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Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver's Paradise as a Father
When a midlife surprise upends his plans, will his dreams of exploration end… or begin anew?
Andrew Jalbert has always been an adventurer at heart. Drawn to the breathtaking island of Bonaire in his twenties, he transformed a passion for diving and natural beauty into a career as a writer and underwater photographer. But with goals to retire to the Caribbean paradise, he was unexpectedly gifted with fatherhood at age forty-three and the challenge of merging two seemingly incompatible lives.
Determined to pass on his appreciation for the dazzling theater of the sunshine and the artistry of undersea landscapes, Andrew annually took his son to the place he so loved. And over the course of their week-long excursion when the boy was five, the doting dad found the isle’s magic renewed by an insatiably curious child.
Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver’s Paradise as a Father is the compelling story of a man who thought he’d enjoyed all of life’s pleasures only to find them enriched by parenthood. Told in lyrical prose, Andrew recounts both his early days exploring the island’s treasures and the wonders of his kindergartner’s fascination. Along the way, he relates the history and culture of Bonaire’s people, illuminates the critical need for conservation, and realizes life seen through the eyes of the young is among the greatest visions imaginable.
Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver’s Paradise as a Father is an expertly woven travel memoir. If you like evocative descriptions, wisdom conveyed with humor, and educational asides, then you’ll adore Andrew Jalbert’s introduction to the tropics.
Winner of the 2020 BIBA Award for Nonfiction/Travel.
Andrew Jalbert has always been an adventurer at heart. Drawn to the breathtaking island of Bonaire in his twenties, he transformed a passion for diving and natural beauty into a career as a writer and underwater photographer. But with goals to retire to the Caribbean paradise, he was unexpectedly gifted with fatherhood at age forty-three and the challenge of merging two seemingly incompatible lives.
Determined to pass on his appreciation for the dazzling theater of the sunshine and the artistry of undersea landscapes, Andrew annually took his son to the place he so loved. And over the course of their week-long excursion when the boy was five, the doting dad found the isle’s magic renewed by an insatiably curious child.
Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver’s Paradise as a Father is the compelling story of a man who thought he’d enjoyed all of life’s pleasures only to find them enriched by parenthood. Told in lyrical prose, Andrew recounts both his early days exploring the island’s treasures and the wonders of his kindergartner’s fascination. Along the way, he relates the history and culture of Bonaire’s people, illuminates the critical need for conservation, and realizes life seen through the eyes of the young is among the greatest visions imaginable.
Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver’s Paradise as a Father is an expertly woven travel memoir. If you like evocative descriptions, wisdom conveyed with humor, and educational asides, then you’ll adore Andrew Jalbert’s introduction to the tropics.
Winner of the 2020 BIBA Award for Nonfiction/Travel.
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
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About the author
Andrew Jalbert
5 books13 followersAndrew Jalbert is an award-winning photographer, writer, and doting father. Throughout his twenty-five years as an archaeologist, scuba instructor and dive guide he has traveled extensively, publishing work on prehistoric sites, shipwrecks, travel, dive safety, and marine conservation. Jalbert lives in Monona, Wisconsin with his wife Becky and their son Luc.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 27, 2020
Back on Bonaire is a delightful read about Bonaire, scuba diving, travel, and parenthood! Andrew Jalbert is a professional archeologist, photographer, and scuba diver. In other words, he is a man of adventure. But, can a man still live a life of adventure, traveling and diving on tropical islands, when his young, sensitive son comes along? With the patience of a sage, humor of Bill Bryson, and heart of an explorer, Jalbert's answer is yes!
Reading this was like taking a journey with a funny, kind, and very knowledgeable guide to an exotic tropical island. Along the way, you'll learn plenty about geology, scuba diving, and the dangers and joys of fatherhood as Jalbert shares the magic of an island with his young son Luc. Jalbert has a keen eye and heart for childhood. While reading, he evoked childhood memories of the excitement of exploring, and he's keenly attuned to a child's perspective, such as, what might a young soul think when he sees for the very first time, his mother disappear into the sea not to emerge for a full sixty minutes?
Jalbert is a fascinating man, yet writes with such humility it seems as if he doesn't quite know how really cool he is. He tackles the question so many parents have asked: Does adventure end when a child is born? In Back to Bonaire the adventure has just begun!
I highly recommend this to anyone interested in travel, scuba diving, islands, and parenthood.
Love had been redefined: pure, raw, biologically hardwired, and in its own way, simple.
Reading this was like taking a journey with a funny, kind, and very knowledgeable guide to an exotic tropical island. Along the way, you'll learn plenty about geology, scuba diving, and the dangers and joys of fatherhood as Jalbert shares the magic of an island with his young son Luc. Jalbert has a keen eye and heart for childhood. While reading, he evoked childhood memories of the excitement of exploring, and he's keenly attuned to a child's perspective, such as, what might a young soul think when he sees for the very first time, his mother disappear into the sea not to emerge for a full sixty minutes?
