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Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill
Who said boarding school was not fun? This all-boys boarding school memoir transcends autobiography.
If you've even wondered, what boarding school might have been like, this memoir is as close to living that experience as you are likely to get. The book includes marvelous pictures of Munro College's buildings and panoramas. Enjoy the his stories about his interactions with other students and the pranks they played, and his humorous looks at some of the teachers he had during his time there are brilliant. It’s amazing that the college was so isolated in the rural countryside and that the students there had none of the social outlets that most take for granted today. You may envy the closeness and camaraderie between his fellow students as they spent their free time having bull sessions and playing padda. It's a journey inside one of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Jamaica. For non-Munronians this memoir is a provocative, riveting and an animated account of the author's 7 years at Munro and for Munronians it must trigger a vivid reliving of the Munro experience.
If you've even wondered, what boarding school might have been like, this memoir is as close to living that experience as you are likely to get. The book includes marvelous pictures of Munro College's buildings and panoramas. Enjoy the his stories about his interactions with other students and the pranks they played, and his humorous looks at some of the teachers he had during his time there are brilliant. It’s amazing that the college was so isolated in the rural countryside and that the students there had none of the social outlets that most take for granted today. You may envy the closeness and camaraderie between his fellow students as they spent their free time having bull sessions and playing padda. It's a journey inside one of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Jamaica. For non-Munronians this memoir is a provocative, riveting and an animated account of the author's 7 years at Munro and for Munronians it must trigger a vivid reliving of the Munro experience.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
138 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2015
8 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Garfield Whyte
7 books87 followersGarfield Whyte, a lawyer enjoys many things outside of his main stream profession. He has always enjoyed writing and in his previous career worked in Marketing and Communications. Recently he spends more time doing creative writing, as law sometimes can be mundane. There is always room for a new challenge.
Garfield limits his practice to real estate, probates, and contract law.
A healthy debate is always encouraged, one he enjoys as long as there is respect for the opinion of each other.
He is the author of;
(a) Feelings an environmental photography and poetry, (b) Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill, his memoir about life at Munro College, his all- boys boarding high school, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious citadels of learning, his coming of age novel entitled:
(3) TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod (sub titled, Don’t Cry for me Cape Cod),
(4) Fate is my name, and
(4) She was born a Good Girl
He is a tennis and NBA fanatic.
Garfield limits his practice to real estate, probates, and contract law.
A healthy debate is always encouraged, one he enjoys as long as there is respect for the opinion of each other.
He is the author of;
(a) Feelings an environmental photography and poetry, (b) Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill, his memoir about life at Munro College, his all- boys boarding high school, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious citadels of learning, his coming of age novel entitled:
(3) TJ’s Last Summer in Cape Cod (sub titled, Don’t Cry for me Cape Cod),
(4) Fate is my name, and
(4) She was born a Good Girl
He is a tennis and NBA fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 28, 2017
Nostalgia from: Set A City Upon a Hill by Garfield Whyte's book about his life at the High School Munro. As most of us can remember their school days, and the writer describes his adventures, events, teachers and the entire complex Munroe High School. His nostalgia and love for these times are so evident in every description of the place. Through education writer from the boy becomes a man, and after leaving Munro College realizes, however, some moments were beautiful. All discipline and learning have been here to gain knowledge of the distant life. His writing enthusiastically describes Munro College, which is open to all social classes and for each has equal criteria. High-maintenance that was the High School in Jamaica is one of the most prestigious and that his students can proudly remember those days.
"I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review."
"I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review."
October 13, 2018
Have you ever wondered what life would be like inside an all boys boarding school in Jamaica? I truly had never given it a thought, but since I am always drawn to nonfiction, memoirs, biographies and the like, I jumped right into this book with an open mind.
Garfield Whyte recounts his days living at a very regimented all male boarding school for his junior high and high school years (7 years in all). The school is the esteemed Munro College founded in 1856 and sitting upon 150 plus acres at the peak of the Santa Cruz Mountains at more than 2,500 feet in elevation.
Whyte speaks to his years there, the teachers who planted a thirst for knowledge, and the teachers who could be downright cruel when implementing the physical punishment of caning upon misbehaving students.
The school had a firm set of rules to live by, and no deviance from those was tolerated. Acceptance into this school was a hard thing to accomplish, and the boys who went there were expected to understand how privileged they were to be there, getting an incredible education. Whyte excelled at this school by all accounts, although he did partake in a few shenanigans while there.
The only fault - if you can even call it that - that I found with this book was at the end of the chapters where Whyte defines some of the Jamaican language and slang spoken. That would be excellent - except that the same definitions appear over and over again; some are found at the end of each and every chapter. That is a mild fault, and, may not even really be a fault if the reader doesn't read this in a short period of time and needs reminders about the language.
The book also includes many photos of the school and its surroundings, which enhances the story a lot. Despite Whyte's great descriptions of the grounds and the ancient buildings, the photos are a welcome way to actually peer inside the esteemed institution.
Garfield Whyte recounts his days living at a very regimented all male boarding school for his junior high and high school years (7 years in all). The school is the esteemed Munro College founded in 1856 and sitting upon 150 plus acres at the peak of the Santa Cruz Mountains at more than 2,500 feet in elevation.
