Among the Maasai

2020 Best Book Awards Finalist in Narrative: Non-Fiction
2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, Best New Voice in Nonfiction (Gold Medal Winner)
2020 Independent Publisher Book Award, Multicultural Nonfiction (Gold Medal Winner)
2020 National Indie Excellence Award, Multicultural Nonfiction (Gold Medal Winner)
2020 International Book Awards, Best New Non-Fiction (Finalist)
2020 International Book Awards, Narrative Non-Fiction (Finalist)
2020 Eric Hoffer Award (Finalist)
2020 American Book Fest: Best Book Award, Narrative Non-Fiction (Finalist)
2019 Living Now Book Award, Inspirational Memoir by a Woman (Bronze Medal Winner)
2019 Sarton Women’s Book Award, Memoir (Finalist)
2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year, Women’s Studies (Finalist)
2019 Chanticleer Journey Book Award for Narrative Nonfiction (Semi-Finalist)

“The book is a valuable record, showing both the successes and limitations of education . . . [an] enlightening account of teaching in East Africa.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A thoroughly engaging and meaningful look into the struggles confronted by many indigenous societies today and the challenges faced by the educators who are at the forefront during these rapidly changing times.”
—Kenneth Cushner, EdD, Professor Emeritus, International Education, Kent State University, and author of Teacher as Traveler and Beyond Tourism

“Few writers are gifted with Cutler’s graceful ability to step back when necessary, balancing between her roles as narrator, observer, and participant. Among the Maasai is a must-read for anyone dedicated to the uplifting of women by women, the gender-education gap, and the beauty of perseverance.”
—Camille Griep, editor of Easy Street: A Magazine of Words and Culture, communications director for Prison Renaissance, and author of New Charity Blues and Letters to Zell

“This is a credible, brave work that reflects the stark realities faced by girls from the majority of Maasai society and the hurdles they face on the way to achieving educational liberation.”
—Nengai Lazaro Benton, English teacher, graduate of Maasai Girls Secondary School

“With courage, Juliet Cutler confronts the complexities of privilege, race, culture, and self-doubt, as well as the paradox of helping others. She emerges transformed by lifelong friendships and with the conviction that empowering local leaders makes a profound difference. Among the Maasai is a compelling must-read for anyone working in developing countries.”
—Deborah Griffin, LCSW, former chair of La Gonave Haiti Partners

“Juliet Cutler observes complex juxtapositions—intersections of wealth and poverty, modern and traditional, insider and outsider. She asks herself difficult questions—about her place in the business of helping, her motives, and the limits of her role as a teacher from a different culture. But there is powerful sophistication in her questions and in this beautiful account of transformation.”
—Daudi Msseemmaa, Senior Adviser, Mwangaza Education for Partnership

“Juliet Cutler’s insights into the lives and challenges of the Maasai people make for a compelling read and honest look behind the veneer of village life often seen by tourists.”
—Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman, PhD, coauthors of The Leopard Tree

"This brave and heartfelt account of Juliet Cutler’s journey in Tanzania is an inspiring and important work. Through the intersection of her story with the extraordinary experiences of her young Maasai students, Juliet reveals the transformative power of education.”
—Herta Feely, author of Saving Phoebe Murrow

“In a world where white saviors in Africa tend to reign supreme, Among the Maasai is a breath of fresh air . . . this exceptional narrative is compelling, honest, and real. Cutler’s writing cuts through preconceived notions of what it means to cross borders and build relationships. A must-read for anyone who cares about educating girls in developing countries.”
—Daniel Ruth, Executive Director, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry

“Cutler deftly conveys how her work with the Maasai people transformed her life in deep and significant ways with empathy, grace, honesty, respect, and sensitivity to the Maasai people and their culture. This book is a must read for anyone in development practice, girls’ education, women and gender empowerment, and cultural studies.”
—Damaris Parsitau, PhD, Associate Professor, Religion and Gender Studies, Harvard University, and Echidna Global Scholar 2017, Brookings Institution

“This book is beautifully written and should be on the prescribed reading list for all schools. . . . It made me laugh and cry as I feverishly turned the pages. I loved it.”
—Lucinda E. Clarke, Readers’ Favorite

“This fascinating memoir chronicles the courage and tenacity of a young couple teaching in the heart of Africa. Juliet Cutler presents a frank account of the moral dilemmas she encounters as she plunges into a tribal society where young girls face many challenges, yet generosity thrives. Prepare to be inspired by the true stories of girls who struggle against repressive traditions to become educated young women making a difference in the world.”
—Gayle Woodson, author of After Kilimanjaro

“Written with passion and self-awareness, Juliet Cutler's Among the Maasai offers a clear-eyed account of a white woman's quest to be helpful in an African nation. Imparting the stories of girls and women she comes to know through her teaching, Cutler educates readers about the cultural intelligence of the Maasai and their dedication to family and community, as well as the particular costs to girls of traditional life in a changing world. At once memoir, spiritual odyssey, and cultural analysis, Among the Maasai is a gorgeous, honest book.”
—Elaine Neil Orr, author of Swimming Between Worlds