Customer Reviews

Growing Up Barefoot in Hawaii

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book truly captures what it is like to grow up barefoot in Hawaii, whatever the era. Although the "growing up" described in the book took place many decades before my own, the book accurately conveys the essence of what it is to live as a child in such a special place. The author notes that she wanted to call it something like "Growing up Barefoot in Hawaii...as did my children and grandchildren" -- while I am not one of her grandchildren, reading this book felt somehow autobiographical (yes, I'll admit that I spent my fair share of time without shoes). The places were familiar, although her descriptions were of a time long past. The occasional Hawaiian word (such as "puka") offers a hint of the uniqueness of the islands, as these words really are integrated into the English vocabularies of everyone who lives there. Anyone who grew up in Hawaii(particularly on Oahu) or has spent time there will enjoy this book. It's a little like looking at old vacation photos -- the images conveyed through the mini-chapters are like snapshots of something larger, and they stir up so many more memories. Part history, part autobiography, this book is well worth reading.