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Queen of Katwe: One Girl's Triumphant Path to Becoming a Chess Champion
Queen of Katwe: One Girl's Triumphant Path to Becoming a Chess Champion | Tim Crothers
27 posts | 12 read | 35 to read
Now a major motion picture starring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo, directed by Mira Nair. The "astonishing" (The New York Times Book Review) and "inspirational" (Shelf Awareness) true story of Phiona Mutesi--a teenage chess prodigy from the slums of Uganda. One day in 2005 while searching for food, nine-year-old Ugandan Phiona Mutesi followed her brother to a dusty veranda where she met Robert Katende. Katende, a war refugee turned missionary, had an improbable dream: to empower kids in the Katwe slum through chess--a game so foreign there is no word for it in their native language. Laying a chess-board in the dirt, Robert began to teach. At first children came for a free bowl of porridge, but many grew to love the game that--like their daily lives--requires persevering against great obstacles. Of these kids, one girl stood out as an immense talent: Phiona. By the age of eleven Phiona was her country's junior champion, and at fifteen, the national champion. Now a Woman Candidate Master--the first female titled player in her country's history--Phiona dreams of becoming a Grandmaster, the most elite level in chess. But to reach that goal, she must grapple with everyday life in one of the world's most unstable countries. The Queen of Katwe is a "remarkable" (NPR) and "riveting" (New York Post) book that shows how "Phiona's story transcends the limitations of the chessboard" (Robert Hess, US Grandmaster).
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Susanita
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1. Scrabble
2. Tagged!
#two4tuesday

TheSpineView Another Scrabble lover! Awesome! Thanks for playing ❤️ 13mo
33 likes1 comment
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wanderinglynn
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#manicmonday #letterQ

📚 tagged
🖋️ Kate Quinn
📺 Queer Eye
🎤 Queen
🎶 Quasar (Smashing Pumpkins)

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rockpools
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Pickpick

When Robert Katende starts a soccer outreach/ministry program in Katwe, a poor area of #Uganda, he realises that some kids come for the porridge, but won't get involved in the game. So he starts teaching them chess.

When 9-year-old Phiona starts the game, no-one can imagine she'll end up playing Gary Kasparov!

The writing's not fab, the structure of the book is all over, and the viewpoint 👇

rockpools (US sports journalist in Ugandan slum) gives a fair amount to chew on, not all of it comfortable. But I did love hearing Phiona's voice in the odd 'diary' sections- and her determination shines through. You really want this girl to do well!

I read this for #underdoghero #booked2018 and #readaroundtheworld #uganda
6y
Cinfhen Nice choice for #underdogHero ❣️❣️❣️ I was just shocked by the living conditions or lack there of and how many obstacles Phiona overcame ~ it‘s so empowering and a story worth sharing 6y
rockpools @Cinfhen I think it'll stay with me a long while. And I guess the author wanted to make it clear that these children were each individuals with real lives, hence all the jumpy back-stories. My guess is he just couldn't face editing any of his interviewees out. Definitely worth reading- thank you 😊 6y
54 likes3 comments
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rockpools
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While on my reading go-slow, I've really missed #readaroundtheworld. So time to hop back in again. I have Kintu on reserve at the library, but the chances of me getting it AND getting through it this month are beyond remote. This, on the other hand, is on my shelf (thanks @Cinfhen !) and entirely doable! The story of a young girl from a slum area of #uganda who becomes a national chess champion.

What's everyone else reading this month?

Cinfhen I liked this book although it wasn‘t the best written ~ the story was quite remarkable!! Hope you enjoy xx 6y
Cinfhen I‘ve just started this #NetGalley #ARC & it‘s a good bizarre... 6y
44 likes2 comments
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ontheBL
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Pickpick

A beautiful and inspiring book about the most unlikely success story. Phiona Mutesi, a girl from a slum in Uganda, becoming an internationally successful chess champion.

6 likes1 stack add
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Blueberry
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My latest read for #moviebookclub
I'm not sure how all these people being introduced in the beginning will tie together but it's holding my interest.

49 likes1 stack add
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wanderinglynn
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Mehso-so

3.5 stars. I have mixed feelings about this book. Has anyone else read it? I‘d be interested in hearing your thoughts.

See my full review on GR:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2356917065

Cinfhen I liked it! I thought the story was interesting but the writing was on the weaker side... (edited) 7y
60 likes1 comment
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wanderinglynn
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And because #dejavureading sometimes happens (see my previous post), I always carry a second book with me.

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Cinfhen
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#FierceFeb #ToBeYoungGiftedAndBlack Phiona Mutesi comes from one of the poorest slums of Uganda. Yet, her determination, resilience and tremendous gift of intuition and intelligence drove her to become Uganda‘s National Chess Champion. A remarkable feat for a girl who did not attend school, could not read or write and had never seen a chess board before the age of nine. Inspiring story.

