Some books are meant to be put on a shelf. Not Ndaeyo Uko's. It's as essential a part of the reporting process as a notebook and pen. Consulting it frequently is like having Ndaeyo along on assignment, whispering words of wisdom in one's ear.

Marc Lacey, Foreign Correspondent, The New York Times

This book explains journalism simply and directly and peels away the obfuscating mystique created by those who would make journalism a contrived craft. It will help anyone who wants to gather stories and tell them.

Richard Dowden, Former editor at The Independent and The Economist, London

The writing is lively, and the content current and relevant to both students and to journalists. The author's international experience adds concrete dimensions to the content.

Liz Hart, Head of Journalism, Monash University, Australia

Ndaeyo Uko teaches journalism as it should be taught: He places readers in the moments of his own experiences and shows them how to tell deep, engaging stories. Story Building teaches students to go beyond studying journalism to embrace curiosity, passion and inquisitiveness as a way of life.

Shelly Banjo, Journalism Major, Medill School of Journalism 2007, Northwestern University, Chicago

Ndaeyo Uko has a wide experience of the world and cannily brings it to bear in this valuable and provocative volume-it's sharp advice from a smart cookie.

Ted Conover, Award-winning author of Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing, Rolling Nowhere, Coyotes, and Whiteout; Distinguished Writer in Residence,

Story Building, a start-to-finish guide to the construction of narrative journalism, is thorough, readable, sound, comprehensive, and delivered with . . . good humor.

Mark Kramer