Jalbert is a fascinating man, yet writes with such humility it seems as if he doesn't quite know how really cool he is. He tackles the question so many parents have asked: Does adventure end when a child is born? In Back to Bonaire the adventure has just begun!
I highly recommend this to anyone interested in travel, scuba diving, islands, and parenthood.
September 7, 2020
Andrew Jalbert’s Back on Bonaire is a wonderful read. Full of inciteful information, it is also a personal homage to everything that the island of Bonaire means to the author. I particularly love how Andrew seamlessly shifts from talking about the beauty of Bonaire to sharing details about its underwater life and what it takes to be a professional scuba diver.
However, the book isn’t just about the island, as Andrew doesn’t hide away from sharing his innermost feelings of being a father to a six-year-old, something that I can relate with on a personal level.
The book could have done with some photographs; however, Andrew has a way with words that makes reading about all things Bonaire, be it the effects of climate change, description of the island’s various landscapes, or Andrew’s own memories, enjoyable and interesting.
Moreover, I believe he has a photography companion book out as well that would make for an excellent double feature with Back on Bonaire.
One of my favourite books this year, Back on Bonaire is a must-read for travel, diving, and island life enthusiasts.
Note: I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, the book isn’t just about the island, as Andrew doesn’t hide away from sharing his innermost feelings of being a father to a six-year-old, something that I can relate with on a personal level.
The book could have done with some photographs; however, Andrew has a way with words that makes reading about all things Bonaire, be it the effects of climate change, description of the island’s various landscapes, or Andrew’s own memories, enjoyable and interesting.
Moreover, I believe he has a photography companion book out as well that would make for an excellent double feature with Back on Bonaire.
One of my favourite books this year, Back on Bonaire is a must-read for travel, diving, and island life enthusiasts.
Note: I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2020
Sun, sea, beach and an amazing beautiful diving place. I've never been to
Bonaire before. But after reading this book, I'm more convinced to go and
I would like to have Andrew Jalbert as a guide.
The book "Back on Bonaire" is written very well: clearly and with lots of
humour.
"Back on Bonaire" is fit for people who like to learn from experiences from
others. I certainly will recommend this book to friends, colleagues and family.
I like to give it a 5 star rating on 5 and even more.
I received an advance review copy for free. Thank you very much to BookSirens
for this splendid opportunity. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Bonaire before. But after reading this book, I'm more convinced to go and
I would like to have Andrew Jalbert as a guide.
The book "Back on Bonaire" is written very well: clearly and with lots of
humour.
"Back on Bonaire" is fit for people who like to learn from experiences from
others. I certainly will recommend this book to friends, colleagues and family.
I like to give it a 5 star rating on 5 and even more.
I received an advance review copy for free. Thank you very much to BookSirens
for this splendid opportunity. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2020
I was provided with a review copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my unbiased review.
Travel memoirs seem to be a genre that has changed and remained the same all at once. Andrew Jalbert’s new memoir on travelling to Bonaire and scuba diving has qualities of both the modern and out of date travel memoir. I started this book with hope for a book that would help me learn more about the region, scuba diving and father/son relationships, but after a promising beginning, the missteps with the regional observations cannot be overlooked.
Jalbert weaves stories from his past, his son and his experiences from Bonaire together well, until approximately a third through the book he discusses slave quarters adjacent to the salt flats on the island. He discusses them in the context of getting married:
“They are a rather grim reminder of much darker times, here and elsewhere in the world. It is a place that few, if any, would consider a fitting venue for a marriage proposal.”
He discussed the salt flat slave quarters without entering into any of the experiences of the slaves except that the buildings often housed up to 4 slaves and he could not stand up inside the quarters. Whilst he admits he did not intend to get engaged at the salt flats, any goodwill I had towards him was erased in the following quote:
“And she said yes: right in front of the slave huts.
The jokes uncontrollably spill out of others who learn that I asked Becky to marry me at a site named “White Slave.” Those who don’t say anything are surely thinking it or crafting something for later use. I take the good-natured ribbing in stride, knowing full well I’d be dishing it out if it had happened to someone else.”
HAHAHAHA MARRIAGE IS LIKE SLAVERY AMIRITE?!
The more I thought about this exchange, the more tone-deaf it seemed. I’d expect to see this sort of statement made in a book written in 1950. Not published in 2020.
On-Page 157 of my edition, Jalbert complains of people who travel who are ignorant. Those who make jokes about bombs in aeroplane lines, those who complain about people not speaking English outside of English speaking nations and I wonder… Surely he doesn’t perceive himself to be different from them? The patronising tone discussing other travellers, whilst the jokes about slavery are as equally bad, if not worse than jokes about terrorism. I don’t mind that he spontaneously proposed as that is something that has happened to many people, but the fact that he thought it funny speaks to a level of callousness to the experiences of others, those who suffered and died in those huts at the hands of the slave masters.
