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The book has been written for people from
14-100, and your views are really important to me. Here’s
a snapshot from the initial readers. I’ve given their
first name and the town where they live:
I just loved this book. What a fantastic journey Annette takes you on. I love the fact that throughout her journey (I don't want to give details away), multiple connections through different people at different times had all benefitted Annette in achieving her dreams and visions she experienced early on. As the saying goes, one door closes, another truly does open. Annette was also not afraid to let you experience her personal life at some very dark and heart breaking moments and having experienced some of these within my own family myself, could not help but relate to some of this. I class myself as agnostic and respect those who have and do follow specific faiths themselves. I found the following phrase therefore, very welcoming to read (shortened for ease) 'It had become increasingly clear that there were many very good people who didn't go to church. They had consciously decided to find their peace through other ways........and helping people around them on a daily basis,.......every path finally has to lead to that deep peace within us'. I found the journey Annette travelled, as described in this book, not only a fascinating and honest read, but it only proves that each one of us has the capability within, to help our fellow beings, by something, no matter how small or large, to be able to make a positive difference to someone's life. Annette has this gift in abundance and may her dream to provide water to the Ethiopian people continue to grow and strengthen.
I also kept this quote from her book in mind 'Standing up and being counted for what you believe in is becoming increasingly rare in our societies, as we strive to fit in with what is acceptable.........Therein lies the madness, because true sanity comes from feeling, thinking, saying and behaving in ways that reflect our souls'. I eagerly await the second book from Annette, which I hope will be just as honest and humbling as this one was. May you have every success.
Fe, Newbury.
I read
the book
as a very
personal
story.
Why should
an English
woman from
Buckinghamshire
devote
herself
to providing
water for
the poor
of distant
Ethiopia?
There seem
to be two
reasons:
your faith
and your
dreams.
To be candid,
some people
will be
put off
by such
answers,
raising
their doubts
that these
could be
motivating
factors
for such
an odyssey.
Not
me –
as you
stated
in the
preface:
‘following
your life’s
purpose
lets you
discover
just how
connected
you are
to every
living
thing on
the planet.’
I
strongly
identified
with your
book. You
are an
exceptionally
idealistic
and creative
person.
Bravo!
Daniel,
Jerusalem
I
just loved
your book
and it
moved me
a lot emotionally.
Not so
much through
the moving
stories
of you
and your
classmates.
Even though
it was
fascinating
to read
how all
your lives
have evolved.
It particularly
moved me
so much
because
it showed
me once
more how
important
it is to
follow
your destiny.
Unfortunately,
we live
in a world
where (at
least in
the Western
society)
materialistic
success
is valued
so much
more than
any other
success.
I look
forward
to the
second
part of
your odyssey!
Gaby,
Munich
Your
book is
brilliant!
I found
it fascinating
that you
could have
such plans,
such ideals
and did
so much
travelling
and met
so many
people.
I so admire
your perseverance
and determination
to see
all those
people,
even in
high places.
You certainly
deserve
huge sales!
Ruth,
Bedford.
A
friend
recommended
your book,
as a modern
guide to
spirituality.
“An
Ethiopian
Odyssey”
is a masterpiece!
I was profoundly
moved –
particularly
to discover
such faith
in a loving
God –
and here
in the
UK. I’m
telling
all my
friends
to buy
it!
Paul, London.
What
a beautifully
written
book! I
felt like
I was on
the journey
and quest
myself,
feeling
the pain
and joy
in equal
measures,
the frustrations
and the
relief!
Annette has shown how one can
follow one's dreams through obstacles and hurdles, and how
kindness and compassion can be found in the furthest corners
of the globe, and in the strangest of circumstances! I cannot
wait until book 2.
Ian, Chelmsford.
How many of us have certain dreams
and turn them into God's mission to do something for less
privileged in life in this selfish and materialistic world
we all live in? Annette has made her mission through her Water
Aid Project for Ethiopian people. The book is a journey from
Annette's childhood in Ethiopia, which everyone who gets an
opportunity should read. I hope this book will surely inspire
others who have visions to do something about their dreams.
A great book!
Raj, Harrow, Middx.
I thoroughly enjoyed your book.
You are a very courageous person! It made me
appreciate the fact that I
can run a tap and have hot and cold water each day! I hope
we can meet up
one day.
Lena, Cape Town
I have found "An Ethiopian
Odyssey" to be wonderful and inspiring.
In an age in which the world is
beset by economic and social problems, I'm glad to see the
salvation of the Almighty God in manifesting his unconditional
love and peace in helping the poor through his people like
yourself. I wish you success on your noble cause.
Reading Annette's story you are
filled with the desire to know more and find out the paths
that her school friends have taken. It makes you feel that
the world is not as big and divided a place as you tend to
expect. This story comes straight from the heart and is refreshingly
honest and open. In these difficult and mostly selfish times
it is encouraging and enlightening to see that people will
go out their way to help others to achieve their dream.
Marina, Egham, Surrey
A searingly honest and impassioned
book, told with such heartfelt intensity that one cannot help
but be drawn along with it. The story wonderfully demonstrates
the kindness inherent in ordinary people and gives the sense
that the world is really not such a large and divided place
after all.
Felix, London
An Ethiopian Odyssey gives the
reader what it says: an odyssey. This is not one story, but
many stories tied into one book, and I am sure a few of theses
stories will touch something in your heart as it did in mine.
Enjoy a Very Good Read and give people water...
