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From Barren Rocks . . . To Living Stones
From Scotland to East Anglia and internationally in Australia and America all ages are riveted by this story. The unique style of using the journey back to England as a frame to tell the deeper story is proving to be a great enticement to those of East Anglia as their acts of kindness are revealed. Helen Eadie, Member of the Scottish Parliament, writes in the forward "Jon . . . provides insight into a way of life that is beyond most of our experiences" "From barren rocks . . . to living stones" is an incident packed memoir that covers eighteen months in the teenage life of the author in the nineteen sixties. It is seen originally from a young person's perspective; and, as the writer matures and shares his experiences, in turn the reader gains from his reflections on the people and the places, beginning in Colonial era Aden, where he has lived. The book is a meditative postscript to the twentieth century bringing some perceptive insights. The story reveals a life that swings from the sadness to the times of joy, times of humour and times of thoughtfulness, times of tragedy and times of tenderness. The story faces the dual challenges of a western youth culture in a home in the East. Like wise there is the contrast of an Islamic and Christian culture side by side. However, deep concerns of middle eastern terrorism of the sixties also brings a topical aspect into the learning from the events as we begin the 21st century with strong concerns about the dangers of living with the threat of terrorism. This is the true story of one person's journey in life that brings lessons for so many in their own journey of life.
172 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 25, 2013
From Barren Rocks . . . to Living Stones
By Jon Magee
Author Jon Magee writes a personal journey describing ‘Life’s Rich Tapestry’ not only of the diverse places he traveled to and lived, butin the‘richness’of the various blends of the people he meets along the way. This narrative teems with events, good and bad, as he coversthe history and politics of the times; beginning in the UK, so very different from the hot sands and humidity of Aden and Africa. Growing
up in strange places, nothing like his homeland, enduring both wonderful and harsh experiences, mold the boy into a man of intelligence, empathy and compassion toward people of all lands.
His story begins in the 60's, an exciting time to be a teenager, with new music and singers forging a legacy never forgotten. Thrilling movies like the James Bond series and the unlikely rise of the Beatles mean little to the people of Aden who cannot grasp the concepts of more than their barren lands. Yet Aden has its own history, often hard and violent, but no less interesting. Oddly the song, ‘The Barren Rocks of Aden’ was immortalized by the bagpipe playing of Scottish Highlanders.
In 1968 the Aden Protectorate is given its independence and all British troops are withdrawn, however plans changed and total independence was brought forward to November, 1967 with the troops leaving at the same time. Despite that, the age of terrorism had just begun to spread its evil tentacles throughout the Arab nations and eventually the world at large. Jon, still a teenager, is destined to observe all its horrors;
which he preferred not to know about or remember. But with his father in the military, Jon has to go where his dad is sent and make the best of it. After getting required documentation, he goes off to Kenya with
a party of men from his church, looking forward to exciting new adventures . . . But it is not what he imagined.
Many more adventures and life lessons are embraced as author Jon Magee narrates his life from boyhood to manhood, experiencing the best and worst of mankind. His travels all over the world eventually lead him from ‘Barren Rocks . . . to Living Stones. This book is recommended for history lovers and readers interested in real life experiences leading to ‘the coming-of-age’ and the making of a man connected to the world and its people through his own experiences. The ending to this special story is a surprise — and yet on the other hand, perhaps not.
Micki Peluso: writer, journalist, and author of . . . And the
Whippoorwill Sang
By Jon Magee
Author Jon Magee writes a personal journey describing ‘Life’s Rich Tapestry’ not only of the diverse places he traveled to and lived, butin the‘richness’of the various blends of the people he meets along the way. This narrative teems with events, good and bad, as he coversthe history and politics of the times; beginning in the UK, so very different from the hot sands and humidity of Aden and Africa. Growing
up in strange places, nothing like his homeland, enduring both wonderful and harsh experiences, mold the boy into a man of intelligence, empathy and compassion toward people of all lands.
His story begins in the 60's, an exciting time to be a teenager, with new music and singers forging a legacy never forgotten. Thrilling movies like the James Bond series and the unlikely rise of the Beatles mean little to the people of Aden who cannot grasp the concepts of more than their barren lands. Yet Aden has its own history, often hard and violent, but no less interesting. Oddly the song, ‘The Barren Rocks of Aden’ was immortalized by the bagpipe playing of Scottish Highlanders.
In 1968 the Aden Protectorate is given its independence and all British troops are withdrawn, however plans changed and total independence was brought forward to November, 1967 with the troops leaving at the same time. Despite that, the age of terrorism had just begun to spread its evil tentacles throughout the Arab nations and eventually the world at large. Jon, still a teenager, is destined to observe all its horrors;
which he preferred not to know about or remember. But with his father in the military, Jon has to go where his dad is sent and make the best of it. After getting required documentation, he goes off to Kenya with
a party of men from his church, looking forward to exciting new adventures . . . But it is not what he imagined.
Many more adventures and life lessons are embraced as author Jon Magee narrates his life from boyhood to manhood, experiencing the best and worst of mankind. His travels all over the world eventually lead him from ‘Barren Rocks . . . to Living Stones. This book is recommended for history lovers and readers interested in real life experiences leading to ‘the coming-of-age’ and the making of a man connected to the world and its people through his own experiences. The ending to this special story is a surprise — and yet on the other hand, perhaps not.
Micki Peluso: writer, journalist, and author of . . . And the
Whippoorwill Sang
June 5, 2015
From Barren Rocks...to Living Stones was so well written that I did not want it to end! This memoir is such a wonderful and personal way to learn history! I really could not put it down and I don't usually read history books of any kind. It was not written in the first person, rather Jon refers to himself as the character "Jon" in story form, which makes for me the book all the more readable and entertaining. This book truly expanded my global awareness! I was a teen during the 60s as was author Jon Magee and am thankful to have his account of life at that time in the Middle East from a Westerner's point of view. Also, anyone who has moved about as a child would identify with his journey and struggles adapting to new environments and learn from the wealth of lessons he shares on his journey. Definitely going to give this one 5 stars and recommend it highly!
Martha Char Love,
author of "What's Behind Your Belly Button?: A Psychological Perspective of the Intelligence of Human Nature and Gut Instinct"
Martha Char Love,
author of "What's Behind Your Belly Button?: A Psychological Perspective of the Intelligence of Human Nature and Gut Instinct"
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June 14, 2020Brought back memories of two years spent in Aden although the book is mainly about the years jsut after we left.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews