In With Both Feet: A Passport Full of Stories
by John Reynolds
In With Both Feet is an autobiography of John Reynolds, telling of several aspects of his life and career. From his school days, where he barely achieved sufficient marks to be accepted into teachers training college, to graduating with a doctorate after a lifetime of learning.
The book is easy to read, and held my attention very well.
The first part especially resonated with me, as it is concerned with travel and working in many parts of the world, including Poland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Canada. I did something similar to him, buying an old car in the UK and driving it on the Continent, though my trip was 8 years after his, and did not include any Iron Curtain countries. I too attended a high school where caning was commonplace.
He had a talent for playing the piano, which he put to good use playing in pubs in London. He was able to combine his musical talent with film making, teaching and music.
John returned from Canada with a near new Camaro, which was quite radical for New Zealand in the 1960’s; this car was put to good use as a prop in films.
This phase of his life was concerned with raising a family and furthering his career in musicals and film making. He achieved significant success with both of these pursuits, making friends with many notable leaders in these fields. The schools he guided through films and music won several national awards.
He also fulfilled a life-long ambition to obtain a university education, ending with a PhD from the University of Auckland. His thesis was on the work of John O’Shea.
There are photos placed throughout the book, and these add to the interest of the narrative.
The book is well written, and a pleasure to read, I am happy to recommend it to anyone.
by John Reynolds
In With Both Feet is an autobiography of John Reynolds, telling of several aspects of his life and career. From his school days, where he barely achieved sufficient marks to be accepted into teachers training college, to graduating with a doctorate after a lifetime of learning.
The book is easy to read, and held my attention very well.
The first part especially resonated with me, as it is concerned with travel and working in many parts of the world, including Poland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Canada. I did something similar to him, buying an old car in the UK and driving it on the Continent, though my trip was 8 years after his, and did not include any Iron Curtain countries. I too attended a high school where caning was commonplace.
He had a talent for playing the piano, which he put to good use playing in pubs in London. He was able to combine his musical talent with film making, teaching and music.
John returned from Canada with a near new Camaro, which was quite radical for New Zealand in the 1960’s; this car was put to good use as a prop in films.
This phase of his life was concerned with raising a family and furthering his career in musicals and film making. He achieved significant success with both of these pursuits, making friends with many notable leaders in these fields. The schools he guided through films and music won several national awards.
He also fulfilled a life-long ambition to obtain a university education, ending with a PhD from the University of Auckland. His thesis was on the work of John O’Shea.
There are photos placed throughout the book, and these add to the interest of the narrative.
The book is well written, and a pleasure to read, I am happy to recommend it to anyone.
Review by Harold Bernard
Title: In With Both Feet: A Passport Full of Stories
Author: John Reynolds
Publisher: Starblaze Publications
ISBN: 978-0-473-76635-1
RRP: $39.50
Available: print and eBook – Amazon, & selected retail outlets
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