Full
Review
Green, Australia
For anyone who has questioned
the meaning of life and looked for a way to make a lasting
contribution, this book is an inspiration. An Ethiopian Odyssey
is not just about following your beliefs, but also about discovering
real strength that can come only through true faith. What
started out as a Friends Reunited story takes the author half
way across the world, battling against the odds in the pursuit
of her dreams, to make a lasting contribution to the people
of Ethiopia.
As a frequent commuter, never have so many fellow travellers
asked me about a book I was reading. Moving stuff indeed!
Gary, Peterborough, England
This is an incredible story
written from the heart. A human story of faith, warmth and
courage. An easy writing style that really takes you on the
journey with the author. A lovely read.
Ken, Guildford, England
Fabulous book! The author
takes you with her as she tries to rediscover old school friends
after 40 years of 'growing up'. Fired on by her incredible
dreams that come true, Annette revelas how interconnected
we are. I especially liked the biographies aobut her old school
friends in a changing political world.
Annie, Akeley, England
A thoroughly good read,
excellently researched
Pascal, Nenagh, Ireland
What a page turner! Really
enjoyed it, and can't wait for book 2. I think you've done
a very good job with the cover, with its colours and intriguing
introduction. I was also very impressed when I visited the
website. More power to you, hope it sells lots for your cause:
water.
George, London
I have read your book from
cover to cover. Thank you. It is a delight to read it because
it deals with real lives, not fiction.
Abune Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Addis
Ababa
A really uplifting read.
I discussed it with my daughter, who loved it too –
it’s made her think about how she can help the developing
world.
Ellen, Buckingham
I really enjoyed reading
your book, and wish you every success in your dream for permanent
clean water for Ethiopia and a Peace garden in Jerusalem.
That would be a miracle!
Pat, Gloucester
First of all, I enjoyed
reading it. I found the subject, the overall themes and philosophies
well worth reading. There was a small battle, however, between
your schoolmates’ stories and your own. But, all in
all, the message for world peace, for individual peace, for
faith and believing in miracles and dreams embedded in your
biography was really good.
Evelyn, Germany
I enjoyed the “Odyssey”
very much, particularly the parts when you meet up with significant
people. They really come alive for me.
Anne, Farnborough, Hampshire
I have read your Ethiopian Odyssey
book and really enjoyed it. Tremendous! I thought I would
let you know how I came to hear about the book.
On a trip back to the UK, my
youngest daughter listened to an old "Joseph" musical
CD. After which she asked if God still speaks to people in
dreams. I replied, yes sometimes He does.
That
then reminded me that I had heard something about dreams on
Premier Radio. I only heard about the last five minutes of
you on the show, and then the book was mentioned. Instead
of the expected book about "how to interpret dreams"
you mentioned the Ethiopian Odyssey. This was immediately
of interest to me because of some close friends are Ethiopian,
so I ordered the book!
Ray, Belgium
I found the Ethiopian Odyssey
to be an entertaining, educational, spiritual and thought-provoking
book. Reading it was like travelling to all those places with
you, feeling what you were feeling, and meeting all those
people from different educational, economic and cultural backgrounds.
I enjoyed it so much, that I was disappointed when it ended.
I look forward to reading volume II.
Yodit, USA
I thought I'd take my time
to read it, but just couldn't put it down once I'd begun.
I can relate to some of the experiences you went through,
and it was exciting to read how the doors opened along your
journey. My daughters are looking forward to reading it next.
Sandra, Buckingham
Your book is excellent
and well written
Leikun, Washington DC
I found it a gripping and
very readable story.
Richard, Addis Ababa
It was an easy read, cover
to cover. You get straight to the point. Learning about Ethiopia
was interesting, as I would never have bothered reading about
their history. You certainly travelled a long way and some
of the connections were amazing, especially finding your classmate's
second cousin a mile up the road from you! I would definitely
recommend it.
Helen, St.Albans
I thoroughly enjoyed your
book. The descriptions of the places you visited made me feel
that I was there beside you. It was particularly interesting
to contrast the Ethiopia of the 1960's with Ethiopia today.
I enjoyed the spiritual elements, they weren't overdone. I
think Ethio-Americans would really like the 'Odyssey.'
Therese, Buckingham
Your story is absolutely
fascinating and has kept me gripped on the journey to and
from work. It's amazing how, once you set out on your journey,
everything came together for you, in line with your vision
in May 1995. A highly recommended read!
Irene, Buckingham
I really enjoyed it. It
was a good way to learn more about Ethiopia through the story-
I wouldn't for example have picked up a history book. So well
done - held my interest throughout.
Linda, Kingston on Thames.
As a result of Linda’s feedback,
the latest index has my former classmates names listed in
bold, so you can track who they were.
This is to let you know
that I have finished reading your book and enjoyed it very
much. I had a lump in my throat and could hardly hold back
my tears about your mother's illness and the care and love
you have shown her. Reading some of the paragraphs of your
book more than once, I was very impressed at the way you have
expressed your views about politics and the suffering world
in general. I am also deeply grateful to you for mentioning
about the Armenian Genocide more than once, given that it
is not in keeping with "political correctness" with
quite a few politicians in the West!!
Cosette, London.
I really enjoyed it. There
were moments when I couldn’t put the book down. I felt
very emotional at times. Your visions made me feel uncomfortable,
I don’t know why. The coincidences were really amazing.
It kept me gripped from cover to cover; in fact I was very
disappointed when it ended. When is book 2 out?!
Peter, Kington, Worcestershire.
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