Hawaii Books

According to interviews with the author that I have read, he wrote this novel after suffering from a painful medical condition in the netherends for a few agonizing years. When he was finally cured, he wanted to write the pain out of his system.

Of course, he says, he could not tell a story without spinning wildly satirical and outrageous tall tales. The story addresses life in Oceania and life in the wider world through outrageous tales, from a satirical point of view.

Because he discusses a medical issue in the novel (relating to pain in the . . . um . . . "keester") some folks might consider bits of the story to be a teensy bit rude, and some folks might be a teensy bit uncomfortable discussing those details. I myself find Rabelais to be a teensy bit rude and I have been a teensy bit uncomfortable discussing the details of his works.

If you feel any discomfort, remember these words: "earthy, "humor," and " "Rabelais."

This may be one of the funniest novels I ever read, but it is also serious in its sharp satire. It should challenge one's views of Oceania, the world, and of our rather serious condition as mortal beings living on this earth, under heaven.

Mr. Hau'ofa and a critic friend have said that it is a moral novel, and that it should be read in Sunday schools. They may have been joking a little (a lot??). But all satire is moral in the final analysis, isn't it?

Since he wrote this novel, Mr. Hau'ofa has decided to stop the solitary work of writing literature, and he works with other artists from Oceania, assisting and participating with them in the fine arts and performing arts.

In my opinion this is an excellent novel. My only problem with it is that I can't decide if it is better than or "merely" "just" as excellent as his book Tales of the Tikongs.

Both deserve a wide readership and the author deserves credit as a world-class writer.

I recommend this novel and all of Hau'ofa's works (including the non-fiction!) very, very highly!

A very funny and insightful satire on the social scene and politics of life in the Pacific Islands. I recognized alot of situations and types of people I know, and felt it was told with great humor, a sharp eye, good storytelling and a wonderful sense of humanity.

We were only going to one island (Maui), but this is a great, quick overview of all the islands. I was surprised at the hidden "gems" the guide found (for example, it mentioned Sam Sato's for lunch). It doesn't go into great detail, or offer "suggested itineraries" like other guides, but it's a good starting point.

I am very pleased with this book for a number of reasons. Many other books are just too big to carry around with you and take up too much space in your luggage. This book is very compact, which makes it highly portable. in addition it is more than just another travel guide, as it is jammed packed with map after map after map. These maps fold out and cover almost every part of the Hawaiian Islands. Also this guide has listings for such things, as restaurants, museums, and shopping. Out of the three travel guides that I have boughten or received on Hawaii this is one that most likely will accompany me on my upcoming trip to Hawaii.

The book was in good condition but could tell that this was on older edition but overall in excellent condition.

This books is, in my opinion, the most accurate souce of information ever written on Hawaii's Japanese community. Other authors, such as Takaki, have also written excellent historical guides; however, they are usually mainland-born and don't/can't understand life in Hawaii. "Kodomo No Tame Ni" is a virtual encyclopedia of many lesser-known aspects of the Issei generation, and illustrates the past which has created the atmosphere of modern Hawaii.

Anyone interested in discovering the true past of Hawaii's Japanese (as well as Hawaii's other ethnic groups) should definitely get their hands on this collection of stories, which-- due to the growing mainland-ish "Americanization" of Hawaii-- will soon be forgotten.

In this day and age, I don't think another book of this sort will ever be written.

Dr. Kita hits with this work a crucial node in Japanese Art History: the transition from the medieval and classical traditions of art, from the art of the courtiers and handscrolls to that of the merchants and woodblock prints. Matabei is both chronologically and artistically at the centre of this transition, and his opus refuses simple interpretations.

Kita is the first scholar outside Japan to ever have researched on Matabei, and while his book gives a thorough review of the vivid discussions that Japanese scholars have held since the 19th century, it also presents the author's own extremely consistent study of Matabei. While Japanese art is often collected and admired in western museums, serious scholarship seldom transcends the borders of the archipel. This book is a fortunate exception, and it strikes both against the idea that Japanese-style scholarship is not suited for western readers, and agains the commonplace conceptions of Japanese art in the West, which has been looked at for too long now with the same blurred glasses of the "Japonisme" which, over a century ago, could not have more than a superficial interest for "decadent" woodblock prints or mysterious brushstrokes.