He refers to the island as being a “Dutch Island” which may be technically true, however, it erases the First Nations population and their contribution. Whilst he does acknowledge their existence later on in the book (surely this should have appeared prior to the section on the man who brought scuba diving to Bonaire in the 1950s?), he refers to them as “Caquetio Indians” and after a brief 30-second google I found evidence that states that the usage of the word “Indian” is not accepted by everyone and is considered controversial and potentially outdated. If I had a sense it was wrong and was able to find a google page that is called “Native American Name Controversy” then surely Jalbert was able to do the same? He does not mention colonialism at all and mentions the Caquetio People only in passing.
For a great text that discusses Indigenous Peoples and their navigation skills, I recommend Wayfinding: The Science and Mystery of How Humans Navigate the World by M.R. O'Connor as it covers this topic in amazing fascinating detail and research. The referencing and first-hand experiences made for an amazing read.
He speaks well on conservation and climate change. However, there were no references attached to my edition, no footnotes and so I had no way to check his resources. This is not an academic text, but footnotes are considered standard whenever referencing any sort of professional printed text.
As an Australian, I found his comments on sharks a bit misguided (also with no referencing). I love sharks, they’re beautiful animals and we must conserve them, but having grown up with shark planes patrolling beaches for safety and having to evacuate the ocean because of sharks more than once, it seems dangerous to me that he suggests being cavalier and that cows are more dangerous to humans. Additionally, he refers to Koalas as being “Koala Bears” on page 123 of my edition. Which is categorically wrong as they are marsupials. It made me concerned – to get something so simple wrong does not speak well for his commentary on other creatures. I knew that comment was wrong – what other comments about animals and fish that I didn’t know about could also be wrong? With no referencing for his observations was I to simply take his word for it?
As a final aside, I know that his wife likes to exercise and scuba diving, but I know very little of her as a person. I felt that she was somewhat cast aside and I can understand the focus on the father/son relationship, but including anecdotes about their relationship at the beginning made me want to know her better.
I wanted to love this book and the sections on scuba and fatherhood were often lovely, but brief. No one ever wishes to write a negative review, but I felt it important not to gloss over jokes about slavery.
Travel memoirs seem to be a genre that has changed and remained the same all at once. Andrew Jalbert’s new memoir on travelling to Bonaire and scuba diving has qualities of both the modern and out of date travel memoir. I started this book with hope for a book that would help me learn more about the region, scuba diving and father/son relationships, but after a promising beginning, the missteps with the regional observations cannot be overlooked.
Jalbert weaves stories from his past, his son and his experiences from Bonaire together well, until approximately a third through the book he discusses slave quarters adjacent to the salt flats on the island. He discusses them in the context of getting married:
“They are a rather grim reminder of much darker times, here and elsewhere in the world. It is a place that few, if any, would consider a fitting venue for a marriage proposal.”
He discussed the salt flat slave quarters without entering into any of the experiences of the slaves except that the buildings often housed up to 4 slaves and he could not stand up inside the quarters. Whilst he admits he did not intend to get engaged at the salt flats, any goodwill I had towards him was erased in the following quote:
“And she said yes: right in front of the slave huts.
The jokes uncontrollably spill out of others who learn that I asked Becky to marry me at a site named “White Slave.” Those who don’t say anything are surely thinking it or crafting something for later use. I take the good-natured ribbing in stride, knowing full well I’d be dishing it out if it had happened to someone else.”
HAHAHAHA MARRIAGE IS LIKE SLAVERY AMIRITE?!
The more I thought about this exchange, the more tone-deaf it seemed. I’d expect to see this sort of statement made in a book written in 1950. Not published in 2020.
On-Page 157 of my edition, Jalbert complains of people who travel who are ignorant. Those who make jokes about bombs in aeroplane lines, those who complain about people not speaking English outside of English speaking nations and I wonder… Surely he doesn’t perceive himself to be different from them? The patronising tone discussing other travellers, whilst the jokes about slavery are as equally bad, if not worse than jokes about terrorism. I don’t mind that he spontaneously proposed as that is something that has happened to many people, but the fact that he thought it funny speaks to a level of callousness to the experiences of others, those who suffered and died in those huts at the hands of the slave masters.
He refers to the island as being a “Dutch Island” which may be technically true, however, it erases the First Nations population and their contribution. Whilst he does acknowledge their existence later on in the book (surely this should have appeared prior to the section on the man who brought scuba diving to Bonaire in the 1950s?), he refers to them as “Caquetio Indians” and after a brief 30-second google I found evidence that states that the usage of the word “Indian” is not accepted by everyone and is considered controversial and potentially outdated. If I had a sense it was wrong and was able to find a google page that is called “Native American Name Controversy” then surely Jalbert was able to do the same? He does not mention colonialism at all and mentions the Caquetio People only in passing.
For a great text that discusses Indigenous Peoples and their navigation skills, I recommend Wayfinding: The Science and Mystery of How Humans Navigate the World by M.R. O'Connor as it covers this topic in amazing fascinating detail and research. The referencing and first-hand experiences made for an amazing read.
