ISLAND BOYS a novel set in Negril in the 70'S

[francis]

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperbac...-boys/16269394 or http://stores.lulu.com/francislynn

Francis Oliver Lynn (aka Oliver James) has self-published Island Boys on lulu.com. The novel is based on the journals he kept while living in Negril in the early 70's when hippies from all over the world traveled to Negril, Jamaica, a pristine fishing village that had an Alice in Wonderland and Garden of Eden aura. Read this novel and get a sense of what Negril was like before it developed into the resort town it is today and learn of the idealism, romance, adventure and dreams lived out by the counter-culture generation along the beaches and cliffs this magical place.

Francis

[yetta]

Really enjoyed your book! Presently reading another book about Negril that I heard about on the board. Thanks to all for such tips. So much enjoy reading about my favorite spot in the world! Hope the "book" corner that Rob is planning comes through. So many great books out there to read. Sure does help getting through the dreaded PNS!!

[francis]

Yetta - it means a great deal to me that people share in my creative endeavors. Negril was a life-changer for me when I was 19, revealing to me aspects of myself that would carry me through many trials and tribulations in the years that followed. I have not tried bringing my work to a publishing house, choosing to stay independent and keeping artistic control. I toyed with the idea of using a pen name for various reasons (Oliver James) and realized it was not for me to play hide and seek games. So, what you see is what you get, so to speak. Perhaps we will cross paths some day in Negril, my hang is Blue Cave Castle - yes, a West Ender, although I did spend a great deal of time on the beach as well - perhaps I should write more about that. I spent a month or more with the Danish family I wrote about in Island Boys living on the beach in both a tent and eventually a shanty, long before the beach became build up with hotels. I am playing with the idea of exploring undeveloped beach and cliff areas of Jamaica to re-live my native lifestyle experience of the 70's while in my 60's. Thanks again and please do pass the book along - currently it is offered at cost. Since you read it I have added chapter divisions, which I was reluctant to do, initially, then realized that it is what folks are used to.

[yetta]

Francis, I can totally feel your "life-changer" comment. I feel I am a much better person after many visits. Somehow, the island has this effect on so many people. I could feel the changes through your vivid descriptions. I have already shared your book with a dear friend of mine...who was lucky enough to begin his travels in Jamaica during the 80's. I only wish I could have visited Negril earlier in my life but feel blessed to have discovered it when I did...the early 90's.

Good luck in your future ventures...looking forward to another great read!!

[francis]

Yetta,

Thanks again! Two other books I have written about growing up in the 60s and early 70s can be found at: http://stores.lulu.com/francislynn
Keep in mind they have nothing to do with Jamaica; in brief, they are coming of age novels set in inner city Philadelphia and carry the main title Ghetto Flowers. They were fun to write and are semi-autobiographical. Just passing it along. What is the title of the current Jamaica book you are reading? I read Banana Shout, what others are out there that you recommend?

Francis

[irieworld]

jumping in on a thread here--but Walk Good is a great read about JA -- also I really enjoyed Rasta Heart.

[yetta]

Thumbs up on both of those irieworld...jumping is welcome IMHO..LOL
Also enjoyed Gathering of the Healers by Robert Roskind...the author of Rasta Heart.

Francis...presently reading Negril..Reggae, Riots and Romance by Roberta Raigh Pryor. Really loving it so far. Again, most of this novel is on the West End, which I adore!

Most of Anthony Winkler's novels are quite enjoyable...another Jamaican author. I can't recall the author yet there was a book a friend loaned me, called Coming Home to Teach...another Ja author.

Heavy and intense novel...again part based on truth and part story of 17th century Jamaican slave era...Book of Night Women by Marlon James(JA author).

Also really enjoyed Dear Dad by Kymani Marley. A great book of black and white photography of Rasta's...Yes Rasta...Patrick Cariou. First saw it at Ras Rody's (he is pictured, as well as Red and Errol from the West End) Awesome book to have on your inn table...Expensive yet I found a used copy on Amazon at a great price...it was in perfect condition.

Anymore good reads...please sound off. I use reading as my sleeping medication.....so, I tend to read a lot of books.

[francis]

Yetta and Irieworld - thanks for the book references!