Walk Good: Travels to Negril, Jamaica

The first part of the book deals with Reimer's final bachelor days in Negril. It's a convenient foil for his vignettes of scuba diving, fishing and partying with various Negrillites. These stories have no doubt been gathered from his various trips to the area over the years. Meet Danny, whose lack of the latest in scuba equipment doesn't stop him diving to scary depths; the `Jerks', obnoxious but essentially naive "good ole boys" from Toronto; and a cast of hustlers and survivors making a living on the beach yet not too busy to stop and exchange pleasantries with a curious and laid back white man.

The second part of the book goes into Thomas's wedding, where he's transformed from beachcomber to prospective groom and protective father of teen daughters. After the nuptials, the scene switches to the all-inclusive Negril experience, and Reimer provides a funny look at the goings on at the wacky Hedonism II. Note to the queasy: reports on hot tub activities are not for the faint of hygiene. There's also an account of the infamous nude mass wedding, which, with Reimer's keen and cynical eye, is seen as for the publicity stunt it was (attended by no less than the head of Superclubs- though, it must be said, fully dressed). Underlying all this is a rather sweet story of a guy getting hitched to the love of his life, and introducing her to the paradise that is Negril.

The Thomas in the book is one step beyond the usual repeat tourist: he's the guy who goes outside the comfort zones and gets behind the facades of the huts and shops to see and understand what life is like for locals. His account of his `Pilgrimage' to the resting place of the great reggae star `Bob Marley, is both captivating and moving. The book is refreshingly short on the sentimentalized (and therefore patronizing) view of Jamaicans that some Jamaica lovers can develop.

Overall, Reimer has an easy style that makes the book a quick and absorbing read. There is a healthy sprinkling of Jamaican proverbs throughout the book, which are helpfully translated in a section on Jamaican patois at the end ("Mi come yah fe drink milk, me no come yah fe count cow" - `More action! Less talk! Let's get down to business!')

Walk Good is a nifty travelogue and handbook for those who want to take a little more of Negril on its own terms.


Wonderful Negril   May 13, 2006
Wes Cooper (Dallas, Texas)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Negril is a special place, and Reimer's book takes you there. It brings back lots of sweet memories. If you want a great novel set in this magical place, take a look at "JAMAICA GIRL." Jon Michael Miller's novel shows you the real Jamaica, far behind the walls of the famous all-inclusive resorts. You will see the struggles and the joys of a wonderful people, as well as meet Rosalind Juliet Mitchell, a fabulously brave and resourceful protagonist, on her search for love and freedom. It is by far the best book about Jamaica I have ever read. A wonderful story, suspenseful, sexy, funny, disturbing, and quite moving. Wonderful characters. And a great message about the power of love to transform one's existence. A great read for a vacation, or, even, a vacation in itself.


Walk Good: Travels to Negril, Jamaica   January 31, 2003
dee (Toronto Canada)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

If you love JA, and you're not from the Island...read this book. It will transport you there(virtual time!) and make you say to yourself"oh yeah, I remember that spot..."
You can TASTE the cocobread...and sugarcane...
Buy it!
A great gift for you or someone you love.


Longing for Negril   February 1, 2003
Carol Faber (Paso Robles, CA USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

If you have been to Negril, this book takes you right back. If you have not been to Negril, you will have to go after reading this book. Since I've been there, reading about all the adventures took me back. I could feel the sun on my back, the sweet cool breeze and taste the red stripe. Excellent job in describing all the happenings and all the people. The people are real and are instantly recognizable. Wonderful book and one I will keep forever and read often.


The only thing better is a real trip to Negril.   January 30, 2003
Karen (cccold Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

If you've never been to Negril or even if you've been many times, you need to read this book. Walk Good is an excellent book that captures the essence of Negril with style and humour. Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. Also includes a great section on Jamaican proverbs.