Review of A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir

[Merits Anih]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir" by Apostle Bismark Barima Bampoh.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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This book is the inspiring memoir of Apostle Bismark Barima Bampoh. Bismark is the youngest of ten children and is from Tinkong, Akuapem, Ghana. He became a born-again Christian at 19. The author shares his journey in his Christian ministry and his family lineage. He also shared stories from his Akuapem heritage, various festivals like the Okuapeman Odwira festival and Yam festival, and the activities done during those festivals. He also shared his paternal and maternal ancestry, his schooling, his relocation to Accra, how he started to work in the corporate world, his studies in the UK, his impact on Ghana Telecom University College (GTUC), how his Christian ministry began, his evangelical works, marriage, etc.

The book starts from his wife's (Dr. Victoria Bampho's) point of view, narrating how they met and when they got married. The wife's point of view was properly written, and I enjoyed their meeting story. I noted that he supports her in her academic pursuits, and I admire that. Many married women do not have this, as their spouses sometimes insist that they stay home and take care of the kids, but not Bismark Barima Bampho.

Bismark's unwavering faith in God is contagious. He had had difficulties in life, such as having asthma while growing up, a stroke, the challenges of caring for disabled children, an accident that nearly claimed his life, and even as his two sons died, but that never wavered his faith. You know true believers when they have been through the fire and come out strong, just like Job in the Bible.

I love that the author went into detail to talk about his country and its origin, the years that coups took place, its languages, the history of telecommunication in Ghana, etc. It was an educational time for me. True to its title, the book is a "teaching memoir," as you will learn a lot from it. Another aspect of this book that I love is the beautiful, colorful pictures that the author shared. He shared photos of various activities he had participated in, as well as those of his family and friends.

The author related that they were poor while growing up, but he did not know. I understood what he meant because his father raised them well in discipline to become hardworking people. With the safety of home, you won't even recognize that something is lacking. I love the way the author starts each chapter by highlighting what you will encounter in the chapter. It sort of prepared me for what was ahead. I would rate A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir by Apostle Bismark Barima Bampoh 5 out of 5 stars because there was nothing I disliked about it. The book was professionally edited, and I would recommend it to those who love reading memoirs and those who would like to learn about Ghana.

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A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir
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[McDonald Lauren]

The inclusion of colorful pictures adds a visual dimension to the story, enhancing the reader's experience.

[Aaron Joseph Maupin]

This highly positive review of "A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream" is detailed, highlighting the author's storytelling, educational content, and inclusion of personal photographs. It is helpful in providing insights into the book's strengths and the reviewer's admiration for the author's unwavering faith. The review is likely to motivate readers to buy the book, particularly those interested in memoirs and Ghanaian culture. From the reviewer's perspective, the book appears to be a valuable addition to anyone's library.

[Mercy Wambui Ndungu]

Thank you for providing such a comprehensive and thoughtful review of "A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir" by Apostle Bismark Barima Bampoh. Your detailed insights into various aspects of the book offer a well-rounded perspective for potential readers.

Your acknowledgment of the author's storytelling approach, including the inclusion of his wife's perspective, adds a personal touch to the narrative and enhances the reader's engagement. The portrayal of the author's support for his wife's academic pursuits is highlighted as a positive aspect, contributing to a broader understanding of their relationship.

[Minaxiben Chandrakant Patel]

Your review of "A Ghanaian Boy's American Dream: An Inspirational Teaching Memoir" by Apostle Bismark Barima Bampoh is both detailed and insightful, providing a comprehensive overview of the book's content, strengths, and personal impact.

[Ivan Kovic]

Sharing his journey from childhood through establishing a ministry provides an expansive, inspirational storyline. I appreciate the reviewer providing cultural context about the author's Ghanaian background. It helps frame the memoir insights.

[Victoria Ukamaka]

Overcoming health challenges and even family tragedies while retaining faith proves uplifting. Stories of resilience resonate. Integrating details about Ghanaian heritage like festivals sounds educational for readers unfamiliar with the culture.

[Salome Ogani]

The memoir’s comprehensive approach spanning background, culture, ministry evolution and family offers a holistic portrait. I admire the author’s fortitude as detailed to not let even immense grief from losing two sons destroy his spiritual anchor.

[Richard Thomasalw]

The reviewer highlighting the beautiful photos included makes the memoir feel more visually engaging. Starting chapters by previewing content demonstrates considerate writing cognizant of optimizing the reading experience.

[William Wrightmill]

Relatable themes of overcoming poverty's difficulties while still finding happiness in family connections inspire. The memoir tracing his whole life arc provides a thorough, meaningful story arc rather than just spotlight achievements.

[Brian Adamss]

Learning about the coups Ghana endured gives non-Ghanaian readers critical sociohistorical context about his upbringing environment and culture. The reviewer avoids spoilers while still indicating sufficiently compelling content across professional and personal aspects to hook interest.