Against the Tide
One young man’s account chronicles the most turbulent growth in United States history. These were expansions in technology, global influence, wealth, power, popular unrest, and human rights. These changed America from an isolationist, racist enclave, to the present confusing, liberating, imperialistic and ideologically-divided envy of the world.
Dakshita Matta rated it 5/5 stars
This is the second book in the trilogy of memoirs documenting various periods of the author’s life. The first book ended with the author joining the peace corps in Kenya.
In this book, we are told about the love affair that he had in Kenya. He fell in love with a woman having five children. This book also shows the extent to which the author, due to the goodness of his heart and his immense love was willing to go to unite with his lady love despite facing opposition from his close ones.
Amid all this fiasco, destiny played its role and changed the course of his life. The author could not return to his much-desired role as a peace corps volunteer in Kenya. Instead, he first started to involve himself in the beekeeping process and later decided to continue his education. This, in turn, led to various stressful situations as the author was the first person in his family to have aimed for higher education and all hopes were pinned on him.
The author has done tremendous work in depicting the generosity of the people he came across when he returned to the USA after his brief stint in Kenya. As a dog lover myself, I was disheartened to read about the way dogs are treated in Kenya. I seriously cannot wait to read the last part of this trilogy and get to know more adventures of the author’s life.
Gretchen H. Klungness
Five out of five stars on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
“Against the Tide,” my husband’s second volume of his 3-volume memoir, is a tale of the most harrowing variety, at least as I read it. Mike details the journey through his return to the States after a two-year stint with the Peace Corps in Kenya, described in his first volume, “Happenstance.” In that book, you are introduced to Charity, who became his first wife. This second volume is the story of Mike’s marriage to Charity and soon after Mike and Charity’s son James was born, came the difficult process of getting her African family to the United States. Once he got through that gauntlet, the heart-wrenching challenge of supporting a family of seven provides a detailed view into the difficulties of raising a mixed-race family in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the kindness that the family found in certain quarters.
I wasn’t an active part of Mike’s life at this time, unlike during the years covered in the first volume and the third volume (not yet published). I was aware of his situation on a general level, as I had maintained a relationship of sorts with his mother, who kept me informed a bit. And I always knew where he was. But I had no idea how hard his life was and the level of commitment and struggle that he and his family endured.
As I read this volume, I remembered when I went with my father to Mike’s wedding to Charity. As we sat in the pew at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle, I whispered to my father, “This will never work.” I did not think the marriage to Charity and bringing the entire family over from Africa had a snowball’s chance in hell of surviving. And after reading the tale of that marriage, I suppose I wasn’t wrong in thinking that.
I found this volume fascinating to read, both because it is personal to me, and also because Mike has an evocative way of narrating his life.
R M 5/5 stars On Goodreads.com
June 6, 2023
“Against the Tide” is a deeply personal account that takes readers on a remarkable journey spanning continents and decades. Lester Klungness shares his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, his unexpected romance with a Taita woman, and the challenges he faced when circumstances abruptly altered the course of his life. Klungness’ memoir delves into the intricacies of his time in Kenya, where he formed a deep connection with the Taita community and embraced their way of life. However, the disruption caused by his military induction notice forced him to leave Kenya behind, disrupting the happiness he had found.
The author’s resilience shines through as he navigates the complexities of bringing his African family to America. From establishing a homestead in Tenino, Washington, to facing the challenges of Weyerhaeuser’s relocation, Klungness paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs his family endured. The reader witnesses their resilience and determination to build a better life, only to face unexpected obstacles that test their strength and unity.
Lester’s writing is candid and heartfelt, capturing the essence of the turbulent times in United States history. Through his experiences, he sheds light on the profound changes taking place during that era—technological advancements, global influences, societal unrest, and shifting ideologies. The memoir becomes a microcosm of the transformations occurring in America, illustrating the nation’s evolution from isolationism to a complex and divided society.
