Jungle Doctor and the Whirlwind, by Paul White

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION: There is a stranger in the hospital compound - his pockets brimming with money; his clothes brighter than the sunset… and Maradadi is as full of trouble as a scorpion. 

Will the staff be deceived by his charm and his smooth words of fame and fortune? As the Jungle Doctor fights an epidemic, that is sweeping the East African countryside like a whirlwind, he finds he must also fight the destructive influence of this evil intruder.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul White was an Australian missionary doctor in Africa who learned to clothe his Bible teaching in fables, creating stories with a timeless quality. When he returned home to Australia his stories were discovered and published to world-wide acclaim.

SERIES:"Jungle Doctor," 1st in the series

PARENTAL RATING: G.  There is some reference to drug use and descriptions of health procedures, but in the context, totally appropriate for any age, in my opinion.

This delightful book begins with a reference section, probably very helpful in print form.  The characters are introduced and common phrases translated, and we hear a brief biography of the author.  You could easily skip the sections on characters and translations, as the book is told in a way that explains these as you go.  However, don't miss the biography and important facts about Tanzania, as they really ground the story in its proper setting.

Jungle Doctor and the Whirlwind is the perfect book for car trips or family reading time, but adults will enjoy it just as much as children.  Told from the author's point of view, we get a real feel for his life as a medical missionary.  This doctor working in rural Africa weaves important health information and spiritual truths into stories and word pictures that the people will understand.  All the while, he is displaying wisdom, cultural sensitivity, and strong character.  The doctor not only faces disease, injuries, and the normal occurrences of a health clinic in this part of the world, but he also battles greed, drugs, and deception among his trusted co-workers.

Paul Michael's narration was incredible.  Each character had the appropriate accent, with a bit milder accent for the doctor as he told his story than when he actually spoke to other characters.  I checked the christianaudio several times to be sure the same man was reading the whole story, as it seemed to me that this MUST be a team narration.  The guy is that good.

Of course, I'm a bit partial to books about missionaries.  My only regret with this book is that I didn't find the series when my children were younger, before we came on the field.  It's inspiring, exciting, and very entertaining.

At the time of this writing, christianaudio is offering the first four books of the series for $5.00 each.  What a bargain!

**Thank you, christianaudio, for providing me a copy of this audiobook for review purposes.  My opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.