He speaks well on conservation and climate change. However, there were no references attached to my edition, no footnotes and so I had no way to check his resources. This is not an academic text, but footnotes are considered standard whenever referencing any sort of professional printed text.
As an Australian, I found his comments on sharks a bit misguided (also with no referencing). I love sharks, they’re beautiful animals and we must conserve them, but having grown up with shark planes patrolling beaches for safety and having to evacuate the ocean because of sharks more than once, it seems dangerous to me that he suggests being cavalier and that cows are more dangerous to humans. Additionally, he refers to Koalas as being “Koala Bears” on page 123 of my edition. Which is categorically wrong as they are marsupials. It made me concerned – to get something so simple wrong does not speak well for his commentary on other creatures. I knew that comment was wrong – what other comments about animals and fish that I didn’t know about could also be wrong? With no referencing for his observations was I to simply take his word for it?
As a final aside, I know that his wife likes to exercise and scuba diving, but I know very little of her as a person. I felt that she was somewhat cast aside and I can understand the focus on the father/son relationship, but including anecdotes about their relationship at the beginning made me want to know her better.
I wanted to love this book and the sections on scuba and fatherhood were often lovely, but brief. No one ever wishes to write a negative review, but I felt it important not to gloss over jokes about slavery.
Read
May 14, 2020So often we live in the moment. Sometimes all it takes to rekindle an old spark is to share a special moment with a loved one. I can imagine this is how the author, Andy Jalbert, felt when he introduced his son, Luc, to Bonaire.
This book was a great read. I learned things I never knew about diving and sea life, not to mention the sometimes-strange and beautiful topside of the island of Bonaire. And its history is bound up with the sea and the folks who landed there. Like Captain Don. And my friend Dee Scarr, a fellow sea-sister and someone I have admired for years.
READ THIS BOOK. You'll learn and laugh and simply enjoy the journey.
This book was a great read. I learned things I never knew about diving and sea life, not to mention the sometimes-strange and beautiful topside of the island of Bonaire. And its history is bound up with the sea and the folks who landed there. Like Captain Don. And my friend Dee Scarr, a fellow sea-sister and someone I have admired for years.
READ THIS BOOK. You'll learn and laugh and simply enjoy the journey.
June 29, 2020
Andrew Jalbert is masterful at pulling you in with a funny, loving and nostalgic true-life story and then sneaking up on you with a history, geology, anthropology, or oceanography lesson about the Caribbean island of Bonaire.
When I think back to my schooling years, I remember how much I loathed anything related to science. But Jalbert has a way of drawing you in with his story-telling and then slipping in some science without you even knowing it. Then the next second (just before the average person would get bored with the science) he has you back in the story that you didn’t even realize you were waiting to hear the end of.
I’ve been to Bonaire 10 times now, and sadly I learned more in the 3 and a half hours of reading this book than I did in all of my trips. One thing is for sure, when you read this book, you’ll wish you were “back on Bonaire.”
Thank you, Andrew Jalbert, for reminding me why I love Bonaire and continue to return year-after-year.
When I think back to my schooling years, I remember how much I loathed anything related to science. But Jalbert has a way of drawing you in with his story-telling and then slipping in some science without you even knowing it. Then the next second (just before the average person would get bored with the science) he has you back in the story that you didn’t even realize you were waiting to hear the end of.
I’ve been to Bonaire 10 times now, and sadly I learned more in the 3 and a half hours of reading this book than I did in all of my trips. One thing is for sure, when you read this book, you’ll wish you were “back on Bonaire.”
Thank you, Andrew Jalbert, for reminding me why I love Bonaire and continue to return year-after-year.
February 28, 2024
A Nice Written Tour of the Island
I never even heard of Bonaire before I decided to read this. Never did I ever dream that there was a Caribbean island that had cactus. I thought they all had palm trees?? But this one for unknown reasons has cactus. And a bunch of "strange" fish (but then I don't know anything about fish - in fact I had to Google the ones mentioned in here so I knew what they looked like).
The majority of this book I liked...but there were a few parts I didn't. Certain area about the history of the Island seemed to drag a bit (because I am not that super interested in all the tiny details - I just want to go on a "tour") and in some areas he starts to tell a story but then he goes off on a tangent about something else. And that is very annoying. Like he started to tell about going to look for this yellow seahorse the other man had told him about but suddenly he was talking about something else. What about the seahorse quest you had started?? To get its photo?? Why do you stick a bunch of other pages in the middle before we get the end of the story??
That is annoying.
I enjoyed reading about the dive master Scarr and her various adventures. And I guess I never thought about how a cruise ship can affect an island or the environment on & around the Island. But a good chunk of this book is about protecting the environment and saving the wildlife. And that includes trees, fish, coral and all sorts of stuff. The author does a great job of not only describing these various ecosystems but why its important to save it. And cruise ships are apparently pretty bad.
