Caribbean Books

I have read and reread the first story so many times...the life of a desolate little boy's life...so finely detailed so heart rending, so spatial. As a Jamaican woman and an architect, I used this story in my thesis for the representation of a Jamaican life in a Jamaican landscape. If you want to know about my people, this is a beautiful glimpse into the way we talk about ourselves to each other.

I studied this book for literature when I was in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each story focuses on the lives of children from different economical and social backgrounds in Jamaica, each one experiencing a different form of conflict as they face a critical stage of their development. Most of the stories are written in Jamaican dialect which is rich and colorful allowing the reader a great insight into rural Jamaica and the way of life that is unique to the scenes of the stories.

What if God were the world, the stars, lust, sex, trees, rivers, water, salt, and crystal? What if the world were the poet's fecund Mexican lover? To Octavio Paz, Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, God, the totality, is all of this, and more. To Paz, the reality of daily life is - on the descriptive surface - quite surreal, very vibratory, illusory and refelective. Things sparkle and song is everywhere. To even comment on this vibrational reality is a stop-start, humbling obsession for the poet. This poem is a much needed break for those too bored with European views of reality. This book opens doors to Mexican poetry and to Paz' great career as a poet and essayist. Be prepared to be changed.

Michael James Hawk
http://www.sculpture.org/portfolio/sculptorPage.php?sculptor_id=1001229

Paz ha creado una joya de incalculable valor. Con toda la plasticidad que un genio puede brindarle a un texto, San Octavio recorre en Piedra de Sol todos los grandes temas de la poesía y con ello, del hombre. Es tan natural el desempeño de sus letras que es necesario hacer un esfuerzo para asimilar que nos han llevado de un confín a otro, de la magia a la realidad, de la mujer a la soledad, del río al dolor. Gracias a la serenidad del texto la forma (son 584 endecasílabos) no se percibe en la lectura: así emergen los gigantes.

Vanderbilt educated historian, Vincent K. Hubbard, lives on Nevis, a tiny island in the leeward islands of the Caribbean sea. This small book has a treasure-trove of information about this island's life and history. Much happened here. One incident on this island eventually led to Britain's abolition of slavery which was accomplished there several decades in advance before in America. Value of goods generated there surpassed that of all of the 13 continental colonies combined in the 1700's. There are many more gems of information besides these to be found throughout the book. Hubbard uncovers all aspects of this island's life starting from prehistory when the island was inhabited only by lizards and seldom visited by Indians to when europeans came seeking greater fortunes and fought tooth and nail to keep it.

The following excerpt is my mother's favorite about a pirate " who chased down a warship camouflaged as a merchantman...When he came alongside the disguised vessel, he hailed, "Do you surrender?" At that, the warship's gun ports flew open and her cannon were run out. Undaunted, the witty privateer responded, "If you won't surrender, then I will!"

I read this book when I came to Nevis in 2001, in search of geneaological information about Hamiltons, but, once on the island, well, there were so many other things to explore. There are only four very short paragraphs about Alexander Hamilton's life in this book. The Nevis local government meets in the house he was born in and I believe the U.S. state department helps maintain the site.

The importance of this island in world history is summarized in a statement Hubbard provides from another book entitled War and Trade in the West Indies found on the title page of his book: " to ignore the west indies is to get a lopsided and unhistorical view of the mercantilist empire of the eighteenth century."

I loved this book.

This edition is a major updating in comparison to the previous edition. The previous edition brought the history of Nevis to 1900, whereas this edition brings the history up to the new millennium, i.e. 2000.

In updating this history the author added a new chapter. Also, in completing the updating he made some additions to the next to last chapter.

A few of the additions to the next to last chapter are: the hospital controversy, the sugar riot of 1936, the Secession of Anguilla, the Christena disaster, and an excellent summary about the current political hot topic of the upcoming possible vote for secession from St. Kitts.