Klungness’ storytelling prowess immerses readers in his remarkable life, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. It serves as a poignant reminder that amidst the tumultuous waves of change, the bonds of family and the pursuit of personal growth remain steadfast. This memoir is a captivating and thought-provoking read, offering a unique perspective on personal growth intertwined with the backdrop of historical events. Klungness’ narrative is engaging, honest, and poignant, allowing readers to reflect on their own journeys and the transformative power of love and determination. Highly recommended!
bookbyemmaa
Against the Tide
By:- Lester Fisher
Stars 5/5
This book is the second installment in a trilogy of memoirs that chronicles different periods of the author’s life. The previous book concluded with the author’s decision to join the peace corps in Kenya.
In this book, the author shares the story of a passionate love affair that unfolded during his time in Kenya. He fell deeply in love with a woman who had five children, and despite facing opposition from his loved ones, he demonstrated remarkable dedication and love by going to great lengths to be with her. However, destiny intervened, altering the course of his life. The author found himself unable to return to his desired role as a peace corps volunteer in Kenya. Instead, he found solace in the world of beekeeping and later made the decision to pursue further education. This path brought about numerous stressful situations, as the author was the first in his family to strive for higher education, and their hopes rested on his success. Throughout the book, the author masterfully depicts the kindness and generosity of the people he encountered upon his return to the USA after his brief time in Kenya. As a fellow dog lover, I was disheartened to learn about the mistreatment of dogs in Kenya. I eagerly anticipate reading the final part of this trilogy to delve deeper into the author’s life and uncover more of his captivating adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this captivating volume, which held my interest for two main reasons: its personal significance to me and Mike’s captivating storytelling style. I strongly recommend delving into this book, and I encourage every reader to explore “Happenstance” as well, as it provides valuable background context to this narrative. While this book is certainly able to be appreciated independently, the knowledge gained from the first book adds an extra layer of intrigue to the second installment.
Erin
4.0 out of 5 stars Yet another masterpiece by the author!
Verified Amazon purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023
“Against the Tide” is a deeply personal account that takes readers on a remarkable journey spanning continents and decades. Lester Klungness shares his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, his unexpected romance with a Taita woman, and the challenges he faced when circumstances abruptly altered the course of his life. Klungness’ memoir delves into the intricacies of his time in Kenya, where he formed a deep connection with the Taita community and embraced their way of life. However, the disruption caused by his military induction notice forced him to leave Kenya behind, disrupting the happiness he had found.
The author’s resilience shines through as he navigates the complexities of bringing his African family to America. From establishing a homestead in Tenino, Washington, to facing the challenges of Weyerhaeuser’s relocation, Klungness paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs his family endured. The reader witnesses their resilience and determination to build a better life, only to face unexpected obstacles that test their strength and unity.
thewriterswarmth on Instagram.com
Peace Corps invited Lester Michael Klungness to Kenya, he served in the idyllic Hills of Taita where began a romantic involvement with a Taita woman … and her 5 children. Their happy two years together ended when he was exiled from Taita by his military induction notice. By happenstance, he was declared unfit for military service, but Richard Nixon changed the course of his life. The Peace Corps budget cuts excluded him from returning to Kenya and to re-assignment.
He believed he could afford to bring the African family to America. It took years, and they did not all come at the same time. Finally, he got them all to the little four-acre homestead in Tenino Washington. Life was not easy, but the family farmed, and over time they thrived.
mentalwellbeingverse on Instagram.com
“Against the Tide” is an intimate journey that spans continents and decades, as Lester Klungness shares his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, an unexpected romance with a Taita woman, and the challenges that reshaped his life’s path. Klungness’ memoir delves into the heart of his time in Kenya, revealing a deep bond with the Taita community and their way of life. The author’s resilience shines as he navigates bringing his African family to America. From establishing a home in Tenino, Washington, to facing the hurdles of Weyerhaeuser’s relocation, Klungness vividly portrays their struggles and triumphs. The family’s determination to build a better life is tested by unforeseen obstacles, showcasing their strength and unity.
Lester’s writing is candid and heartfelt, capturing the essence of a turbulent era in US history. Through his eyes, we witness technological advancements, global influences, societal unrest, and shifting ideologies. The memoir mirrors America’s evolution from isolationism to a complex society. Klungness’ storytelling immerses readers in a life filled with both triumphs and setbacks. This captivating memoir intertwines personal growth with historical events, offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of love and determination. Engaging, honest, and poignant, Klungness’ narrative encourages reflection on our own journeys.
