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Description
A Word to the Wise: Traditional Advice and Old Country WaysIf you've ever wondered whether carrots improve your vision (they do) and why elephants have great memories, consult A Word to the Wise. You'll discover that it's never too late to learn from a proverb or an old wives' tale. This captivating book is a fascinating compilation of age old expressions and customs, and its insights cover everything from health tips and kitchen tricks to gardening know how and hints for predicting the weather. Folklorist
If you've ever wondered whether carrots improve your vision (they do) and why elephants have great memories, consult A Word to the Wise. You'll discover that it's never too late to learn from a proverb or an old wives' tale. This captivating book is a fascinating compilation of age-old expressions and customs, and its insights cover everything from health tips and kitchen tricks to gardening know-how and hints for predicting the weather.Folklorist Ruth Binney explains the truth behind such traditions as polishing windows with newspaper and blowing out birthday candles in a single breath. She also discusses whether classic adages are still relevant or, like eating oysters only in "R" months, their truths have faded with the passage of time. This charmingly illustrated volume of enduring wisdom makes a splendid keepsake as well as a fine gift.
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Dover Publications
Published: 04/17/2019
ISBN: 9780486828732
Pages: 224
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 7.00h x 5.60w x 0.60d
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4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 1777 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
pretty cute, mediocre writing
Format: Kindle
Its okay and cute story and characters but writing feels cringey and lazy at times. I also tended to find the main characters sometimes annoying
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Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2025
★★★★★ 3
flawed and sweet
Format: Kindle
While the premise of the book was endearing, it quickly felt under-researched and over-represented. Giving characters mental health diagnoses while describing only surface level or self-diagnosed criteria makes the characters feel stereotypical and under-developed. The manic-like decision making of one of the main characters is often used as a plot point, making it feel like a gimmick to blame the character’s “neurodivergence”. Had there been better research and understanding into mental health diagnoses, and less stereotypically representation, it would have been easier to enjoy.
Aside from that I liked the premise of the plot and found the build of found family, friendship, and love to be sweet.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Perfect spring romcom!
Format: Paperback
What a beautiful story about finding the life and partner that works for you. I may need to go buy a flower farm and come right back!
If you want a book with the most perfect spring vibes this is it! I loved that Opal and Pepper had such complementary skills when it came to the flower farm. Opal bought a flower farm for the vibes and without Pepper would have had absolutely no hope of maintaining it. Honestly relatable. I loved seeing them working together and learning to understand one another.
I also loved how this story explored neurodivergence and the different strengths and struggles it can bring. Opal's experience of being neurodivergent is dissimilar to other descriptions I have read and I really appreciated it. I became a reader because I love seeing how people's minds work differently but with how much I read it's unusual that I come across a character who really stands out. Opal is one who does.
If you want a story that is the perfect escapism while also being very grounded in issues and experiences people have then this is the perfect fit! I love reading books about things that sound so incredibly cool, like owning a flower farm, but I would be completely terrible at! I'm over here like maybe I do need a flower farm and my half-dead houseplants are judging me.
Thanks to St. Martins Press!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
★★★★★ 4
Good!
Format: Paperback
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
I love Mazey’s writing and character-building! The setting of a flower farm was splendid. The sapphic romance was lovely. You go to see inside both of the character’s heads and understand their viewpoint and reasoning.
My girl Lizzie and her cake-making were mentioned!!
I think it would be lovely if Opal’s sisters were able to have their happily ever afters told in the future.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Neurospicy and queer spicy
Format: Paperback
I absolutely love this book. If you're looking for lesbian, spicy love but realistic with healthy relationship principles, and relatable neurodivergent characters, you'll love it too.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2026