Bryan Mealer Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Bryan Mealer is a non-fiction writer best known for his New York Times Bestseller book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind co-authored with William Kamkwamba. The book was adapted into a movie that tells the story of a boy who defied all odds to make his dream come true.

Mealer is also the author of Muck City and The Kings of Big Spring. His non-fiction book All Things Must Fight to Live is a narration of the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the Harpers and Associated Press.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the story about William Kamkwamba, a young man who worked against odds to fulfill a childhood dream much to the benefit of his community.

William was born in Malawi, a country characterized by drought and hunger. Magic ruled the country, and science was a mystery. While there wasn’t much to offer hope, William had read about windmills, and he had a dream of building one so that he could bring the much-needed electricity and water in his village. He never shied away from telling others of his thoughts with those around him. The neighbors called him misala-loosely translated to crazy- because they thought his ideas were outrageous. Even with minimal support from his community, William was determined to turn his dream into reality.

William’s goal was to excel in the sciences. He went to top boarding schools in Malawi, and for some time, the future appeared bright. After a devastating famine, William’s parents were left destitute, meaning they were unable to meet his tuition costs. William was lucky to escape the famine alive, but the unfortunate event also marked the end of his education. While many in his shoes would choose to give up, William never lost hope.

Armed with a pile of old science textbooks and a little cornmeal, William sets to bring water and electricity to his parents’ home. Only a teenager, he makes use of tractor parts, scrap metal, and bicycle parts to make a windmill. It takes months to gather all the junk, and often, young William has to work with whatever material is available.

Even though his creation is crude, it is operable, and it works to power four lights and a water pump. His invention pleases his family and brings them the much-needed water and electricity they need for their home. The neighbors benefit as well, and news travels fast of the boy who can turn wind into power. The once crazy boy has branded an inspiration not just in his country, but the world over.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a remarkable story that shows just how a little inventiveness can help overcome any form of adversity. If you are looking for inspiration, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is ideal. It is refreshing to read a story about a young man who does not let his background or the challenges me meets along the way to determine his destiny. He makes use of whatever he can lay his hands on to ensure that his dream comes true, and at the end of the day, William touches the lives of many around him. It’s a good read that people, young and old, can learn a lot from it.

Muck City

Muck City tells the story of Mario Rowley, a talented quarterback whose only goal is to win the championship in honor of his deceased parents and get away from the ghosts haunting him. Other main characters include Jonteria Williams, a woman who wants to become the best doctor to the poor high schools in the country, and coach Jessie, an NFL star who wants to win kids as opposed to championships. The book also contains stories of different people in this region who work hard to ensure that the youth are exposed to football, among other healthy extra-curriculum activities.

The story is set in Belle Glade, a small town in Florida Everglades. In this town where destitute immigrants live, high school football is a welcome escape from all that is going on in society. It is here that one of the most legendary football programs is birthed. Belle Glade high school football team dubbed the Glades Central Raiders is known for the many extraordinary players that it sends to the National Football League. Football games are an essential part of this society, and there are enough facilities where the youth can hone their football skills.

While Belle Glade was previously known for its vegetable production, this trade works to its disadvantage. The chronic poverty leads to the rise of ghettos. In these ghettos, the lives of young people are destroyed before their lives even begin. At some point, the region also leads to HIV infection. When a catastrophe occurs, the residents are left with little if any hope. Most households in Belle Glade are unable to provide basic needs for their children, and the youth here know that education is the only way to escape from the poverty that enslaves their parents.

For poor yet talented boys like Mario, being a member of the Raiders team is the only shot they have to a college education. For those who are not gifted in sports, their grades must be exemplary for them to benefit from the scholarships offered to bright students. Read about a city with a fierce will to win, survive, and become better for the sake of its inhabitants. Despite the shameful past and uncertain future, the people of Belle Glade are determined to use education and football to forge a brighter future for their children and the future generation.

Muck City is a story that combines sociology, education, history, and sports. This tale goes past football to talk about the footballers, their families, and the community as a whole. It is fantastic to see a region that endured the second most catastrophic natural disaster rise from the ashes and make a mark in the history of football. Bryan Mealer is quite talented, and like a good journalist, he answers most of the questions that anyone curious about the history of this region would ask. This is an exciting read that will captivate even those who cannot care about football.