Tamra 💜 I want to read her story! 7y
Cinfhen It‘s really inspiring @Tamra I picked this up from BookOutlet for under $3.00 ~ it‘s also a Disney film 7y
Tamra @Cinfhen oh that‘s why she‘s familiar - the movie! I haven‘t seen it yet. 7y
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batsy Inspiring story, I remember you mentioning this book. Awesome pick! 💙 7y
erzascarletbookgasm Sounds like a great story to read! 7y
TrishB Sounds like a great read 👍🏻 7y
Cathythoughts That is amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻even the word chess intimidates me. (edited) 7y
RohitSawant This sounds wonderful! 7y
Cinfhen It‘s a feel good read, but the writing was pretty mediocre @rohit-sawant @Cathythoughts @TrishB @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy Her story is pretty incredible 7y
TNbookworm I have this on my TBR. 7y
110 likes3 stack adds10 comments
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rockpools
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So excited to receive these from the fabulous @Cinfhen and her #pickpanbailsoso giveaway. Had a slight moment when the package arrived in a Royal Mail 'already damaged when it got to the UK, not our fault' plastic bag, and saw the envelope was wide open 😳, but thankfully nothing damaged inside. Thank you so much, Cindy! Looking forward to all of them, especially the Queen of Katwa! And I'd love to know what the bookmark says!

rockpools P.S. Mr Penumbra really does glow in the dark! 😎(It's the little things!) 7y
MinDea 👏👏👏👏👏 7y
emilyhaldi Awesome!! 7y
See All 7 Comments
LeahBergen Lovely! 👏🏻👏🏻 7y
Cinfhen I‘m happy it arrived, but sorry it arrived damaged 😫I did include tea & chocolates but I guess they got lost 😥😥believe it or not they don‘t sell padded mailers in this country!!!!! The bookmark says Take time to enjoy the moment (I think) my Hebrew is still a work in progress 😘😘😘 7y
Kalalalatja What lovely books! 7y
rockpools @Cinfhen Oh boo! ☹️I was hoping the damage was just bad handling. Thank you for sending tea & chocs as well 💕 - lets hope they sweeten up whoever found them. I'm very grateful for the books & looking forward to seeing if/where our pick/pan/soso s match up! 😉And thanks for the translation 👍 7y
52 likes7 comments
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Cinfhen
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#DecDays While these memoirs may not have been the best written they both had two #unforgettable heroes 🙌🏻Saroo Brierley and Phiona Mutesi are both extraordinary examples of determination, bravery, strength and endurance. The message from both of these memoirs is clear #DontGiveUp Feel like listening to this song http://spoti.fi/2zUg6mp 🎶

TrishB Don‘t know books or song 👍🏻 7y
Cinfhen I bet your kids know the song @TrishB and the book by Saroo Brierley has been renamed for the movie tie in 7y
Cinfhen Queen of Katwe has also been made into a film @TrishB they would both make for a good family movie night...just grab tissues!!! (edited) 7y
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Hollie I was thinking Nat King Cole, I‘ll have to take a listen to your Spotify song, I‘ve never heard of it! 7y
Hollie I take that back, I have heard that song! 7y
Reviewsbylola I‘m not familiar with either of these books. Will have to look into them! 7y
Cinfhen The movie Lion was really good @Reviewsbylola watch it!!! 7y
100 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

Finished my 18th book of the month🎉🎉🎉I really appreciated this true story of Phiona Mutesi who despite her dire circumstances and deplorable living conditions was able to find joy & success through chess. These are Phiona's tips: 1. Believe in Yourself 2. Challenge Yourself 3. Don't Get Too Excited 4. Don't Get Discouraged 5. Be Patient 6. Have A Dream 🙌🏻💕while the writing was weak the message was delivered strong & clear. And that's a BINGO

LauraBeth 🎉🎉🎉🎉 7y
TrishB 👍🎉🎉 7y
DebinHawaii Congrats on 18 books-that's impressive! 🎉👍I saw the movie of this book a few months ago & enjoyed it. Sounds like I may need to add the book to my #TBR list. 📚📚😬📚📚📚 7y
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Cinfhen I'm happy to mail you the book! My friend is arriving tomorrow and she can easily ship it when she gets back to the states! I picked it up for under $3.00 over the summer @DebinHawaii 7y
PurpleyPumpkin Fantastic reading month!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 7y
Ms_T Sooo, which book will you be treating yourself to? 🙂 7y
Cinfhen I know!!! That's two books I earned...I'm so proud of my willpower @Ms_T I haven't bought a book since I started my #TBRbingo the end of August😉I'm hoping to buy the new Dan Brown, which releases Oct 3 7y
Cinfhen I'm still deciding on my second book @Ms_T I'm kind of waiting to see what my #secretsanta #FallBookExchange surprises me with😌 7y
Ms_T @Cinfhen I‘m excited for Origin! Have fun choosing the second one 👍🏻 7y
DebinHawaii @Cinfhen You are so sweet to offer but I looked and my library has it in print & e-book so no need --but thank you so much for offering! 💜💜💜 7y
Cinfhen Yay!!! Just not worth purchasing so I'm glad your library has a copy! It's a quick read @DebinHawaii (edited) 7y
Leelee.reads BINGO!!! 🎉 7y
Kalalalatja Way to go! 👏👏👏 7y
106 likes1 stack add13 comments
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Cinfhen
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My #FridayFlowers were delivered today 😁#NoComplaints 💕🌻🌺🌸🌷This book is really astonishing ~ I'm amazed by these individuals collective spirit of determination ~parts breathtaking parts heartbreaking