I was amazed that how back in the 1960s the one man was chased by pirates! And they had a ship with a black hull. That is like right out of Pirates of the Caribbean! But its the 1960s. I think that was the most shocking thing in here, as what are pirates doing in modern days?? Were they flying a jolly roger too? And had swords? I wonder if they had cannons too?? He didn't say.
And what is up with those fish? He mentions all sorts of fish in here as he describes countless diving trips (both as an instructor and to get photos). Never heard of a blue tang or a tarpon. I don't think I would like a tarpon swimming up from behind my shoulder to dart out to get a fish. It would definitely startle & scare me. And they look BIG in the photos I saw online.
The author also mentioned a ranch and a horse riding trip. He is scared of horses. But part of a chapter in here is about the horse riding trip to a lake. He thinks the horses are too large. The horse I ride is 15.3 hands.
My mind did wonder a bit while reading this. Truthfully I could not relate to the things he was describing. It boggles my mind that his young son is being taken to these foreign places as if traveling like that was normal. Which in my experience it's not. And parts of the book were just dry. And like I stated earlier he sometimes starts a story and then goes off about something else.
This is not something I would read again. It does teach you about the island of Bonaire but there were parts of it I didn't enjoy.
I never even heard of Bonaire before I decided to read this. Never did I ever dream that there was a Caribbean island that had cactus. I thought they all had palm trees?? But this one for unknown reasons has cactus. And a bunch of "strange" fish (but then I don't know anything about fish - in fact I had to Google the ones mentioned in here so I knew what they looked like).
The majority of this book I liked...but there were a few parts I didn't. Certain area about the history of the Island seemed to drag a bit (because I am not that super interested in all the tiny details - I just want to go on a "tour") and in some areas he starts to tell a story but then he goes off on a tangent about something else. And that is very annoying. Like he started to tell about going to look for this yellow seahorse the other man had told him about but suddenly he was talking about something else. What about the seahorse quest you had started?? To get its photo?? Why do you stick a bunch of other pages in the middle before we get the end of the story??
That is annoying.
I enjoyed reading about the dive master Scarr and her various adventures. And I guess I never thought about how a cruise ship can affect an island or the environment on & around the Island. But a good chunk of this book is about protecting the environment and saving the wildlife. And that includes trees, fish, coral and all sorts of stuff. The author does a great job of not only describing these various ecosystems but why its important to save it. And cruise ships are apparently pretty bad.
I was amazed that how back in the 1960s the one man was chased by pirates! And they had a ship with a black hull. That is like right out of Pirates of the Caribbean! But its the 1960s. I think that was the most shocking thing in here, as what are pirates doing in modern days?? Were they flying a jolly roger too? And had swords? I wonder if they had cannons too?? He didn't say.
And what is up with those fish? He mentions all sorts of fish in here as he describes countless diving trips (both as an instructor and to get photos). Never heard of a blue tang or a tarpon. I don't think I would like a tarpon swimming up from behind my shoulder to dart out to get a fish. It would definitely startle & scare me. And they look BIG in the photos I saw online.
The author also mentioned a ranch and a horse riding trip. He is scared of horses. But part of a chapter in here is about the horse riding trip to a lake. He thinks the horses are too large. The horse I ride is 15.3 hands.
My mind did wonder a bit while reading this. Truthfully I could not relate to the things he was describing. It boggles my mind that his young son is being taken to these foreign places as if traveling like that was normal. Which in my experience it's not. And parts of the book were just dry. And like I stated earlier he sometimes starts a story and then goes off about something else.
This is not something I would read again. It does teach you about the island of Bonaire but there were parts of it I didn't enjoy.
March 7, 2021
Andrew Jalbert’s ‘Back on Bonaire: Rediscovering Diver’s Paradise as a Father’ is a beautifully written ode to island life in the Caribbean.
Billed as a travel memoir, ‘Back on Bonaire’ initially seems rather straight-forward: Jalbert, who has long held a fascination with the Caribbean island of Bonaire, decides to return there later in life with his family. But what follows is an unexpected journey of both underwater-exploration and candid self-examination. Along the way, readers are offered a vivid glimpse into the ‘diving’ lifestyle as Jalbert and his family explore the waters surrounding the island.
The trick with any memoir is finding a way to share a personal story in a way that will resonate with readers from various walks of life. In that regard, ‘Back on Bonaire’ is a resounding success. As someone who has an intense fear of the ocean, I have never once thought about strapping an air-tank onto my bank and diving beneath the waves—that is, until I read this book.
Jalbert is clearly a skilled writer and leans heavily on his experience as a photographer and archaeologist while translating his experience into vivid passages, transporting the reader from their couch to sandy beaches and underwater shipwrecks. Additionally, the Wisconsin-based author infuses his flashbacks with a self-effacing tone and judicious doses of humor that add a whole other dimension to this story.
‘Back on Bonaire’ was a complete surprise—looking at the cover, I expected to find a light, beach-themed travel-guide but instead discovered a thought-provoking ode to life, love, and, most importantly, family. Jalbert’s love of photography, archaeology, and scuba diving are clearly on display here from beginning to end, but at the end of the day, this is a story about the many shades of fatherhood. Highly recommended.
