Himalayan Hostages
This is a great read for pre-teens (or anyone young at heart) interested in Nepal, wildlife, or simply adventure! From run-ins with poachers and bears in the jungles of Bardiya, to struggling to survive in a mountain cave, to canoeing down the Karnali River, James and Alex (the protagonists) seem to find adventures wherever they go.
As an American journalist who grew up in Nepal myself, I loved the details in this book about wildlife, Nepali cultures, and politics / social problems. The book deals with a terrible time in Nepal's history - the Maoist civil war, when many ordinary people were stuck in the crossfire between rebels and the state security forces - without simplifying complex issues too much. The book's protagonists view the world from a unique vantage point as "Third Culture Kids." Wilson-Howarth, the author, shows her fondness for Nepal and Nepali people, and also demonstrates her lively imagination and story-telling ability!
Peter Gill
Himalayan Kidnap
An excellent story, well told, which will appeal to children and adults alike. It provides a range of observations on the local environment, wildlife and peoples of Nepal to stimulate the reader's imagination and encourage further reading on this fascinating country. Looking forward to reading Alex and James' next adventure.
Snowfed Waters
Snowfed Waters is cleverly written from the different perspectives of the main characters. This really adds depth to their lives, cultures, personalities and contrasting outlooks. I was drawn into the book with its easy style, creative description, intriguing plot, warm characters and frequent amusing moments. I read the book whilst trekking in Nepal and it gave me a wonderful feeling about the country's people through their eyes. It is a delightful read. I was always keen to pick it up with anticipation, as Sonia and her Nepalese hosts' lives draw together and the story takes you on an adventure with unexpected mishaps, joys and shocks.
Doug Colton
Himalayan Hideout
This book, not like many others, it starts by plunging you into an adventure, where you are instantly gripped. I really loved this book and read it in an afternoon. It is not the children being kidnapped, but the adults. The children set off on a long fun, challenging adventure encountering lots of different animals with beautiful descriptions and illustrations. You feel as if you could walk up to them and greet them with their full name. The different personalities of the children really bring the story alive. There are two boys, the younger one thinks mainly of food and the older one tries to be clever but fails desperately over time because the girl out-smarts his thinking with her knowledge of Nepali culture. I think everyone would enjoy this book, even if you don’t have a particular interest in different animals. By the end, you will have a knowledge of more than just foxes and badgers.
Toma, aged 12