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Waking Up in Eden: In Pursuit of an Impassioned Life on an Imperiled Island
Like so many of us, Lucinda Fleeson wanted to escape what had become a routine life. So, she quit her big-city job, sold her suburban house, and moved halfway across the world to the island of Kauai to work at the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Imagine a one-hundred-acre garden estate nestled amid ocean cliffs, rain forests, and secluded coves. Exotic and beautiful, yes, but as Fleeson awakens to this sensual world, exploring the island's food, beaches, and history, she encounters an endangered paradise-the Hawaii we don't see in the tourist brochures.Native plants are dying at an astonishing rate-Hawaii is called the Extinction Capital of the World-and invasive species (plants, animals, and humans) have imperiled this Garden of Eden. Fleeson accompanies a plant hunter into the rain forest to find the last of a dying species, descends into limestone caves with a paleontologist who deconstructs island history through fossil life, and shadows a botanical pioneer who propagates rare seeds, hoping to reclaim the landscape. Her grown-up adventure is a reminder of the value of choosing passion over security, individuality over convention, and the pressing need to protect the earth. And as she witnesses the island's plant renewal efforts, she sees her own life blossom again.
310 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
77 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Fleeson
1 book24 followersI began my journalism career in college as a photographer, shooting rock concerts and protest marches for alternative weeklies in Boston and Cambridge, Mass. Freelancing stories, I began to find my voice as a reporter and writer and eventually abandoned the camera for a typewriter.
Hooked on news, I worked for several local papers before landing at The Philadelphia Inquirer. I wrote hundreds of news articles, features and investigative stories that tracked everything from corruption in the Atlantic City police department, to the art and cultural beat. I never expected to leave The Inquirer, imagining that I’d die with a half-written story in the computer. But as the landscape for journalism started shifting cataclysmically under my feet, I felt stymied, fenced in, at a dead end.
Because of my amateur interest in gardening, I had befriended a Philadelphia botanist, Dr. William Klein, who became the director of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii. Unexpectedly he offered me a job, and I grabbed it.
For two years I lived on Kauai. As I explored the Hawaiian plant crisis and hunted down garden history, I realized that I was, and always will be, a reporter at heart.
The Hawaiian experience returned me to journalism, but in a new sphere. I spent several years training journalists overseas, in Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and Latin America. Settling in Washington, D.C., I freelanced articles for the Washington Post, Mother Jones, the American Journalism Review, and others. Now I direct a program for international journalists at the University of Maryland College of Journalism, and teach writing and reporting.
Hooked on news, I worked for several local papers before landing at The Philadelphia Inquirer. I wrote hundreds of news articles, features and investigative stories that tracked everything from corruption in the Atlantic City police department, to the art and cultural beat. I never expected to leave The Inquirer, imagining that I’d die with a half-written story in the computer. But as the landscape for journalism started shifting cataclysmically under my feet, I felt stymied, fenced in, at a dead end.
Because of my amateur interest in gardening, I had befriended a Philadelphia botanist, Dr. William Klein, who became the director of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii. Unexpectedly he offered me a job, and I grabbed it.
For two years I lived on Kauai. As I explored the Hawaiian plant crisis and hunted down garden history, I realized that I was, and always will be, a reporter at heart.
The Hawaiian experience returned me to journalism, but in a new sphere. I spent several years training journalists overseas, in Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and Latin America. Settling in Washington, D.C., I freelanced articles for the Washington Post, Mother Jones, the American Journalism Review, and others. Now I direct a program for international journalists at the University of Maryland College of Journalism, and teach writing and reporting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 27, 2009
Many dream of dumping everything and going off to live on a tropical island. Lucinda Fleeson actually did it. "Waking Up in Eden" tells her story and it makes for a lively, engaging tale.
Fleeson was a top-notch, award-winning journalist who found the profession she loved undergoing massive, distressing changes as the digital age reconfigured the newspaper industry. Offered a job at the Nation Tropical Botanaical Gardens in Kauai, she sold her house, shed years of routines and belongings and left her old life behind.
