Suzen,
My comments were more made to show Sbeth (as well as other readers) that they are not alone in their opinion of the book. And their opinions are backed up by such credible sources such as the New York Times, which publishes probably the most quoted "Best Seller" list on the planet. Not a bad source to agree with your opinion...
While the book does provide some factual information, much of it is derived not from facts, but opinion about how he and the people he interviews see things. He did not try to paint any balanced picture, and seems to only include those who hold the same views, as do you. That is fine, but agreeing with him does not make what he writes a fact. It is simply his opinion.
Had he chosen to include other, more balanced views, the book may have taken on a more credible viewpoint that would have been recognized by the New York Times. Instead it is mired in one of which is obviously one-sided and not representative of Jamaica as a whole. You may be of the opinion that interviewing others would not have made a difference, but since the authour chose not to - the book is framed in a one sided, biased viewpoint from beginning to end.
Living here in Jamaica daily for nearly two decades now, I hold a different view as do many others. Life is never perfect no matter where you are - it is called life, which is a four letter word. There are struggles as are pointed out here, and I am sure that Disney World employees hold a different view of "Mickeyland" as do the visitors. But the viewpoint of a very short time visitor to Jamaica who writes an extremely one sided view of a nation in which they do not live is not one that I hold in any regard at all. If I went to his home town (or your's) I promise you that I could ignore any good aspects and only write of the bad things that have happened (no matter how big, small, true or untrue) and paint an equally one sided and inaccurate view of the town.
I have talked to some visitors who seem to hold this obviously one sided book as some kind of "Bible" on Jamaica. It is okay not to like this book and point out the obvious flaws it contains and the things it conveniently leaves out. While some things in the book are aspects of things I've experienced, this book in no way is an accurate, complete portrayal of life in Jamaica.