Solid image analysis, supported by reproductions for us mortals who do not have access to these rare paintings, is the base of Kita's argumentation, enhanced with abundant reference to earlier and contemporary scholars' studies. Leading us didactically, weaving a web of evidence that eventually comes down to the conclusion yet in no instance sacrificing academic consistency, this book is an ideal acquisition for both the experienced scholar of Japanese art and the serious amateur. Appendices, a glossary, and a character guide enhance the enjoyment of this book for many successive rereadings.

Dr. Kita hits with this work a crucial node in Japanese Art History: the transition from the medieval and classical traditions of art, from the art of the courtiers and handscrolls to that of the merchants and woodblock prints. Matabei is both chronologically and artistically at the centre of this transition, and his opus refuses simple interpretations.

Kita is the first scholar outside Japan to ever have researched on Matabei, and while his book gives a thorough review of the vivid discussions that Japanese scholars have held since the 19th century, it also presents the author's own extremely consistent study of Matabei. While Japanese art is often collected and admired in western museums, serious scholarship seldom transcends the borders of the archipel. This book is a fortunate exception, and it strikes both against the idea that Japanese-style scholarship is not suited for western readers, and agains the commonplace conceptions of Japanese art in the West, which has been looked at for too long now with the same blurred glasses of the "Japonisme" which, over a century ago, could not have more than a superficial interest for "decadent" woodblock prints or mysterious brushstrokes.

Solid image analysis, supported by reproductions for us mortals who do not have access to these rare paintings, is the base of Kita's argumentation, enhanced with abundant reference to earlier and contemporary scholars' studies. Leading us didactically, weaving a web of evidence that eventually comes down to the conclusion yet in no instance sacrificing academic consistency, this book is an ideal acquisition for both the experienced scholar of Japanese art and the serious amateur. Appendices, a glossary, and a character guide enhance the enjoyment of this book for many successive rereadings.

The first of many Lets Go guides I've bought. I used this book like a bible when I was in California. Great maps and great advice on where to go. Hollywood Blvd has great places to eat, you can skip Musso & Frank's (wasn't what it used to be back in the day). Try the Pig N' Whistle, the best chicken soup I've ever had! This guide book has great vintage shopping ideas and free places to visit. I stayed at the USA Hostel and it was wonderful (minus the post office bells in the morning). With the help of the hostel & this guide book I went everywhere by bus, subway and foot (you really shouldn't walk in LA its not like NYC, the blocks are longer and the sun is more intense, get a bike or wait for the bus or rent a car)

I always buy Let's Go travel guides because in my opinion, they are the best. They have lots of information, maps and advices. I have bought many guides and this one is the best about California.

Lowe's biography of the talented, beautiful queen is a wonderful addition to the library of any student of Hawaiian history and its ali'i (royalty). Queen Liliuokalani's tragic years on what was left of the throne are perfectly illustrated. You feel you are actually there!
The story of how the Queen was put under house arrest, refused access to newspapers - her friends had to smuggle them to her wrapped around flowers (there is even a photo of her reading a wet, crumpled newspaper) and accounts of the last days of the monarchy are devastating. The annexation day parade, according to this book which is very well researched and very readable, had "the atmosphere of an execution." Highly recommended.

Lowe's biography of the talented, beautiful queen is a wonderful addition to the library of any student of Hawaiian history and its alii. Queen Liliuokalani's tragic years on what was left of the throne are perfectly illustrated.You feel you are actually there! The story of how the Queen was put under house arrest, refused access to newspapers - her friends had to smuggle them to her wrapped around flowers (there is even a photo of her reading a wet, crumpled newspaper) and accounts of the last days of the monarchy are devastating. The annexation day parade, according to this book which is very well researched and very readable, had "the atmosphere of an execution." Highly recommended.

This a great easy-to-read adaptation of the wonderful movie script.

This book is a pretty good adaptation of the movie. Considering the wild visual action and humor of the movie, the author did a a decent job of describing them for the book. A great read for kids of all ages.