Fleeson ruminates on many personal topics, from the sudden loss of both parents to her thoughts on being a single woman confronting a future without the traditional husband and kids that she had always assumed would be there. But it's the investigative reporter in her that provides some of the most colorful moments of "Waking Up in Eden". Her description of the death-defying botanists who climb to high mountain ledges to rescue endangered plant species is an eye-opener. And her research into the wealthy, original owners of the estate which has become the National Botanical Garden reveals a colorful, jazz-age tableau of underground gay history in Chicago before the Great Depression. Fleeson also uncovers the writing of Isabella Bird, a 19th century woman writer who's adventures in Kauai both echo and inspire Fleeson's own.
Interspersed throughout the book are moments of workplace intrigue, romance, tragedy and humor (the ladies rowing team story is a delight), told with a reporter's skill and insights.
I highly recommend "Waking Up in Eden" as an interesting, entertaining and worthwhile read.
Fleeson was a top-notch, award-winning journalist who found the profession she loved undergoing massive, distressing changes as the digital age reconfigured the newspaper industry. Offered a job at the Nation Tropical Botanaical Gardens in Kauai, she sold her house, shed years of routines and belongings and left her old life behind.
Fleeson ruminates on many personal topics, from the sudden loss of both parents to her thoughts on being a single woman confronting a future without the traditional husband and kids that she had always assumed would be there. But it's the investigative reporter in her that provides some of the most colorful moments of "Waking Up in Eden". Her description of the death-defying botanists who climb to high mountain ledges to rescue endangered plant species is an eye-opener. And her research into the wealthy, original owners of the estate which has become the National Botanical Garden reveals a colorful, jazz-age tableau of underground gay history in Chicago before the Great Depression. Fleeson also uncovers the writing of Isabella Bird, a 19th century woman writer who's adventures in Kauai both echo and inspire Fleeson's own.
Interspersed throughout the book are moments of workplace intrigue, romance, tragedy and humor (the ladies rowing team story is a delight), told with a reporter's skill and insights.
I highly recommend "Waking Up in Eden" as an interesting, entertaining and worthwhile read.
August 3, 2009
Unlike other memoirs I've read about unmarried women reinventing themselves, this book incorporates an education of natural history. While it is a highly personal account of the twists and turns (and battles) in a professional woman's life, we are also allowed to learn something about the place in which she has her transformation. The writer has a strong sense of place, making the story valid and compelling. Her sensitive descriptions of the unique island characters, and their place in the world, is absorbing. She makes friends with the most unlikely of characters, and she is unapologetic in descriptions of her enemies in non-profit management.
The author writes, "The essence of grace was to live within the mysteries, accept the uncertainties, and greet whatever develops." The essence of a memoir should do the same, and this one does.
The book could have benefited from some pictures, but just as the author desired to retrace the journeys of Isabella Bird, I wanted to get to Kauai and find that cottage house, and set my own eyes on the Allerton Gardens. Inspirational!
The author writes, "The essence of grace was to live within the mysteries, accept the uncertainties, and greet whatever develops." The essence of a memoir should do the same, and this one does.
The book could have benefited from some pictures, but just as the author desired to retrace the journeys of Isabella Bird, I wanted to get to Kauai and find that cottage house, and set my own eyes on the Allerton Gardens. Inspirational!
July 9, 2009
I was disappointed in this one. The author couldn't seem to decide on what kind of book it was and it was not very well structured or organized.
August 26, 2009
Lucinda Fleeson’s memoir “Waking Up in Eden” is no navel gazer - thank you very much - but the true adventures of a women who, nearing middle age, woke up to smell the coffee and instead of freaking out took a giant gulp of it and got on with her life.
Leaving her job at the Philadelphia Inquirer and her home with its English rose garden Fleeson moves to the Hawaiian island of Kauai and its 1000 acre tropical garden. This is a volitile and damaged isle whose natural order is fast disappearing. What is also disappearing is her youth and some of her choices. In a chatty and unselfconscious way Fleeson re-examines her heart’s desire and tallies up her wins and losses, all the while packing her trekking boots. The adventure is on and soon enough it is not so much the exotic isle and its fragile flowers or even the colorful characters dedicated to saving them, but Fleeson’s inherent interest in, well, everything, that makes her journey a page turner.
Officially, Fleeson job is to raise funds for the National Tropical Botanical Garden - an Eden that is in serious risk of imploding. Proposal writing and coaxing money out of rich people could sound rather dry but Fleeson is a deft writer. The people, politics and history surrounding the NTBG is intriguing enough, but its how Fleeson grabs onto her new life that swept me up. She gets her hands dirty in the island’s red clay, rides horseback along its beaches, treks up mountains climbing through dense jungle, tries surfing, learns to row like hell with the Kawaikini Women’s Canoe Club and before she leaves plants her own tropical garden.