Billed as a travel memoir, ‘Back on Bonaire’ initially seems rather straight-forward: Jalbert, who has long held a fascination with the Caribbean island of Bonaire, decides to return there later in life with his family. But what follows is an unexpected journey of both underwater-exploration and candid self-examination. Along the way, readers are offered a vivid glimpse into the ‘diving’ lifestyle as Jalbert and his family explore the waters surrounding the island.
The trick with any memoir is finding a way to share a personal story in a way that will resonate with readers from various walks of life. In that regard, ‘Back on Bonaire’ is a resounding success. As someone who has an intense fear of the ocean, I have never once thought about strapping an air-tank onto my bank and diving beneath the waves—that is, until I read this book.
Jalbert is clearly a skilled writer and leans heavily on his experience as a photographer and archaeologist while translating his experience into vivid passages, transporting the reader from their couch to sandy beaches and underwater shipwrecks. Additionally, the Wisconsin-based author infuses his flashbacks with a self-effacing tone and judicious doses of humor that add a whole other dimension to this story.
‘Back on Bonaire’ was a complete surprise—looking at the cover, I expected to find a light, beach-themed travel-guide but instead discovered a thought-provoking ode to life, love, and, most importantly, family. Jalbert’s love of photography, archaeology, and scuba diving are clearly on display here from beginning to end, but at the end of the day, this is a story about the many shades of fatherhood. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2021
To be honest, I had been expecting a boring, and perhaps even snobbish, travel guide on an island in the Caribbean that only a man of means and questionable taste would want to go. But that is not at all what this book is. Equal parts personal journey through time/fatherhood and travel memoir, Andrew Jalbert brings forth a beautifully written collection of his time in Bonaire. From memories of boyhood adventures to new experiences with his own family, observations, explorations, and personal revelations Jalbert is masterful in his lyrical prose bringing a lush world of wonder to his readers.
Additionally, his colorful depictions of various adventures, mainly scuba diving, created an overwhelming sense of awe and excitement. Even with such vivid descriptions, there is an accompanying photo guide of Jalbert's own photographs from his time there that I highly recommend looking into.
Brought together by Jalbert's humor, candor, and a deep sense of inquisitiveness for the world this book will surely be a journey for readers looking to find harmony, passion, and even bits of themselves in their own worlds big and small, at home and abroad. Through Jalbert's deep pleasure in exploring the world around him and his relationship with his son, we are also able to get a sobering view of what the effects of our world and climate change have done to Jalbert's beloved island and how we can better create change for the future--an insight I was not expecting but delighted to receive.
Additionally, his colorful depictions of various adventures, mainly scuba diving, created an overwhelming sense of awe and excitement. Even with such vivid descriptions, there is an accompanying photo guide of Jalbert's own photographs from his time there that I highly recommend looking into.
Brought together by Jalbert's humor, candor, and a deep sense of inquisitiveness for the world this book will surely be a journey for readers looking to find harmony, passion, and even bits of themselves in their own worlds big and small, at home and abroad. Through Jalbert's deep pleasure in exploring the world around him and his relationship with his son, we are also able to get a sobering view of what the effects of our world and climate change have done to Jalbert's beloved island and how we can better create change for the future--an insight I was not expecting but delighted to receive.
May 28, 2020
The author had me in his opening chapter go from laughing to being wistful about my own childhood. What a perfect book to pick up during these times to explore something new and wondrous. Jalbert takes us on a very thoughtful, detailed journey through his favorite place (Bonaire) with his favorite people - his family.
Although not a scuba diver myself he makes me feel as if I am diving in the water with him exploring everything he sees from sea turtles, to sponges holding hands(who knew?), to ostracods, to shipwrecks and even the water itself: "shafts of sunlight danced beneath us in the clear water as they refracted through the waves"
I had no idea I would be learning so many tidbits about marine biology, science, and history and be so engrossed in every detail. A trove of interesting information, from the history of the Bends, to Spring Tides, to Green Sea Turtles, and the Mangroves. One of my favorite passages: “The past becomes a magical place, largely because I cant get it back. It’s the dishonest nature of nostalgia: thinking of a particular event was far better than it really was"
Jalbert is a masterful storyteller who weaves together an emotional engaging story about his love for an Island, Scuba Diving, his wife, his son, family, friends, the Water, Archaeology, Photography, Marine and Nature Conservation, and so much more. A great read.
Although not a scuba diver myself he makes me feel as if I am diving in the water with him exploring everything he sees from sea turtles, to sponges holding hands(who knew?), to ostracods, to shipwrecks and even the water itself: "shafts of sunlight danced beneath us in the clear water as they refracted through the waves"
I had no idea I would be learning so many tidbits about marine biology, science, and history and be so engrossed in every detail. A trove of interesting information, from the history of the Bends, to Spring Tides, to Green Sea Turtles, and the Mangroves. One of my favorite passages: “The past becomes a magical place, largely because I cant get it back. It’s the dishonest nature of nostalgia: thinking of a particular event was far better than it really was"
Jalbert is a masterful storyteller who weaves together an emotional engaging story about his love for an Island, Scuba Diving, his wife, his son, family, friends, the Water, Archaeology, Photography, Marine and Nature Conservation, and so much more. A great read.
