As a pre-med major hoping to work in Third World Countries, this book speaks straight to my heart. Bentivegna is brilliant and completely honest about the suffering in Haiti. I found myself laughing in earnest at his awkward culture shock and horrified by the people that came to him for help. He has a heart of gold and a mind to match; his spirit and humanity are revealed to the public and I am in awe of his character. Bentivegna is a man I would have loved to meet and work alongside of in Haiti and his book is a testament of his work. I recommend this for anyone and everyone. It is wildly intellectual without seeming dull. It is shocking, grotesque and painful, but very true. I have seen Haiti with my eyes and he speaks from the heart with real clarity.

"Neglected and Abused" is a must read for anyone going to Haiti as a medical volunteer (or anyone going to Haiti for any reason). I was captivated by Dr. Joe's tales of medicine in a country with so few resources. I have been going to Haiti as a medical missionary for two years now and I found this book to be an excellent account of the medical situation in Haiti. I think this book would be a wise read for anyone planning a trip to give you an idea of what you are about to face. Dr. Joe's experience took place in the late 1980's before the embargo and the subsequent further deterioration of the health situation in Haiti. Keep that in mind when you read this book - things are worse now.

I am not Haitian, but I have been to Haiti many times and the book seems to present a very realistic picture of the people and problems in Haiti. Dr. Bentivegna simply tells it like it is--he realizes that problems like malnutrition, unsanitary water, and lack of vaccination programs and birth control compound any doctor's best efforts to provide medical care to the poor in Haiti. He does not hide his frustration as he encounters these things and others as his year in Haiti progresses. Along these lines, he states in the epilogue: "The problems that initially seemed so easy to solve became infinitely complex the better I understood them" (p. 161).

The title of the last chapter in the book is "Questions Without Answers," and includes story upon story of ethical dilemmas he encountered in Haiti (which are so different from the dilemmas encountered in 1st-world medicine), and how he chose to act in these situations. They illustrate how gray the lines can be, and how he had to, as he says, "play God" in Haiti. He also points out the problems that occur when people and groups attempt to impliment short-term solutions to long-term problems. It's very eye-opening.

In the midst of this, it is obvious that Dr. Bentivegna loves and respects the Haitian people, and that he is torn by their plight. Sadly, though this book was written more than a decade ago, it might as well have been written last month. We can only hope and pray that Aristide's leadership will bring infrastructural changes and economic development to Haiti in the coming years. It is only these things, as Bentivegna notes, that will provide long-term change in Haiti.

Koulé midi, recueil de nouvelles de Raoul Altidor, paru récemment aux éditions Mémoire, témoigne d'une grande diversité à la fois dans les thèmes, univers évoqués et les registres d'écriture. Le livre s'ouvre sur une narration plus ou moins conventionnelle, genre mémoire et fiction eternées. Le lecteur retient tout de suite le fait que l'auteur a su employer le créole sans se croire obligé de rendre compte de réalités paysannes exclusiement. Intimité, sujets actuels, jazz, peintures, tout ce qui constitue l'environnement de New York où se déroule l'histoire, tout y est. La diversité soulignée tantôt, est parfois très contrastée tant l'écriture d'un texte comme « Marassa », faisant suite au premier, diffère à la fois dans le ton et dans le rythme. Prose poétique ou poème tout court ? Suite de phrases inventaires qui n'offrent point de trame à proprement parler mais opère plutôt par suggestions. Cette diversité tient aussi des lieux d'inscription de chaque moment raconté, Gonaïves, Cap-Haïtien, l'Estère, mais aussi New York, Miami etc... Tout un itinéraire renvoyant en fait, si l'on se réfère aux éléments de para-texte principalement la quatrième de couverture à la trajectoire réelle de l'auteur (se confondant dans certains cas au narrateur). On doit mentionner également le talent de l'auteur dans l'art du portrait qu'il soit objectif ou subjectif. « Bisila Tribye, se te polka m. Li leve fè. Li anjandre [...] li soti byen fen ak yon chemiz jèze ki gen de kòlèt byen long. Pantalon patelefan an gen plizyè patch plake sou li pou granmèsi, epi talon soulye step-over a pi wo pase janm debwa ». Comme le souligne, son préfacier Rodney St Eloi, l'auteur de « Koule Midi » a le mérite d'avoir continué (dans la lignée des Frankétienne, Célestin Mégie, F. Morisseau Leroy, Deyita) à démonter qu'au-delà du conte et de la poésie, le créole pouvait tout aussi bien investir le récit comme tel, ajoutons sans la prédominance de l'oralité chère à « l'audience » genre dans lequel excellait si bien Maurice Sixto. Gary Augustin, Ecrivain