Along the way Fleeson introduces herself, and us, to a gaggle of interesting and passionate people and its here that we see the true depth of Ms. Fleeson’s nature, her search for her authentic self reveled by her insight into others. One telling example is her description of Alan Wong, a celebrated Hawaiian chef, “....he scans your eyes, as if looking to see if the information arrived. It’s a listener’s trait .... indicative of a great teacher.” And Ms. Fleeson appears to be both.
Fleeson teaches us a lot about exotic flora (which is more interesting than you might think) but she shows us that taking big risks, forcing one’s passions and keeping on your big girl panties (most of the time) may not answer all of life’s questions but it is the only way to live them.
From Kauai Ms. Fleeson moves on to Budapest - I can’t wait for the sequel.
Elva Malone
August 20, 2009
Leaving her job at the Philadelphia Inquirer and her home with its English rose garden Fleeson moves to the Hawaiian island of Kauai and its 1000 acre tropical garden. This is a volitile and damaged isle whose natural order is fast disappearing. What is also disappearing is her youth and some of her choices. In a chatty and unselfconscious way Fleeson re-examines her heart’s desire and tallies up her wins and losses, all the while packing her trekking boots. The adventure is on and soon enough it is not so much the exotic isle and its fragile flowers or even the colorful characters dedicated to saving them, but Fleeson’s inherent interest in, well, everything, that makes her journey a page turner.
Officially, Fleeson job is to raise funds for the National Tropical Botanical Garden - an Eden that is in serious risk of imploding. Proposal writing and coaxing money out of rich people could sound rather dry but Fleeson is a deft writer. The people, politics and history surrounding the NTBG is intriguing enough, but its how Fleeson grabs onto her new life that swept me up. She gets her hands dirty in the island’s red clay, rides horseback along its beaches, treks up mountains climbing through dense jungle, tries surfing, learns to row like hell with the Kawaikini Women’s Canoe Club and before she leaves plants her own tropical garden.
Along the way Fleeson introduces herself, and us, to a gaggle of interesting and passionate people and its here that we see the true depth of Ms. Fleeson’s nature, her search for her authentic self reveled by her insight into others. One telling example is her description of Alan Wong, a celebrated Hawaiian chef, “....he scans your eyes, as if looking to see if the information arrived. It’s a listener’s trait .... indicative of a great teacher.” And Ms. Fleeson appears to be both.
Fleeson teaches us a lot about exotic flora (which is more interesting than you might think) but she shows us that taking big risks, forcing one’s passions and keeping on your big girl panties (most of the time) may not answer all of life’s questions but it is the only way to live them.
From Kauai Ms. Fleeson moves on to Budapest - I can’t wait for the sequel.
Elva Malone
August 20, 2009
June 4, 2009
Two months ago, I visited the gardens at Waimea (Oahu), and was delighted with the attractive, well labeled, and informative plant collections. As well as highlighting an intriguing variety of tropical venues like the Ogawara Islands, the gardens did include some native plants. I have also heard that Waimea sponsors hikes to educate visitors about endemic flora and fauna. Fleeson's dismissive account of the gardens and her caricature of the chief botanist were off-putting.
Caricatures thickly and irritatingly populate the book, damaging its credibility. The account of the romance with the surfer made me nostalgic for the restrained days of nineteenth-century travel writing. However, there are some genuinely moving passages on friendships, family and loss.
The book did have its redeeming features. Fleeson's courageous take on embracing uncertainty and adventure was inspiring. Even though the write up on the cover seemed to promise more botany than the story delivered, there was a fascinating little plant portrait of Brighamia insignis, and it was great fun to take a vicarious trip to the Kauai Outlaw Preserve. I hope the book does stimulate interest in the Allerton garden.
Caricatures thickly and irritatingly populate the book, damaging its credibility. The account of the romance with the surfer made me nostalgic for the restrained days of nineteenth-century travel writing. However, there are some genuinely moving passages on friendships, family and loss.