Kalalalatja Pretty! 🌺🌸 7y
batsy Beautiful! 7y
emilyhaldi Sounds like an incredible story! 7y
See All 7 Comments
RealBooks4ever Lovely flowers! 💜 7y
Reviewsbylola Gorgeous. 🌸🌺🌼🌹 7y
DebinHawaii So pretty! 💐🌸💜 7y
Cinfhen Thanks friends but sadly today (Saturday) they aren't looking as lovely 😢 @DebinHawaii @Reviewsbylola @RealBooks4ever @batsy @Kalalalatja 7y
123 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Cinfhen
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Even though this is a movie tie-in cover, I rather like it! And even though this book is written pretty simplistic, I'm still fascinated ~ how people can endure and survive is rather #amazing

Reviewsbylola Definitely the best movie tie in I've seen in awhile. 7y
98 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Autumnscribe
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Dragon Lovely photo 😀 8y
Autumnscribe @Dragon thank you. :) I took it for a review I did on my blog. (edited) 8y
15 likes1 stack add2 comments
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EvieBee
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On sale today! I had heard about this movie last year, but of course I wanted to read the book first. #booknerd #kindledeals

66 likes1 stack add
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Dolly
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Pickpick

This is on the line between pick and so-so. I liked it but I was a bit disappointed that there was not more about Phiona the title character.

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Dolly
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Next up with breakfast & NPR.

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Autumnscribe
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Pickpick

I loved this book. It was as motivating and inspirational as it was heartbreakingly realistic. Chess, faith and hard work are providing Ugandan youth a pathway out of the slums and allowing them to dream of something better. However in a country with a tremendous number suffering from AIDS and with a mean age of 14 years old hope and hard work still may not be enough to ensure success. Definitely worth reading. And makes you want to play chess.

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Autumnscribe
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Started this today. It is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.

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RobinGustafson
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haanim
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LeahBergen Wow. 😮 8y
56 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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haanim
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Pickpick

Phiona Mutesi comes from one of the biggest and harshest slums in Uganda. Her life is so difficult that it brought tears to my eyes reading about it. Nobody would have expected her to become one of the best chess players in the world. This book is proof that anyone can achieve anything if they are given an opportunity and if there is someone who believes in them. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

haanim Urrrhghhhhh this is why I prefer Litsy. Just read some Goodreads reviews on this book. People are analyzing the chess passages, trying to say that Phiona isn't as talented as the book lets on. What?! Missing the point completely 😑 IT'S NOT A BOOK ABOUT THE CHESS. 8y
Laura317 This sounds so good! I'm going to read it before the movie comes out, because it sounds like a inspecting book! 8y
TheCanuckReader Litsy is da bomb:) 8y
59 likes5 stack adds3 comments
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haanim
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Parts of South Africa are in a drought at the moment. My own city recently instituted water restrictions because our dams are low. So recently I've had this hyper-sensitivity when it comes to water. Feeling gratitude to still have it, because it's precious. Because at least mine comes out of a tap. At least mine is warm when I shower. At least I don't have a "three-hour trek through the treacherous alleyways of Katwe to fetch fresh water".

Notafraidofwords So very true. 8y
minkyb Well said. 8y
55 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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haanim
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Got back to work today after a week off. This package was waiting for me, which made returning to reality a bit sweeter 😊 nothing better than #BookMail ☺️

53 likes1 stack add
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DrexEdit

I haven't read the book, but I did see this lovely movie today. I think the book will now have to go on my TBR list.

5 likes1 stack add
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Cinfhen
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Just saw an interview with Lupita Nyong‘o. Her new movie comes out in October based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi a young girl from the impoverished city of Katwe, Uganda who displays an unbelievable knack for Chess. The movie looks great but the book sounds even better. Has anybody in the Litsyverse read this one?!?

LeeRHarry Wow this sounds so interesting! 8y
25 likes2 stack adds1 comment