usvi-on-line
STJ Tales, what's your fave?
STJ Tales, what's your fave?
I don't know about anyone else on this board but I love collecting books, art, maps etc. about STJ or people who have lived on STJ. Everytime I head down I always find myself coming home with a book, cook book, Map (when Maps du Monde was still around) etc.
A couple of years ago I purchased "Adrift on a Sea of Blue Light" by Peter Muilenburg. I'm a slow reader and often get distracted by other things - this is no reflection on the quality of the read, only a commentary on the attention span (that of a gnat) of the reader.
Anyway, I remember starting this book ages ago, and apparently forgot about it because I unearthed it again just a few days ago and haven't been able to put it down since.
Peter Muilenburg has done a wonderful job of weaving tales that capture the character of STJ and of the way of life required to make a living there and on the sea.
He and his wife, Dorothy, apparently mantain a web site: http://www.sailbreath.com and upon checking it today looks like they still offer day sails on Breath(their boat) and main character of the collection of stories.
If you love STJ, dogs, kids, travel, humor and tales of characters found in ports of call around the world, you will LOVE this book.
I'm looking forward to starting this book all over again!
Does anyone else have a favorite STJ read?
A couple of years ago I purchased "Adrift on a Sea of Blue Light" by Peter Muilenburg. I'm a slow reader and often get distracted by other things - this is no reflection on the quality of the read, only a commentary on the attention span (that of a gnat) of the reader.
Anyway, I remember starting this book ages ago, and apparently forgot about it because I unearthed it again just a few days ago and haven't been able to put it down since.
Peter Muilenburg has done a wonderful job of weaving tales that capture the character of STJ and of the way of life required to make a living there and on the sea.
He and his wife, Dorothy, apparently mantain a web site: http://www.sailbreath.com and upon checking it today looks like they still offer day sails on Breath(their boat) and main character of the collection of stories.
If you love STJ, dogs, kids, travel, humor and tales of characters found in ports of call around the world, you will LOVE this book.
I'm looking forward to starting this book all over again!
Does anyone else have a favorite STJ read?
Last edited by Gromit on Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
I have Peter's terrific book. I got it at Keep Me Posted, a Connections-type mail service place in Coral Bay next to Aqua Bistro. Originally, all of their copies were signed by Peter. Now, I think you pay a premium for the autographed version. Anyway, my very favorite read on STJ is the label on a Carib bottle!
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
Ethel McCully, lived at Little Maho Bay before it became the campground. In those days the North Shore Road was only a rough dirt track. And the goat trail was the only access to the property from the road.
Island rumor has it that Ethel McCully discovered Little Maho Bay while traveling to the British Virgin Islands on a small Tortola sloop. Obviously impressed by the beauty, she jumped off the sailboat and swam ashore.
Ms. Ethel McCully later bought the property and built a house on the bluff above the bay. She did this with the help of six donkeys and two laborers. Ethel wrote a book about the experience, which was to be titled, I Did It With Donkeys. Her publisher said "no" to this idea, and the book was published in 1954 with the title, Grandma Raised the Roof.
Island rumor has it that Ethel McCully discovered Little Maho Bay while traveling to the British Virgin Islands on a small Tortola sloop. Obviously impressed by the beauty, she jumped off the sailboat and swam ashore.
Ms. Ethel McCully later bought the property and built a house on the bluff above the bay. She did this with the help of six donkeys and two laborers. Ethel wrote a book about the experience, which was to be titled, I Did It With Donkeys. Her publisher said "no" to this idea, and the book was published in 1954 with the title, Grandma Raised the Roof.
Peace,
bj
bj
I just read "Adrift..." as well. I love the story about the dog waiting on the Coral Bay dock for his owner who had passed away. As a dog lover, I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.
I re-read parts "Feet, Fins & FWD" all the time. I love Pam's writing and descriptions cuz she really loves her island home.
I also just read "Desiring Paradise". Although the first half is about moving to STJ, the second half is about the people of STJ and the tight community spirit.
I re-read parts "Feet, Fins & FWD" all the time. I love Pam's writing and descriptions cuz she really loves her island home.
I also just read "Desiring Paradise". Although the first half is about moving to STJ, the second half is about the people of STJ and the tight community spirit.
Desiring Paradise- check-- loved it!
FF&4WD - check -- it's my on island "bible"
Another interesting one about early history and slavery on STJ is "Night of the Silent Drums" it's a little tougher to get through but it's an account of the slave rebellion of 1733-1734, a true story told in fiction. It tells the story through the eyes of the island Doctor, Cornelius Bodger. Very interesting history. Flip flop also bought a copy of this book-- not sure what she thought of it...
Here's the link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-silent-drum ... 091666712X
FF&4WD - check -- it's my on island "bible"
Another interesting one about early history and slavery on STJ is "Night of the Silent Drums" it's a little tougher to get through but it's an account of the slave rebellion of 1733-1734, a true story told in fiction. It tells the story through the eyes of the island Doctor, Cornelius Bodger. Very interesting history. Flip flop also bought a copy of this book-- not sure what she thought of it...
Here's the link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-silent-drum ... 091666712X
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Me and My Beloved Virgin
ME AND MY BELOVED VIRGIN is beautiful book by Guy Benjamin. He's an amazing man who writes lyrically about growing up on the East End of St. John many years ago. It will make you wonder, laugh and cry. Highly recommended.
My husband has also written three books, mystery/suspense novels, which take place on St. John. We're still looking for a publisher, but I'll let you know when they're available! All highly funny, surprising and entertaining.
My husband has also written three books, mystery/suspense novels, which take place on St. John. We're still looking for a publisher, but I'll let you know when they're available! All highly funny, surprising and entertaining.
Night of the Silent Drum is very interesting but a long read. And not feel good reading.
I also have St. John People and Tales of St. John & I like both.
Both are writen by locals and are about real St. John residents or happenings on STJ. I just find stories written by John Gibney, namesake of one of my favorite beaches, interesting. Light quick reads. I am not even sure where I picked them up but I think it was online.
I also have St. John People and Tales of St. John & I like both.
Both are writen by locals and are about real St. John residents or happenings on STJ. I just find stories written by John Gibney, namesake of one of my favorite beaches, interesting. Light quick reads. I am not even sure where I picked them up but I think it was online.
-
Kentuckygirl
- Posts: 1903
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Kentucky
[/url]I also reccomend "St. John People" and "Tales of St. John". Thanks for bringing those up Flip-flop. I read them at Sago Cottage.
Both have short sweet stories and tales of STJ: the wackiness, the strong community spirit, the carribean culture.
I really enjoyed them!
I never heard of the Guy Benjamin book and would love to get my hands on that one.
Both have short sweet stories and tales of STJ: the wackiness, the strong community spirit, the carribean culture.
I really enjoyed them!
I never heard of the Guy Benjamin book and would love to get my hands on that one.