The book did have its redeeming features. Fleeson's courageous take on embracing uncertainty and adventure was inspiring. Even though the write up on the cover seemed to promise more botany than the story delivered, there was a fascinating little plant portrait of Brighamia insignis, and it was great fun to take a vicarious trip to the Kauai Outlaw Preserve. I hope the book does stimulate interest in the Allerton garden.
August 12, 2009
I gave this memoir 5 stars because we toured Allerton Gardens on Kauai last February. Author worked in development office at the gardens and explains all the history...plant and island.. that was skimmed over or omitted in our visit. The Illinois connection to the story is The Farms at Monticello, IL, which Allerton bequeathed to the U of I.
Native plants are going extinct in Hawaii at a fast pace and the National Tropical Botanic Garden, of which Allerton Gardens is one part, is trying to reverse the trend.
Over and above the plant story is the search by the author for a second chance at a more satisfying life and she includes the background on many of the places we played at in Kauai. She tells it like it is...not-for-profit fundraising, island living, and the real story of a garden started by gay partners from Illinois.
I need to go back and take the more extensive tour that includes Allerton's house on the beach.
Native plants are going extinct in Hawaii at a fast pace and the National Tropical Botanic Garden, of which Allerton Gardens is one part, is trying to reverse the trend.
Over and above the plant story is the search by the author for a second chance at a more satisfying life and she includes the background on many of the places we played at in Kauai. She tells it like it is...not-for-profit fundraising, island living, and the real story of a garden started by gay partners from Illinois.
I need to go back and take the more extensive tour that includes Allerton's house on the beach.
April 20, 2009
Lucinda Fleeson feels that the excitement and adventure are over in her life. Middle-aged, disillusioned with her career as a journalist, and divorced, she accepts an unexpected job offer to work as a PR person for the National Botanical Garden, in Hawaii. She finds a new botanical world, explores the local history and finds a new passion for life. Beautifully written and inspiring.
March 16, 2019
Interesting memoir, mostly based in Kauai. I've been most of the places she writes about, making it extra interesting to me.
June 28, 2013
I am a sucker for Hawaii stories. This is non-fiction, with rich characters. The eden referred to is a real garden, and a garden within a garden. It is a little about the garden, more about the plants, and even more about the people. It is about discovering one's own truth.
This book reads a lot like a novel. If it did not, it is likely it would be boring. There is a lot of back story, and that makes it interesting.
Overall, most of the book rings true for me, as the saga of this woman's stay for long enough to make important life decisions, and to launch her true life voyage relatively late in life. The big message here is fulfillment is strangely enough not likely to be found in the tumult and drama of other people's big projects, be they newpapers or gardens. But as we join our lives to theirs for however long it may take, we learn much and eventually have what it takes to venture out in our own canoe.
And, cultivating a garden is a worthy pursuit. on any scale.
This book reads a lot like a novel. If it did not, it is likely it would be boring. There is a lot of back story, and that makes it interesting.
Overall, most of the book rings true for me, as the saga of this woman's stay for long enough to make important life decisions, and to launch her true life voyage relatively late in life. The big message here is fulfillment is strangely enough not likely to be found in the tumult and drama of other people's big projects, be they newpapers or gardens. But as we join our lives to theirs for however long it may take, we learn much and eventually have what it takes to venture out in our own canoe.
And, cultivating a garden is a worthy pursuit. on any scale.
August 17, 2009
The author quit her journalism career and moved to Hawaii to pursue her passion for plants and gardening. Taking a job at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, she reinvented herself amid the beauty of the Island of Kauai. Not simply another book about a mid-life crisis, Waking Up in Eden gives the reader background in Island history and the Kauai not seen by tourists .Gardeners will especially enjoy the discussion of the fragile ecosystem and the struggle to save endangered native plants. I have the proverbial black thumb but was fascinated by the explanation of the destruction done by non-native invasive plants imported through the years. Highly readable and informative this book tells a personal story within a larger context.
July 5, 2011
Subtitle:“In pursuit of an impassioned life on an imperiled island.” This is a “surviving middle-age” memoir of a woman who leaves her east”coast journalist position to become the marketing director for the Allerton Garden on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. She weaves a fascinating story of all aspects of her life on the island intertwined with information about the National Tropical Botanical Garden, the preservation of native flora, and Hawaii’s history and culture. Especially fascinating for me as a followup to seeing the Garden in May during a wonderful trip to Hawaii where I “woke up in Eden” for about a week.