The author is will qualified to write this history. He has lived on Nevis since 1986. In reviewing his educatiional background, he obtained a BA in political science and history at Vanderbilt University. He then earned a JD from the University's School of Law. Since living on Nevis, he has been the Past President of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and has served many years as the society's Historian. His vocation is the Director of the Morning Star Holdings, Inc. This vocation has obviously helped him develop much experience and knowledge of the ins and outs of the off shore financial industry. He's made presentations to historical societies throughtout the Caribbean and in the U.S.

The book has an extensive bibliography, an excellent index, and even a glossary of naval terms. The book is evenly balanced with illustrations, maps, and pictures. The book is definitely not another dry history tome but is written in a very readable and entertaining style with lots of first hand antidotes. this means it's hard for the reader to put it down once he/she has started reading it. Anyone from teenager on up will find the book very educational and shoulddevelopa better appreciation ofa lot of history that has occurred there relating to the U.S., U.K. and Europe that has gone unnoticed.

Submitted by Guy Coffee, Librarian Emeritus
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

As an archaeologist, I often wish there were better ways to bring the past to life, as it were. The best archaeology should illuminate the past in a way that brings the people of past human cultures into reality for the modern observer; all too often, lack of information about people and individuals render this goal elusive.

This book, by William Keegan of the Florida Museum of Natural History, is one of the best efforts I have ever read to bring a past human culture, and past human individuals as well, to life. Keegan's study, focusing on the archaeological sites associated with several Taino caciques - chiefs - weaves myth, history, archaeology, personal experiences with modern people of the Caicos Islands and with modern researchers, into a fascinating, convincing narrative. Focusing on Guacanagari, the cacique who allied with Columbus and the Spanish at first contact, and Caonabo, the "stranger king" of the narrative who opposed the Spanish, Keegan makes a convincing case for having found the site of Caonabo's home - thus bringing not just a past culture but a unique individual to life for the modern reader.

Keegan's book is a must-read for all archaeologists who want to understand how true "postprocessual" archaeology can and should be done, and it is a fascinating interpretation of the sites and people associated with the discovery of the New World for any reader. I strongly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in understanding the role of myth. belief, and thought in the creation of human culture.

Archaeologists who cannot go beyond archaeology are just grave diggers. And Bill Keegan's recent work entitled Taino Indian Myth and Practice is an impressive effort to go beyond to enter the world of ethnohistory, mythology and linguistics and return the amerindian past some of its humanity. But more so when his attention is focused on the life and deeds of an individual, taino chief Caonabo of Maguana, who just happens to be the first american leader to oppose european conquest as early as 1493 in what was to be called Hispaniola. Caonabo is the first heroe for all of America. The interdisciplinary approach to history is the only intelligent way to recuperate the past with its human meaning. My congratulations !

I was hoping there would be several sequels. Truly disappointing that there are none, but this is a must-read for those addicted to travel writing.

The storyline is hilarious- Ms Longmore's adventures from Jamaica to Trinidad reveal to all, the true culture and tradition in the Caribbean. She portrays a vivid collage of colurful scenes that form the heritage and day to day life in the islands. It is a wonderful book to relive or to enter the magnificence under a warm tropical sun.

If you love caribbean food or want to try to make those special dishes you had on vacation, this is the book for you. It breaks it down by meal type and also includes drinks and desserts!! I've tried many of the reciepes and they are outstanding. Easy to follow directions and endless treats to try, you will love it.
I first found it in St. Thomas and then ordered it for my mother in law and my own mother as well.

I purchased this book at a gift shop on St. Thomas and it was my favorite souvenir of the trip. Everything I've tried has been delicious and different. Truly if you can't find something wonderful to cook from this book, then you ought to order out. Cooking is not your thing.

I tossed this great guidebook into my carry-on bag before I left for a recent trip to Road Town in the British Virgin Islands and found it to be the perfect resource during my trip! Unlike most Eyewitness travel books that tend to be all-encompassing and a bit cumbersome to carry around, this "Top 10" version is more like Eyewitness-light, perfect for taking to marketplaces and the beach.

