Best Fiction/Nonfiction Books to read pre-trip

Kristen_Y · Post by **Kristen_Y** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 4:36 pm

Hi All!

In the months leading up to a trip to St. John, I like to reread all my favorite fiction/non-fiction books about island life, traveling/cruising in tropical areas, and (of course!) specifics about St. John.

Here's my typical list so far,

The Beach by Alex Garland
Happy Isles of Oceania by Paul Theroux
An Embarassment of Mangoes by Ann Vanderhoof
Castaway by Lucy Irvine
FF4WD and Off the Beaten Path

Do any of you on the forum read stuff like this? If so, any recommendations to add to the list? I've read these so many times, I've nearly memorized them.

snorkelqueen · Post by **snorkelqueen** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:05 pm

Must read MINGO'S CAVE great first book by St. John resident Chuck Ball - it all takes place on St. John - but...it is only available for Kindle

Caribbean Moon by Rick Murcer is a fun read and I think it is available in "real" book form.

Nancie-Pa · Post by **Nancie-Pa** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:30 pm

I second both of Snorkelqueen's picks, enjoyed both books by Ann Vanderhoof and also recommend:

"Me and My Beloved Virgin" by Guy H.Benjamin.
"Desiring Paradise" by Karin W.Schlesinger.
"St.John People" by various STJ residents.

Ah,let's face it...anything about the Caribbean and it's people interests me.

SOonthebeach · Post by **SOonthebeach** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:55 pm

This one is not on STJ- instead, Anguilla- but I love it! The story of the Blanchards moving there and opening a restaurant, and all of the realities that entails.

A Trip to the Beach by Melinda Blanchard

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:12 pm

Nancie-Pa wrote:I second both of Snorkelqueen's picks, enjoyed both books by Ann Vanderhoof and also recommend:

"Me and My Beloved Virgin" by Guy H.Benjamin.
"Desiring Paradise" by Karin W.Schlesinger.
"St.John People" by various STJ residents.

Ah,let's face it...anything about the Caribbean and it's people interests me.

I LOVE "An Embarassment of Mangoes"! What is her other book?

Funny, I've read almost all that have been mentioned, and I'm really not much of a reader. I guess it's just what interests you;)

SOonthbeach...I loved that book and therefore bought their cookbook. I really like it. It's laid out well. In addition to the main recipes, they add fun quick food ideas, plus it has nice tidbits about the employees and such. What a life!, and what great jobs for those fortunate employees! I'm jealous!

greyhoundmom · Post by **greyhoundmom** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:41 pm

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read by Michael Mullin re: Villa Tesori build. Entertaining!

SOonthebeach · Post by **SOonthebeach** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:42 pm

Oooohhh- so glad you recommend the cookbook Kentuckygirl- I was thinking about getting that It's been a few years since I read the book- want to read it again.

And I have heard about An Embarrassment of Mangoes- will definitely have to get it! And Kentuckgirl- I'm like you- not much of a reader (mostly magazines) but when it's an island book I can't put it down...

Who knew- VIOL book club! Thanks for starting a cool string Kristen!

Nancie-Pa · Post by **Nancie-Pa** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 5:54 am

Kentuckygirl,sorry I didn't get back to you earlier.
Ann's other book is "The Spice Necklace"

SOonthebeach,I have the Blanchard's book also. Great read.

And here's a classic..."Don't Stop The Carnival" by Herman Wouk.

Also recommend "A Rotten Person Travels The Caribbean" by Gary Buslik. And any of the beach/trail guides by Gerald Singer.

Happy reading everyone!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:30 am

Adrift on a Sea of Blue Light by Peter Mullenburg. (I know I have his last name spelled wrong, sorry!)

It is about much more than STJ but it will definately get you in the island mood.

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:03 am

From the STJ Historical Society --- Life in Five Quarters
A Slice of Paradise - John Shaffer
Cultural Adaptation & Resistance on St John - Karen Fog Olwig
St John Backtime - Low and Valls
Food and Folklore of the Virgin Islands - Arona Petersen
My Island Kitchen - Erva Boulon
Historic Buildings of St Thomas and St John - Gjessing and Maclean
Our Virgin Island - Robb White
Virgin Islands - Eggleston
*Don't Stop the Carnival - Herman Wouk
Island Peak to Coral Reef - Thomas and Devine
*Muscavado - Eleanor Heckert
*Up Mountain One Time - Willie Wilson
Don't Get Hit By a Coconut - Caimite
A History of The Virgin Islands - Isaac Dookhan
* = fiction

Kristen_Y · Post by **Kristen_Y** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:56 am

WOW! I was out of town this weekend - so had not gotten a chance to check the forum until now.

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone!! I'm glad Looks like I'm not the only armchair traveler on this forum

jaq w · Post by **jaq w** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 1:02 pm

Add...Hurricanes & Hangovers: and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut telegraph by Dear Miss Mermaid

savvy · Post by **savvy** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 1:39 pm

Night of the Silent Drums: A Narrative of the Slave Rebellion on the Virgin Islands by John Anderson
This book was published in the 70's I think and is out of print, but you should be able to find a copy online from as used book seller. Well worth the effort.

paulandtracie · Post by **paulandtracie** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 4:48 pm

There are already so many good suggestions but two more come to mind--'A Salty Piece of Land' by Jimmy Buffett and a newer book by Ann Vanderhoof called 'The Spice Necklace' which focuses on enjoying foods of the islands. Also check out Bob Morris, a former editor of Caribbean Travel and Life, who writes humorous, easy to read mystery-adventure type novels all set in the Caribbean. There are several.

greyhoundmom · Post by **greyhoundmom** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:26 pm

Exit Zero, I want to give you accolades. In reading your list of books, I think back to the years I have been on this forum. You are an excellent resource to the newbies and oldies! Your advice is always spot on. I thank you for contributing over the years that I have been on the forum. I don't know who you are (and I'm sure you want it that way!) but just wanted to say thank you for always posting positive and helpful info to all of us who continue to post and for the newbies who, by chance, luck up on this website.

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