Negril Notes

Walk Good - Book Review

February 11, 2007

I read Walk Good, written by fellow Negril-aholic Roland Thomas Reimer, on two successive trips to Negril. On the first trip I read it cover to cover, and on the second I went straight for the dog-eared highlights trying to decipher the code of names changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

I’m writing this review the way I write most of my stuff, as if everyone reading this has already read the book and knows all about Negril, but for everyone else, Walk Good is a two-hundred and sixty-two page vacation. You go to the airport, you take a trip on “The Road to Negril,” and you meet myriad unique characters all along the beach in Negril. Roland uses the literary device of an extended Negril vacation with many vivid flashbacks, and a few interludes into Jamaican history to tell his story.

I loved how the book spoke my language; the language of a guy who loves Negril. The book’s dedication lists my friend Rob Graves, and all the boardies of Negril.com. Hey, I’m one of them! And Roland was one of us, although I was yet to discover the Negril.com Message Board when the book came out.

The Jamaicans are described realistically, but if you haven’t been to Negril you may think some things are over stated. I assure you he’s spot on. Roland treats the Jamaicans with respect, an important commodity for people who “get it,” and something Jamaicans can smell as soon as they meet you.

When I talk to my Negril-nut friends, the subject is often a question our friends and families constantly ask: “Why do you keep going back there?” Walk Good, in giving the reader an “in your bones” feel for that little strip of land on the tip of Jamaica, answers that question.

So I recommend buying the book, taking a flight to Negril Jamaica, and reading Walk Good on the beach.

Thanks Roland

Vinny

Filed under: Books, Negril, Reviews

6 Comments

1. Bchgrl | February 11, 2007 at 7:26 pm

Vinny, I’ve bought the book, started to read it, booked my flight and hotel and can’t wait to follow the last piece of your advice, to read Walk Good on the beach! This is my first trip to Negril and I just can’t wait. Thanks for this and all your other insights.
2. Sweedish | February 12, 2007 at 3:04 pm

Great book and I love the author. He’s a wonderful man and I lol when
I read his book. When I’m feeling blue, I sometimes take this book out
and read some of the funnier chapters.

Roland..kahuna…I know you are there now and we are still waiting for
the sequel….soon come huh?
3. Michele | February 13, 2007 at 9:46 am

I too love the book Vinny. Roland describes so vividly the places that
when you are reading it seems you are right there. That’s the mark of
a good writer…his words come alive on paper…As a matter of fact I
think I pull it out this week
4. Dana & Chip | February 13, 2007 at 9:47 am

I liked this book better…it made me want to walk into Banana Shout
and have a look around…..Chip
5. Chirstine | February 13, 2007 at 9:47 am

I agree…Banana Shout is a much more interesting read. Read both
though, you will be entertained…
6. JA Bailey | February 13, 2007 at 9:48 am

Kahuna is here now, observing and making me smile as always. When
folks realise who he is, he becomes a star needing to autograph their
books….