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A Place Called Schugara, by Joe English: #BookReview.
A Place Called Schugara, by Joe English: #BookReview.
By Stuart Aken 12/12/2018
Every serious work of fiction should carry at least one underlying message. Some manage this with such subtlety it barely makes a conscious impression, others let it blare out loudly, covering their story with a condescending layer of preaching. Most lie somewhere in between; a reasonable balance of theme and story. In this extraordinary tale of human relationships, deceit, corruption, faith, betrayal, love, and death, Joe English has pretty well managed that difficult balance.
But this is primarily a story, for all its exposure of the sordid reality of the war on drugs, corruption in high places, and the suppurating sore that is the continued reliance on faith by so many people. It’s the story of one man’s struggle with his conscience, of one woman’s fight against injustice, of another man’s conversion from dedicated bloodhound to a more thoughtful mode, of the betrayal of trust by men who purport to care about truth, and of so much more.
The characters here are complex, real, engaging and, in some instances, foul specimens who demonstrate that existence for survival alone is an inadequate way of life for a person. These are fully developed people, though they are mostly unusual individuals; archetypes rather than stereotypes. I was hooked from the start. I cared what happened to these adventurers. I also cared that those who deserved retribution would receive it.
I’ve long held the opinion that the war on drugs is not only a waste of time, money and other valuable resources, but a shield actively defending the crooks who live off the profits of such trade. The action, and a descriptive passage, in this book perfectly illustrate the corrupt fallacy that is the continuing hypocrisy surrounding the various, selective, and discriminatory attitudes to addiction. All those who promote the war on drugs should read it, and consider the reality of this futile, unwinnable and destructive series of pointless battles.
There’s humour here, to relieve the reader from those passages that tell of grief, violence, injustice, and the hypocrisy of religious faith. There is tenderness, love, desire and sex.
I’ve found so often in books written by Americans, an unconscious assumption that the world fully understands the customs, traditions, acronyms, and institutions of the USA. As a secular humanist from the UK, much of the religious stance is alien to me, lacking any sort of logic and incapable of answering even the most basic scrutiny and analysis. Also, the political structure, which gives the impression of a scheme devised by the wealthy and power-hungry to maintain their elite status, appears unjust, inherently corrupt, and not fit for purpose. But this, of course, is not the fault of the author. The unfortunate and unintended consequence of these assumptions, however, mean certain aspects of American life are incomprehensible to the rest of the world. There’s a difficult balance to be achieved by authors from all parts of the world to provide enough information about such native norms to allow foreign readers to understand them, while not overburdening the home population with details they fully comprehend. For the most part, this book manages that balance well, failing only in a few isolated passages.
The presentation is unusual here. We hear from various narrators, in a mix of first and third person and in voices that capture the individual mannerisms and colloquialisms of the origin and environment of their locale. Understandably, some short passages require a little more dedication from the reader to interpret meaning from the sometimes rambling styles. But this all comes across as authentic and adds to the enjoyment and appreciation of the book rather than detracting from it.
This is a novel that asks important, universal questions in a narrative that engages and entertains. It’s a book worthy of recommendation, a book merging the thought-provoking with an emotional content that will satisfy the romantic while allowing the thriller reader enough action to keep the pages turning. I’m delighted I read it.
Chicago author publishes story about escape
Chicago author publishes story about escape
by Melissa Wasserman of Windy City Media Group.com
by Melissa Wasserman of Windy City Media Group.com
10-22-18
10-22-18
Coming from a place of experiences and a vast amount of travel, Joe English has written his first novel, A Place Called Schugara.
Coming from a place of experiences and a vast amount of travel, Joe English has written his first novel, A Place Called Schugara.