Li nesesè, mwen ta di menm se youn devwa pou mwen, pou m' fè youn rale sou liv Raoul Altidor fenk defounen-an ki rele Koulè Midi. Se youn liv enteresan. Li enteresan toudabò poutèt se youn bann ti istwa kout, nou ta di nouvèl, sa yo rele nan lanng angle "Short Stories".Se pa tout tan ekriven Ayisyen sèvi ak fòm sa-a. Nou jwenn woman, esè, pwezi, kont elt..., men istwa kout sa yo pa fasil pou jwenn nan literati ayisyen-an. Ansuit , Koulè Midi, se youn literati rejyonal e nasyonal. Li rejyonal poutèt mo ak non ki karakterize youn rejyon nan peyi-a: Latibonit. Li nasyonal paske se istwa, tribilasyon, lavi ayisyen l'ap rakonte.

Mwen te pran plezi pou mwen te li Koulè Midi. Kannari kè mwen t'ap koule, tèlman li te chaje ak lakontantman. Raoul te plen li ak konparezon, imaj elt... Anpil bèl mo; bonjan mo kreyòl, mo nou pa kontre toulejou. N'ap swete Koulè Midi anpil siksè, epi n'ap rekòmande tout mounn k'ap li kreyòl, tout mounn k'ap fè rechèch nan kreyòl, kit sa ki kòkòb, kit sa ki maton, pou yo li Koulè Midi.

Kiki Wainwright,ekriven

L'art de la nouvelle est de rendre au monde tout son suc, en dépit de la réticence des êtres ou la médiocrité des choses. Le créole est une langue bondissante, obsédée par l'éparpillement des êtres et des choses, leurs extravagances, leurs noeuds vitaux, interactifs, leurs réseaux de signification...Porté par la passion créatrice inculquée par sa formation et ses convictions intellectuelles, Raoul Altidor, qui passe avec allégresse du ton de la confidence poétique à celui de la conviction socio-historique, se garde bien de tout pessimisme. Pour lui, cependant, écrire, c'est sentir montrer. A la lettre, il séngendre lui-même.

Plus épique que dramatique, Koulè Midi impose une structure temporelle scandée par par un bel imaginaire, ni étouffant ni superficiel, un rythme haletant, des personnages substanciels et quotidiens. Créole et nouvelle ne sont pas ici opposés. Par l'importance accordée au regard, à la qualité de la narration, par la valeur esthétique et symbolique des images qu'il compose, par sa façon de bouleverser l'ordre chronologique et anecdotique, Raoul Altidor annonce de beaux jours pour la nouvelle haitienne en langue vernaculaire. Pierre Raymond Dumas, Critique littéraire, Quotidien Le Nouvelliste.

This book provides powerful, beautiful photography, sensitive narrative, and original poetry. It respects the country, its culture and its language. It has a depth not expected in "table top" books. It is the number one book on my gift list this year! (not found in most book stores). Wonderful -

I lived in Haiti for 18 years and I must say that this book does a wonderful job of portraying Haiti. If you've ever traveled to Haiti or lived there, this book will bring back fond memories. If you've never been to Haiti, you might find yourself longing to visit. This book will help you see why so many people who visit Haiti end up falling in love with it despite the fact that it's one of the poorest, most destitute countries in the world.

I am the adoptive mom of a little Haitian girl. The other night we went to a church to hear a missionary speak about Haiti, and this gorgeous book was on the missionary's display table as a way of showing Americans the beauty of the people in that desperate land. Though we have plenty of photographs ourselves from my husband's trip there in 1997 (to finalize the adoption and bring our daughter home) we were deeply moved by the professional photography in this book. It shows the poverty, yes, but it also shows beauty and community, the natural splendor of the land and the warmth of a people so ravished by the cruelty of their government, but still able to smile. This is a book of hope, and a book of brilliant color, and a book which shows the strength of the Haitian people. Each gorgeous photo has an accompanying poetic verse in Creole and in English. A truly lovely book....

Caught me like a mouse in a trap and wouldnt let me go! More I say! Mrs. Parenti now has a huge fan!

