Across Peruvian Deserts, Over the Andes, and Down the Amazon: A Personal Account of Oil Exploration in the Early 20th Century is the first published work written by Jack Power, the grandson of William Hammon Power whose tales of wondrous adventure were the inspiration for the book. A teacher for over 40 years, the author taught language
Across Peruvian Deserts, Over the Andes, and Down the Amazon: A Personal Account of Oil Exploration in the Early 20th Century is the first published work written by Jack Power, the grandson of William Hammon Power whose tales of wondrous adventure were the inspiration for the book. A teacher for over 40 years, the author taught language arts and drama at North East High School in Pennsylvania and Advanced Placement Language and Composition at Pawling High School in New York. Mr. Power’s recent retirement from teaching has allowed him the opportunity to explore and share the stories of his grandfather’s life and journey through the Amazon rainforest. The author, also an acclaimed distance running coach, is currently working on two books about coaching high school cross country. He also plans to tell the tales of his youth and the remembrances of vacations to the hill country of Tennessee during the late 1950's where his mother’s family originated. On completion of these books there are plans to begin a collection of short stories. Mr. Power currently resides in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York with his wife and his two younger children.
I have always loved language and the power of the written and spoken word. This love of language was nurtured as I listened to my gifted teachers whose love of literature encouraged me to become a reader and thinker. Fellow student and friend, John Ore, was also an inspiration as when other high school students were talking about their l
I have always loved language and the power of the written and spoken word. This love of language was nurtured as I listened to my gifted teachers whose love of literature encouraged me to become a reader and thinker. Fellow student and friend, John Ore, was also an inspiration as when other high school students were talking about their latest escapades, John and I were talking about Hemmingway. Two of my high school teachers, Gordy Edwards and John Walczak, and my high school coach, Ted Miller, helped me learn the power of the spoken word, and years of teaching English and reading incredible works by not only world authors, but also my gifted students, inspired me to begin my own journey as a writer. My first work of fiction was a short story written when I was a graduate student. The assignment was to write a story in the same style as an author writing during the depression years. I chose to copy Steinbeck's style creating a story about a family surviving starvation and social turmoil in rural Tennessee. Over the years I shared that story with my students, but with the rigors of grading papers, planning lessons, and coaching track and cross country I had little time to write. Now in retirement I find I have a lifetime of stories and tales to tell. Life teaches many lessons and looking back I feel compelled to finally share what I've learned through both non-fiction and fiction.
I like to write the way I speak. I always told my students that everything written is in some ways plagiarized. We learn to use language by reading and listening to others speak. I once read an interview by Robert Frost which expressed how he was greatly affected by what he heard others say and what he read. As a writer I find myself bl
I like to write the way I speak. I always told my students that everything written is in some ways plagiarized. We learn to use language by reading and listening to others speak. I once read an interview by Robert Frost which expressed how he was greatly affected by what he heard others say and what he read. As a writer I find myself blending phrases and structures in a rhythm which is sometimes poetic. Having taught various works of Shakespeare and listening to the rhythms of iambic pentameter how could one not be affected by the language. Still my goal is to clearly and effectively communicate ideas, so my writing is not stylistically experimental. If you enjoy reading Bill Bryson and Pat Conroy, you might like my style. Just as Shakespeare's work has shaped my thoughts and influenced my use of language, Bryson and Conroy helped me learn how to use humor and description. Frankly, every work I've ever read has influenced my writing style.
Family car used on our trips to Tennessee. Top of the line but no air condidtioning, FM radio, or cruise control.
Bill Jr. and Jack prior to an adventure in 1959. One of many trips to Dixie between 1955 and 1970.
Bill and Elise started their journey together planning on a life together in Nashville, Tennessee. Soon they would move to North East, Pennsylvania from where they made their yearly sojourn to Elise's hometown of Hohenwald, Tennessee with Bill and Jack in tow.