Hawaii Books

Danny Yamashiro fell from the sheer cliffs of the Pali lookout in Hawaii and almost died. It served as a wakeup call and now he serves the risen Lord! If you even wanted to see what God can do for one individual, who then touches the lives of others....this book is for you!

We visit the islands every year. This is by far one of the best books for the Big Island. The companion books for the other islands are excellent, as well.

I'd recommend this book for all who plan to visit this lovely but fast developing island!

This book was first printed in 1925 by Patten Books in Honolulu. It is a fabulous collection of poems devoted to Hawaii as seen through the eyes of a visitor. Even non-poetry readers will enjoy the simply written verse which evokes a time and place which some think is lost forever. The author also illustrated this book with wonderful black & white drawings. To find out more about Don Blanding, visit www.don-blanding.com

The concluding volume of distinguished New Zealand historian James Belich's general history of New Zealand is an engaging, tightly bound look at the 20th century. It certainly lives up to the expectations generated by the first academic history of the country by a single author since Keith Sinclair's work of the 1960s.
Belich writes with an engaging style, mixing humour and deft usage of example with the broad brushstroke of well formed arguments. Dividing the period into three large bites (1880s-1920s, 1920s to 1960s and 1960s to today), the first part of each 'bite' provides a chronological mix of primarily political and economic analysis. This useful framework informs the less-chronologically restricted second part of the section, dealing with social history. The format works very well, allowing a logical structure where the histories of government, popular culture, racial issues, economics and social structure sit neatly together without jumping back and forth as in a conventional narrative.
Of particular delight for me are the 'revisionist' reexaminations of a number of events, emphasising and casting them in a new light. Examples include the 1913 labour crisis and a very good look at the 'Protein' industry which places it in its political, economic and social context superbly.
The two core arguments are those of Recolonialism and The Great Tightening, tying our history to our relationship with Britain, and the populist quest for conformity and harmony. The points are both deftly argued, with every theme being tied to them, usually quite convincingly. As with any argument seeking to provide coherance, however, at times there is a danger that other causes and effects can be understated and ignored. One instance of this was in dealing with the dour 'safeness' of the early postwar era. Belich quotes Jame Mander; [New Zealand was] "afflicted with the 'awful disease' of puritanism and conformism - 'barren wastes of Victorian philistinasm', 'brain-numbing, stimulus-stifling, soul-searing silence'". Although this is convincingly linked with the concept of 'tightening', another important factor, that of the search for security and safety in the aftermath of World War II is scarcely touched upon.
Belich's broadsweeping approach also uncovers the many holes in New Zealand historiography, however his guesswork in these areas, for instance in sport, is usually convincing and far more informative and thought provoking than ignoring them completely!
The first chapter/s of each chronological chunk give a fair overview of the narrative of that era, particulaly polically and economically, however the book is not a survey in the American sense. I feel that there is a need for such a work in New Zealand history, combining narrative with academic insight in the style of Henretta et al's excellent "America's History", (perhaps the NZ market is too small?). That said, anyone with a passion for history, or studying New Zealand history in particular will be very well served and stimulated by "Paradise Reforged"'s superb arguments and bibliography to explore our history in further depth. Can't wait to see Mr Belich's next project, perhaps a TV adaptation in the Simon Schama mode?!!!

"Paradise: Road to Hana, Maui" is more than just a vacation guide, it is a crystal clear picture window into the exotic and beautiful destination that is Hana, Maui. This gentle travelogue reminds us all to slow down and take the time to appreciate the beauty and Aloha that surrounds us. Even if you have not been to Hawaii personally, this book captures the history, personality, and feelings of the islands which are obviously dear to the hearts of the authors. The clean design lends itself to relaxing enjoyment of the enchanting photographs and the meandering drive to Hana. Much more than just an ultimate destination or vacation spot, the inherent spirituality of Hana has been infused into the pages allowing the reader to enter and enjoy the experience from anywhere books can be read! Take this small book with you on your journey so you don't miss a single attraction, or better yet, keep it safely at home to share your wonderful vacation memories over and over again.

Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments and Seashores clearly and concisely describes the geological processes which formed the most spectacular, familiar and beloved landscapes in America. Balancing the fast-moving text are richly illustrated explanations of geological ideas and terminology and helpful color photographs depicting specific examples. The author identifies which parks reflect which geological forces leaving the reader with a desire to pack up and visit each park.

Ileto's book is a wonder and the first to ever draw parallels between Western and Southeast Asian traditions especially the practice of the Pasyon. Outwardly, the pasyon looks every bit a practice that can be deemed bizarre. Participants reenact Jesus Christ's punishment and crucifixion. Ileto enables the reader to draw insight between the practice and draw its origins from from both Western and Eastern trraditions. A must for any student of Southeast Asian studies.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Changing Worlds
Christian Brides
Intrepid Pilgrims
Dearest Friends
Pious Wives
Prudent Helpmeets
Faithful Mothers
Devoted Missionaries
Family Fortunes
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Business historian Mansel Blackford does a fine job in highlighting several key environmental issues concerning U.S. development in the region known as the "Pacific Rim." As Blackford himself points out in his conclusion, there have been many environmental studies done on particular issues in the Pacific. Many of these have tended to be highly detailed and technical, and therefore not acessible to the general public. One of the positive aspects of this book is that it is highly readable, quite a feat when considering the complex issues Blackford tackles in his book.

I found Blackford's chapter on the island of Guam particularly fascinating. Here, Blackford focuses on three important issues: the controversy over the U.S. Navy's decision in the early 1970s to build an ammunition wharf at Sella Bay, efforts by the Federal Government to establish two national parks during the same period, and the devestating enviromental impact of the brown tree snake. Blackford ultimately argues that the Navy was forced to incorporate political, cultural, and environmental concerns into a compromise package that spared Sella Bay, and which helped spur the development of tourism on Guam.

I also found Blackford's analysis of legislator and Chamorro rights activist Paul Bordallo surprisingly nuanced and incisive. Blackford largely avoids the binary trap of "government" versus "natives" by illustrating the opposition Bordallo faced from Chamorros and local residents, as well as U.S. Navy and Federal officials, in fighting to stop development at Sella Bay. Guam government officials and businessmen saw a good deal in exchanging Sella Bay with the Navy for greater civillian access to port facilities in Apra Harbor. Bordallo disagreed, arguing that Sella Bay's pristine environment must be preserved for future generations of Chamorros, local residents, and tourists to enjoy. Bordallo's vision, with the support of fifteen thousand signatures from local residents, ultimately prevailed, and one of Guam's most scenic locations was spared from becoming an ammunition wharf.

Overall, "Pathways to the Present" is a well-written examination of several cases of U.S. development in the Pacific Rim. Blackford does an excellent job in including both the "big picture" issues and the smaller "pictures" of indigeneous peoples, local residents, and individuals. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone familiar or unfamiliar with U.S.-Pacific history.