Hawaii Books

It took me a while to digest all the scientific evidence, ecology, biology, case studies, arguments, and historical perspective. But once I got comfortable with its presentation, I eagerly read the book during my metro train rides to/from work each day, and I ended up with a tremendously deeper respect for Hawaiian nature as well as a better understanding of how politics and money interact with the future of America's tropical "paradise." It's definitely not a book you can take in all in one sitting (at least for me). But once you've allowed yourself to hear its arguments, you'll come to realize (as the book correctly points out) that Hawaii is indeed a microcosm of the greater United States and even the world. Moreover, the crisis facing Hawaii's nature can easily be extended to the rest of the world.

The book presents each aspect of Hawaii's ecosystems and wildlife both before and after human activities. The author was very careful in establishing scientific evidence and historical accounts/case studies to either back up his arguments or to establish how nature was in the past. It's here where the info can be very dense and difficult to digest, but if you want to know the truth, then you have to invest the time and energy to get the whole story - which Culliney does with unwavering determination.

All in all, it's not often you have a book as thorough, passionate, and uncompromising as this. I think it's a must-read for those who care about the Islands of Aloha and the well-being of its future as well as our own in general.

This timely study is a worthy companion to the late Alan Ziegler's authoritative Hawaiian Natural History, Ecology, and Evolution. Where Ziegler deals with the natural history as it developed up to and including the Polynesian settlement of the islands, Culliney focuses on the impacts of human settlement.
At the outset, Culliney sets up the Hawaiian islands as a microcosm of the planet. The picture that results is depressing. At first sight, there is plenty of wilderness left in the islands: remote places like Kaua'i's Alaka'i swamp still harbour their unique plants and birds. The more sober view that emerges is that (some) endemic species hang on to a precarious existence in such places to which they have been driven because these are the only places not (yet) overtaken by human occupation, alien species and the diseases they carry. Encouraging exceptions, such as the development of disease resistance in a few of the remaining honeycreepers, successes in captive breeding of endemic thrushes and the growth of responsible eco-tourism, are dwarfed by the massive environmental vandalism associated with golf courses and the pointless military occupation of the saddle area of the Big Island. Of the main islands, only Moloka'i has steadfastly resisted development, although feral beasts have ravaged its forests and its mountains were not high enough to save any of its spectacular endemic birds from malaria.
In his later chapters Culliney's measured prose turns increasingly bitter, as he exposes the shocking failure of the state government to protect its remaining wild treasures, with feral sheep and pigs left to run amok in deference to the "hunting" lobby. Some steps which might be taken are suggested based on experience in New Zealand, where planting of native species and fencing are mandated in ecologically sensitive areas. Hawaiian politicians please take a trip to New Zealand and learn how responsible stewardship can be attempted, before it is too late.

I bet "Islands in a Far Sea" is the first book published by a taxpayer-supported public university press to call the taxpayers -- or at least the ones ranching on the Big Island -- "juvenile yahoos."
Hawaii Pacific University professor of biology John Culliney lets it all hang out in his updated review of the natural history of "the world's finest natural laboratory for the study of evolution." Subtitled "The Fate of Nature in Hawaii," it makes for gloomy reading.
Although a strong environmentalist, zoologist Culliney at least does not buy into the ohia-hugging claptrap that decorates all too much writing about Hawaii's natural history. Ohia is the native name for Metrosideros polymorpha, the characteristic and unique tree of Hawaiian rain forests.)
Nor does he fall for the PC notion that pre-Contact Hawaiians loved the aina (land) so much that they lived in placid harmony with it. "Humans would shape the nature of the islands far more than they would be shaped by it," Culliney writes. "The nature of Hawaii was far from pristine when the Europeans and Americans began to influence the islands."
Overall, Culliney brings tradewind freshness to a field of writing clogged with sappy romanticism.
He is virtually unique among nature writers -- whether mere enthusiasts or professional ecologists -- in failing to rave about our islands' "rich volcanic soil." "Rich volcanic soil" is a cliche that was originally and accurately used to describe the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily. Hawaiian volcanoes are different, and Hawaii's soil is good for little but to hold plants out of the ocean.
Citing work by Peter Vitousek of Stanford University, Culliney points out that older islands, like fabulously green Kauai, would be scarcely able to support plant life, for lack of phosphorous, if it weren't for dust blown over from the steppes of Central Asia.
But if Culliney casts a more than commonly beady eye on the more inane claims of the greens, he is far from contented with what's been going on here.
Except for humans themselves and their fire, nothing has harmed native plants and animals more than big grazing mammals. And no one group arouses Culliney more than hunters. He calls their contrived arguments to continue, even enhance, the damage "neolithic eco-thinking."
Even real estate developers finish second to hunters in Culliney's rogues' gallery, though not by much.
For a reader wanting a compendious summary of the history and present prospects of Hawaii's natural life, "Islands in a Far Sea" is hard to beat. So much has changed, even in the 18 years since the first edition came out.
Not only have new kinds of assaults on native life been introduced -- noisy coqui frogs from Puerto Rico, for example -- but an enormous amount of fresh research has been published on these already much-studied islands.
The discoveries of unsuspected species of flightless birds -- probably eaten to extinction by the first Polynesians, who found little here in the way of vegetable food -- were just one of a large number of surprises brought to light in recent years.