Whyte speaks to his years there, the teachers who planted a thirst for knowledge, and the teachers who could be downright cruel when implementing the physical punishment of caning upon misbehaving students.
The school had a firm set of rules to live by, and no deviance from those was tolerated. Acceptance into this school was a hard thing to accomplish, and the boys who went there were expected to understand how privileged they were to be there, getting an incredible education. Whyte excelled at this school by all accounts, although he did partake in a few shenanigans while there.
The only fault - if you can even call it that - that I found with this book was at the end of the chapters where Whyte defines some of the Jamaican language and slang spoken. That would be excellent - except that the same definitions appear over and over again; some are found at the end of each and every chapter. That is a mild fault, and, may not even really be a fault if the reader doesn't read this in a short period of time and needs reminders about the language.
The book also includes many photos of the school and its surroundings, which enhances the story a lot. Despite Whyte's great descriptions of the grounds and the ancient buildings, the photos are a welcome way to actually peer inside the esteemed institution.
January 7, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
In this sentimental memoir, Garfield Whyte takes readers down a wistful, thoughtful, and saccharine journey down memory lane in his book Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon A Hill. Set in the backdrops of Munro College, an all-boys boarding school in Jamaica, Whyte paints a literary tale of flashbacks of his fondest memory of his schooling and the significance and impact that this school bestowed upon. From the sights and sounds of the school, to the classrooms, the teachers and students, and the bricks that laid the foundation of this institution, Whyte explains why Munro, in all its simplicity during that time, was the city set upon a hill.
“There were other boarding schools in Jamaica, but none like this one. The others were duplications, as, in my view, this one was the real, authentic all boys’ high school.”
In this compound, Whyte retells of how their lives revolved around this institution. The outside world practically didn’t exist to them, because everything that they could want and needed was provided for. It was truly a city built upon a hill. It was a school that young boys aim to attend and parents hoped their child would be lucky enough to attend. You were considered lucky and fortunate to get accepted. As we read further into his memoir, we learn of his appreciation of the simple things like eating and water. The school taught him and other students to be thankful for the basic needs and in such it taught him discipline that could be used in his future life.
“Munro College was recognized as the only high school, and there was to be a one-way street that led up to that winding hillside to the city set upon a hill. After the Common Entrance Examination, my seven-year pilgrimage began.”
Each opening chapter in this memoir begins with a quote from a famous person whose quote leads into each topic Whyte introduces.This memoir is his account of his life and recollection of his memories of the students and the people that he encountered while he was a student of Munro. Through this detailed account, Whyte allows us to FEEL Munro College and why, once you are a Munronian, you are a Munronian for life. While this memoir is of his personal account, I enjoyed this personal and sentimental journey of Garfield Whyte. So if you are ready to immerse and feel of what is like to be a Munronian, then this deep, wistful recollection of memories will allow you to taste, see, and feel Munro, the city on the hill.
In this sentimental memoir, Garfield Whyte takes readers down a wistful, thoughtful, and saccharine journey down memory lane in his book Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon A Hill. Set in the backdrops of Munro College, an all-boys boarding school in Jamaica, Whyte paints a literary tale of flashbacks of his fondest memory of his schooling and the significance and impact that this school bestowed upon. From the sights and sounds of the school, to the classrooms, the teachers and students, and the bricks that laid the foundation of this institution, Whyte explains why Munro, in all its simplicity during that time, was the city set upon a hill.
“There were other boarding schools in Jamaica, but none like this one. The others were duplications, as, in my view, this one was the real, authentic all boys’ high school.”
In this compound, Whyte retells of how their lives revolved around this institution. The outside world practically didn’t exist to them, because everything that they could want and needed was provided for. It was truly a city built upon a hill. It was a school that young boys aim to attend and parents hoped their child would be lucky enough to attend. You were considered lucky and fortunate to get accepted. As we read further into his memoir, we learn of his appreciation of the simple things like eating and water. The school taught him and other students to be thankful for the basic needs and in such it taught him discipline that could be used in his future life.
“Munro College was recognized as the only high school, and there was to be a one-way street that led up to that winding hillside to the city set upon a hill. After the Common Entrance Examination, my seven-year pilgrimage began.”
Each opening chapter in this memoir begins with a quote from a famous person whose quote leads into each topic Whyte introduces.This memoir is his account of his life and recollection of his memories of the students and the people that he encountered while he was a student of Munro. Through this detailed account, Whyte allows us to FEEL Munro College and why, once you are a Munronian, you are a Munronian for life. While this memoir is of his personal account, I enjoyed this personal and sentimental journey of Garfield Whyte. So if you are ready to immerse and feel of what is like to be a Munronian, then this deep, wistful recollection of memories will allow you to taste, see, and feel Munro, the city on the hill.
