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Summary: Opal Whiteley - Forgotten Genius
Review: 16 year old Opal Whiteley was one of the greatest botanists in America in the early twentieth century, until a tragic vendetta ruined her good name, and she was sent off to be institutionalized in England. She would have died completely unknown were it not for the dedication and fanaticism of famed author Benjamin Hoff, (Tao of Pooh; Te of Piglet) who made it his mission to carefully research all the facts behind the vengeful campaign of lies which led to the discrediting of a true American genius. Both a vital piece of history, and a great read, this book is a sort of naturalist detective novel that leads, through painstaking investigation, to the restoration of a great woman's reputation. It is interspersed with the actual notes from her famed childhood diary, cause of so much publicity and heartache, and is partly responsible for renewed efforts to create a museum around the crumbling Opal Whiteley archives in the library of her tiny hometown in Oregon. Definitely a must read.
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Summary: Expression
Review: Do you believe nature has a voice? That when you walk a quiet stretch of beach you can almost HEAR the ocean whispering to you? Opal Whitely was an extraordinary human being, both misunderstood and respected, though unfortunately not as much until after her death. This book was required reading for a college Orality in Literature course and it set the stage for the entire semester. It is so thought-provoking, sensitive, forthright and creative that you will not be able to put it down without somehow being changed in the way you "see" "feel" and "hear" the world around you. There is so much to be learned. Let Opal teach you.
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Summary: A Literal EYE and EAR Opener
Review: Do you believe nature has a voice? That when you walk a quiet stretch of beach you can almost HEAR the ocean whispering to you? Opal Whitely was an extraordinary human being, both misunderstood and respected, though unfortunately not as much until after her death. This book was required reading for a college Orality in Literature course and it set the stage for the entire semester. It is so thought-provoking, sensitive, forthright and creative that you will not be able to put it down without somehow being changed in the way you "see" "feel" and "hear" the world around you. There is so much to be learned. Let Opal teach you.
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Summary: An American Masterpiece, Mind Blowing Magic!
Review: From the time I opened the covers, I was altered by this book and the world around me has transformed as well. I think that Opal Whitely was the best writer that ever held a pencil in her fist while a doormouse slept in her petticoat. I am full of admiration for her insight and love of nature and I'm sometimes just as baffled by humans. A great book by a great teacher.
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Summary: Simply Magical
Review: I couldn't remember the name of this book! I'm so glad I found it. I loaned it to a friend a couple of years ago now and never got it returned, inspite of my constant reminders! This book was so amazing when I read, it transformed me to another time and place. I vowed to read it every few Springs to remind me of the wonders of nature and the spirit of discovery and observation in children. I hope to read this book with my child some day, to share the magic.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Magical
Review: I couldn't remember the name of this book! I'm so glad I found it. I loaned it to a friend a couple of years ago now and never got it returned, inspite of my constant reminders! This book was so amazing when I read, it transformed me to another time and place. I vowed to read it every few Springs to remind me of the wonders of nature and the spirit of discovery and observation in children. I hope to read this book with my child some day, to share the magic.
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Summary: What memories this book brings back!
Review: I read this book as a little girl growing up in rural Alaska. To this day I remember it as being the most magical book I had ever read. Opal and her friends, particularly "Jupiter", (although I didn't realize at the time he was a rat) became my friends too. If you want to encourage your child's imagination, I highly recommend this book. I'm so glad to see that it is available again in print.
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Summary: A haunting & lyrical journey into Nature & the human spirit
Review: I was alternately enthralled and appalled by Opal Whiteley's life story. Her "explores" into the beauty and hardships of nature, as she so intelligently and sensitively recorded them at age 6, helped reconnect me to the magic of childhood. But nearly every diary entry also revealed the cruelty and coarseness forced upon this gifted child by her immediate family. My heart broke, time and again, over the complete lack of understanding she received--throughout the years. Hers was a life of promise laid waste by the dull and perhaps malicious minds that surrounded her at nearly every stage. I hope that Hoff's second-hand information was accurate, and that before she died, Opal indeed knew about his book and was pleased
Rating:
Summary: A haunting & lyrical journey into Nature & the human spirit
Review: I was alternately enthralled and appalled by Opal Whiteley's life story. Her "explores" into the beauty and hardships of nature, as she so intelligently and sensitively recorded them at age 6, helped reconnect me to the magic of childhood. But nearly every diary entry also revealed the cruelty and coarseness forced upon this gifted child by her immediate family. My heart broke, time and again, over the complete lack of understanding she received--throughout the years. Hers was a life of promise laid waste by the dull and perhaps malicious minds that surrounded her at nearly every stage. I hope that Hoff's second-hand information was accurate, and that before she died, Opal indeed knew about his book and was pleased
Rating:
Summary: The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow: The Mystical Natur
Review: If you love nature and children, you will love this book. Opal's connection with nature is absolutely amazing and the events of her life, riveting. As a naturalist, I found Opal's diary to be inspiring and enchanting. Although mentally ill, Opal was gifted as a naturalist and an interpreter of nature. I highly recommend this book.
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