Book Review: "Mr. Owita's Guide to Gardening" by Carol Wall

Once again, I found an interesting-looking title in the biography section of the local library. I'm still not sure whether this one is supposed to be primarily an autobiography focusing on a particular segment of the author's life, or a biography of Mr. Owita, who was a key player in the author's life for a few years. Ultimately, I don't suppose it matters; what does matter is that this was a fascinating book. A short recommendation paragraph on the back cover, offered by Good Housekeeping, sums it up this way: "In this lovely memoir, a surprising friendship blooms between a horticulturist with a harrowing secret and the author, a cancer survivor with a bad attitude and a sad yard. A perfect spring awakening."

Mrs. Wall has never been fond of landscaping or yard work, nor has her husband. Over the years, their yard has become quite shabby and unkempt. She notices how nice a neighbor's yard looks, and inquires about the man who tends her trees, bushes, and flowers. The man, Mr. Owita, comes to look at Mrs. Wall's yard and, over the course of two or three years, nurses it back to health and beauty. In the process, he also guides Mrs. Wall toward a great deal of inner healing and peace through his wise words and gentle nature, and instills in her a love for flowers and gardening. Not much more can be said without spoiling all the surprises tucked into the story.

There are a handful of Mr. Owita quotes that caused me to stop and think, perhaps because I have dealt with chronic illness. Here are a few examples.
"You are not responsible for this disease. It has come to you. "
"Illness comes into each life, but we must not let it define us."
"Every day brings something good."

And one truth-packed quote by the author: "No disease on earth is reserved for guilty people."

Those few lines may not seem meaningful on their own, but if you take the time to read this book, you will see how important those truths are to Mrs. Wall and Mr. Owita. I highly recommend you do so!