August 10, 2020
Memoir of Lucinda Fleeson, middle aged woman who is offered a "sort of" dream job in Kuaui. She takes the "dream job" and makes the best of it in an island paradise, surrounded by many people who resent her. This is a reminiscence of personal challenges, botanical challenges, professional integrity and rare beauty. Ms Fleeson researches and tells the history of the botany and the civilization of this rare habitat.
I went to a lecture by Ms Fleeson and wish I had read the book ahead of time. What questions I would have asked!
1/27/16 - Just re-read the book in preparation for a trip to Kuaui. Gotta add another star.
I went to a lecture by Ms Fleeson and wish I had read the book ahead of time. What questions I would have asked!
1/27/16 - Just re-read the book in preparation for a trip to Kuaui. Gotta add another star.
February 9, 2012
Part self-discovery and part agricultural document with a little evolutionary mystery thrown in. Who knew I could be drawn into a story about botanical history!? I bought this book on a lark, having been called by the "Memoir/Nature" genre, and I started reading just before leaving for my 5th or 6th visit to Kauai; I was immediately hooked on the richness Fleeson painted of the landscape, past and present. I only wish I'd started this a week later so I could run outside and retrace the author's steps, seeing an island I know so well through her eyes!
September 5, 2017
It was a decent read. I'm not a botanist so a lot of the descriptions of the plant life were confusing. I liked how overall it was about a 40-something woman fleeing everything she knew in Philadelphia to start over on Kauai. I was just on Kauai so I thought it was interesting to see another side of life, other than tourism. It's worth the read if you want to know more about that part of the country. It's just a little slower than I would have liked.
October 14, 2009
Honestly, I only enjoyed this book because I am leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and wanted to learn more about this islands. It wandered disconnectedly from topic to topic, and failed to convince me that the salvaging of Hawaii's native plant species is a war worth waging.
January 14, 2013
A very interesting book about making a huge life change later in life. I loved all of the references to places I know and love on the island of Kauai. I'm not certain that someone not familiar would have enjoyed the book as much.
August 19, 2009
So much botany,
It verged on monotony ....
It verged on monotony ....
Read
November 19, 2009My newest Kindle book-liking the content so far, not so much the writing...
July 26, 2010
Interesting to learn about the Botanical Garden. "Memoir" aspect not as interesting
December 17, 2019
Two and a half stars. Maybe. On my more generous days. This book was okay, just not what I expected. I’ve built up two yard-size native wildflower gardens, here in the mid-west. Maybe I expected something from a naturalist.
It was a memoir of the time the author spent in Hawaii. As such, it did a good job of covering the geological, biological and cultural evolution of the islands. She included stories about the founders of the nature preserve and their secret (maybe not so secret) relationship; an aristocrat travel author from the 1900a who refused to keep to the stereotypical expectations of women; surfing; Island canoe races; local food and restaurants; as in-depth view of some of the people involved in preserving endangered plants; and her own coming to terms with her life as a single woman.
The author is a reporter. I kept tying to remind myself of that. We get long lists of plants she sees as she strolls through the gardens. But unless you do your own research, you have no idea what many of these plants look like. Nor are there fascinating tidbits of facts that make you want to learn more.
In the middle of the book she suddenly slows down and gives a detailed account of a sexual encounter. It felt a lot like someone had told her to write a sex scene to liven things up, and while she eventually connects her affair back to her identification with the rebel aristocrat, it was an altered accounting from the factual writing of the book in general.
If I planned to visit Hawaii, this book would definitely go with me so I could track down the gardens, restaurants and spots most tourists would not visit. If I lived in Hawaii and were familiar with the plants, or if I had more background in exotic plants, I would have ranked the book three stars.
I think I wanted a more in-depth reporting of the plant life, the losses and successes. I wanted more of the little-known facts that would make me care about each endangered plant. When she wrote of the programs and the progress, I was more engaged. If her own inner journey had grabbed me, I could have accepted her experience at the nature center as a reflection of her own struggles to define and rebuild her personal life.
I keep wondering if this comes back to the author being first and foremost a journalist. She does impressive research but the story seems to skim the surface, as an admirable introduction to Hawaii and its endangered plants, but one that would not move me to become an activist ( as other books have). As a memoir or natural exploration I was disappointed that it left me a passive reader.
