Growing Up in Africa: a Short Story of Self Discovery in an Age of Innocence

Publisher Marketing: Growing up, Rory was a rebellious, imaginative, spiritual, and lonely child. While he had his family around him, he had very few friends. However, what Rory did have was Africa. His parents left a ravaged, post-World War II Europe with Rory's two brothers before he was born. Rory began his life in East London, South Africa, and left for Southern Rhodesia when he was two years old. Without his family's shared memories of Europe, Rory would be shaped into a man by his new and shocking African surroundings. From the moment the family arrived, Rory realized that he was completely infatuated with nature. That infatuation coupled with being on perhaps the most natural continent on the planet led to a unique childhood full of introspection and appreciation for his surroundings. Whether it was watching the wildlife in his back yard or escaping to "The Rock," a huge granite boulder that was his home away from home, Rory's view of the world around him was profoundly impacted by the spirituality and all-encompassing power of nature he witnessed daily. Growing Up in Africa: A Short Story of Self Discovery in an Age of Innocence tells the charming story of a young boy and his journey to self-discovery through his interactions with the unique aspects of African life. From safaris to cobra encounters and schoolyard fights to kissing parties, his life was normal enough to get by yet exciting enough to truly stand out. Everyone has their own coming-of-age tale, but very few have the remarkable setting and unique circumstances that Rory did. Filled with adventure, introspection, and a subtle spirituality, Growing Up in Africa is an enjoyable tale of adolescent adventure and discovery. Contributor Bio:  Johnston, Rory Rory Johnston's earliest memories are of traveling on safari in Africa with his parents. He's gone from exploring some of Africa's most remote regions as a child to planning and leading his own expeditions as an adult. It's fueled his passion for adventure and exploration and fostered a deep respect for nature. Johnston weaves his knowledge of Africa and his passion for its wildlife and people into his novels of love and personal relationships. His other books include "Growing Up in Africa", "A Major Hoodwink", and "The Sands of Katambora", as well as "It Happened at Squeedunc Plantation", which he wrote with his wife, Virginia Doyle. They live in Houston, Texas, but still travel to Africa several times a year.