Islands In A Far Sea: The Fate Of Nature In Hawai'i, by John L. Culliney, is not a trivial, easy to read, shallow review of neat places and critters in Hawai'i. Rather, it is an in-depth, sobering, and comprehensive review of what has been, what is now, and what may be, here in Hawai'i.

The book covers many aspects of the physical and biological world of these "islands in a far sea." Let me just comment on three aspects of Culliney's book.

1. Sea turtles: this is not a book "on" sea turtles. Nevertheless, Culliney dedicates one full chapter to sea turtle and monk seal biology and conservation issues. There are insights in this chapter that were new to me. Again, this was not just a "sea turtles are neat, they lay eggs at French Frigate Shoals, the population is recovering, etc." coverage.

2. Hawaiian tree snails: This chapter is very interesting, and again contained material new to me. I was particularly interested in the genus Achatinella (on O'ahu), its conservation, management, and history, since my ohana was involved in bringing cannibal snails to O'ahu, and I've visited with folk working on these snails on a protected ridge in Makua Valley, tending to the fence protecting their habitat from feral goats and collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis from the snail "feet."

3. The geological history of the islands: Culliney goes beyond just restating the "hotspot" theory of island formation, and goes into detail about what happens after the islands quit "growing."

All in all, this is a readable, scholarly reference book and textbook. All people serious about understanding Hawaiian natural history should read it.

You, as well as I, or lot of people more have heard stereotypes of Japan and its people, for sure. Maybe you use such stereotypes when talking about any topic on Japan. However, there are very good explanations for them, and I recommend you this book to know such basics.

In the first half, you'll read about Japan's history and the evolution of its society. In the second, you'll use those arguments to understand the behaviour of the groups of Japanese identified through the book.

The book set clearly two distinctions:
1. Talk about groups of Japanese, not "the Japanese," that is, don't use stereotypes.
2. Consider the time. Any argument is valid only in a certain period of time.

On that second point, the book was edited in 2001. It has arguments for 2005 or so. After that, you should look for new arguments.

McCreery is an anthropologist who has spent years working in the Japanese advertising industry -- not working in the sense of anthropological field work, but actually earning a living in the Japanese advertising industry. His book draws both on his insights into the industry and its products from this perspective, and his anthropological training. It is a data-rich book that ingeneously makes use of advertising or marketing research to create portraits of what advertisers think about different generations or sub-sets of Japanese consumers. It is a fascinating mosaic of materials and in many ways an experimental ethnography. Highly recommended.

The expertise gained from years of experience in Japanese advertising is supplemented with interviews and translations from Hakuhodo's think-tank newsletter on consumer mindsets. Highly recommended.

