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Discussion: Mister Owita's Guide to Gardening

We welcomed guests to join us at the WXPR studio headquarters in Rhinelander Wisconsin last Wednesday for an in-person discussion of our first book Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening, a memoir about the relationship between the author, Carol Wall, and her gardener and friend, Mr. Owita, a recent immigrant from Kenya. 

We had a lively discussion that started with our own views about the book, our likes and dislikes. A lot of discussion ensued around Carol’s struggle with breast cancer, and how her obsession about her own health lessened as she became aware of Giles Owita’s health concerns.

Carol seemed to have no more or less of life issues than most of us. Working, taking care of aging parents, her own health issues, and rejuvenating a long term marriage. While she appeared honest in describing these trials for herself, Carol was rather preoccupied with her own health issues and was rather in a “poor me” state of mind.   

We did discuss assumptions people make based on the colour of people’s skin, where they come from or where they work, as did Carol. When Carol found out how she mistakenly assumed Mr. Owita had little education when he actually had an advanced degree in botany, she was aghast and went overboard in trying to address her misconceptions. She was very embarrassed and it was a lesson most people can take to heart.

There were many assumptions that were made throughout the book, that later were found out to be cultural differences, or miscommunication. Carol was very honest about her thoughts and her own mistakes, and while it could have exposed her to reader’s ridicule, that was an appealing part of the book.

This was Carol Wall’s first and only book published. Just knowing that fact demonstrates how much of an impact Giles Owita had on her life.  

Carol Wall lost her battle to breast cancer in December 2014.

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