Andrew Powell is the founding chair of the Psychotherapy and Spirituality Special Interest Group of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP). A fellow of the RCP, he practiced medicine as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in London and Oxford for more than a quarter century. Dr. Powell was educated at the Braynston School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He attended St. Thomas's Hospital Medical School in London for his clinical training and received his bachelor of medicine degree with distinction and his bachelor of surgery degree from Cambridge in 1969. After working first in psychiatry and then in general medicine, he took two years of post-graduate training in psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital, London, followed by three years of post-graduate training in psychotherapy there. Dr. Powell served as a consultant psychotherapist and chief of the department of psychotherapy at St. George's Hospital, London, and a senior lecturer in psychiatry at the University of London from 1978 to 1989 where he was co-director of the master's degree program in psychotherapy. For the next eleven years, he was consultant psychotherapist at Warneford Hospital in Oxford and honorary senior lecturer in psychotherapy at Oxford University. He served as co-director of Oxford's introductory course in psychodynamic therapy. A member of the Royal College of Physicians, the Institute of Group Analysis in London, and the British Psychodrama Association, Dr. Powell has published numerous papers in scientific and medical journals. He is also the co-author (with Bisong Guo) of Listen to Your Body: The Wisdom of Dao, which was published in 2001 by the University of Hawaii Press.

Dr. Bisong Guo, MD was born in China and studied Western medicine at Fuzhou Medical School before specialising in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She later joined the staff of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. For more than twenty-five years she has intensively practised qigong, studying with Buddhist qigong masters and Daoist monks in remote mountainous regions of China. In 1989 she moved to England and established a TCM practice in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where over ten years she treated more than five thousand patients. She has collaborated on research projects in Germany and now travels widely overseas conducting seminars and workshops. Dr. Guo continues to teach qigong in the UK, continental Europe and the U.S.A.

It's very interesting to realize that under Dao De Jing scripture, there is a way to inteprete and adapt into real lifestyle modification.
In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine wisely use Nature as a real mind-body medicine preventive approach.
After reading this book, ones should practice "Qigong" or "Yoga" everyday to get "In" the system.
Observe carefully while you are relax and doing mind-body exercise, then messages(vibration) will send back to you if you need to adjust any things for your lifestyle.
Simply read but do not practice will not expose to any progress in health promotion.

This is the best book I've found that explains how the Chinese view the body and how to get well and stay well without taking pills and seeing a doctor all the time. I've been trying to figure out how to get well and keep well as it seems in the last several years my health has been on a roller coaster. Guo and Powell clearly describe the nature of "chi" (our body's source of energy) and give simple ways to build it and conserve it in every day living. What I liked the most was their non- judgemental and non-preachy tone. They give suggestions in a very gentle way, thus allowing one to act on them or not act on them without feeling like one must do or die. This is a must read for anyone on the alternative healing path.

Brew yourself a pot of Kona coffee, find a comfortable chair and get ready for an adventure!
"Lokelani Nights" is an intriguing mystery with a solid cast of characters. Casy Anne Ward and Christopher Allan Kahana (aka Kit) are two broken hearted souls that pose as a married couple to help solve the mystery of who (or what as in Puhi shark god) is pulling pranks on a local macadamia nut farm / cattle ranch. During their time on the island they find healing and a whole lot of adventure... maybe more than they bargained for.
The characters are witty and very well written and the story is steeped in Hawaiian traditions... Sharon K. Garner really did her homework on this one and I learned a lot of new Hawaiian words. My only complaint about the book is that it made me hungry... the description of food and coffee were just a bit too vivid.... I could almost smell the Kona coffee! :0) Very enjoyable read!

Another wonderful story by my favorite author. Once I began reading, I couldn't stop! I was hooked from the first paragraph. Loved all the characters, but I loved Kit Kahana most of all. This story makes me wish there really was such a place as Lokelani.

Comprehensive, beautifully illustrated with botanical drawings. A stunning work of scholarship, it is the ultimate reference for Hawaiian flora. Two large volumes. Intended for professionals, but amateurs like myself who persist (and use the glossary at the end of volume two) find it fascinating. Be sure to get the 1999 edition rather than the one from a decade earlier.

The 1990 edition has been superceded by the 1999 edition. Be sure to get the current one.