The Legend of Ron Añejo

Rating:
Summary: A relaxing, enjoyable read.
Review: "Here's a tip for you. If you ever get sorta, well, down on your luck while you are in the islands, get a hold of Ron Añejo. He'll know what to do."

As THE LEGEND OF RON AÑEJO opens, Ed Teja's narrator does what just about every American adult has surely dreamed about doing at one time or another. He runs away to Never Never Land. Or at least, that's the sort of life he thinks he'll find in the Caribbean, after he spends a small inheritance to buy and outfit a boat on which he plans to live for the next several years. An old-timer on a wooden boat in the next slip, at the marina from which he departs "the good old US of A," knows better-and that's undoubtedly why the old-timer offers him that advice.

Before he knows it, our friend finds himself stranded on the tiny island of Kayakoo. At the Constant Din Guest House on Toenail Bay, where proprietress Esther Mae serves nothing in her restaurant except coleslaw and fried chicken, he wonders what to do next. Until, to his relief, he finds himself face to face-in that very restaurant-with none other than the legendary Captain Ron! Surely his troubles are over now?

They most assuredly are not, because Ron Añejo is this particular Never Never Land's resident Peter Pan. As the book's subsequent chapters unfold, Captain Ron takes his new friend under his wing and leads him (occasionally along with others) on a series of well-meant misadventures.

Make that hilarious misadventures. You'll chuckle as you read this book, and from time to time you may even find yourself laughing out loud. In between chuckles, you'll probably realize that Ed Teja's ability to bring the Windward Islands to life comes from knowing that part of the world well-and from knowing boats and the sea, too.

A relaxing, enjoyable read, featuring vivid characters and colorfully descriptive writing. Ron Añejo's self-created legend is one you won't want to miss.

Rating:
Summary: A relaxing, enjoyable read.
Review: "Here's a tip for you. If you ever get sorta, well, down on your luck while you are in the islands, get a hold of Ron Añejo. He'll know what to do."

As THE LEGEND OF RON AÑEJO opens, Ed Teja's narrator does what just about every American adult has surely dreamed about doing at one time or another. He runs away to Never Never Land. Or at least, that's the sort of life he thinks he'll find in the Caribbean, after he spends a small inheritance to buy and outfit a boat on which he plans to live for the next several years. An old-timer on a wooden boat in the next slip, at the marina from which he departs "the good old US of A," knows better-and that's undoubtedly why the old-timer offers him that advice.

Before he knows it, our friend finds himself stranded on the tiny island of Kayakoo. At the Constant Din Guest House on Toenail Bay, where proprietress Esther Mae serves nothing in her restaurant except coleslaw and fried chicken, he wonders what to do next. Until, to his relief, he finds himself face to face-in that very restaurant-with none other than the legendary Captain Ron! Surely his troubles are over now?

They most assuredly are not, because Ron Añejo is this particular Never Never Land's resident Peter Pan. As the book's subsequent chapters unfold, Captain Ron takes his new friend under his wing and leads him (occasionally along with others) on a series of well-meant misadventures.

Make that hilarious misadventures. You'll chuckle as you read this book, and from time to time you may even find yourself laughing out loud. In between chuckles, you'll probably realize that Ed Teja's ability to bring the Windward Islands to life comes from knowing that part of the world well-and from knowing boats and the sea, too.

A relaxing, enjoyable read, featuring vivid characters and colorfully descriptive writing. Ron Añejo's self-created legend is one you won't want to miss.

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended action/adventure/comedy!
Review: Ever wonder what it would be like to just pack it all in and sail the seven seas -- or at least the Caribbean? Well, wonder no more. Ed Teja has written a novel about doing just that. And you might have second or fourth thoughts about doing it
yourself! That said, however, I can guarantee you'll laugh out loud while reading about the antics of our anonymous narrator and his "boss", Ron Anejo -- a legend in his own mind.

THE LEGEND OF RON ANEJO is told from the point of view of a narrator we never fully meet "in person". The author merely shares the story, giving us glimpses of our hero's physique and an in-depth look into his mind, all the while keeping his
name a secret (no easy feat, I imagine, while writing). It works.

Characterization is wholly developed from the main characters on down to Ron's boat, the Meinn Gott. Yes, the boat takes on a life of her own, and in sometimes typical female fashion, plays hard to get. The adventures they experience, Ron Anejo's seemingly endless optimistic outlook on life -- even with Murphy's Law working overtime against him -- are all fodder for an exciting, laugh out loud read. Our narrator's thoughts and witty dialogue are exceptionally insightful.

For an eye-opening and thoroughly delightful read told entirely from the male psyche, don't miss THE LEGEND OF RON ANEJO. As a female reader, I was glad to have the opportunity to see what makes some men tick -- and was pleasantly surprised.

Rating:
Summary: A lazy cruise...
Review: If you're looking for a Caribbean adventure and excitement, with pirates and smugglers, you won't find it here. However, if you want to take a lazy cruise with Ed Teja, come aboard!

Disclosure: Ed lives here in Silver City, so I learned about his unique background. He has lived aboard a boat and his book is based on a real Ron Anejo. This book shares a few adventures as the nameless narrator drifts around, scrounging for food and a place to live.

Needless to say, every adventure ends in hilarious disaster. The boat goes around and they call the Coast Guard -- before they realize they're carrying smuggled goods! They cater a charter -- and leave everyone stranded when the boat dies.

There's plenty of rum, sunshine and laughter, and nobody takes himself (or, occasionally, herself) seriously. As Ron sums up: They're living the life that everyone dreams about. Who cares what else happens?

Rating:
Summary: Ex-Sailor says Teja's Compass is Right on Target
Review: Very Caribbean Feel. Light breezy humor. Keeps the reader intrigued but not overwhelmed. Teja has an interesting background as a poet, musician, and sailor. Outstanding read for that escapist seeker looking to get lost in a high seas adventure novel. Required hammock reading even if you don't live in the tropics.

Really good cover art that fits the subject matter.

Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book