Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Not all of us are blessed with the means and ability to do so. That’s why I’m so excited to share Neill McKee’s memoir My University of the World with you.
Before we get to my review, here’s more about the book:
Neill McKee takes us on an entertaining journey through the developing world from 1970 to 2012. The story starts when he becomes a “one-man film crew,” documenting the lives of Canadian CUSO volunteers working in Asia and Africa as teachers, medical doctors, nurses, engineers, agriculturalists, foresters, and a biologist. He learns the craft of filmmaking and meets and marries Elizabeth “on the hoof.” The story is enlivened throughout by their challenges and adventures together, and Elizabeth’s growing artistic talent and creations.
Beginning in 1975, the young couple settles in Ottawa and starts a family, while Neill roams the world for Canada’s International Development Research Centre. His award-winning films depict the agency’s philosophy and search for solutions to problems in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, education, health, water and sanitation, and more. Then in 1990, McKee joins UNICEF in Bangladesh, and later in Africa, where he initiates long-lasting multimedia programs for child health, with a focus on empowering girls. In 2001, he moves to Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, and then to Moscow, Russia, where he oversees similar initiatives. That experience leads him to a memorable last post in Washington, D.C. as director of a large global communication project.
Throughout the short chapters and in a brief epilogue, McKee reflects on the long-term impact of the projects he documented and of his media creations. His memoir is filled with compelling dialog, humorous and poignant incidents, thoughts on world development, vivid descriptions of people and places he visited, and many images, all of which bring readers into his “University of the World.”
My Review
What a book! I am so impressed by the detail that Neill put into his memoir. That he was able to bring me back to all those incredible experiences was awesome. What I loved the most about his memoir is that it gave such a realistic account of his travels. So much of the travel you see talked about tends to share it with a glamorized picture. And Neill really took you to where he visited. He shared the ick moments, the iffy moments, the inspiring moments, and everything else in between. I was also fascinated by his follow-up searches for the places he visited.
I think this is the perfect book if you are interested in world affairs, whether it’s from a journalism perspective or world traveling or something else in between. He also included pictures, which I really appreciated while reading. I also enjoyed watching some of the videos he made that he shared online: https://www.neillmckeevideos.com/
Definitely pick this one up! You don’t want to miss this book this year. It’s a fascinating memoir I’m glad I read.
Purchase a copy of My University of the World on Amazon or Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
