You tube with Michael Gross
- Thread starter Eve
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Popeyeskid
SBH Insider
I just finished the book that I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow.
I will probably get crucified by the masses here, but I'm glad I did not buy my own copy. Truthfully did not care for the book, or his writing style.
I will probably get crucified by the masses here, but I'm glad I did not buy my own copy. Truthfully did not care for the book, or his writing style.
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Amery
SBH Insider
Today we celebrate freedom.
The author is free to write, you are free to read, and we are all free to form opinions.
The amount of research that went into the book is admirable in and of itself.
While writing styles are personal, and some might find disagreement or different recollections, I found the book fascinating and learned a great deal I did not know.
Cheers to freedom
The author is free to write, you are free to read, and we are all free to form opinions.
The amount of research that went into the book is admirable in and of itself.
While writing styles are personal, and some might find disagreement or different recollections, I found the book fascinating and learned a great deal I did not know.
Cheers to freedom
amyb
Senior Insider
Excellent remarks. (I remain an unpublished avid reader).Today we celebrate freedom.
The author is free to write, you are free to read, and we are all free to form opinions.
The amount of research that went into the book is admirable in and of itself.
While writing styles are personal, and some might find disagreement or different recollections, I found the book fascinating and learned a great deal I did not know.
Cheers to freedom
However, I'm learning a lot I didn't know before and am finding it quite interesting.
cassidain
Senior Insider
"demise" means death or cease of existence of a person or thing.
"many" perhaps, but demand for the island is going up if anything.
I loved the "old" Saint-Barth.
I love the "new" Saint-Barth equally well.
Perhaps Mark Twain's oft-quoted words are appropriate in this context: reports of my death (demise) are greatly exaggerated.
amyb
Senior Insider
Kevin, I too chaise to read slowly and savor the names of people and places as they popped up on the pages.and I continue to say
AHH, ST BARTH! just about every day. So grateful to have experienced lots of old and some of the new.
MichaelG
SBH Insider
A visible-in-hindsight turning point, not the cause! And I’d call St.-Tropez a warning, not the cause either. Remember that the first Tropezian invasion was turned back.
It’s a quandary! In terms of “demise” or other disaffection with the island, I think that perspective must be examined. Is viewpoint principally about dining . . . maybe beaches . . . shopping . . . serenity . . . tradition . . . villas . . . hotels . . . nightclubs . . . sargassum . . . or something else? A combination? In my nearly 50 years of frequency on the island, I’ve seen a lot. LOL! I don’t think, as I’ve been a longtime explorer, that there is much that I’ve missed. In this regard, I say that there’s much that I dislike in changes, but “the old St. Barths” is still there — local people, friendships, traditions, neighborhood celebrations, history, fine dining, comfort in accommodations, warmth in morning/afternoon/evening greetings. St. Barths is a gem. There are other happy places in the world, of course, but right now I find that refinement, tranquility, gracious & fine dining, beauty, security, & a welcoming spirit offer a winning combination!
Valid, Michael. We’ll have to meet for a longer conversation about turning point & cause. Has a “no-going-back” line been crossed?
elgreaux
Senior Insider
I agree with Dennis that there is a whole world of "old" St Barth that the billionaires and yacht people might never encounter. Yesterday's Fete de Flamands for example - a local neighborhood fair - that started at 7am with a mass under the trees at our family beach house at Flamands - followed by a procession down to La Petite Anse for the priest to toss a wreath into the sea, just steps from some rather expensive villas on the point of Flamands... and not one of the denizens of that "billionaires row" is anywhere near the place at this time of year - the locals get their island back for a few months, and can breathe bit... until the next season of insanity starts ramping up in November.
MichaelG
SBH Insider
My argument is that SBH is at a tipping point but--as going back isn't possible--those who want balance have the edge because the "pushers" are in it for profit and that POV is shortsighted. So glad I'm returning in October, Ellen!
I’ll look forward to seeing you in October!
Dennis
cassidain
Senior Insider
Almost always a safe bet
As Rick comforted Ilsa in Casablanca, "We'll always have the real St. Barths!"
amyb
Senior Insider
Perfect line to paraphrase, Dennis!
le_reve
Senior Insider
Agreed!Today we celebrate freedom.
The author is free to write, you are free to read, and we are all free to form opinions.
The amount of research that went into the book is admirable in and of itself.
While writing styles are personal, and some might find disagreement or different recollections, I found the book fascinating and learned a great deal I did not know.
Cheers to freedom
I, for one, can appreciate the tremendous amount of research, interviews, and sheer information that Michael gathered, then assimilated, organized, and wove into a cohesive narrative. That's especially impressive on a small island, where people don't always trust outsiders or readily share information.