It was a memoir of the time the author spent in Hawaii. As such, it did a good job of covering the geological, biological and cultural evolution of the islands. She included stories about the founders of the nature preserve and their secret (maybe not so secret) relationship; an aristocrat travel author from the 1900a who refused to keep to the stereotypical expectations of women; surfing; Island canoe races; local food and restaurants; as in-depth view of some of the people involved in preserving endangered plants; and her own coming to terms with her life as a single woman.
The author is a reporter. I kept tying to remind myself of that. We get long lists of plants she sees as she strolls through the gardens. But unless you do your own research, you have no idea what many of these plants look like. Nor are there fascinating tidbits of facts that make you want to learn more.
In the middle of the book she suddenly slows down and gives a detailed account of a sexual encounter. It felt a lot like someone had told her to write a sex scene to liven things up, and while she eventually connects her affair back to her identification with the rebel aristocrat, it was an altered accounting from the factual writing of the book in general.
If I planned to visit Hawaii, this book would definitely go with me so I could track down the gardens, restaurants and spots most tourists would not visit. If I lived in Hawaii and were familiar with the plants, or if I had more background in exotic plants, I would have ranked the book three stars.
I think I wanted a more in-depth reporting of the plant life, the losses and successes. I wanted more of the little-known facts that would make me care about each endangered plant. When she wrote of the programs and the progress, I was more engaged. If her own inner journey had grabbed me, I could have accepted her experience at the nature center as a reflection of her own struggles to define and rebuild her personal life.
I keep wondering if this comes back to the author being first and foremost a journalist. She does impressive research but the story seems to skim the surface, as an admirable introduction to Hawaii and its endangered plants, but one that would not move me to become an activist ( as other books have). As a memoir or natural exploration I was disappointed that it left me a passive reader.
May 9, 2017
I read this book as part of a Goodreads Challenge which required a book set in Hawaii. I've read a few such books, but quite honestly, there aren't many set in Hawaii which also got great reviews, so I did a bit of digging and came up with Waking Up in Eden. As it turned out, it was a great choice.
In this memoir, Lucinda Fleeson has found herself without a job and the owner of charming New England garden cottage in suburban Pennsylvania. She's forty-something, unmarried, and going through a mid-life crisis. Out of the blue, a job offer comes to assist with fundraising work for the National Botanical Garden in Kauai, Hawaii. She sells the cottage, puts her stuff in storage, and heads for adventure in the Pacific.
This book has a bit of everything. Her story of moving to Hawaii was interesting, including her first night in a falling down plantation cottage with brown water and rodents. I enjoyed hearing about the lifestyle on the island, it's history and it's people. And even more surprisingly, I was fascinated reading about the gardens, the science of botany and why we should care about it. Because before reading this book, I didn't really care all that much. For an author to present a subject I had little interest in and change my opinion of it is quite a feat. Kudos to Lucinda Fleeson!
In spite of her foray into the science behind her work, I was never bored by this book. Quite the opposite, in fact. It was well-written, interesting, funny at times, and gave me real sense of place. Sitting outside on warm sunny day, reading this book, I could just picture myself in Kauai. And isn't that just what you'd want out of a travel memoir?
In this memoir, Lucinda Fleeson has found herself without a job and the owner of charming New England garden cottage in suburban Pennsylvania. She's forty-something, unmarried, and going through a mid-life crisis. Out of the blue, a job offer comes to assist with fundraising work for the National Botanical Garden in Kauai, Hawaii. She sells the cottage, puts her stuff in storage, and heads for adventure in the Pacific.
This book has a bit of everything. Her story of moving to Hawaii was interesting, including her first night in a falling down plantation cottage with brown water and rodents. I enjoyed hearing about the lifestyle on the island, it's history and it's people. And even more surprisingly, I was fascinated reading about the gardens, the science of botany and why we should care about it. Because before reading this book, I didn't really care all that much. For an author to present a subject I had little interest in and change my opinion of it is quite a feat. Kudos to Lucinda Fleeson!
In spite of her foray into the science behind her work, I was never bored by this book. Quite the opposite, in fact. It was well-written, interesting, funny at times, and gave me real sense of place. Sitting outside on warm sunny day, reading this book, I could just picture myself in Kauai. And isn't that just what you'd want out of a travel memoir?
