Hawaii Books

This is a beautifully done book on Hawaiian Petroglyphs. Excellent or both the enthusiast and someone who is has passing interest. It makes for a great coffee table book, as well as one for reference for the more than curious. I have a collection of books on Hawaiian Petroglyphs, but this is definitely one of the better, must haves, for those who are remotely interested.

This is an extract of a review of 'Staging Hong Kong' published in 'The UTS Review: Cultural Studies and New Writing' 5(2), Nove 1999, pp209-212. The reviewer is Mandy Thomas.

'Rozanna Lilley's book 'Staging Hong Kong' is a work which can be defined in every dimension as being 'hot'. As a result of the repercussions of global political and social change, anthropology has been forced to continually reposition itself dynamically through the successive establishmnet of innovative research practices and canons. This book is one of those books which we look to in order to redefine the discipline because it is 'hot' at so many levels, heralding new forms of cultural analysis. It's hot because it articulates an entirely new understanding of cultural productions, it's optimistic and vibrant, brilliantly crafted and seductively humorous, and it's hot because it is very much of the moment in terms of the global issues it deals with, and also because it's about a very cool group of people... 'Staging Hong Kong' is fascinating and exquisitely written. It's brimming with ideas about colonisation, cultural marginality, gender and sexual politics, social differentiation, and the dilemmas of being caught in a culturally and historically huge moment like the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. In academic literature there is presently a palpable malaise around the subjects of globalisation, nationalism and retrospectives on the century we are farewelling. By returning to a study of the intersection of culture and politics, Lilley eclipses many of the wearying contemporary speculations on the conjunctions between the local and the global and offers us an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing problem of the relationship of art to life.

This book teaches Hawaiian astrology in the framework of Hoku-Heleli a kahuna that is teaching his son Hoku-iki astrology.

In this teaching; Hoku-iki is taught the constelations, which Akua (god of goddess) rules the constelation, then Hoku-Helelie expounds on the teaching by telling an appropriate Hawaiian legend as in "Kane and the creation myth", "The righteous warrior", "Papa and Wakea", "Hina and the moon", and others to illustrate the meaning of the signs. I am surprised that Pele is not mentioned in the book.

The book also teaches the importance of living in harmony with the rest of Creation.

I only have one tiny nitpick with the book. Ms. Claig refers to Io as the supreme or ultimate God (There are many names for the Creator that I need not go into). The nitpick is that Hawaiians were aware of the Creator; but did not pray to the supreme God because they felt that the supreme being was beyond human comprension, so they use their Aumakua, the Po'e Aumakua, and the assorted Akua to act as intercessors.

... ...I have read more HUNA books than are listed there,...

... Aloha nui loa. Two Bears

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Finding information on Tibet, particularly objective information, can be challenging. This book provides insight into the signficant economic disparities suffered by the Tibetan people. Statistics from China are considered by many sources to be biased and not accurate, and pro-Tibet supporters are difficult to take at face value as well, however this text seems to project the true state of affairs as completely and honestly as possible. Perfect as a reference source for any academic work. Well done!

Mr. Budnick's historical review of the United States "takover" of the Hawaiian Islands unearths the all-too-familiar tale of political intrigue and corruption. This book provides an insider's view of the imperialistic fashion in which the missionaries, large ranch/farming interests, military fanatics and their political cronies collaborated against the Hawiian cultural and political system. It also explains the efforts of native Hawaiians to prevent these actions. Essentially, "Stolen Kingdom" is the non-fiction version of James A. Michener's "Hawaii". I learned much from this well-documented book; and most notably, of the various factions in the US and Hawaii involved in usurping power from the indigenous locals. I recommend this informative writing to all Americans as a primer for Hawaiian Political History.

For me the story really started moving once the immigrants arrived on Maui. But it was important to learn their background and their frame of mind when they left their homeland. It is great to revel in the picture that Bushnell paints with his words on Hawai'i in the monarchy days. It was also fascinating to consider; you've arrived at a land after a long perilous voyage, to discover the inhabitants of you new home do not speak your language.

A great collection of stories that are perfect examples of the Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies (see E. Perry Link) school of Chinese Literature. Wong is a pioneer in the field of this much understudied type literature, and hopefully now, people everywhere and take a breather from Lu Xun and Ba Jin.

-Ba Yuebo

"You cannot escape liking the climate....And I warn you, if you have some spot dear to you on earth, not to linger here too long, else you will find this dearer."
From The Sheriff of Kona

This is a terrific collection of short stories set in the Hawaiian Islands in the early years of the 20th century. London's stories are set pieces that capture a very specific time in the Hawaiian Islands, after the end of the monarchy and during the early years of American annexation. He writes with a vigor and directness that makes his stories engaging, enjoyable reading and his mastery of the short story structure is first rate.

I have one warning for modern readers with political or racial sensitivities, though. As a man of his time, London writes with a gentle but obvious racism that reflects his world view (and the common views of the era). People's characters are determined by their race, and race is often used as a shorthand stereotype to describe individuals. If seeing simple, sensual, superstitious Hawaiians, wily Asians, and rational, greedy (often heavy drinking) whites, you should avoid this book. It's never mean-spirited, but it is pervasive.

For those of us who appreciate good stories that capture a unique time and place and who are not offended by anachronistic views on race, these stories are real gems. I think they are better than most of London's more famous stories, myself.

Carla Golembe's The Story Of Hula is a picturebook with a narrative audio CD all about the meaning and expression of the Hawaiian hula dance. Teaching young people about the origins and symbolic values behind traditional hula costume, and the power of the story behind the dance that is handed down through generations, The Story Of Hula is a delightful introduction to other cultures and celebrations. Simple color illustrations, a glossary of Hawaiian terms and a final page of historic notes round out this enjoyable and educational volume.

My fifth grade teacher read Stowaways in Paradise to our class in Brighton, Colorado back in the mid 1960s. She also read it to my brother and sister who went through her class before me. The author, Don Blanding (who also is responsible for the artwork in the book and on the cover), wrote many books about Hawaii and this is my favorite. I searched for 30 years for a copy of this book and was finally given one for a birthday present some ten years ago. I have since bought another copy through the magic of the Internet. This book and its story about pre-pubescent boys in Hawaii takes me back to my childhood in Colorado like no other story and I will treasure it and share it with my grandchildren.