English was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and came of age in Mexico City, Mexico. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and received an M.A. from Rice University in Houston. In earlier years, he worked as a ranch hand at the Wild Horn Ranch in Florissant, Colorado. He is also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
English was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and came of age in Mexico City, Mexico. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and received an M.A. from Rice University in Houston. In earlier years, he worked as a ranch hand at the Wild Horn Ranch in Florissant, Colorado. He is also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
For 16 years, English was a professor at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. Additionally, he founded Oak Park Real Estate in 1984, which provided safe and affordable housing, primarily, in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. For more than 45 years, English has lived in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago's West Side. English, the avid traveler, also maintains a residence in the Dominican Republic, where he spends much of his time.
For 16 years, English was a professor at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. Additionally, he founded Oak Park Real Estate in 1984, which provided safe and affordable housing, primarily, in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. For more than 45 years, English has lived in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago's West Side. English, the avid traveler, also maintains a residence in the Dominican Republic, where he spends much of his time.
He has two children that he and his partner of 28 years, Joe Towe, raised. He added Towe was a loving parent and instilled values of decency and integrity in his children, Carmen and Aaron, who are now grown, from an early age.
He has two children that he and his partner of 28 years, Joe Towe, raised. He added Towe was a loving parent and instilled values of decency and integrity in his children, Carmen and Aaron, who are now grown, from an early age.
"The four of us were a family until Joe's passing in the year 2000," said English. "Joe and I did not flaunt our relationship, but we refused to hide it. We both were inspired by Harvey Milk, who with wisdom and foresight, taught us that it is every person's duty to themself to love themselves first in order to love others. To deny one's self is life-extinguishing. Doing so kills soul and spirit."
"The four of us were a family until Joe's passing in the year 2000," said English. "Joe and I did not flaunt our relationship, but we refused to hide it. We both were inspired by Harvey Milk, who with wisdom and foresight, taught us that it is every person's duty to themself to love themselves first in order to love others. To deny one's self is life-extinguishing. Doing so kills soul and spirit."
The book's synopsis begins with the question "Who among us has not dreamed of going to the corner store and simply disappearing?" It is a story filled with fear, love, tragedy, life, discovery, family, relationships, among other things, over the course of years.
The book's synopsis begins with the question "Who among us has not dreamed of going to the corner store and simply disappearing?" It is a story filled with fear, love, tragedy, life, discovery, family, relationships, among other things, over the course of years.
A Place Called Schugara tells the story of Travers Landeman, a businessman from Ohio who fakes his death on the Caribbean island Mabouhey to flee from a loveless marriage, a failing business and blackmail. Landeman had a close relationship with his nephew, which slipped away. Matthew, a teenager, is sexually abused by his parish priest and reaches out to his uncle for help, but Travers turns away. Matthew then commits suicide.
A Place Called Schugara tells the story of Travers Landeman, a businessman from Ohio who fakes his death on the Caribbean island Mabouhey to flee from a loveless marriage, a failing business and blackmail. Landeman had a close relationship with his nephew, which slipped away. Matthew, a teenager, is sexually abused by his parish priest and reaches out to his uncle for help, but Travers turns away. Matthew then commits suicide.
When Landeman escapes to Mabouhey, he is injured when he rescues a child, Schugara, from a shark. Travers and Schugara's mother, Marguerite, fall in love and go on to build their home on the side of a volcano at a place they name after her daughter: A Place Called Schugara. The story continues with more twists and turns as years pass.
When Landeman escapes to Mabouhey, he is injured when he rescues a child, Schugara, from a shark. Travers and Schugara's mother, Marguerite, fall in love and go on to build their home on the side of a volcano at a place they name after her daughter: A Place Called Schugara. The story continues with more twists and turns as years pass.
While Schugara is English's first published book, he has published short stories in the literary journal Co-Existence and in the anthology, After Effects.
While Schugara is English's first published book, he has published short stories in the literary journal Co-Existence and in the anthology, After Effects.
Not classified as a non-fiction novel, English described this work as an editorial novel. The author admited stepping into the story at various stages.
Not classified as a non-fiction novel, English described this work as an editorial novel. The author admited stepping into the story at various stages.