October 7, 2016
For a non-fiction memoir, this book is pretty entertaining. Don't we all love to reminisce on the days of our youth? In this memoir, Whyte reminisces on his school days in the "City Set Upon a Hill." Those were better days, days when students had no cell phones or internet for entertainment, just themselves, their minds, and sports. Those were the days when discipline was quite different than it was today, and I can identify, having gone to a religious private school for 5 years. There is humor built in with vivid descriptions of the surroundings and photographs of this wonderful school in Jamaica. This is a side of Jamaica most don't probably know about. Yet, he injects the dialogue with rich local Jamaican dialect, making it all the more authentic. Anecdotes of the teachers they loved and hated, the strictest disciplinarian and the distrusted carpenter , along with the "Bull sessions" for "Boys will be Boys," make this a very relatable story. I recommend this powerful, nostalgic memoir that is replete with Jamaican and private school culture. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Nostalgia is a memoir about the author's school days at Munro College, a school for boys, in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. It brought to mind my own school days, and I found myself agreeing with a quote Mr. Whyte included, which seems to be the crux of the memoir: "It is indeed ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days waxing nostalgic about our school days." —Isabel Waxman. I enjoyed the story, and found the writing flowed well. It was easy to read, and I especially appreciated that photos were included to help us see what he saw as a student. I think the book was well-named, and anyone who looks back on their years in school with nostalgia, will be able to relate to the author.
February 1, 2018
A lovingly written nostalgic account of the author’s time at a boarding school in Jamaica. This is clearly the No 1 establishment on the island, and you pick up the love and pride he still has for it even after all the years that have gone by – it comes off every page of this touchingly sentimental memoir.
A lot of the narrative is devoted to descriptions of things like the food, the buildings and the lay-out of the school, and at times the book risks sounding like a guide, but the author relates entertainingly about the strange customs and the fraternal feelings that are engendered during his years there. For me, the best parts are the interplay between the pupils and the staff and camaraderie as well as the rivalry between the pupils themselves. No one who has not spent five years living at a boarding school or been in a concentration camp (I’m not kidding, the similarities are legion) can appreciate the strength of the enmity and the cliqueiness, as well as the sense of fellowship that living in such institutions can produce – and I thought that the most interesting sections are those that revolve around these things. It was only a pity that there aren’t more of them.
My other reservation is that most of the events are simply recounted. The golden rule of writing is ‘show and not tell’, and this rule is not rigorously applied. This means that the anecdotes that really become alive are the ones in which we are ‘shown’ rather than being ‘told’.
A lot of the narrative is devoted to descriptions of things like the food, the buildings and the lay-out of the school, and at times the book risks sounding like a guide, but the author relates entertainingly about the strange customs and the fraternal feelings that are engendered during his years there. For me, the best parts are the interplay between the pupils and the staff and camaraderie as well as the rivalry between the pupils themselves. No one who has not spent five years living at a boarding school or been in a concentration camp (I’m not kidding, the similarities are legion) can appreciate the strength of the enmity and the cliqueiness, as well as the sense of fellowship that living in such institutions can produce – and I thought that the most interesting sections are those that revolve around these things. It was only a pity that there aren’t more of them.
My other reservation is that most of the events are simply recounted. The golden rule of writing is ‘show and not tell’, and this rule is not rigorously applied. This means that the anecdotes that really become alive are the ones in which we are ‘shown’ rather than being ‘told’.
March 10, 2017
"Nostalgia" is a mental trip to Jamaica. It's a much more in-depth experience than spending a week long vacation there. This story invites me to hang out with true Jamaicans, and to learn about the culture, and meet the people first hand. I was fully immersed in the Jamaican culture. The average tourist can only thoroughly visit this special place thru reading this book.
This memoir is a great start to understand the unbelievable strength of the Jamaican people. High standards for proper behavior, cleanliness, respect for oneself, and respect for a fellow person are hallmarks of this school, and the Jamaican culture in general. Firm grounding is taught in the schools, and thoroughly described in this book. Although the setting is a microcosm, Jamaican culture and society permeate the school's walls and functions. The reader truly experiences Jamaican culture at its finest.
I highly recommend this book. It was a wonderful, easy, relaxing, and interesting read.
This memoir is a great start to understand the unbelievable strength of the Jamaican people. High standards for proper behavior, cleanliness, respect for oneself, and respect for a fellow person are hallmarks of this school, and the Jamaican culture in general. Firm grounding is taught in the schools, and thoroughly described in this book. Although the setting is a microcosm, Jamaican culture and society permeate the school's walls and functions. The reader truly experiences Jamaican culture at its finest.
I highly recommend this book. It was a wonderful, easy, relaxing, and interesting read.
June 27, 2017
I recieved an e-copy of this book from the author.
I'm giving this book a 4.5☆ solely because. I don't usually like memoirs as much as full-on fiction.
This book is about the authors boarding school days at an all boys school.
Honestly until this book I never even thought about what it would be like to attend a single-gendered school.
I loved the way it was written, I also loved the way it was carried,It was very consistent and orderly and did not feel all over the place like some memoirs do.
It also felt very much like I was there with the author(which is something that some memoir's tend to lack).
Overall I'm so very glad I got to read this book and definitely reccomend this to the WHOLE WORLD.
I'm giving this book a 4.5☆ solely because. I don't usually like memoirs as much as full-on fiction.
This book is about the authors boarding school days at an all boys school.
Honestly until this book I never even thought about what it would be like to attend a single-gendered school.
I loved the way it was written, I also loved the way it was carried,It was very consistent and orderly and did not feel all over the place like some memoirs do.
It also felt very much like I was there with the author(which is something that some memoir's tend to lack).
Overall I'm so very glad I got to read this book and definitely reccomend this to the WHOLE WORLD.
