot and characters pull the reader in to the compelling and sometimes disturbing world of a developing African country. The book often reads like non-fiction, and like the best of non-fiction it has pace, a picaresque protagionist, and draws the reader into a world of danger and challenges. The well-crafted setting, a rather raw and surprising one, allows the characters to grow and establish themselves, and the relationships create a realistic frame of reference for connections among the characters. The more we read about them, the more we want to know what happens next, and the more we are drawn into the challenges of their lives. This book is boldly realistic but at the same time creates stark characters whose stories we don't want to lose; I read this book on a very long airplane ride, and I was ever so grateful to have it to accompany me.

How do you review or better yet, rate a book that's based on true events? Especially if you were never a witness of these events?

I am overly critical of books that are set in Africa, because one I am African and two there have been so many tales written that do not depict Africa as a friendly continent. So, believe me when I say that I was skeptical at first and kept reading this book waiting to call out the author on anything I felt offended by.

I had to set the book aside after the first chapter and read it for what the author or any author intends his/her work to be- a story. So, I read it and enjoyed Ken's insights, he starts off conflicted, the loss of his brother and his yearning for meaningful engagement sees him travel to Liberia. He's naive and expects the very best of people but he learns that not everyone welcomes struggle or the desire to advance and acquire wealth like he does, and slowly his experiences unravel just how far people can go to get what they want.

It's an intriguing read and I'd give it 4 stars.

Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I like reading books that are a bit different. The cover is what attracted me to the book initially - it looked very interesting.. The book is also based on a true story.

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book or not but I did. The author had a great way of telling it so I would keep on reading. Occasionally I got confused with the timeline and relationships but the story is good.

After Ken's brother dies, Kenneth doesn't know what he wants anymore. He has lost himself.
Ken was in college, had a beautiful girlfriend until one day he made the shocking announcement that he was leaving.
He did not split with his partner but told her he would be back. He got a job flying airplanes in Liberia, Flying planes is what Ken loves. But as soon as he clapped eyes on another woman I knew he wasn't keen to go back to his old life.

Life in Liberia is very different - corruption, smugglers and much more. Find out what happens to Ken and how he adjusts to life in Liberia.

The cover of this book was my first attraction to it. I was pleased to find, inside its pages, polished writing that kept me wanting to read.

The story has humor, well-written dialogue, tension, and attention to detail in its descriptions.

The Dung Beetles of Liberia is a book well worth reading, and I’m glad I had the chance to check it out.