Customer Reviews

Pam's Paradise Ranch: A Story of Hawaii

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

 

 

As a child I was an obsessive reader, preferably books with horses, mysteries and exotic locations. "Pam's Paradise Ranch" stands out as the most exciting, evocative and satisfying novel of all, and I read it many times. The basic story, of a fearful and repressed city girl who moves to Hawaii to live with her aunt and girl cousin, has so much atmosphere and Hawaiian lore, told in everyday events. The girl's discovery of nature and freedom, and of being loved for the first time, are very touching. And, even though I read it in the 60's before feminism was even a word, the strongest characters are the aunt and cousin. Politically correct, even then! A truly great book for all girls ages 7 to 15.

I was given this book when I was about eleven by my grandmother, who had read and loved it when she was a young girl! Since then, I have read it many times over, even into my adulthood! I am now a teacher of eleven-year-olds, and was thrilled to find that I could still order Pam's Paradise Ranch for my classroom library! I have spent many hours dreaming of being young Pam, riding my horse across the slopes of Maui. I hope the book generates similar dreams in my students, as they experience Pam' Paradise Ranch for themselves.

I, too, discovered this book on my Granny's bookshelf. It had been my mother's and aunt's, and when it came time for our generation to divide up all of our grandmother's belongings, my female cousins and I had a tug-of-war over who would get it to give to our own daughters. What a delight to see that it is still available!
The female characters are strong and charismatic, the Hawaiian atmosphere is intoxicating, and the plot is completely gripping. The only caution I would extend to parents is to plan a conversation with your child about the paternalistic (some might say racist) treatment of the Hawaiian employees of the ranch. I actually found it to be a great "teachable moment" for my girls, and it provoked many good conversations as they read the book.

I read this book as a young person, more than 40 years ago (I'm now 51), and
I loved it! I would like to read it again (perhaps it worthy of 5 stars...)

My 65 year old friend loaned me this book to read and I had to find a copy for my niece I loved it so much. My friend treasured this book as a girl and kept it close all these years. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in life in Hawaii many decades ago through the eyes of a child.