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Literary history was made recently when St. Thomas freelance writer and editor, Teddi Davis, succeeded in having her first novel, "Back To The Ship," published in the U.S. The element that sets her easy-reading book apart from all the rest is an unusual addition: the publication comes with a competely original sound track. According to the author, the first-of-its-kind sight and sound combo evolved as the book was being penned.
Said Davis, "Within the course of the story line about travelers who venture to the tropics, one of the characters writes over half a dozen island songs. Having the lyrics lying flat on a printed page hardly did justice to these tunes. They were meant to be savored and danced to - that's what the music of the West Indies is all about."
Happily, Davis has succeeded in making that experience available to her readers. With assistance from award-winning steel pan performer Andrew Douglas, a celebrated Caribbean singer and musician, the book is packaged with a CD, of the same name. The disc provides lilting island music to play while enjoying the novel, - or at any time. In addition to the title song, selections include "Hug Me Left Side, Miss," an upbeat tune about driving on the left side of the road, and "Cheese On Bread," a popular island expression set of lively music.
A native New Yorker, Davis has been a resident of the Virgin Islands for nearly thrity years and during that time has has written thousands upon thousands of newspaper and magazine features. Her familiar byline can be found in St. Thomas St. John This week Magazine, and Virgin Islands Daily News special sections, as well as a multitude of annual tourist-oriented publications. "I enjoy writing welcoming words to vacations, newcomers and residents that showcase the Caribbean and its fabulous people," explained the forever on a deadline word-smith adding, "it's great fun to help make my friends, neighbors and my home better known to everyone."
"Back To The Ship," published by Catalyst Media Group of South Carolina, will be available in book-stores and gift ships throughout the Caribbean - and beyond - after March 10. The CD production was handled by Andrew Douglas in partnership with Dan McGuinness of Island Soundworks and mastered by Landshark Records of St. Thomas.
Reviews
Back To The Ship” captures the fun and flavor of life in paradise. It’s got the spice, the drama and the rhythm that make every character and every turn of events a surprise and an adventure.”
— J. Lowe Davis, CEO & Executive Editor, The Virgin Islands Daily News
“With the dawn of her novel Back To The Ship, Teddi Davis has given the term ‘musical comedy’ an entirely new meaning!”
— Bryan Hollenbaugh, Pirate Radio - 96.1 WIVI-FM, St. Thomas
“A wonderful, light read that will make you feel the sand between your toes, hear the steel pans playing and taste the flavor of Desmond’s Delight cocktails. Hooray for Back To The Ship!”
— Charles Morris, publisher, St. Thomas St. John This Week
“The ultimate ‘beach read,’ Back To The Ship has everything, including its own fabulous sound track. It will whisk you away to the tropics as no book has ever done before.”
— Karen Mozzo, publisher, Care Magazine
“No matter where or when you read it, Back To The Ship creates a captivating environment that will have your heart and soul dancing in the sand on an exotic Caribbean isle. What better place to be?”
— Capt. Jan Robinson, publisher, Ship To Shore
“A festive, page-turning romp through the tropical looking glass, Back To The Ship is a triumph . . .trend-setting and totally entertaining!”
— Bill Murray, editor, Celebrity Service
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