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John Updike’s Daughter-in-Law, Dr. Wambui Updike, Talks about Ethnic Tensions

October 28, 2010 by

[HTML1]Another Al Cole exclusive interview with Dr. Wambui Updike, the eloquent daughter-in-law of the distinguished author John Updike. In this African-American/African-American interview, Al is honored by Ms. Updike’ soft-spoken words of wisdom and experience.

More about Wambui Updike
Growing up in Kenya, Dr. Wambui Updike is well schooled in ethnic tensions, but romance thrives even in the midst of adversity. Her new book, Wanjira, is an amazing excursion into love and ethnic tension, is available on Amazon, and is a modern Romeo and Juliet set in Kenya! The book is a must read, the show a must hear!

Wambui B. Updike, whose maiden name is Githiora, grew up in Mang’u, Kenya. Dr. Updike, who is published under her maiden name, holds a B.A. honors degree in Literature from the University of Nairobi and a doctorate in education from Columbia University. She has worked as a sub-editor for a Kenyan news magazine and on school radio programs in Malawi and Uganda. She currently teaches English at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, David Updike, and their son, Wesley. David Updike is the son of John Updike, and is himself an accomplished author.

It is the mid-1970’s and Wanjira, one of Kenya’s Children of Uhuru, or Children of Independence, has entered The University of Nairobi, the country’s highest institution of learning, ready for the last stage of her preparation as one of Kenya’s “Future Leaders.” As she awakens to the social and political realities around her, Wanjira soon discovers that her nation’s own coming-of-age will profoundly affect and challenge her emerging womanhood and identity as a young Kenyan woman. When she falls in love with Luka, a fellow student at the university, Wanjira is forced to confront the ethnic tensions that permeate her world, and which threaten to destroy the hopes, ideals, and aspirations of her generation…but love, in this beautifully written novel, at last wins out!

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About Al Cole

Al Cole, “Mr. Romance,” has lived some life, and has paid some dues. Al, an African-American man(don’t let the blue eyes fool ya!), is the product of a very loving, very special, romantic mother and father. From the earliest age Al related to that generous, loving, romantic spirit that was nurtured in him.

Al has also seen oppression. Oppression can sometimes breed sensitivity and empathy. This aspect of living has caused Al to relate to women even more sensitively and empathetically. A sensitivity and empathy that Al calls “Romance.” Creativity rounds out the character. Al is a born and professional entertainer. Through Al’s singing and songwriting, his CBS Radio broadcasting, and through the depth of his voice, Al has learned many ways to deliver his “Romance” message—seriously, comically, sensually and spiritually. He has carried the Romantic word out to women…and to men too. And in the carrying of that message, Al has found that women and men from all backgrounds have often asked for his advice and guidance concerning their familial and romantic relationships.

Al has been particularly blessed to have women confide some of their deepest personal and relationship secrets to him. These “secrets” coupled with his own experiences and intuitions have combined in his offering both women and men some of the most powerful, enlightening, and mind-challenging guidance that they say they have ever received.

Al has been told over and over again by his fans, fans who affectionately call themselves “Al Cole-holics”, that his reflections, as well as his romantic words, could fill a book. The reflections, the romance, and the “secrets” have now been revealed in Al’s new book Romance for Women…& For All Mankind!

Al is also the Host of Al Cole: People of Distinction on WomensRadio. Al Cole: PEOPLE Of DISTINCTION is a unique show giving distinctive public figures the chance to talk not only about their great public accomplishments, but also notable aspects of themselves as individuals...what motivates them to create the things they do, their special goals and interests, their insights into life itself!