After attending the University of Oklahoma, Beck decided to change his direction and attend the University of Nebraska to study agriculture. After two years, Beck entered the Peace Corps and jumped on a bus headed for El Salvador. He stayed there for two years, until he returned home in 1969. "During the summer of 1969, I suffered from a bit of reverse culture shock," Beck said. "I would get angry when I would see Americans being unappreciative and needy. Plowing endless cornfields, I would think about how a family in El Salvador would be fortunate to have one acre of land. If they were renting land, they would have to pay a year in advance and still travel a good 20 miles." After 13 years of living in Latin America, Beck found himself in Cuiaba, Brazil. There, Beck owned a computer software and consulting business for the larger farmers in the area. Also in Cuiaba, Beck met his first wife and had three children. When Beck's oldest son went into the U.S. Marine Corps, he was involved in the invasion of Iraq. "When my son came home, I was so happy that my son was safe and through with his duties," Beck said. "When they called him and told him he had to go back - and take part of the siege of Fallujah -his mother and I became worried, watching the news and not wanting to watch the news. That's when I really started putting together my stories."
El Salvador RPCV Professor H. Lynn Beck recently published his first book, "Henry and Anthony"
Goose tale
Professor pens first book
June 30, 2009 - 12:12 AM
By KIMBERLY A. CAMPBELL
For The Telegraph
Caption: Professor H. Lynn Beck recently published his first book, "Henry and Anthony." Photo: Kimberly Campbell
Beck said that he felt the need to publish his work after years of classroom storytelling.
"I teach statistics, so whenever students would get frustrated with the level of difficulty, I would stop lecturing and tell a goose story - it helped them relax," Beck said. "I began teaching in the fall of 1999, so after a few years I began to see how all of my stories could be combined."
The book, which took about 4 1/2 years to complete, was inspired by Beck's own experiences.
"Henry and Anthony" is a story about a goose named Henry that begins his journey from SIUE's campus. Born and raised to believe in the Great Goose, Henry's morals allow him to help others and build confidence through friendship. Henry travels the world, flocking to a few odd friends who are trying to find their own special place in the grand design.
Originally from Clarks, Neb., Beck has spent much of his life traveling the world and volunteering his skills.
After attending the University of Oklahoma, Beck decided to change his direction and attend the University of Nebraska to study agriculture. After two years, Beck entered the Peace Corps and jumped on a bus headed for El Salvador.
He stayed there for two years, until he returned home in 1969.
"During the summer of 1969, I suffered from a bit of reverse culture shock," Beck said. "I would get angry when I would see Americans being unappreciative and needy. Plowing endless cornfields, I would think about how a family in El Salvador would be fortunate to have one acre of land. If they were renting land, they would have to pay a year in advance and still travel a good 20 miles."
After 13 years of living in Latin America, Beck found himself in Cuiaba, Brazil. There, Beck owned a computer software and consulting business for the larger farmers in the area. Also in Cuiaba, Beck met his first wife and had three children.
When Beck's oldest son went into the U.S. Marine Corps, he was involved in the invasion of Iraq.
"When my son came home, I was so happy that my son was safe and through with his duties," Beck said. "When they called him and told him he had to go back - and take part of the siege of Fallujah -his mother and I became worried, watching the news and not wanting to watch the news. That's when I really started putting together my stories."
Beck said, "I think this story will be popular because it puts everyday experiences into a story. It is written to attract a wide audience - anyone from 10 to 70 could pick up the book and enjoy it."
"Henry and Anthony" can be purchased from the Craft and Antique Mall in Bethalto, The Book Shelf on the Square in Carlinville, the SIUE bookstore, Godfrey Bookstore in Monticello Plaza, as well as through H. Lynn Beck. Beck can be reached at (618) 670-6500 or on his Web site, www.henryandanthony.com.