Voodoo Moon is a well written book. I enjoyed it from the begining. Voodoo Moon is one of those books that is very hard to put down until the end. I am sure you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.

This was the best work I have read in years! The author has a way of pulling you into the story that makes you feel the characters emotions. Excellent work!

This book truly is the very best introduction to Haiti I can possibly think of. If you want to learn about Haiti, start here. Each entry is short, carefully chosen, and typicaly riveting. SIX STARS on this work, and my thanks to Arthur and Dash.

"Libete" is a comprehensive and concise anthology of writings on a wide spectrum of topics, including the history, religion, art, and politics of the country. It is a good introduction for those new to Haiti, and shows those wanting to deepen their understanding where to look.

Read Libete. It is comprehensive, both in sampling the most important writing on Haiti, and in surveying a wide spectrum of subjects. The selections are edited well enough for it to make excellent breakfast table reading- it took me as long to get through a selection as it did to finish a bowl of cereal.

As a preschool teacher I found that "Bel Peyi Mwen" is an excellent tool for exposing my students to a diffferent culture. I recently had the opportunity to visit Haiti and the Dominican Republic and found this book a true representation of the Hatian culture. I highly recommend it to educators of all ages!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Kristopher Battles when he returned to the United States for a brief trip. While in Florida I received a copy of his coloring book, and have thoroughly enjoyed each page of it. Upon talking to Kris and his beautiful wife Kelly, I discovered that the pages of his book truly reflect life in Haiti. I firmly recommend that any lover of childrens books purchase this fine piece of work.

This book would provide ALL coloring age children, not only with the usual line drawings to color, but would tweak their interest about the line drawings and then provide simple easy to understand explanations about the picture at the bottom of each page. Thus increasing their knowledge about a different people and different way of life

As a person who takes an interest in the country of Haiti and its political figures, I was very excited upon discovering Aristide's "In the Parish of the Poor". This book, which includes a wonderful foreword by Amy Wilentz, contains all the intellect and emotional fervor that makes Aristide the highly-respected individual that he is. The book is well-written and even contains some of Aristide's sermons. I am in no means a supporter of Aristide; however, I must highly recommend this book to anyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Haiti- 600 miles from Florida, but it may as well be 600 light years! Jean Bertrand Aristide captures that magnificently in "In The Parish of the Poor". As an educator I have used passages from this book in class to provoke discussions on social justice and morality. And as someone who is drawn to Haiti as often as funds allow,I cherish it for its truth. A lot has happened to Haiti since Titid wrote this, but it has a spirit that is timeless.

This book is excellent! Having met Aristide- in Haiti, I know the absolute power of love that Aristide holds in his heart for the people of Haiti - and this book does just that. It gives the reader a look at the problems in Haiti, those that Aristide has experienced, and why he believes he can change the situation there. He gives the reader fact and feeling- true, honest feelings without the flowery-detail. The feelings in this book are human. Aristide calls out to his readers to take heed and see Haiti as a land of people with pride, love, and faith. He lets you see - from his point of view - the atrocities of standing against the powerful government....of what his vision is for Haiti's future and how faith and liberation theology will bring Haiti to a new level. An excellent read- a powerful book- with actual sermons given by Aristide at the end- that might change the reader's view of the society we live in and his/her place in it.

I spent some time in Haiti but learned precious little about Voodoo. Although practiced by the majority of Haitians, it is not an open, in-your-face religion. The book has a good, detailed, historical background of both Haiti and Voodoo. The discussions about Voodoo are detailed, professional, informative, scholarly, and very non-biased. The history is quite in depth so don't buy this book if you are looking for a light hearted explanation of teh subject. This book helped me to understand Voodoo's cultural significance in Haiti and to understand why it is believed to be a "religion". The book's photos are excellent. I bought the French version of this book so I can't comment on the English translation.

I have found this book interesting, delivering a most valuable information about history, loas, voodoo practices and religion. The artistic and esthetic content is also of high interest. It provides actually also a contemporary information regarding the present status of this religion and presents the christian religion coming from the US as its bitter ennemy. We will probably never ascertain the importance of the direct influence of voodoo on the present political status of Haïti, but this boook underlines the negative influence of papa Doc and his "tonto macoutes" who used voodoo to justify at times their political system.