September 2, 2017
An inspiring book about one of Jamaica's most renowned preparatory academies. Garfield Whyte creates a vivid, heartfelt, and enlightening picture of life there as a student in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Blending significant memories and anecdotes with resonant emotions and powerful rays of wisdom, Nostalgia conveys an unforgettable impression of a school where young men learn to succeed and to help others rise above problems in the world. A fun, compelling, and encouraging read.
February 8, 2018
Memories
I chose to give this 4 stars because it was an interesting story. It was well written, however there were several small spelling errors.
I think the author has a great way of making you feel like you were there. I would recommend this book for all who are curious about different educational cultures .
I chose to give this 4 stars because it was an interesting story. It was well written, however there were several small spelling errors.
I think the author has a great way of making you feel like you were there. I would recommend this book for all who are curious about different educational cultures .
April 2, 2016
I received this book from the author for an honest review and I really enjoyed the book. The author tells us about his experience at Munro College in Jamaica. It is an all boys boarding school and he attended from 1977-1984. I would say 6th-12th grade for Americans. The school was founded in 1856 and I enjoyed all of the pictures in the book of the historic school. I loved when the author talked about the boys not having phones, internet, or TV. They had to write letters to their families. Imagine that! The camaraderie and the antics with all of the boys was fun to read about. While the boys had fun with each other they never crossed a line or went too far. They knew how special the school was and knew the consequences if they went too far. There is a very funny story with the librarian and her thinking a student put a magazine down his pants and he was trying to steal it. Let's just say there was no magazine. I loved that the Headmaster was all about academics and not sports. They may not have had the best teams, but the school turned out very smart men and that is what was important, and what should always be more important. I can see why men feel a certain pride about having gone to Monro.
March 2, 2016
This is a book about the memories of an all-boys boarding school in Jamaica. It gives a pictorial tour of Munro college and reflects on enjoyable events. It is a popular choice of school and students felt honoured to be able to attend. It had everything needed to provide a fun and stable education.
An educational read with an insight to a different world.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review view the author*
An educational read with an insight to a different world.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review view the author*
March 24, 2017
Nostalgia at its best. We all love to tell stories of the good old days and Whyte has done a splendid job of bringing his youth to life. Set up as a series of flashbacks to memories that lay a foundation for the rest of the authors life, the reader is allowed to immerse them self into the world of a Munronian. There is beautiful commentary on the life and interactions of fellow students and teachers, and the lessons learnt inside and out of the classroom. It is clear that the school had a great impact on Whyte.
The writing is faultless, it reads easy and flows well and the book as a whole is laid out with intention for the greatest impact on the reader. Photos add depth to the narrative and allow us to peer into the eyes of what the author saw when he was younger.
This book was a very pleasant step away from my usual reads and I thank the author for sharing his experiences with the world. An easy read, an enjoyable experience, I would highly recommend it.
The writing is faultless, it reads easy and flows well and the book as a whole is laid out with intention for the greatest impact on the reader. Photos add depth to the narrative and allow us to peer into the eyes of what the author saw when he was younger.
This book was a very pleasant step away from my usual reads and I thank the author for sharing his experiences with the world. An easy read, an enjoyable experience, I would highly recommend it.
May 25, 2017
An incredible insight into the author's most influential years, A City Set Upon a Hill was a beautiful memoir! I thoroughly enjoyed Whyte's description of his memories and feeling his sense of longing for a time that defined him, that shaped him to become the person he is today. Not only was the story filled with humorous moments, but underlying within each recollection was this bittersweet tone that marked friendship, respect, a strong family-like bond that intertwined them. I loved how Whyte added pictures within the book to further show the ancient structure that housed so many memories! Overall, I loved it. I thought it was a great read that allowed the reader to glance into a culture not lived by many.
March 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill by Garfield Whyte. It was it was interesting to read about his experiences at the boarding school. I don't read a lot of memoirs but a few do catch my eye. This is not the first book I have read by this author and I am sure I will read another in the future. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys memoirs.
April 3, 2018
Interesting
This was an interesting story the deals and stories he told were fun and interesting. I even laughed in a few places.
This was an interesting story the deals and stories he told were fun and interesting. I even laughed in a few places.
March 8, 2017
Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill by Garfield Whyte is an amazing recollection of school memories filled with insightful fondness that shows how the author’s personality and growth in forever forged through his school experiences. The author has an amazing way of describing the school buildings and grounds which tends to give them a life of their own. This along with the many experiences he shares with readers slowly depicts how he evolves into the person he now is.
The author uses quotes throughout the beginning of every chapter that actually touch base on what the reader is about to learn. Anyone that experiences nostalgia in remembering his or her high school years can very easily relate with the author and will undoubtedly enjoy reading this book.
For those readers wishing to somehow reconnect with their own past memories of their youth and reminisce on their own development, this is a good book to read.
The author uses quotes throughout the beginning of every chapter that actually touch base on what the reader is about to learn. Anyone that experiences nostalgia in remembering his or her high school years can very easily relate with the author and will undoubtedly enjoy reading this book.
For those readers wishing to somehow reconnect with their own past memories of their youth and reminisce on their own development, this is a good book to read.