The book breaks down the American and British Virgin Islands into the top ten beaches, snorkeling sites, resorts, festivals, amongst others. The recommendations are varied and interesting, especially the sections highlighting shopping opportunities and historical sites. Also included is an "Around the Virgin Islands" section that offers about five pages of island-specific information for St Croix, St John, St Thomas, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The last section entitled "Streetsmart" helps you assimilate into the island culture as easily as possible with info on arriving in the islands, shopping, hotels, etc.

The book digs deeply to provide lush photography and insider tips to ensure you have a great vacation.

If you are planning a trip to the Virgin Islands this is an essential book to have. It covers both the US and British Virgin islands in complete detail. It breaks down the islands individually and gives you suggestions for attractions, restaurants and advice on how to organize a trip around the island. Cannot recommend enough.

Although I haven't road-tested this book, I can tell you that it came second overall in The Observer (UK) Guidebook of the Year Award. High praise indeed

A Letter That I Wrote to The Traveler's Companion Publishers......

Dear Reader

Hi my name is Brian Cliette; I'm a Hospitality and Tourism major at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Firstly I would like to express my love and admiration for your Traveler's Companion books, personally I own close to Fifthteen of them. During High school and College my interest sparked by your books has allowed me to travel to many parts of the world. Never the less yours books have led me to the best sites, restaurants, night clubs and places of interest that these countries had to offer. In less than a month on July 19th, I will embark on yet another adventure abroad, to the land of Castro, great rum, cigars, the land of a beautiful people and unique culture. "Cuba" . But because funding (educational cuts in North Carolina) my school wont be able to furnish the Traveler's Cuba Companion for my fellow students. Which I feel with really enhance their travel abroad experience. So I was wondering if they're any charitable books available for educational endeavors such as this. Doing so would spark interest in your other great products. Any help that u may be able to offer would so greatly be appreciated. And if unable to furnish books or other learning tools that would aid are experience, your books are still great.

Sincerely,

Brian A. Cliette

My entire family read this book during the Christmas holidays. My kids range from age 5 to 15 and all four enjoyed it. The stories gave a wonderful picture of growing up in the Caribbean and made us want to visit. We also loved the authors' telling about themselves. The activities at the end of each story kept my children occupied. I think these activities are a good way of getting children to really understand and enjoy the stories. Great family reading.

This book kept my 6 year old cousin and myself hooked. The stories were fun, and the illustrations engaging, and at the same time, I also learned a little more about Caribbean life. I could even relate some of the stories to things that I went through as I was growing up. Overall, a great book to include in your library at home.

This bilingual text enhances the experience of reading Paz's poetry. His poetic form can be as spare and suggestive as tanka/haiku or dense with visual imagery as in the poem, A Fable of Joan Miro. The meditative tone of many selections suggests that beyond the accomplishments of art, literature and music, the essential composition is of oneself: "to learn to see so that things will see us and come and go through our seeing." Highly recommended.

Octavio Paz wrote some of the most remarkable poetry and prose of the 20th century. The collection of poems entitled "A Tree Within" represents one of his most memorable achievements. A remarkable diverse blend of short lyrics and longer, Whitmanesque creations, "A Tree Within" is definitely a collection that bears careful reading and re-reading.

The book is richly studded with multicultural references and allusions--to Epictetus, Buddha, Gilgamesh, Jack the Ripper, the Aztecs, Don Quixote, and many, many, more. But Paz is not merely trying to dazzle us with his knowledge. He is also introspective and revealing. He struggles with deep questions about language, love, and other concerns.

Paz seems to be searching both for an ideal poetic language, and for a form of connectedness that transcends language--a paradoxical quest, yet pure Paz. When he writes "Man's word / is the daughter of death" (in the poem "To Talk"), it strikes me as both a tragically naked confession of inadequacy and a moment of serene liberation. At other times, Paz seems, like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, to be groping towards the creation of a sort of "secular scripture" for the (post)modern age.

In the poem "I Speak of the City," Paz writes, "I speak of our public history, and of our secret history, yours and mine." The histories recorded by this visionary genius are certainly some of the most important literary creations of the 20th century.