AGAINST THE TIDE BY LESTER FISHER
Posted on September 4, 2023 by Rounak Raj
“Against the Tide” by Lester Fisher is an engaging and heartfelt memoir that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Lester Michael Klungness, from his time in the Peace Corps in Kenya to his struggles and triumphs in the United States. The book offers a unique perspective on personal growth amidst the backdrop of pivotal moments in American history.
The narrative begins with Klungness’ Peace Corps assignment in Kenya, where he falls in love with a Taita woman and her five children. His forced departure from Kenya due to military induction notice sets the stage for a series of challenges and unexpected turns in his life. The author’s candid storytelling captures the reader’s attention as he navigates his way through various jobs and educational pursuits, always with the goal of reuniting his African family in America.
Klungness’ resilience and determination shine through the pages as he faces numerous obstacles, including budget cuts, relocations, and family dynamics. The narrative provides a glimpse into the complexities of immigration and cultural integration, highlighting the sacrifices and compromises made in pursuit of a better life.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to intertwine personal experiences with the broader historical context of the United States. Klungness’ story mirrors the nation’s transformation during a period of technological advancements, social change, and political upheaval. This intersection of personal and historical narratives adds depth and relevance to the memoir.
“Against the Tide” is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the human spirit’s resilience and the pursuit of the American dream. Lester Fisher’s account of his life journey is not only a testament to his determination but also a reflection of the broader societal changes that shaped America during a turbulent era. This memoir is a must-read for those interested in personal narratives that resonate with the larger tapestry of history.
I enjoyed Against the Tide so much I read it straight through at one sitting! It is a very rich and detailed autobiography of an idealistic young man whose life intersects with working with bees, having a professional career in science, college education, acquiring a Kenyan family while in the Peace Corps, bringing that family to the United States, moving on from that family, living in the Pacific Northwest and California before ending up in Hawaii and many more experiences along the way. For myself, there were some intriguing glimpses into the author’s involvement with Catholicism, intending at one point to becoming an ordained priest. And, I loved reading about his complicated family history, which he is very honest about. Best I let other readers learn about that! I was also intrigued to read about places he had lived, worked or visited on the Pacific coast. I’m a native Washingtonian so loved seeing my world through his eyes. I haven’t been to Kenya, so that part of his Peace Corps story was a brand-new wonderment. There’s something for everyone in this book. It’s detailed, thoughtful and speaks to his and this countries times. As a child of the 70’s it brought back many memories!
“Against the Tide” – A Captivating Journey of Love, Resilience, and Transformation 📖🌟
By @lestermfisher
Rating:5/5
Lester Fisher’s memoir, “Against the Tide,” is a literary gem that left me deeply moved and inspired. This captivating book chronicles the remarkable journey of a man who faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination and a heart full of love. 🌍❤️
The story begins with Lester’s invitation to join the Peace Corps in Kenya, where he not only served the community but also found a profound connection with a Taita woman and her five children. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of the idyllic Hills of Taita, creating a narrative filled with warmth and emotion. 💑🏞️
However, life takes an unexpected turn when Lester’s military induction notice forces him to leave Kenya. Though he was eventually declared unfit for military service, fate had other plans. Budget cuts at the Peace Corps prevent his return to Kenya, propelling him into a series of diverse experiences, from working as a beekeeper to pursuing a master’s degree. 🐝🎓
One of the book’s strengths lies in its portrayal of Lester’s resilience. He navigates the challenges of life with grace, seizing opportunities along the way. His journey leads him to a successful position at Weyerhaeuser Co. Research Division, where he believes he can finally bring his African family to America. 🇺🇸🌱
However, life’s twists and turns are far from over. The family’s move to Washington comes with its own set of difficulties, especially when Weyerhaeuser decides to relocate its research divisions. Lester’s determination shines as he switches from a permanent employee to a contractor and takes on side jobs, all in the pursuit of providing for his family. 💼💪
The book masterfully captures the turbulent growth of the United States during this period. Lester’s personal journey mirrors the nation’s transformation from isolationism and racism to a more globally influential, inclusive, and ideologically diverse society. It’s a poignant reflection on the complex evolution of America itself. 🗽🌐
Happy reading!..