February 17, 2017
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Not everyday we can enjoy learning about school experiences that changed people lives. In this memoir we are transported back in Jamaica from 1977 to 1984. The Boarding school for boys called Munro College has left an imprint on the lives of every students who walked through the walls. Munro is a college where it’s considered an honour to have studied there.
Through Garfield’s words and pictures we can understand how it’s like to study there, the view, the landscape and so much more. There was a way of living there that is not what we could be used to in north america. The food didn’t seem very appetising, mandatory events and activities may not be to everyone’s taste, but in the end it built character, respect and camaraderie.
From what i read and understand, for Garfield, thoughts about Munro are filled with joy, pride and honour, that shaped the man that he’s become. I appreciate that Garfield would explain expressions and words used in the school, such as the food they would eat.
Not everyday we can enjoy learning about school experiences that changed people lives. In this memoir we are transported back in Jamaica from 1977 to 1984. The Boarding school for boys called Munro College has left an imprint on the lives of every students who walked through the walls. Munro is a college where it’s considered an honour to have studied there.
Through Garfield’s words and pictures we can understand how it’s like to study there, the view, the landscape and so much more. There was a way of living there that is not what we could be used to in north america. The food didn’t seem very appetising, mandatory events and activities may not be to everyone’s taste, but in the end it built character, respect and camaraderie.
From what i read and understand, for Garfield, thoughts about Munro are filled with joy, pride and honour, that shaped the man that he’s become. I appreciate that Garfield would explain expressions and words used in the school, such as the food they would eat.
February 11, 2016
Nostalgia from: A City Set Upon a Hill: A Memoir is centered around one of the oldest all-boys boarding schools in Jamaica, established in 1856 and the author's high school for seven years. But this boarding school story transcends autobiography and even school memoir to offer a nostalgia piece especially inviting to anyone who knows Jamaica or boarding schools well, and is filled with accounts of what it meant to spend seven years in the Munro College high school environment.
Color photos of the school grounds accompany the author's memories of the school's appearance, teachers, its place in the city, and its inviting environment.
From how the school's relative isolation fostered a community spirit that led to unique educational opportunities and interactions to how boys from many different backgrounds came to engage one another and learn, descriptions are especially powerful when they reveal the roots of this process.
One might not expected footnoted references from a memoir, but Garfield Whyte's choice of this scholarly approach adds information to the discussion without interrupting its progression. The footnotes explain terminology, slang, and cultural references at the end of the book while readers are able to enjoy a dialogue that flows smoothly.
From the lifelong friendships that evolved from the school's special environment to field trips, pranks, hierarchies of culture and boarding school teachers and life, this light read comes steeped in the flavor and culture of a childhood in Jamaica and will attract a wide audience, from those interested in the island's life to readers who enjoy school days stories, this is a lively and personal examination of a special school and a special era which comes alive with Whyte's observations.
Color photos of the school grounds accompany the author's memories of the school's appearance, teachers, its place in the city, and its inviting environment.
From how the school's relative isolation fostered a community spirit that led to unique educational opportunities and interactions to how boys from many different backgrounds came to engage one another and learn, descriptions are especially powerful when they reveal the roots of this process.
One might not expected footnoted references from a memoir, but Garfield Whyte's choice of this scholarly approach adds information to the discussion without interrupting its progression. The footnotes explain terminology, slang, and cultural references at the end of the book while readers are able to enjoy a dialogue that flows smoothly.
From the lifelong friendships that evolved from the school's special environment to field trips, pranks, hierarchies of culture and boarding school teachers and life, this light read comes steeped in the flavor and culture of a childhood in Jamaica and will attract a wide audience, from those interested in the island's life to readers who enjoy school days stories, this is a lively and personal examination of a special school and a special era which comes alive with Whyte's observations.
May 12, 2016
I just Finished reading the book memoir "Nostalgia: A city set up on a hill" by author (Garfield Whyte).
Normally, I wouldn't choose high school memoir to read. However, Im really glad i did. It taught me something new and valuable of other cultures and experiences.
In this story,"Garfield" the narrator; takes us in a Journey to his fondest memories from 1977 till 1984, during his education in Munro college. A boarding school that is located in Jamaica. Going to this school starts off as a dream to be numbered amongst the rest. Through out the memoir, he give us detailed description of "Munro college, such as; "the long wall and the amazing sunset", "The barbecue and the bull sessions" as well as the well described disciplinary and academic teachers which gives the reader a clear picture of the challenges that the students endured at that time.
" Being at Munro was what I was dreaming about, but still nothing that i was totally prepared for"
Nevertheless, the simplicity of the school, the non-existing technology, and the safety they felt. were all taken in granted years later as it is what really shaped this generation.
At some parts of the story I felt like reading a poem, the author clearly loved his school, even the description of the cracked floors and the old buildings, were so dear to him and were so obvious in this well written memoir.
Despite some repetitive parts, I really enjoyed the author's experience and well profound memory. Also, I was enlightened with some of the most important and amazing sights in Jamaica. But most of all, The role of the Munro school in preparing these students to the outside read.
I recommend this book for people who like reading memories and those who are nostalgic of their own school memories! give it a read!
Normally, I wouldn't choose high school memoir to read. However, Im really glad i did. It taught me something new and valuable of other cultures and experiences.
