Hawaii Books

Among the relatively few works available in English on the Pure Land teachings of Honen-bo Genku, this is an essential read. It could be considered a veritable manifesto of Honen's thought, particularly concerning the selection process involved in adopting Pure Land faith and practice (Nembutsu). This work is thus indispensible for anyone seeking to understand, and perhaps practice the teachings of this great pioneering Buddhist Master. This is a very accessable translation, which includes an excellent historical and doctrinal introduction, and a very helpful glossary.

I am a Hong Kong-er, this book has a lot of insightful views which really tells the story of HK.

This is a great book that now is out of print. If I knew they were going to be worth so much money I would have kept a few. But as I am the author, I may be biased. : ) Charles Memminger

In the covenant, U.S. citizenships were denied to those born to alien parents in the CNMI between the years 1978-1986 for the reason that no foreigners would rush in to make their kids citizens and then immediately leave, but this did not really happen. Of the 300 effected by this, many of them remained in the islands and have been a huge part of the CNMI native community through voluntary community services and as taxpayers. Most saddening is that the covenant seems to give the CNMI government full discretion to deport these kids anytime to their parents' country, including those whose never ever been out of the islands since birth. Being born at the wrong time was a mistake for these kids. Their parents came to the islands as legal alien workers whose been huge contributors to the economy. However, I must admit that this book is very well-researched authored by an Honorable individual, Dr. Willens.

A fascinating study of the intelligence breakdown that led to Pearl Harbor. Was it a let-down in preparedness and communications failure, or a sacrificial lamb to grease the wheels for America's entry into World War II? Particularly relevant in today's post 9/11 world where comparisons between Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center disaster are frequent and unfortunate. Is the U.S. government really capable of allowing such disasters to stir up popular response for its foreign policy?

Marion Coste hit a home run with her book, Honu. "Honu" is the Hawaiian name for the green sea turtle, the theme of this book. Coste goes through the life cycle of this amazing animal, focusing on the Pacific green sea turtle resident to Hawaiian waters. Accompanied by Cissy Gray's illustrations, Coste provides a very accurate, yet readable, overview of honu reproduction, mortality factors, growth, and behavior. She notes assistance from Mr. Honu himself, George Balazs.

I use this book as my outline when I give presentations on sea turtles to school groups in grades 1-12, starting with the tale of the female honu searching for a place to lay her eggs.

A very nice book, dedicated to "... the children of Hawai'i, who hold the future of the islands in their hands and hearts."

Having been to the islands almost a dozen times over the past 12 years, my wife and I found this book to be accurate as well as humorous. Mr. Runge's personal opinions are extremely insightful and right on the mark. Just one question, why hasn't this great book been revised? Well Jon?

The bulk of this book consists of fascinating, funny interviews with former colonial British and French officials (and their families) on the Anglo-French Pacific island colony of the New Hebrides. There are also interviews with some of the older island locals of the colony's successor, Vanuatu. Included are many interesting black and white pictures of houses and public buildings (all modest by comparison with, say, the buildings of British India), and these compliment the colourful anecdotes and stories of life in this colonial (and modern) backwater.

The book is prefaced with a chapter containing the author's academic thesis. This I found jargon-laden and ineptly written. But no matter, the bulk of the book with all its fasciniting tales and personalities, and the pictures, make this a strange and fascinating little book. It will appeal to the curiosity of the general reader as well as to anyone who has lived abroad in a colony/ex-colony and was surrounded by interesting imperial architure, grand or modest.

If you like Jan Morris's books, like Hong Kong or Stones of Empire, this will make an enjoyable if eccentric addition to your library.

This book is great for all ages, it has pages to color that are full of excellent information about the sea and tides and how to surf. It keeps the feeling light and fun, just how surfing should be!

This book is such a cute story for any child. I loved it when I was in school and I bought it for my children.