The neat thing about Kauai history is that there is so much to explore. Walking through the amazing halls of the Kauai Museum at any time gives testament to this fact! And it is always a subject of interest, to visitors and residents alike. So any time there are books that come out dealing with the past people and events of the Garden Island, our bookstore is sure to feature them because there is always demand for it.
The neat thing about Kauai history is that there is so much to explore. Walking through the amazing halls of the Kauai Museum at any time gives testament to this fact! And it is always a subject of interest, to visitors and residents alike. So any time there are books that come out dealing with the past people and events of the Garden Island, our bookstore is sure to feature them because there is always demand for it.
“100 Years of Healing: The Legacy of a Kauai Missionary Doctor,” written by the late Evelyn E. Cook, is definitely one of those books.
Covering the life of the idealistic missionary doctor James W. Smith and his descendants, we are brought immediately into 1842 Kauai, where he served as the only Western-trained physician on the entire island. Kauai back then was certainly very different than we know it today, with a population of approximately 5,000 people, and the swiftest transportation method wasn’t by the road — it was by outrigger canoe!
Packed full of historic, black-and-white photographs, the book gives us a broad look at the life’s experiences of this historic personality on Kauai. Additionally, it is fascinating to look at imagery of Kauai from times long ago. (Who knew there used to be a Waimea Wine Company, even?)
“100 Years” also takes us into the era of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, and interestingly the involvement of one of Smiths in this act. Interestingly, Smith also had direct, even important, connections to the Hawaiian monarchy both before and after the event as well, in unexpected ways!
“100 Years of Healing” is definitely worth a read, whether you have a causal or dedicated interest in history. This book is a great reminder of how much can be affected by the life of one person.
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Ed Justus is the owner of Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe. Ed and Yuriko Justus are residents of Kalaheo. Talk Story Bookstore is open daily. Info: talkstorybookstore.com