I did not know what to expect when I purchased this book. I needed a serious reference book to research Voodoo (or as I call it Vodou) in "my country" and I found it. This is a very smart and thoroughly researched and documented book that I highly recommend to anyone who has an intellectual curiosity of the Haitian Vodou culture.

I have six years experience in the U.S. Army, in light infantry, special forces and as a linguist (translating Haitian Creole, amongst other languages). I have worked with and flown in most of the helicopters mentioned in Falcon Brigade. Col. (ret) Casper did an excellent job discussing attack helicopter fire support to MOUT and staff operations for a joint/multinational task force. I especially liked his discussion of using hand-drawn sketches of the cityscape for controlling close air support and the use of snipers in helicopters for counter battery fire against mortars and his account of flag- and cabinet-level politics.

However, although quite a bit could have changed between 1992, when the events in Falcon Brigade occurred, and 1995, when I joined, it seemed obvious that Col. Casper was "not read in" (one of Col. Casper's favorite turns of phrase in this book) to special operations: his familiarity extended only as far as necessary for him to provide helicopter support. For example, his few references to SOF in Haiti usually evolve around his use of his helicopters for their re-supply. The further you get from the helicopter, the more sketchy his knowledge becomes: on pg 35 he claims soldiers are "attached" to the rope when fast roping. As someone who has fast roped, I can tell you that there was nothing attaching me to the rope except my steely grip. (although fast roping is done from a helicopter, these were SOAR helicopters and not under Col. Casper's control)

I enjoyed Col. Casper's discussion of clan geopolitics in Somalia. On the U.S. side, he does show insight (but does not elaborate) into U.S. foreign policy as far as it relates to the role of the U.S. military at the flag officer and cabinet level. The description of garrison life was also interesting. It seemed that Col. Casper had a few axes to grind with some of the generals who (mis)managed the campaign in Somalia. Unlike SOF and ground combat, Col. Casper seemed well acquainted with problems at the flag level. I just wish that he hadn't pulled his punches the way I have a feeling that he did.

I was put off, though, by Col. Casper's annoying use of the word 'crony.' According to Col. Casper, the "Crony" clan must be the largest and most prestigious clan in Somalia: every important Somali in the book is surrounded by Cronies. Why is it that Americans have assistants, aides, XO's, etc., but Somalis only have cronies? And, why is it wrong for Somalis to get through battle chewing khat, but not wrong for Rangers to get through battle chewing Skoal? Why the double standard?

Unfortunately, Col. Casper's description of Haiti and the Haitian people was rather ignorant. The Crony clan seems to be equally widespread and well placed in Haiti: every Haitian leader has the perequisite entourage of cronies. I'd really like to get 'read in' to this Crony clan! Then, on pg 201 he claims Port-au-Prince is a city of 1 million, but on pg 208 the population suddenly grows to 2 million. Either Port-au-Prince experienced some pretty intense activity nine months previously, or there is a mistake here.

His description of Voodoo on page 209 shows the typical American condescension for this religion. Why is Catholicism capitalized but "voodoo" is in lower case? Why is Catholicism acknowledged as a religion but Voodoo is just "magic"? Why do Catholics pray and Voodoo adherents 'cast spells'? Contrary to his claim that Voodoo lacks theology or clergy, Voodoo has a very well developed pantheon (the Loas) and clergy (the Hougans). Then, on page 221, Col. Casper claims that clairin, an alcoholic beverage, is the national drink and the 'sole pleasure' of the Haitian peasant's life. This is a rather skewed and unwarranted representation of the Haitian peasant. Why the double standard? I believe American per capita consumption of beer is far greated that Haitian per capita consumption of clairin, but I would certainly object to America being characterized as a nation of beer-swillers. If we are to believe Col. Casper, then it may have been a hiccup in the clairin supply that led to the sudden increase in population noted above.

On a more serious note, I believe that, regardless of military might, any U.S. peace keeping operation is doomed to failure unless Americans acquire a knowledge of the local people beyond the bare minimum necessary for combat operations. If we knew the people better we probably wouldn't have to fight them. As Col. Casper noted, U.A.E. had good rapport with locals and were able to accomplish the same tasks that severely tasked American military ability peacefully. Col. Casper's stereotypes of Somalis and Haitians as of khat-chewing, clairin-drinking, spell-casting, cronies will not help to establish that rapport.