July 16, 2020
I give this book 3.5 stars. I received an ecopy from Voracious Readers Only. I love travel and biographies, so I figured this was the perfect book for me.
I loved the story about Andrew and his wife Becky and their son Luc. He sounded like a great dad. His son was curious, smart, and precious.
The rest of the book was about the history of Bonaire and the present situation. I learned a lot. At times, it went from one topic to another. It would lose my interest.
I liked the environmental aspect of the book. Loved learning about the sea turtles, microplastics, and cruise ships on Bonaire. As soon, as I became interested in learning about one aspect of the island, it would go onto the other. You could tell that the author was very bright and knowledgeable and wanted the reader to know, so much. At times, it was too much information.
Sometimes, there was too much randomness to the book. Jaws, The Jefferson's, large penis, spaning, and fish poop were mentioned in the book. These might have been mentioned for comic relief but the book wasn't humorous.
It is a good book if you want to learn more about Bonaire. You just have to be ok to go from topic to topic. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book.
I loved the story about Andrew and his wife Becky and their son Luc. He sounded like a great dad. His son was curious, smart, and precious.
The rest of the book was about the history of Bonaire and the present situation. I learned a lot. At times, it went from one topic to another. It would lose my interest.
I liked the environmental aspect of the book. Loved learning about the sea turtles, microplastics, and cruise ships on Bonaire. As soon, as I became interested in learning about one aspect of the island, it would go onto the other. You could tell that the author was very bright and knowledgeable and wanted the reader to know, so much. At times, it was too much information.
Sometimes, there was too much randomness to the book. Jaws, The Jefferson's, large penis, spaning, and fish poop were mentioned in the book. These might have been mentioned for comic relief but the book wasn't humorous.
It is a good book if you want to learn more about Bonaire. You just have to be ok to go from topic to topic. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book.
October 14, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is a great read for anyone who loves to travel, is into scuba diving, or an environmental activist.
It is beautifully written, engaging, and humorous. He ties together his love of the island and scuba diving, the history of Bonaire, and his personal history of marriage and fatherhood.
The author has travel to Bonaire numerous times and is an avid scuba diver and instructor. He writes about the history of the island and the sport of diving which I found interesting and learned a lot. But, I really enjoyed how he included his insights and experience as a new father and how he was determined not to give up his passion for travel and adventure. I love how he was then able to see his experiences through the eyes of his son and how he grew with each visit to the island. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you ever plan to visit Bonaire or if you are interested in scuba diving.
This is a great read for anyone who loves to travel, is into scuba diving, or an environmental activist.
It is beautifully written, engaging, and humorous. He ties together his love of the island and scuba diving, the history of Bonaire, and his personal history of marriage and fatherhood.
The author has travel to Bonaire numerous times and is an avid scuba diver and instructor. He writes about the history of the island and the sport of diving which I found interesting and learned a lot. But, I really enjoyed how he included his insights and experience as a new father and how he was determined not to give up his passion for travel and adventure. I love how he was then able to see his experiences through the eyes of his son and how he grew with each visit to the island. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you ever plan to visit Bonaire or if you are interested in scuba diving.
June 11, 2020
Back on Bonaire
is a gem – and a pearl at that because it wonderfully combines diving with parenthood! Even as a non-diver, Andrew Jalbert describes the beautiful diving mecca of Bonaire and the entire culture and atmosphere of divers so wonderfully, the book held my interest completely and I became envious that he was able to explore and witness something I’ll not get a chance to. His weaving in of his journey as a father and his introduction of his young son to his beloved sport is brilliant and poignant. What a lucky boy! Jalbert's description of his friends’ journey with him and his family adds a nice touch. He also presents a compelling fisheye’s view of conservation needs and endeavors to preserve the underwater world he visits regularly, but not in a preachy manner – just the facts. I give this book two thumbs up!
August 14, 2020
If you're planning to visit the ABC islands in the Caribbean or looking for a new SCUBA destination, then this book is for you. Mr. Jalbert has visited Bonaire numerous times in the last twenty-five years as a SCUBA trainer, a photographer, environmentalist, and recently as a new father. His excellent writing style will pull you into the depths.
The second part of the book's title should give you a clue about why the story also qualifies as a family history memoir. On that subject, the last section of Chapter Six at the pool with the guy in yellow shorts is my favorite. Highly recommended.
The second part of the book's title should give you a clue about why the story also qualifies as a family history memoir. On that subject, the last section of Chapter Six at the pool with the guy in yellow shorts is my favorite. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2021
Andrew Jalbert’s experience as a photographer, scuba diver, and archeologist makes for an insightful read about Caribbean and family life. Part travel guide, part memoir, Jalbert's "Back on Bonaire" takes us all back to an adventure with light-hearted insight and humor.
