A review of the book Riley Unlikely by Riley Banks-Snyder

Riley Unlikely: How One Young Woman's Heart for Africa Is Changing the World

by Riley Banks-Snyder

This is the autobiography of Riley Banks who at the young age of 14, founded a non-profit organization called Generation Next. Generation Next seeks to enrich the lives of young people in Kenya in the hopes that they will be better equipped for their futures. Riley was first gripped with the inspiration to travel to Kenya at age 13. When she saw the conditions over there she quickly was filled with ideas of ways to help the poor yet joyous people living there. Riley's world was changed and she did not hesitate to start doing things to help. This book was a wonderful read. It was easy to understand and interesting yet life-changing as Riley shares what she learned as she compared Kenyan poverty to American luxury. I recommend this book for a variety of readers of all ages!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Riley Unlikely is the inspiring story of Riley Banks, who first traveled to Kenya at age 13, and has been back every year since bringing backpacks of school supplies and hygiene kits for young girls, developing relationships and friendships, and is currently, as a young millennial, raising money to build a complete learning complex in Kibwezi, Kenya for those who have nothing.

At age sixteen Riley learned that, because of a rare medical condition, she would never be able to have her own children. Devastating news to most young women, especially those who love children and have always dreamed of having their own family. But Riley’s response was: Kenya has given me a thousand children.

Riley’s stories of her trips to Kenya, her struggles to figure out how to best serve and care for these people she has fallen in love with, and her own unexpected health issues are funny, compelling and gripping. Readers will find that God writes surprising stories in the lives of those who follow Him. Hard to put down, Riley Unlikely will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make a difference in your own world—and around the world.