jonmagee's Blog

author of "From barren rocks ... to living stones"

jonmagee

jonmagee
Location
Lochgelly, Scotland
Birthday
December 15
Bio
Married to Joan. (of course, not the Joan thats often mentioned on here) The father of Faith Dawn Magee, who died as a baby in November 1977. In addition, father of 3 girls and 2 boys. Grandfather of 2 girls. this seems like a busy start! Currently, author, http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~52437.aspx http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~52437.aspx Pastor, chaplain to 3 schools, chaplain to a factory, Community councillor. Previously, Son of a member of the Royal Air Force, then I also joined the RAF as an electronic Technician. consequently lived nomadic life in Singapore, Aden (Yemen), Kenya, Cyprus, Malta, Germany, as well as a variety of places through out the UK.

AUGUST 26, 2010 6:15PM

Paradise island, heavenly journey.

Rate: 3 Flag

Following on from my published book, "From barren rocks to living stones", it is hoped to see another book published soon called "Paradise island, heavenly journey".

 

NOTE: This is intended to be part of a seies,  and wee "appetizers" will appear in subsequent posts in the series.

 

Here are a few comments made by some:

 

Dr. Kate Hartig writes "In his recently published first book From Barren Rocks to Living Stones Jon Magee recounts his teenage years living in Aden, Yemen, during the mid 1960s. In Paradise Island Jon travels back to an earlier period of his childhood. He reflects on his life as a young boy living with his family in Singapore during the 1950's. He discusses the trials and joy of British military family life living in what was once part of the British Empire.

 

 

But like Jon’s memoirs of Aden, the 1950s in Singapore was also a period of considerable change as Britain was forced to accept the ending of its colonial powers in far away ‘exotic’ places. But for Jon, it was an ideal childhood full of adventure and new experiences, from new foods to strange plants and significantly new friends that cut across cultural barriers.

 

 

Today, Singapore presents itself as a modern, bustling cosmopolitan city. With the kampongs (villages) and jungle areas now replaced by high- rise residential apartments and manicured parklands the perception of Singapore as a “paradise island” is possibly difficult to comprehend. But Jon’s memories brings back an earlier time when life was perhaps not so much simpler but different. So different that it was life changing.

 

This story is set within the context of many journeys, Jon’s journey through early childhood, the family’s journeys between Singapore and Britain and most significantly his parents’ profound spiritual journey back to their saviour and God."     Dr Kate Hartig (PhD)

 

 

Helen Eadie, Member of the Scottish Parliament wrote concerning the first book, "Jon also provides insight into a way of life that is beyond most of our experiences".

Someone else wrote, "Jon Magee continues to reveal the wealth of story telling that is based upon life experiences within the world. This book, following on fom the action of Aden (Yemen),now details the search for truth, peace and sense of purpose lived out in Singapore in the 1950's."

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The thread is open to comments.
Jon, that sounds like an exciting new book. I'm very interested in hearing about Singapore before it was made into a concrete jungle. I find it fascinating that at one time, the sun never set on Great Britain. You must have had some great stories of being a boy and seeing it all change. You have really lived a life filled with enough experiences for more than one book. Thank you for letting me know.
Sounds very fascinating. I would love to give it a read.
Publish some excerpts here from it and drum up some book sales.
Thanks for the heads up on this post. Send them anytime. That's about the only way I can keep up here now.
What would you like me to comment on Mr Magee? These are all other people's comments. There's no sample of your writing to opine. If you post an excerpt next time, I'd be happy to oblige.
This sounds fascinating. I am only acquainted with Singapore through images of concrete highrises and lurid tales of draconic punishments for trivial offenses. This micro-state's rise to glory sounds like a post-colonial fairy tale / horror story. How did it all happen and what can we learn from the experience? I'd like to second Mission in asking you to post some excerpts.
Thank you for your comments. I will include some excerpts from time to time as we draw nearer to the time. I have hinted at this before, but I sometimes feel the OS hierarchy are not too interested in encouraging an international flavour to the site. Quite ironic when it is part of the WORLD wide web. Much of my input on OS is already influenced by the journeying around the world.

Scanner, yes, it was interesting growing up in such an environment. The first 30 years of my life, from birth, I never lived anywhere more than a maximum of 3 years, and many places I lived a far shorter time, and was in 14 different schools by the time I completed my schooling as a teenager. So, my writings do cover an international influence. I have 2 further books I am currently working on, and unsue which will be completed 1st. One is based on Cyprus during the military coup and Turkish invasion of 1974, where I lived at the time, and the other will be a fiction book.
good for you, Jon. I wish you well with the book.
Thank you once again for your good wishes