68 pages • 2 hours read
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
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Book Brief
290
Book • Nonfiction
Malawi • 2000s
2009
Adult
10+ years
Super Short Summary
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba is a memoir about the author’s struggle to build a windmill in his village in Malawi. The story opens with William successfully turning on his windmill and moves to his childhood, touching on themes of hope, determination, superstition, and government corruption. Despite facing numerous obstacles, William self-educates at a library, learning about electricity, and builds a windmill, which garners local and international attention, leading to positive changes in his village and beyond. The book includes sensitive topics such as famine and the impacts of HIV/AIDS.
Inspirational
Hopeful
Challenging
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
35,000 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba is widely praised for its inspiring, real-life story of innovation and resilience. Readers commend Kamkwamba's ingenuity in creating a windmill to save his village. Some critiques mention the book's pacing and technical explanations as occasionally challenging. Overall, it is a motivational read celebrating human determination.
Who Should Read The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind?
The ideal reader for The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba is passionate about narratives of resilience and innovation. Comparable to fans of I Am Malala and Steve Jobs, they appreciate inspiring true stories about overcoming adversity, the triumph of ingenuity, and the transformative power of education.
35,000 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Trywell Kamkwamba
Trywell Kamkwamba
William’s supportive father, who acknowledges and backs William's scientific interests and dreams, providing financial help for his education.
Geoffrey, Gilbert, & Charity
Geoffrey, Gilbert, & Charity
William’s close friends who engage in imaginative play with him during childhood and later assist him in building the windmill.
President Muluzi
President Muluzi
The political leader representing government and corruption issues, whose actions influence the famine and the national response to it.
Tom Rielly
Tom Rielly
A supporter of William at the TED conference, who aids in his presentation and helps secure funding for his work.
Soyapi Mumba & Dr. Mchazime
Soyapi Mumba & Dr. Mchazime
Supporters who recognize William’s potential and help him attend the TED conference and continue his education.
290
Book • Nonfiction
Malawi • 2000s
2009
Adult
10+ years
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