Japanese Consumer Behavior is a challenging book. There are multiple frames of reference: an analytical outsider, analyzing insiders analyzing their own culture, and changing trends within that culture. And that is just the approach. Then there is the data, relatively rapid changes across generations within a culture in response to major post-World War II, economic, gender-role, urbanizing, and, well, other real big changes. In essence there is a real fine grained analysis coupled with an analysis of the larger trends. And then there is the weird sense of dislocation, of finding "sneaker middles" in Japan bearing an almost but not quite resemblence to "yuppies" and trying to put a finger on what that "almost" but "not quite" is. The traditional anthropological road map one acquires does not apply very well to this book, hence it is an active reader book. If anyone is interested in what anthropology is going to be like in the future this is a good place to start.

I am a beginner in Kendo so take this all with a grain of salt.

I thought this was a tremendous book. Well written, clear, and thorough. I think it rivals "Kendo: the Definitive Guide" as one of the two best Kendo books. Particularly interesting, though not useful unless you're already a sandan or so, are the sections on Nito and Jodan. I haven't seen info on those kamae in English anywhere else.

Good book and a worthy addition to your library.

The book is exactly as the title states. It explains the philosophy, history, and rules of Kendo. It also has illustrations for the techniques so you can learn them. You still need to study Kendo in person to learn it, but this book is good as a reference book in case you haven't practiced something in awhile. It also has the terminology, which is useful to know as a student.

Dr. Tokeshi's book is great. It covers everything from the philosophy and history behind kendo to waza (techniques) and the basics of equipment care. Not to mention the comprehensive section on nitto ryu and the Nihon Kendo Kata. Using Dr. Tokeshi's book I've learned to take apart and maintain my shinai and how to fold my keikogi and hakama. I especially like the sections where he explains the reasons behind the different kamae and what the different kata is supposed to teach you.

Jinichi Tokeshi provides a succinct albeit comprehensive guide to Kendo and all that is entails. It begins with a short history of Kendo in an effort to familiarize the reader with the origins of the "sport". Tokeshi then spends some time on the necessities such as equipment and the correct manner in which to wear the kendogi and bogu! He also pays strict attention to appropriate etiquette and behaviour. The book deals with the movements, strikes, general philosophy, rules, regulations and ends with short biographies on historically significant samurai/Kendo masters! All in all the book amicably demonstrates the "elements, rules, and philosophy" of Kendo and as a new student to the Japanese art of fencing it has proved indispensable.

I thought I'd buy this to help teach history in school to my middle school ESOL students, I also am a fan of Diane Stanley, the illustrator. I didn't count on how absorbing the story would be and that I would be drawn into a world I barely knew existed. I had never heard of Princess Kaiulani before. I thought I would be reading about Queen Liliuokalani and it took me back a bit when I found out the story was about her niece. Kaiulani has a touching and very short life. I really want to read more about her. What more can an author hope for if they spur an interest in the subject they wrote about?

My daughter and I loved this book, even though the text was challenging for her as a 4-year old. The story of Princess Ka'iulani's childhood, and her bravery, poise, and eloquence in defending Hawaii when the Haoles brought in an army to depose Hawaii's queen, is beautifully told and made a deep impression. Also beautifully illustrated.

Gives children a real look at the history of Hawaii. A beautiful, sad and true story. Would like to buy a bunch more and give to children for gifts.

Fay Stanley's very worthy true story, "The Last Princess," is the tale of the life of Princess Ka'ilulani of Hawaii (or "Hawai'i" as it's more correctly spelled throughout the book). The book is illustrated by Fay Stanley's daughter, Diane Stanley, and this mother-daughter team has come up with a captivating and sad true story about a portion of history little of us know anything about.

Princess Ka'iulani was the niece of the king of Hawaii when she was born towards the coming of the 20th century. Great rejoicing attended her birth, as the king himself had no children. By all accounts, Ka'iulani was cheerful, beautiful, polite, kind, intelligent, and more than worthy of taking over the throne when the time came. Unfortunately, Americans intervened and little by little usurped the king's power. By the time Ka'iulani returned to the island after her schooling in England, the Hawaiian islands were an entirely different place--and not for the better.