In this story,"Garfield" the narrator; takes us in a Journey to his fondest memories from 1977 till 1984, during his education in Munro college. A boarding school that is located in Jamaica. Going to this school starts off as a dream to be numbered amongst the rest. Through out the memoir, he give us detailed description of "Munro college, such as; "the long wall and the amazing sunset", "The barbecue and the bull sessions" as well as the well described disciplinary and academic teachers which gives the reader a clear picture of the challenges that the students endured at that time.
" Being at Munro was what I was dreaming about, but still nothing that i was totally prepared for"
Nevertheless, the simplicity of the school, the non-existing technology, and the safety they felt. were all taken in granted years later as it is what really shaped this generation.
At some parts of the story I felt like reading a poem, the author clearly loved his school, even the description of the cracked floors and the old buildings, were so dear to him and were so obvious in this well written memoir.
Despite some repetitive parts, I really enjoyed the author's experience and well profound memory. Also, I was enlightened with some of the most important and amazing sights in Jamaica. But most of all, The role of the Munro school in preparing these students to the outside read.
I recommend this book for people who like reading memories and those who are nostalgic of their own school memories! give it a read!
June 14, 2016
An unusual title, but nostalgia is most apt. The "city upon a hill" is Munro, what Whyte asserts is the best secondary school in Jamaica. He gives a very good description of the school's buildings and grounds, and also provides good coloured illustrations. He gives characterization of the teachers at the time (late1970s) and illustrations of how they behaved, and of the discipline, then finally he describes life experienced by the students. He does not say anything specifically about classes, other than they were there, but he gives a homework regime that I must admit was far in excess of anything I had. He describes a few "escapades" that are inevitable there were some inevitable fights, but basically he portrays the boys as well-behaved, and the school orderly. Sports are not seriously mentioned, apart from things such as broken windows arising from padda, a game that may have been unique to Munro. Also largely missing is an account of interaction between Munronians and the girls of nearby Hampton school, apart from mentions of the odd formal dance. The book is essentially an account of the school at the period, and not of personal involvement, and thus will have an important place in the history of the school, and of Jamaican education. For anybody else, it gives a picture of a small part of life for Jamaican boys of the period. With these limitations, it is hard to see what more could have been done, so if you have particular interest in Munro school, then this would be a five star book, but because I have specifically stated elsewhere many times that I do not give five stars to books of specific interest to a very limited audience, I have to keep to four (or go back and do a lot of rescoring). I was given a copy of this book in return for a fair review.
June 14, 2016
What was it like for Garry Whyte to attend the elite boys boarding school of Munro? This excellent Memoir: Nostalgia From: A City Set Upon a Hill is Garry's account of those days. Munro College is the "City Upon a Hill"" because it sits up high on a small mountain near the coast of Jamaica. It's a beautiful place of old buildings, containing the most well-known, academically advanced, boy's institution of higher learning in Jamaica. Munro College is for boys in their first through sixth form years (7th - 12th grades in the USA) and they are held to high standard of education. If a student was not capable of attaining the expectations of Munro, they were likely to be dismissed. There was always a waiting list for admittance to Munro! This is what a Munro education stood for: "Hardwook, Punctuality, and Discipline".
"Good is not good when better is expected." Vin Scully
Garry's memories of his years at Munro are filled with awe and reverence for the school itself; respect for teachers and staff; and admiration for those who taught him to love learning and life. His remembrances of the fun-loving "boys will be boys" moments are quite entertaining! Their many " Bull Sessions" outside, out of the hearing of authority, are very funny!
This is a fine Memoir filled with great quotes, exemplary ideals, and the longing for those wonderful days of College ( High School). I only wish all education everywhere was like the education excellence of Munro!! I recommend this entertaining book to ALL! I'm looking forward to reading Garfield Whyte's debut novel: TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod.
"Good is not good when better is expected." Vin Scully
Garry's memories of his years at Munro are filled with awe and reverence for the school itself; respect for teachers and staff; and admiration for those who taught him to love learning and life. His remembrances of the fun-loving "boys will be boys" moments are quite entertaining! Their many " Bull Sessions" outside, out of the hearing of authority, are very funny!
This is a fine Memoir filled with great quotes, exemplary ideals, and the longing for those wonderful days of College ( High School). I only wish all education everywhere was like the education excellence of Munro!! I recommend this entertaining book to ALL! I'm looking forward to reading Garfield Whyte's debut novel: TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod.
July 6, 2016
I had the pleasure of reading Nostalgia From A city Set Upon a Hill supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. I personally have zero experience with boarding schools. The only one I ever knew of was the one on the Facts Of Life in the 1980s. And even then those were all girls. This memoir is about a boarding school in the 1980s with all boys. And it's in Jamaica. The Munro college .
The weight of respect and pride put upon this college leads me to believe that anyone who went there was touched deeply by the privilege of attending. Some parents gave all they had just to send their sons to this school.
Garfield takes us through the day-to-day activities and synopsis of the various teachers just as most of us have experienced in our own school days - Which teachers were mean, the urban legends and memorable quirks of other teachers., the excitement and bonding that surrounds the prep time before a dance, the reminiscing regarding the girls from the nearby local girls school.
We are taken on a tour of the school and notably through their king of sports - Padda, and the various stories surrounding this beloved game. We get to listen in on the antics and unwritten codes of otherwise very well behaved boys of Munro.
