Island Wise: Lessons in Living from the Islands of the World

by Janis Frawley-Holler

Many of us long to escape the dreariness of our daily lives for the balmy weather, fresh air, and bright sunshine of the world’s islands—those almost magical places whose distance from the mainland has the power to distance us from our normal cares. Island Wise transports you to these far-off shores to reveal what makes island life so appealing—and shows you how to invoke the inimitable island sense of tranquility, simplicity and joie de vivre every day.

From the Bahamas to Prince Edward Island, Canada, author Janis Frawley-Holler explores twenty-five of the world’s most beguiling islands, introducing the natural wonders, ancient traditions, musical rhythms, and everyday practices that make each seaborne locale utterly unique. Her charming vignettes also share each culture’s simple recipes for leading life at a slower pace, focusing on what really matters, charting your heart’s desires, enriching personal relationships, and cultivating a deep sense of purpose and meaning. Whether you’re dreaming of an island getaway or looking to retain your post-vacation glow, Island Wise proves that “island-wise” living is not about location—it’s simply a state of mind that makes life sweeter wherever you are.

Jamaica • Borneo • Prince Edward Island • Nassau • Crete • Anegada • Key West, Florida • Sark • St. Honorat • Oahu, Hawaii • Hong Kong • Santa Catalina Island, California • Likiep Atoll • Isla Santa Magdalena, Baja California • Chincoteague Island, Virginia • Terceira • Cuba • Baranoff Island, Alaska • Taha’a • Jost Van Dyke • The Galapagos Islands • St. Lucia • Sjaelland • Seguin Island, Maine • Bimini

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Amy Kilbride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I travel to an island, I take this book with me and read it on the plane. It’s like a reset button from my regular life. It reminds me to switch into island time. Sure, some of the author’s suggestions for bringing an island state of mind into your daily life are a little hokey, but the spirit behind her words is spot on. For me, this book is like sitting down with an old friend, and my copy usually has notes, business cards, pressed flowers and other mementos from each trip stashed in its pages, as well as a few dollars, just in case.

[Nancy Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! The author describes various islands of the world, where she has visited (lived?) and applies what she has learned -mostly about being kind and laidback, which is what this islander ascribes to be. So uplifting!

[Kestrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for some books which would help to give me some insight into why thinking of beaches and ocean always make me feel better along, along with _Saltwater Buddha_ this book did provide some ideas. The negative was, as also in the case of _Saltwater Buddha_, at times the author seemed overly-preachy and also kind of privileged, as both of these writers could afford to pick up and move to whatever island or beach they wanted whenever they felt overwhelmed by real life. Still, I really enjoyed both of these books.

[Marla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read the section on the Bahamas; apparently we need to go to church while we're there.
Will finish rest later.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of Island inspired tales.