Ka'iulani appealed to President Grover Cleveland's better nature and although he did his best to help her, upon leaving the White House after his presidency, Ka'iulani now had no American political friends. It was far more in America's interests to annex Hawaii to America than it was to help this charming, serious princess regain her rightful access to the Hawaiian throne.

This is a terrifically absorbing tale. Ka'iulani is presented beautifully by the illustrations, which show different aspects of her personality while always emphasizing her dignity and popularity among the Hawaiian people. The two Stanley ladies have taken a little-known subject and presented it to us with power and handsome decoration, and the end result is highly compelling.

****
This novel is a story of obsessive love, full of sad, moving moments, and so well-written. It was enjoyable beginning to end. What I enjoyed most about it was the real main character of the story, though---Hilo, Hawaii. The sounds, scents, and beauty of Hawaii was poignantly described in a way that drew me in from the very first page and made me love Hilo. Although I'd visited Hilo, I didn't truly appreciate it until I read "Lava". If you love Hawaii and want to get to know it better, if you want to read a different type of romance, you'll really enjoy this novel.
****

Pamlea Ball's novel is a subtle and beautiful work set in Hilo, Hawaii, simply one of the best books I have ever read...

I love this book! - and like the first reviewer I tend to give it as a gift to all my literary friends. The setting - Hawaii - is wonderful, the characters memorable and the rhythm of the dialogue is great. I would definitely buy another book by Pam Ball.

I found this novel recommended by Terri Windling in this year's BEST OF HORROR AND FANTASY anthology (Number 11). I tend to like genre-benders, fiction that has an element of fantasy or unreality and Windling has proven to be a reliable source for many.

At less than 200 pages, this brilliant, stunningly written, often hallucenogenic novel by Ball, a teacher of writing at Florida State, is a compelling afternoon's read.

Sharks, tropical flowers, Tsunanis, mythology, and a theme of loss make for a potent, sensuous blend in a lush tropical Hawaiian atmosphere.

I fully intend to get all my great reading friends to read this one. A remarkable first novel.

I spent 10 days diving Palau in June 2001 and this book was incredibly helpful. There are so many dive sites to choose from in this region, and this book did an excellent job detailing each and every one. Since most dive operators in this region take "requests" rather than dictate where you're going, it's nice to have some information to make an informed decision, depending upon whether you want to focus on macro, big animal enounters, drift dives, wrecks, etc. Going to dive Palau without this book is simply a bad idea.

I used by no means to be a fan of diving and snorkeling. Yet, the beautiful seas of the Pacific, combined with this wonderful excellently written guidebook, introduced me to the wonderful world of this activity. The guidebook provides excellent and invaluable information and advice for divers and snorkelers - beginners and experts alike - with special focus on how great this can be in Palau. Meanwhile, the guidebook is also a wonderful travel tool for visiting Palau, whether or not you are primarily there for snorkeling and diving. All in all, it is surely a worthwhile, if not crucial, purchase, before you set off to the Pacific.

Well worth the money to purchase this book. There are LOTS of quality places to snorkel and dive in Palau, this book gives you some help picking out the best places for you. Also some (not a ton, but adequate) suggestions for dry-land activities.
And yes, I was in Palau spring 2005- the jellys in jellyfish lake are back to a healthy population after El nino!

I used by no means to be a fan of diving and snorkeling. Yet, the beautiful seas of the Pacific, combined with this wonderful excellently written guidebook, introduced me to the wonderful world of this activity. The guidebook provides excellent and invaluable information and advice for divers and snorkelers - beginners and experts alike - with special focus on how great this can be in Palau. Meanwhile, the guidebook is also a wonderful travel tool for visiting Palau, whether or not you are primarily there for snorkeling and diving. All in all, it is surely a worthwhile, if not crucial, purchase, before you set off to the Pacific.

Having been to Hawaii, I totally enjoyed this book. Real or imagined phenemenons, it adds to the magic of Hawaii, and exposes one to other cultures.

I admit that "True Encounters with Hawai'i's Fire Goddess" is a bit of a shocker for a subtitle. How can one verify that these tales are true? They're of a personal flair. The fervency with which the writers speak is obvious. Perhaps that's not something that can be faked. The tales also smack of truth to me, someone who has studied mythology and doesn't believe it's merely "myth". It is not a book of fact, however. It's a book of story.

