Five Things I Love About Davis Bunn's Latest Book, "Rare Earth"

1. Bunn’s impression of Kenya, its culture, challenges, and natural features
   Here are a few examples from the book:
   • the African limp handshake of warriors trained to show no aggression;
   • the African rhythm, where the passage of time is measured in the sweep of stars, the rising of crops, the carving of cliffs by wind and rain;
   • the elders’ circle where tribal leaders meet to discuss local issues
2. Davis’ protagonist, Marc Royce, who characterizes a man with the standards, strengths, and physical features of a man almost any woman could love
   Here are a few examples:
   • Traits: strength (“swinging around, his entire body a whip”) and sensitivity (he feels for the villagers loss of their homes “with all his heart”)
   • Leadership ability: called Shujaa by the elders – a warrior who rises within the tribe to save it in times of crisis
3. International intrigue mixed with social justice issues
   Examples:
   • Chinese are trying to control the world supplies of rare-earth minerals using a cheap, primitive extraction technology
   • An Israeli kibbutz has found an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution
4. Portrayal of hope that people of different backgrounds and belief systems can learn to serve each other in ways that allow everyone to benefit
   Examples:
   •  Clans who were sworn enemies meet together in peace
   •  Representatives from the U.N., the U.S., the Kenyan government, and elders of three dozen displaced villages work out a solution to the book’s primary conflict
5. The book’s ending – justice prevails: the bad guys get caught and the good people get the rewards they deserve
   Examples:
   • Lodestone is under investigation, their worldwide assets frozen
   • A Kenyan corporation is formed, holding all licenses for extraction and refinement of rare earths with one-third of all profits to go to villages
   • And the missing man, Serge… you’ll have to read the book to find out if he’s found alive (and to find out if Marc gets the girl)

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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