"It is gratifying that many readers have found these editorial intrusions one of Schugara's strengths, especially readers who usually stick to nonfiction," said English of inserting himself into the story. "The reader, not the writer, is God. Much of Schugara is indebted to the naturalistic writers like Theodore Dreiser, Frank Norris and Upton Sinclair. They, too, had a lot of Chicago running through their veins."
"It is gratifying that many readers have found these editorial intrusions one of Schugara's strengths, especially readers who usually stick to nonfiction," said English of inserting himself into the story. "The reader, not the writer, is God. Much of Schugara is indebted to the naturalistic writers like Theodore Dreiser, Frank Norris and Upton Sinclair. They, too, had a lot of Chicago running through their veins."
"Writers should write about what we know—either from practical experience, from living, or from imagination," said English. "Schugara is based on my West Side experiences as well as my travels throughout the Caribbean, especially my 109 trips to Jamaica."
"Writers should write about what we know—either from practical experience, from living, or from imagination," said English. "Schugara is based on my West Side experiences as well as my travels throughout the Caribbean, especially my 109 trips to Jamaica."
English shared that after being perplexed and bewildered by an overnight re-segregation of Austin in 1970-71 and also hearing with horror Ronald Reagan denounce food stamps, among other experiences, it became increasingly clear to him that the United States' culture, was ever more desperate and entrapping.
English shared that after being perplexed and bewildered by an overnight re-segregation of Austin in 1970-71 and also hearing with horror Ronald Reagan denounce food stamps, among other experiences, it became increasingly clear to him that the United States' culture, was ever more desperate and entrapping.
It was during this time he began wondering what it would be like to simply disappea—escaping to leave it all behind and starting anew. So, he began writing an adventure story, of which he called "a tapestry of adventure stories, that blended together my puzzlements and musings with my newfound love of the Caribbean, incorporating bits and pieces of my 109 trips to Jamaica, mainly to out-of-the way places like Robin's Bay and Trelawny, against the backdrop of Austin, a soulful place in its own right."
It was during this time he began wondering what it would be like to simply disappea—escaping to leave it all behind and starting anew. So, he began writing an adventure story, of which he called "a tapestry of adventure stories, that blended together my puzzlements and musings with my newfound love of the Caribbean, incorporating bits and pieces of my 109 trips to Jamaica, mainly to out-of-the way places like Robin's Bay and Trelawny, against the backdrop of Austin, a soulful place in its own right."
In his novel, English said he weaves these worlds in which to examine various themes and questions.
In his novel, English said he weaves these worlds in which to examine various themes and questions.
"Schugara has taken up 25 years of my life to date, might as well spend the time left to me watering the seedling," said English, adding that he is happy to come in person to any group, especially book clubs, to discuss his book.
"Schugara has taken up 25 years of my life to date, might as well spend the time left to me watering the seedling," said English, adding that he is happy to come in person to any group, especially book clubs, to discuss his book.
English shared that he hopes Schugara causes readers to think and to see with partially new eyes.
English shared that he hopes Schugara causes readers to think and to see with partially new eyes.
"What is taken for granted should never be taken for granted," English explained. "Of Travers Landeman, one of Schugara's main characters, I write: 'He had not taken the road less traveled by. No—he had taken the American superhighway, interstate, four lanes, median strip, Howard Johnson's, and it had taken him straight to hell.' We must learn to love ourselves and then to love others and then to act in love. We must seek ways to step outside accepted constraints—to question, to explore."
"What is taken for granted should never be taken for granted," English explained. "Of Travers Landeman, one of Schugara's main characters, I write: 'He had not taken the road less traveled by. No—he had taken the American superhighway, interstate, four lanes, median strip, Howard Johnson's, and it had taken him straight to hell.' We must learn to love ourselves and then to love others and then to act in love. We must seek ways to step outside accepted constraints—to question, to explore."
To learn more about English and A Place Called Schugara, visit sites.google.com/view/Schugara/home .
