Bike Riding in Kabul: The Global Adventures of a Foreign Aid Practitioner

I really enjoyed learning about Jamie's work as a legal advisor in Kosovo, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Southern Sudan, Bangladesh, and Rwanda. Some of the places were familiar to me, some not. I really liked Jamie's honest and open writing style, her admitting her ignorance and having a laugh about it. I understood Jamie's disheartenment and admired her longevity in the field, determination, work morale and principles. The parallel story of her aging dad and his life philosophy of doing the right thing even when it's not easy was integrated well into the main story of Jamie's endeavors in making a world a better place.

Jamie Bowman, in "Bike Riding in Kabul", succeeds on many levels in creating a truly remarkable book that should be an unforgettable must read for us all. Jamie takes us rollicking along, as vicarious intimates, on an episodic clear-eyed street level eight year journey through the heart of some of the most challenged and challenging places on earth, Kosovo, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, Southern Sudan and Rwanda as she moves from contract to contract working for USAID and other governmental agencies interacting with local (and national) governmental officials, other local and foreign aid staffers and with the local people. A California lawyer experienced in mortgage and commercial finance and financial regulation, Jamie is initially tasked with assisting countries emerging from periods of war and authoritarianism move towards market driven financial credit systems by drafting and facilitiating the adoption of financial legislation. But that's only the beginning of the story as each stop along the way presents wholly different challenges, risks and opportunities, wrapped in the confounding web of local history, customs, cultures and personalities. We see defeat pulled from the jaws of victory, and victory (or at least acceptance that passes as victory) pulled from the jaws of defeat. We see what it can mean to be an American, and how foreign aid (American and that of other western countries) operates powerfully in developing countries (like the unseen substantial portion of an iceberg lying below water level). We see two sides of the Gold Rule. And we see the tension between policy and principle. But what makes this book, providing invaluable insight into the strangely exciting and largely unseen calloused world of foreign aid, so wonderful is its humanity, the interweaving throughout of the most important strands of Jamie's life, her enduring (if at times quixotic) relationship with Roberto, and her love for her family, perhaps most poignantly for her father as he succumbs slowly to dementia. This is a book that you won't put down and won't forget., as so many of the other reviewers have noted, should top most everyone's reading list. We're all much better off for having shared

As others have mentioned, the bike ride was only a small part of this interesting book. But, these little exploits lightened the story of more serious, and dangerous, parts of the narrative. As a foreign aid worker, the author was based in several different countries, often in unhealthy and uncomfortable accommodations. It was enlightening to read about the many workers, equipment, and monies that go into trying to repair a war-torn nation. And, if women in the US think they're discriminated against, they should try working in male-dominated countries with strict religious rules. An eye-opening, interesting, well-written memoir.

Thank you not only for this insightful journey but also for your service and especially for your honor. As a chapter member of Catholic Relief Services I appreciate the knowledge you have imparted. May the USA continue to bring hope and aide for the betterment of the disenfranchised.

Given I've worked in several developing countries, I was eager to read of her adventures and experiences.Fortunately, I've never had to live in accommodations as bleak as hers but oh, how I loved the dedication she had to her job.The author did a good job of weaving various themes together throughout the book. If I could change anything about the book, it would be the title as the title limited the book's contents which featured so much more than one country.I look forward to more books that she might write about her experiences.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! As a fellow foreign aid practitioner, I could readily identify with the multiple challenges and characters that Jamie met around the world. She provides a very realistic view of what it's like to be a short-term consultant - both the joys and frustrations. Indeed, whereas most books about development are a critique of the industry, this is instead a vulnerable and poignant travelogue into this unique line of work. The author provides thoughtful and spot-on critiques of a number of issues in development (pay particular attention to her exposition of how to do legal reform properly, a rare occurrence), but that is not the primary point. This kind of consultancy is by turns rewarding, frustrating, aggravating, bewildering, encouraging, and highly habit forming. As she takes us through a cast of familiar characters, from petty tyrant clients to encouraging and talented local colleagues, it is easy to identify emotionally and enjoy the journey.This is a great book for those who have travelled these roads, as it brings back memories and questions of why we do this work. It is also a great book for those interested in development, helping to blend idealism with reality in preparation for complexity of cross-cultural work and workers.I wish the book were longer - I was not ready to end the journey.

What a fantastic book. The author has had a fascinating life, but it isn't that that makes this book great: it's her attention to detail, her ease of explanation and her story-telling. Subjects I know nothing about, people I've never met, places I've never been and time periods of political and social change I've never experienced are brought to life by Jamie. She explains everything so well that it doesn't matter if the reader has no experience of these things - we are immersed in the story anyway and gifted with understanding. And she has the most important skill of storytelling: she makes it enjoyable to read. Five stars.

Would you read a book about international law, bank irregularities and loan rates? Hmm. What if the title was Bike Riding in Kabul? Maybe. I'm so glad I did. I was fascinated from the very beginning. The author's experiences in some of the most volatile countries on earth are related from several perspectives. Her recounting of challenges in the workplace, personal anecdotes and a respect for each country's history is liberally sprinkled with humorous, often wry and at times philosophical observations. While I would never ride an old bicycle through Kabul at dawn, I would love to visit the old market place filled with spices, observe the gorillas in Rwanda and perhaps walk the Camino.