"Back on Bonaire" follows Jalbert, along with his wife and young son as they explore the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Jalbert reflects on life lessons and ruminates on the geography and diversity of the area. I also love that the author includes odes to his home state of Wisconsin.
While I would have enjoyed photos in this book, Jalbert has released a photo guide that pairs with Back on Bonaire.
"Back on Bonaire" follows Jalbert, along with his wife and young son as they explore the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Jalbert reflects on life lessons and ruminates on the geography and diversity of the area. I also love that the author includes odes to his home state of Wisconsin.
While I would have enjoyed photos in this book, Jalbert has released a photo guide that pairs with Back on Bonaire.
March 29, 2021
Tucked among the many Caribbean Islands is Bonaire, a diver’s paradise. It’s located south of Puerto
Rico, next to Aruba and Curacao. The author is a new father at the age of 40 with a background in diving and archaeology; he combines these two themes in this novel about a 2018 trip to Bonaire with his six-year-old son and friends. There’s also a bit of island history, marine biology, tour book info, and climate change awareness sprinkled throughout. Be transported to Bonaire and see the islands through the author’s eyes, as well as his sons - it’s magnificent! 5/5 stars
Rico, next to Aruba and Curacao. The author is a new father at the age of 40 with a background in diving and archaeology; he combines these two themes in this novel about a 2018 trip to Bonaire with his six-year-old son and friends. There’s also a bit of island history, marine biology, tour book info, and climate change awareness sprinkled throughout. Be transported to Bonaire and see the islands through the author’s eyes, as well as his sons - it’s magnificent! 5/5 stars
June 14, 2022
I read this book ahead of a trip to Bonaire and hoped to catch some insights about the island before we arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to achieve this and so much more. The perspective of the author being a Dad resonated so much being a parent myself, and that intertwined with history of the island, life underwater, and quips about life in general made this a wonderful read. The author’s son was about the same age as our daughter when he wrote this, so his insights and AHA moments were spot on. So happy I read this and I will happily recommend to friends.
March 30, 2021
Full of wonder and magic
This book was amazing in its uniqueness, but also because of the way it was written. I felt myself recalling my own childhood, wishing that I could revisit old places and people.
Having said that, the book also made me realise that the future can always hold unexpected wonders, too.
A beautiful recollection of both being a parent for the first time and rediscovering a long lost passion.
This book was amazing in its uniqueness, but also because of the way it was written. I felt myself recalling my own childhood, wishing that I could revisit old places and people.
Having said that, the book also made me realise that the future can always hold unexpected wonders, too.
A beautiful recollection of both being a parent for the first time and rediscovering a long lost passion.
January 5, 2023
We spent 10 memorable days diving on Bonaire in 2003 and I must say the author hits all the highlights. He does a fantastic job of blending travel narrative, history, geography, scuba diving history and essentials as well as his personal story. Wonderful writing--informative, inspiring, and heartwarming. I'd like to have seen photographs and reference books included but I see there is a separate photographer's guide available.
February 3, 2021
I liked this book. I enjoy warm weather and being near the water. I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I been scuba diving on Bonaire or having been to Bonaire but the descriptions of what to see and do were interesting. Sadly, the Afterword, addresses the all too real concerns of global warming and the devastating effects worldwide.
March 15, 2021
I found this really interesting to read, and the descriptions helped me to imagine being there, as much as is possible in lockdown anyway. I enjoyed the mix of adventure and family life. It felt like, in some ways, the author got to relive his initial experiences through his son who was experiencing them for the first time.
November 24, 2023
I just got back from my first trip to Bonaire and found myself wanting more. I found this book and read it quickly. He describes all the things I saw and experienced and more. It was great to learn the history and get a better sense of the amazing island. I can not wait to go back and see more of the island that Andrew described.
January 26, 2021
I found my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only a bit too descriptive. I enjoyed it, but I felt for me it was a little too much like reading fiction. I enjoyed the story in-between, but felt there could have been more. I would love to go to Bonaire one day - it does sound fabulous.
August 3, 2020
Great read! Review to come
December 22, 2020
Beautifully written. About a father and son on an adventure. Learn about scuba diving tropical island and parenthood.
January 2, 2021
🏆 2020 BIBA® Travel Memoir/Scuba Diving Winner!
February 2, 2025
A very good read if you love Bonaire or want to learn more about Bonaire.
May 7, 2022
Read as part of a Voyage Challenge 2022 (islands). I picked this book because I'd never heard of Bonaire and I thought the idea of rediscovering an island through the eyes of your son was sweet and interesting. However it seemed mainly concerned with Mr Jalbert's dives throughout the years and really only mentions his son a few times. As a rediscovery the book is not a great success but its an interesting short read all the same and particularly if you are a diver. I found the history of the island and its present efforts to maintain its ecology in the face of climate and tourism changes the most engaging parts of the book.
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