To learn more about English and A Place Called Schugara, visit sites.google.com/view/Schugara/home .
Book Review by Aman Mittal at GoodReads.com August 27th, 2018
Book Review by Aman Mittal at GoodReads.com August 27th, 2018
Sometimes, when reading a book I often feel the characters it consists are the backbone. I do not know if you have encountered this feeling but I have. The storyline can be flawless but there is a lot that depends on the characters. These characters do not just fill up the pages but they tend to create their own illustration in our minds. For this kind of book, I do believe a writer needs to have a seamless ability to develop such characters and give them air to breathe in between the pages. A Place called Schugara by Joe English is one of that type of book.
Sometimes, when reading a book I often feel the characters it consists are the backbone. I do not know if you have encountered this feeling but I have. The storyline can be flawless but there is a lot that depends on the characters. These characters do not just fill up the pages but they tend to create their own illustration in our minds. For this kind of book, I do believe a writer needs to have a seamless ability to develop such characters and give them air to breathe in between the pages. A Place called Schugara by Joe English is one of that type of book.
The storyline is intriguing as it is based in Caribbean islands. It consists of three main characters: a factory owner from Ohio, an insurance investigator from New York and a bookseller from Chicago. Their fate is tied up together on a little island in the Caribbean. Each of them, offering a variety of background and have their own justification for reaching out on the island. One is after the materialistic missing treasure and another arrives to search for a missing person. Each of them discovers a different experience that is rightly justified by the overall novel. The plot covers all these different characters with a gap in between the timeline of their arrival. The main highlight of the plot is that each character brings on a subplot that adds to the major picture and from time it is unpredictable which is how a reader like is motivated to keep reading it.
The storyline is intriguing as it is based in Caribbean islands. It consists of three main characters: a factory owner from Ohio, an insurance investigator from New York and a bookseller from Chicago. Their fate is tied up together on a little island in the Caribbean. Each of them, offering a variety of background and have their own justification for reaching out on the island. One is after the materialistic missing treasure and another arrives to search for a missing person. Each of them discovers a different experience that is rightly justified by the overall novel. The plot covers all these different characters with a gap in between the timeline of their arrival. The main highlight of the plot is that each character brings on a subplot that adds to the major picture and from time it is unpredictable which is how a reader like is motivated to keep reading it.
The characterisation apart from the main cast is well organized and developed. Every character has its own role to play. The author uses dialogue formation well to switch between the different acts but also uses first-person narrative voice with Chicago bookseller. On reading it, I could say there are different styles of narration mixed to enhance the distinct voices of different characters. This is intriguing. The pace of the novel is steady and helps in moving with the plot. The book is 550 pages long so it also gives a lot of time for the main cast to develop to its fullest and at the same time for the reader to cope with them.
The characterisation apart from the main cast is well organized and developed. Every character has its own role to play. The author uses dialogue formation well to switch between the different acts but also uses first-person narrative voice with Chicago bookseller. On reading it, I could say there are different styles of narration mixed to enhance the distinct voices of different characters. This is intriguing. The pace of the novel is steady and helps in moving with the plot. The book is 550 pages long so it also gives a lot of time for the main cast to develop to its fullest and at the same time for the reader to cope with them.
Apart from that, there are different themes that the author tries to address in this book. Themes such as drug wars and the scandal related to a Church clergy are the two highlights. The climax of the novel unfolds in more of a classic Russian literature style. Yes, I am referring to the likes of Dostoyevsky and Chekhov. The book is the result of a highly creative energy put in as the effort. I took my time to read it but I can say it was worth it.
Apart from that, there are different themes that the author tries to address in this book. Themes such as drug wars and the scandal related to a Church clergy are the two highlights. The climax of the novel unfolds in more of a classic Russian literature style. Yes, I am referring to the likes of Dostoyevsky and Chekhov. The book is the result of a highly creative energy put in as the effort. I took my time to read it but I can say it was worth it.
5 out of 5! Recommended.
5 out of 5! Recommended.