I am a huge fan of reading about foods in places other than my norm. The food recollections were quite interesting for me. I almost wish I could try a couple !
There was also the year that the graduation ceremonies were threatened to be cancelled over the actions of one person - which is quite a threat ! Did it actually happen? You'll have to read the book to find out!
The weight of respect and pride put upon this college leads me to believe that anyone who went there was touched deeply by the privilege of attending. Some parents gave all they had just to send their sons to this school.
Garfield takes us through the day-to-day activities and synopsis of the various teachers just as most of us have experienced in our own school days - Which teachers were mean, the urban legends and memorable quirks of other teachers., the excitement and bonding that surrounds the prep time before a dance, the reminiscing regarding the girls from the nearby local girls school.
We are taken on a tour of the school and notably through their king of sports - Padda, and the various stories surrounding this beloved game. We get to listen in on the antics and unwritten codes of otherwise very well behaved boys of Munro.
I am a huge fan of reading about foods in places other than my norm. The food recollections were quite interesting for me. I almost wish I could try a couple !
There was also the year that the graduation ceremonies were threatened to be cancelled over the actions of one person - which is quite a threat ! Did it actually happen? You'll have to read the book to find out!
December 9, 2016
Received this book free in exchange for an honest review
Went a bit outside my usual genre and read this memoir.
The rating is based on my personal preference in books and not as a criticism against the author or writing. I am not a professional reviewer and as someone who has only ready YA-books for the last few years, I can honestly say this was a refreshing change as well as a personal challenge. I thank the author for allowing me to expand my horizons beyond my normal scope of books.
The writing took a bit of getting used to as the book is not fiction which is my preference.
The beginning was a bit difficult to get through while the author took care to describe the school and buildings. 1/4 way through the memoir I started settling into the scene and it became enjoyable.
I would have enjoyed more in depth writing about the events that happened.
What surprised me most was how the emotion came through in the last 1/4 of the book. You could actually feel the love the author has for the school, the respect he had for all the teachers (even the harsh ones) and the pride he felt for being a part of Munro. That above everything made this book an incredible journey. I cannot fault the writing and would have loved to give that alone a solid 4 stars as the author really takes one along on the journey and the emotions are extremely real and honest. Loved the open way in which events and people were described.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs and similar books.
Went a bit outside my usual genre and read this memoir.
The rating is based on my personal preference in books and not as a criticism against the author or writing. I am not a professional reviewer and as someone who has only ready YA-books for the last few years, I can honestly say this was a refreshing change as well as a personal challenge. I thank the author for allowing me to expand my horizons beyond my normal scope of books.
The writing took a bit of getting used to as the book is not fiction which is my preference.
The beginning was a bit difficult to get through while the author took care to describe the school and buildings. 1/4 way through the memoir I started settling into the scene and it became enjoyable.
I would have enjoyed more in depth writing about the events that happened.
What surprised me most was how the emotion came through in the last 1/4 of the book. You could actually feel the love the author has for the school, the respect he had for all the teachers (even the harsh ones) and the pride he felt for being a part of Munro. That above everything made this book an incredible journey. I cannot fault the writing and would have loved to give that alone a solid 4 stars as the author really takes one along on the journey and the emotions are extremely real and honest. Loved the open way in which events and people were described.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs and similar books.
March 19, 2018
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for reading and posting my honest review.
I was quite fascinated with the concept of both boarding school and an all boys school. I had experienced a year of schooling at an all girl Catholic school while I was a Rotary Exchange Student to Bogota, Colombia for my Junior year of high school. I have not had the experience of boarding school. I was most impressed with the students attitude of feeling privileged to attend and their acceptance of the rigid discipline. It would be wonderful to see that dedication and discipline at work today in the schools of the USA. It would certainly give us all a greater hope for the future decision makers.
I could also relate to the cold mornings and cold showers as I survived those as well while in Colombia.
The Munronian boys seemed like a really good group of young men that one would feel confident and comfortable dealing with whether at work or play.
The story is very well told whether reading serious or humorous dialog. The author really communicates what is was like to be there, how much he enjoyed it and how the experience shaped him as an adult. I could picture different scenarios in my head while reading along.
The footnotes and dictionary were very helpful explanations of words and phrases.
I'll admit, I was hesitant to read it at first. I was worried that I'd be bored. That was never the case.
All in all, a short but really good read that I enjoyed very much.
I was quite fascinated with the concept of both boarding school and an all boys school. I had experienced a year of schooling at an all girl Catholic school while I was a Rotary Exchange Student to Bogota, Colombia for my Junior year of high school. I have not had the experience of boarding school. I was most impressed with the students attitude of feeling privileged to attend and their acceptance of the rigid discipline. It would be wonderful to see that dedication and discipline at work today in the schools of the USA. It would certainly give us all a greater hope for the future decision makers.
I could also relate to the cold mornings and cold showers as I survived those as well while in Colombia.
The Munronian boys seemed like a really good group of young men that one would feel confident and comfortable dealing with whether at work or play.
The story is very well told whether reading serious or humorous dialog. The author really communicates what is was like to be there, how much he enjoyed it and how the experience shaped him as an adult. I could picture different scenarios in my head while reading along.
