Atlanta Daily World

"Stick Of Fire" Off Press Nov. 5

NEW YORK - On Nov. 5 Vanguard Press will publish "Stick of Fire," a new book by Helen Follett which combines the charm and gaiety of the Virgin Islands with a personal narrative of an experience in racial integration.

"Stick of Fire" is a delightful and poignant portrait of the enormously popular resort islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. reflecting all their loveliness and simplicity as the author found them on a holiday visit. In her graceful and fluid style, Mrs. Follett has captured not only the many landmark attractions of these islands, but the natural beauty. as well, that has made them the vacationist's paradise.

But "Stick of Fire" is more than just a hymn to the Virgin Islands. Mrs. Follett's unusual adventure of living in close, daily contact with members of all social and racial groups on the islands has given to "Stick of Fire" the unmistakable integrity of firsthand personal experience. In her sincere and constant desire to locate the barriers to further growth in genuine human understanding, the author has given a memorable cross-section of the Virgin Islanders, revealing a rare insight and true comprehension of the social disposition of these people.

Helen Follett has written nine previous books. most of them inspired by her travels to various parts of the world. Among them are Magic Portholes (Macmillan), House Afire and Islands on Guard (Scribner), and Third Class Ticket to Heaven (Winston). Islands on Guard is in the permanent collection of the British Museum.

House Afire is in the permanent collection of the Museum of the City of New York.