February 14, 2018
February 14, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I am an avid reader. I seldom--just about never--read contemporary fiction. The characters and plots are unrealistic; the writing, flat. I stick to nonfiction and read, read, read. A friend of mine demanded that I give A PLACE CALLED SCHUGARA a try. A fascinating work! Compelling characters, interesting stories, well-written words. If I find myself thinking about a work weeks after it's finished, I feel confident enough to recommend it to others. SCHUGARA is the perfect beach book, the book to take with you to the airport. You won't want to put it down.
I am an avid reader. I seldom--just about never--read contemporary fiction. The characters and plots are unrealistic; the writing, flat. I stick to nonfiction and read, read, read. A friend of mine demanded that I give A PLACE CALLED SCHUGARA a try. A fascinating work! Compelling characters, interesting stories, well-written words. If I find myself thinking about a work weeks after it's finished, I feel confident enough to recommend it to others. SCHUGARA is the perfect beach book, the book to take with you to the airport. You won't want to put it down.
*****/A great get away read.
*****/A great get away read.
January 24, 2018
January 24, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Some read to escape, some read to learn, some read to be touched by people and places we know in our heart but may never encounter in person. This book delivers on all fronts - with an ending that delivers a sense of ‘all can be made right in the world’ in spite of the tragedies and injustices that occur each day.
Some read to escape, some read to learn, some read to be touched by people and places we know in our heart but may never encounter in person. This book delivers on all fronts - with an ending that delivers a sense of ‘all can be made right in the world’ in spite of the tragedies and injustices that occur each day.
February 10, 2018
February 10, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Beautifully written. Characters, all very different, escape unfulfilled, quite dismal lives and find redemption on a Caribbean Island. The characters all have very different voices & aren't prosaic.
Beautifully written. Characters, all very different, escape unfulfilled, quite dismal lives and find redemption on a Caribbean Island. The characters all have very different voices & aren't prosaic.
February 8, 2018
February 8, 2018
Format: Paperback
Format: Paperback
I received this book for Christmas, and must admit, was a bit intimidated by its sheer heft. However, once started, I couldn’t put this wonderful work down. SHUGARA is full of colorful, interesting characters, each dealing with issues we can all relate to. Unfortunately, many of the topics the writer deals with in the 80’s and 90’s (race relations, political injustice, poverty, corruption, Catholic Church scandals, etc.), are still with us today. These problems come alive and personal in SHUGARA, as we follow the stories of disparate people who finally all come together on a beautiful Caribbean island. The answer to our collective troubles is love, understanding, human compassion and helping one another. Never was this idea more beautifully presented. SHUGARA touches both the heart and the soul. The writing is captivating and beautiful. I highly recommend this book. Tom W.
I received this book for Christmas, and must admit, was a bit intimidated by its sheer heft. However, once started, I couldn’t put this wonderful work down. SHUGARA is full of colorful, interesting characters, each dealing with issues we can all relate to. Unfortunately, many of the topics the writer deals with in the 80’s and 90’s (race relations, political injustice, poverty, corruption, Catholic Church scandals, etc.), are still with us today. These problems come alive and personal in SHUGARA, as we follow the stories of disparate people who finally all come together on a beautiful Caribbean island. The answer to our collective troubles is love, understanding, human compassion and helping one another. Never was this idea more beautifully presented. SHUGARA touches both the heart and the soul. The writing is captivating and beautiful. I highly recommend this book. Tom W.
May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
Format: Paperback
Format: Paperback
An interesting read where people from all walks of life and culture meet on a strange island called Mabouhey, a place they can deal with their problems and find what they are truly looking for. All it needs is a little time, a little understanding. I recommend this book to anyone who has both a brain and a heart.
An interesting read where people from all walks of life and culture meet on a strange island called Mabouhey, a place they can deal with their problems and find what they are truly looking for. All it needs is a little time, a little understanding. I recommend this book to anyone who has both a brain and a heart.
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