A Rock and a Hard Place

An American Geologist's Adventures in Africa

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Pub Date Sep 17 2019 | Archive Date Sep 20 2019
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press

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Description

Deadly Snakes. Heatstroke. Scorpions.

These are just a few of the obstacles that George Zelt encounters as a graduate student in apartheid-era South Africa. In A Rock and a Hard Place, readers will follow George as he explores this contradictory, beautiful country during a time of growth and oppression. With tales of finding refuge in a desert sandstorm, being stalked by a leopard, and narrowly escaping a herd of rampaging Cape buffalo, George’s story will leave readers breathless—their hearts racing, with the imagined grit of sand in their teeth! 

Nature is not the only obstacle George encounters. When he makes a discovery that may disprove an established geologic theory, his graduate advisor (and developer of said theory) does everything in his power to prevent George from going public. George has to fight not only against nature but also the politics of university life, all while navigating the complexities of South African culture.

​Who would have thought studying rocks could be so thrilling?
Deadly Snakes. Heatstroke. Scorpions.

These are just a few of the obstacles that George Zelt encounters as a graduate student in apartheid-era South Africa. In A Rock and a Hard Place, readers will...

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Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781626345713
PRICE $24.95 (USD)

Average rating from 7 members


Featured Reviews

I enjoyed this book. The author takes us on a rollicking ride retelling his time as a PhD geology student in Africa. Geology information is dispersed throughout the story. The author made me feel like I was there with him. The descriptions of the landscape, rocks, people were well detailed. The author had multiple close calls with danger. He was able to survive with a little bit of knowledge and a lot of luck. What a great adventure. Thank you for allowing me to review an advanced copy.

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Delightfully adventurous, reading George Zelt's nonfiction narrative of his decades in geology and petrology is akin to enjoying the wild adventures of his heroes, such as Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and Jack London. Mr. Zelt is well blessed with both the "stories to tell" and the talent and wit to express them well for the edification of readers, many of whom are "armchair travellers" enjoying vicariously.

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The author wrote a great account of the personal journey they embarked on. The honest and detailed writing made it easy for the reader to feel invested in their journey.

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