Book Review: “That’s A Good Idea” by Amina Blackwood Meeks

May 17, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

This book is basically a children’s book and the author says she plans to do more.

‘That’s a Good Idea’ basically speaks about a little black boy. As the author puts it inter alia:

“The  boy who we have discovered was created with white teeth.”

Most of the characters are animals like aligator, john crow, cat, dog, sense fowl, lion, and an owl to name a few.

Interview

The author was being interviewed on Saturday May 15, 2021 on Talking History hosted by Professor Verene Shepherd on Nationwide News Network ( NNN). Continuing Amina Blackwood Meeks said inter alia:

“The owl has the most beautiful eyes. The cisatro parrot of St. Lucia was added to give the book much wider appeal.  The publisher was particularly concerned about this concept.”

“The story is set in Jamaica and is also set to appeal to the diaspora.  There is also a Spanish version. The book is designed for children to stimulate their imagination. I plan to write more children’s books and also one on Nanny of the Maroons”

Turning to other matters in relation to the said book,  the author disclosed inter alia:

“The illustratons are very vibrant and come alive. The illustrator did a great job.”

Professor Verene Shepherd commended Blackwood Meeks on the contents of her book, which was published in September 2020 during the heights of the pandemic by Barnes & Noble and illustrated by Jagath Kosmodara.

Prof. Shepherd commenting on the said book declared inter alia:

“I enjoyed reading the book even as an adult. The illustratons are excellent.”

This book is available online from Amazon, and at Kingston Book Shop and Bryan’s Book Store locally (in Jamaica).

Amina Blackwood Meeks said in responded to questions by Professor Shepherd as to why she had chosen to want to write about Nanny and her choice of residence.

“Nanny had been someone who did a lot for us. I have chosen to live in a quiet place. I can hear the birds and crickets.  I now reside in Kinlany District, St. Mary declared the author.”

Author

The author has a doctorate and is a noted storyteller. She is a mother.  I have known her for forty (40) plus years. She has a wonderful mother. A group of us used to hang out and share ideas as young adults (teen years) after school in Cross Roads, St. Andrew, Jamaica.  She now resides in a quiet rural area in the parish of St. Mary as stated above.

Media Personality

Amina was a talk show host and once worked in the department of Culture at the Ministry of Education.

Commentary

It is my desire to own a copy of the book as a I think it would be a good idea.  Also having heard the interview which has stimulated my interest in the book. Coupled with the fact that we are contemporaries and go a ways back as indicated above.

Let me use this medium to congratulate Dr. Amina Blackwood Meeks on this her latest book. To have done so during a pandemic makes this achievment most remarkable. May she publish many more which in my view would be a good idea.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist & poet.