Joseph Kennedy – författare

This book examines the plight of British and Allied civilians as their troops fought with the Japanese Army for the control of Singapore. This is the story of the desperate efforts made to escape, by ocean-going ships, small craft or on foot through the Malayan jungle.

The Humans. They're long gone. However, their cycle of summiting before plummeting to self-destruction isn't. It lives on in a monster, one that torments the forest and all the animals within. One that's always hungry but never satisfied. One too powerful for the strongest army to defeat, wiping out countless effortlessly. This monster is as old as time and will live on until the end.The Animals. Before long, surviving isn't good enough. Eventually they prioritize comfort, just like the monster wanted. Now it once again has the power to destroy. As a result, the animals are forced to fight amongst themselves. Many even resort to using the very weapons once used to hunt them. Now, the once peaceful animals of Birchwood must make a decision: run away, join the monster, or fight for their home.The Monster. It's invisible with no physical form. Regardless, it can be seen everywhere and in everyone. It lives inside all of us, thriving in the selfish and obsessed. The monster's name is short, only one syllable. Greed.

My Odyssey: Stories, Poems, and Verse began simply with a high school classroom assignment to write a short story. Author Joseph Kennedy had no idea what to write; he was prepared to fail instantly. Ultimately, however, he succeededso much so that his short story was published in his high schools collection of writings for that year. Thus began his interest in writing as a way to chronicle his thoughts and ideas. This collection is organized chronologically, following the growth of his creative voice as it develops through his odyssey. His growth, change, and adaptation are both obvious and subtlefrom the sad Elegy to Mama Cass to the quiet elegance of a January thunderstorm in January Noon, his voice resonates with strength and vibrancy.Elegy to Mama CassThis morning I am mourning the death of Cass ElliotWho died choking on a ham sandwich,An Epicurean delight; she excelled in the art of eating.Now by her own hand, the maid, goodly stuffed,Lies still with a smile beaminAs the cortege intones strains of California Dreamin.John, Michelle, Denny, all who earned a pennyWith her on Creeque Alley now wish her bon voyageAnd happiness to deaths rally.