Seeing as this book is entitled 'Falcon Brigade: Combat and Command in Somalia and Haiti,' I expected a balanced account of the U.S. involvement in Haiti (and Somalia) tempered by Col. Casper's personal experiences. Unfortunately, the account was largely about helicopters and I didn't find a lot of detail on Somalia or Haiti beyond what was visible from the door of Col. Casper's hooch or through NVGs from Col. Casper's cockpit at night. If you can't get enough 'Black Hawk Down' and are already 'read in' to the special forces portion, this may be the book for you. Stylistically, this is an enjoyable page turner with little complexity to slow you down. However, if you want true grit on the situation in Haiti or Somalia, this book may be somewhat of a pricey disappointment.

When we were at Ft Ord with the 7th Infantry Division and
D Company, 7th Combat Aviation Battalion, from 1981 through 1984.

Colonel Casper was a consumate leader in all regards, and if I had a chance to serve with him again, I would not hesitate one moment.

This is an outstanding book to have in one's library if you have an interest on American military involvements. COL Casper book is well written and you get to see the picture of what happened not only from a soldiers perspective but from a BRIGADE COMMANDERS view. A must for any soldier or military historian.

It's always refreshing to read about the Caribbean, especially when it involves carnival and when the recount is being done by such a great writer. I must say that at times I felt like screaming that this woman really does not know how to let loose and really enjoy carnival. Just imagine if she were in Trinidad instead playing j'ouvert, and doing carnival for 2 days straight!! Nevertheless, I liked the fact that she paid careful attention to detail and incorporated much historical content into the novel.

You are given a challenge that harkens back to your childhood ---return to carnival and write about it. You think about the consequences, and perhaps second guess yourself for allowing someone to even suggest going back to deal with the demons that sent you packing in the first place. Such is the case that the author contemplates in this installment of The Crown Journeys, a new series that has authors writing about different places around the world after traveling them on foot.

While acquiescing and taking the walk that spawned this book, Edwidge Danticat doesn't disappoint. In recent years she has fast become a media darling and one of Haiti's rising stars in literature. Here she shares with her readers a poignant and compelling view of the Jacmel Carnival, one of the Caribbean's major carnivals --- rivaled with and compared only to Rio and Trinidad. She gives insight and deep-rooted analogies of historic content, exploration of the land in and around her hometown of Jacmel, and the traditions of the people themselves as a true native would tell it.

The old adage of "there's no place like home" will always have a sense of purpose when coming back, and relative to the aforementioned, Ms Danticat gives the readers something to digest. Along the way she visits a cemetery and reveals what she thinks of them: 'I have always enjoyed cemeteries. Altars for the living as well as resting places for the dead they are entryways, I think to any town or city'the best places to become acquainted with the tastes of the inhabitants, both present and gone'.

She also references Jacmel's uneven history via the landmarks she remembered as a child; gives a detailed explanation of how the masks and costumes play a major role based on age-old fables; and revisits the hills and rainforests with stories supporting political drama(s) relative thereof. The customs, social life, and other ménage of experiences associated with carnival represents an expressive attitude that inspires the people of this proud nation a reason to shun struggle, forget present troubles and escape to the wild hedonistic, but sexual suggestive party that bring out carnal knowledge at its best.

The one thing that got my interest early on in this narrative is the fact that she was scared off from celebrating the rituals associated with this celebration by a family member. How she has dealt with it over the years --- and the decision to face this challenge is worthy reading. In the process she's able to rediscover herself and shed inhibitions in embracing this festive time. Witness the reckless abandon as she describes the freedom she now can express without remorse. I feel that readers will feel as mesmerized as I was --- and feel as if you were there too.

--- Reviewed by Alvin C. Romer

Until this short, entertaining book, part memoir and part travelogue, I'd never read much of anything positive about Haiti. Years of political strife and the Duvalier dictatorships have certainly taken its toll on this densely populated third of Hispaniola (the rest is the Dominican Republic), but apparently Haiti is ready for tourists again and there's much to attact us there. Carnival, those jubilant and reckless days before Lent, would be a grand time to go. Like similar celebrations in Rio, Venice, and New Orleans, this a festival of the bizarre and the ridiculously sublime. Danticat is a fine writer and portrays her native country and countrymen with clarity and passion. This is part of Crown Journeys, a very promising new series of travel essays, written by some of our finest contemporary authors. Educating and entertaining; makes you want to book passage on the next flight or ship.