Customer Reviews

Voices of Wisdom Hawaiian Elders Speak

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Harden has produced a book that is somewhat of a "coffee table" book in style and format; the print is widely spaced and the photographs and the layout are very professionally done. The Hawaiians profiled here are those whose names and pictures you are likely to see in the big Honolulu papers; people whom she definitely considers to be Kupuna. Her book covers such well-known people as Margaret Machado, Winona Beamer, Kekuni Blaisdell, George Na`ope, Herb Kane and Nainoa Thompson. All together, Voices of Wisdom profiles 24 different people.

Harden's format consists of a mix of biographical material, interviews and historical background information, with only a little original material in the form of chants and poems. There are a lot of directly quoted interviews, which is a real plus. It's very interesting and gives the reader excellent insights into the thoughts and feelings of the people interviewed, though at times, the quotations have a little bit of a disjointed feel to them (I suspect that she had to do a lot of editing). Her chapter headings include Nature; Spirituality and Healing; Preservation and History; Activism, Dance, Chant, Genealogy, Music; Arts and Crafts; Canoe and Next Generation.

In contrast to other similar books, which tend to do it the other way around, Voices of Wisdom is a collection of 24 verbal portraits of Hawaiian people that also happens to teach the reader about Hawaiian culture and values. But Harden leaves that task to the people she portrays, and they do it through their own words. This fine book represents a new genre of Hawaiian cultural material and we can all hope that it starts a trend!

This book reminds me what it means to be Kanaka maoli esspecially in the current time, It reminds us of where we came form and who we are to be, This book is inspirational and a must have.

THIS IS A FANTASTIC COMPILATION OF INTERVIEWS ABOUT CRITICAL ASPECTS IN HAWAII. IT ALLOWS YOU TO FEEL LIKE YOU JUST SPOKE TO LOCAL HAWAIIANS AND REALLY GET INSIGHT INTO THEIR POLITICS, SPIRITUALITY, CUSTOMS, ETC. IT IS WELL WRITTEN AND A FUN READ. IT HAS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN OR VISIT HAWAII (TOURIST, PERSONAL, OR ACADEMIC). AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE.

I came across this book whilst on vacation in Hawaii and it struck a chord with me. I found the wisdom offered inside to particularly resonate with me. A must read!

This book truly is full of wisdom. The photographs are touching and absolutely delightful. At times it is almost possible to hear the laughter and the anguish of the elders. The book is an adventure into the incredible stories of those who have lived a life full of heart.
Pat K.