September 1, 2020
It was okay. I bought it last year when we visited Kaui and stopped in at the Talk Story Bookstore, in Hanapepe, “the Westernmost bookstore in the United States”. I bought a few books about Hawai’i there and would absolutely recommend a visit to this bookstore if you are on the Southern part of the island. We had also visited the Allerton Gardens and McBryde Garden so I could relate to those parts of the book. If you’ve been to Kauai, especially the Southern part of the island I think it would be more enjoyable. As someone else said she needed a good editor. It just seemed to be very disjointed, actually more like a series of essays.
September 23, 2017
OMG, such a beautiful travel book!
First of all, I like this book because it tackles major aspect of ecology, evolution, plant systematics, and conservation. I like reading this book, and learning a lot about endemism and native species of Hawaii. I like how the writer describes the island, and it makes me feel that I was there too.
I am sad in the end that Dr. Klein died. I like him. I want to ask him all about plants.
Overall, I like this book, but better have a concept or idea about the said subjects above prior to reading this book.
First of all, I like this book because it tackles major aspect of ecology, evolution, plant systematics, and conservation. I like reading this book, and learning a lot about endemism and native species of Hawaii. I like how the writer describes the island, and it makes me feel that I was there too.
I am sad in the end that Dr. Klein died. I like him. I want to ask him all about plants.
Overall, I like this book, but better have a concept or idea about the said subjects above prior to reading this book.
May 23, 2018
Succeeds on many levels - as a memoir, esp. for anyone facing a mid-life crisis, seeking a new direction, or wondering about the non-traditional direction their life has taken (esp. as a woman), also it is full of fascinating human and sp. some queer history, it's great for someone visiting Kauai/ the Allerton Gardens - as I was, and most interesting to me was the wealth of information about botany, natural history, and the efforts to save species from extinction. It was the perfect book to read on my trip and I was sharing tidbits left and right with my partner.
July 8, 2021
At times I found myself frustrated that there were so many unexplored paths. While writing about her own time on the island of Kauai, the author takes side trips to her own family history, the history of humans in Hawai'i, the history of plants in Hawai'i, the history of botany on Hawai'i, the travels of Isabella Bird, the internal politics of leadership change at a non-profit, the Allerton family of Chicago....
However, as a personal memoir it is very effective and engaging, and the well-reported diversions area bonus.
However, as a personal memoir it is very effective and engaging, and the well-reported diversions area bonus.
August 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book on a number of levels... first, all things Hawaii and botanical. Just up my alley. Plus, the author writes well and draws a good picture in the mind. It's a true story, so I can't blame the bit of an anti-climatic ending... that's just how it was in real time. Recommend if you are visiting Kauai and -- if so -- don't miss the Allerton Gardens or the Limahuli Gardens. Left thinking on the quote by George Eliot, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."
September 6, 2018
I enjoyed the book, mostly because I learned so much about Hawaii that I didn't know. The descriptions of the plants and the people who live in the area was most interesting. The story line was average, although I did like to hear the author's take on what a single woman of middle age might be saying to herself off and on. I was happy when the heroine decided that she was okay being alone and enjoying her solitude.
August 11, 2020
Great history and story
Really enjoyed this book because I love visiting the Hawaiian Islands. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because some chapters were rather long and a bit too detailed in all the plant names, etc. She proved her knowledge but it stretched out too detailed in those few areas. Loved the stories of her finding herself and those of the other cohorts in Kauai. Very interesting read!
Really enjoyed this book because I love visiting the Hawaiian Islands. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because some chapters were rather long and a bit too detailed in all the plant names, etc. She proved her knowledge but it stretched out too detailed in those few areas. Loved the stories of her finding herself and those of the other cohorts in Kauai. Very interesting read!
July 29, 2017
I enjoyed this very much. It moved along a pace and covered a range of topics relating not just to the botanical history of Hawaii, which was in itself fascinating, but covered many cultural aspects relating to the islands too. I also enjoyed and related to the author's personal story. A worthwhile read if you are preparing for a visit.
August 22, 2018
This book was especially interesting as we are annual visitors to Kauai. On our next trip I will visit the National Tropical Botanical Gardens as well as the Allerton Gardens. Interesting the Allerton money was made in the Chicago stockyards and I am from the near west Chicago suburbs. The Allerton money funded the NTBG and Allerton Garden, both on Kauai and an annual trip for us.
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