ISLAND ODYSSEY Ghetto Flowers in Paradise is the third installment of three novels (although it is not necessary to read the first two novels to enjoy this story as it stands on its own). It takes place in the early 1970's in Negril, Jamaica, a pristine fishing village long before it became the thriving tourist resort that it is today. The international counter-culture generation that was seeking a simple life in a Garden of Eden paradise, found this beautiful jewel in the Caribbean and lived out their dreams. Their innocence, ideals, and money would influence and forever change the Jamaican people they had grown to love so much.This was the era that gave birth to the worldwide influence of Reggae music and Jamaican culture, a phenomenon that attracted thousands of young people from around the globe to this beautiful island.Two adolescent boys from the inner city of South Philadelphia travel to Jamaica and create a free spirited lifestyle full of adventure and romance. The process of creating a new life in an exotic culture takes them on a journey of exploration into the psycho-sexual, philosophical and spiritual domains of their inner and outer world. In the process they mature into young men with the support of a unique community of people from diverse cultures, and especially the loving embrace of twin sister beauties. Island Odyssey is a treasure that provides the opportunity to rediscover the hopes and dreams of a passing era. This story will stimulate visions of adventure, romance and fascinating life challenges.
About the Author: Francis Oliver Lynn was born in South Philadelphia and lived there for the first nineteen years of his life. The experience of growing up in a culturally and economically unique community contributed significantly to his commitment to the education of people of all ages. He was inspired by his students to write the stories he told about the inner city and other adventures. The Ghetto Flowers novels are the fruition of that inspiration. Francis received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, concentrating his studies on psychology, anthropology and education. He received his Masters in the Art of Teaching from The College of New Jersey. He began his professional career working for the South Bend, Indiana Community School Corporation developing peer influence programs in several schools. Francis created and directed the Youth Enrichment Program for the city of Bloomington, Indiana and served as a counselor in a shelter for runaway teenagers. He taught high school social studies and served as a counselor at the Harmony School, an independent K-12 school in Bloomington, Indiana. Francis served as Youth Programs Director at Powell House, a Quaker education and retreat center in Old Chatham, New York. There, he facilitated conferences designed to create a positive youth culture within the tradition of the Religious Society of Friends for youth from diverse cultures. As part of that work, Francis conducted cultural ecology education adventures to Costa Rica, England, Native American Reservations and other areas of educational value throughout the United States, introducing young people to principles of ecology and cultural diversity. Francis currently teaches language arts, math, science, social studies, and leads education adventure programs for young people and adults. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey with his wife and four children.