The footnotes and dictionary were very helpful explanations of words and phrases.
I'll admit, I was hesitant to read it at first. I was worried that I'd be bored. That was never the case.
All in all, a short but really good read that I enjoyed very much.
January 20, 2017
Nostalgic indeed, this book is a wandering collection of memories from the author's time at his elite boarding school in Jamaica. We are introduced to the daily routines, the school grounds, and the characters on campus through a mixture of straight description and anecdotes.
This was a slightly difficult book to review. I believe that the author's fellow students would thoroughly enjoy this book. It's sort of the literary equivalent of reminiscing over a beer with your school friends (or perhaps even a "bull session," as the author would say). It's less of a fit for a more general audience. Some of the anecdotes will certainly stick with me, but the overall heart of the story is for those who have been there themselves and lived the life.
With that said, you can certainly feel the author's love and respect for his school. Those feeling lend a sweetness to the book that give some deeper meaning to the memories, even for outsiders. Fans of memoirs may well enjoy the visit to "the City" upon a hill.
This was a slightly difficult book to review. I believe that the author's fellow students would thoroughly enjoy this book. It's sort of the literary equivalent of reminiscing over a beer with your school friends (or perhaps even a "bull session," as the author would say). It's less of a fit for a more general audience. Some of the anecdotes will certainly stick with me, but the overall heart of the story is for those who have been there themselves and lived the life.
With that said, you can certainly feel the author's love and respect for his school. Those feeling lend a sweetness to the book that give some deeper meaning to the memories, even for outsiders. Fans of memoirs may well enjoy the visit to "the City" upon a hill.
January 10, 2017
Hey, this was a nice book and it was insightful to say the least. I was a day scholar in high school and so I haven’t had experiences living in a boarding school. So this opened my eyes to this reality and showed me how it was for youngsters in the late 70s and 80s. And what an institution! The way the author has described the place, I almost wanted to study and live in the City. Kids and children of those times really didn’t have it easy and if I find any kid nowadays complaining about not having enough, I’ll just tell them to read this book.
The story follows the seven years the author spent in the boarding school. As expected there were a lot of trials and challenges, and not just him but all the boys there faced these head on and survived with a smile on their faces. And I’m glad to say bullying wasn’t a big problem in the school. This is most definitely a recommended read from my end.
February 1, 2017
This copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, the author takes the reader on a personal trip into his past. This memoir takes place at “The City Set Upon a Hill”-the school in Jamaica he attended. The author sweeps us all back to a simpler time-back to the basics of humanity and I personally couldn’t have been more impressed. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but was quickly taken by the passion in which it was written. A beautiful story, including amazing detail-which transports you into his youth.
This school was all inclusive-everything the boys needed was provided. Life was much more simple. The values and discipline taught at this school clearly molded their students, making them appreciate everything in their lives.
I cannot explain how clear this story flowed for me. I could smell the food, almost taste it. I could see the layout of the campus, see it all so clearly. A truly beautiful piece of art.
Thank you Mr. Whyte.
In this book, the author takes the reader on a personal trip into his past. This memoir takes place at “The City Set Upon a Hill”-the school in Jamaica he attended. The author sweeps us all back to a simpler time-back to the basics of humanity and I personally couldn’t have been more impressed. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but was quickly taken by the passion in which it was written. A beautiful story, including amazing detail-which transports you into his youth.
This school was all inclusive-everything the boys needed was provided. Life was much more simple. The values and discipline taught at this school clearly molded their students, making them appreciate everything in their lives.
I cannot explain how clear this story flowed for me. I could smell the food, almost taste it. I could see the layout of the campus, see it all so clearly. A truly beautiful piece of art.
Thank you Mr. Whyte.
May 1, 2017
While this book is billed as a memoir, it reads more like a cross between a book report and a school brochure. The writing is crisp and clear, but the narrative offers few specifics that bring the setting of the Munro College boarding school alive in the reader’s mind. The author focuses on descriptions of the locale and the activities without adding much color to give the scenes personality. The author also tends to write in circles, with the narrative winding back again and again to familiar themes like the school’s emphasis on discipline and the diversity of the student population. A professional editor would definitely help streamline and focus the text.
Around the midway point, the author finally reveals some amusing anecdotes about his interactions with teachers and classmates. He also prefaces each chapter with enlightening quotes from the famous and not-so-famous to set the stage for what’s to come. But these asides are too few to make this memoir a must-read.
Around the midway point, the author finally reveals some amusing anecdotes about his interactions with teachers and classmates. He also prefaces each chapter with enlightening quotes from the famous and not-so-famous to set the stage for what’s to come. But these asides are too few to make this memoir a must-read.
June 5, 2016
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. I had wanted to read it because I enjoy memoirs. I also enjoy reading about boarding schools. I enjoyed the authors boarding school memories very much. I look forward to reading more of his work. I am fairly close in age to the author since I graduated in 1980. It was nice to read about a time before cell phones and computers were common. I remember writing letters and talking to friends instead of texting them. I wonder how much modern life has changed the authors school today. I agree with the author that his school experience has shaped the educated and successful person he became. The discipline and work ethic that school gave to their students is something I wish more students could experience. It was great to read that they had fun and good times while getting a very good education.
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