The compiler himself, Rick Carroll, reveals background information and tells of a personal encounter himself, and they're a good addition to the group.

A few of the stories seem out of character for Pele, being downright scary (although, as one writer quotes, "Fear only living spirits; dead ones can do you no harm," and I believe that); and Pele my prank on occassion, but she never sets out to freak the refuse out of anyone. I can't help but think their inclusion misrepresents Pele, but they're very interesting nonetheless, and I'm pleased to have read them.

If you're interested in the topic, this anthology is worth getting. I intellectually devoured it in one sitting, and I'm hungry for more information on Pele. There isn't much else like it that I've come across, at least not having to do with Pele. Luckily, there's a suggested reading list at the back.

I hope to meet Pele myself, as I'll be a student on the Big Island of Hawai'i this fall, attending the University for a few years. If you should have your own encounter, respect her (it) in every way possible. She may be used as a metaphor to represent a force of nature, but she *is* a force of nature herself, under God, and deserves to be greatly honored and treated as such. Scorn her, and you'll invoke not only her wrath but the wrath of the Creator.

'Madame Pele' is a delightful and at times disquieting collection of 29 accounts by 23 contributors attesting to true encounters with the infamous Hawaiian volcano Goddess, Madame Pele. Peter Carroll has done us all a valuable service by putting these fascinating tales in one collection, organizing and categorizing them into four chapters, or sections. They are: 'On the Big Island', 'On Other Islands', 'Hitchhiking' and 'Pele's Rocks.'

The longest section and my favorite of the four is; 'On the Big Island.' It's here on the big island of Hawaii that we find the last active volcano on the islands and it's here that the Goddess is most powerful and most apt to make an appearance. My favorite encounter experience is found in this section. It's titled quite simply and appropriately, 'Pele'.

Pele can appear almost anywhere, but she does seem to frequent some particular spots more than others. She also has a number of different forms to chose from. She may present herself as a beautiful young woman, or an old hag. Pele also has a fondness for either long red, or white dresses depending on her mood.

Each account is no more than four or five pages long so if you come upon a particular tale that doesn't capture your interest don't worry, it will only take a second to work your way to one more desirable. However I recommend you read them all just to gain the full impact and depth of the Pele experience.

'Madame Pele' is only 114 pages in length making it not only a very easy read, but a quick one as well. If you're looking for something to take on vacation to read this is the perfect book, especially if you happen to be heading for Hawaii. If Hawaii is your destination that be sure to read this book first and make sure you remember not to pick up any lava rocks while you're there.

Madam Pele: True Encounters with Hawaii's Fire Goddess is an anthology of personal testimonies from twenty-three authors concerning Hawaii's legendary fire goddess. Pele's form changes in response to the perspectives of those who claim to have seen her, and it is left to the reader to sort through myth, exaggeration, legend, and reality in this marvellous and exciting anthology. Truly fun to read for the thrill of recounting modern-day testimony of meeting a goddess, Madam Pele is an excellent addition to folklore and fable shelves.

In this enchanting historical romance, Mahalo is the sugar plantation home of the heroine Laelani Winton. It is also the Hawaiian expression for thank-you. Two high spirited young women, one Hawaiian and one English, arrive in turn-of-the century Hawaii each with a different dream and background. Companions and friends they set the island astir.
The vivid descriptions of Honolulu in the late 1890's take you back to that time and set the stage for a royal ball, dual romances and the eventual overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Laelani, after being introduced to the social circles of Honolulu would rather be at Mahalo than in Honolulu. Again the vivid details of the plantation, the hideaway falls, the customs and the people, transport you to a far off time and place.
Having been married in Hawaii myself, I especially enjoyed the Hawaiian wedding scene rich in detail and full of emotion. In the back of the book is a dictionary of the Hawaiian words that you'll encounter through out the book. It is a delightful story that takes you away from the fast track of today to two timeless love stories in a lush and lovely island.

This book reads like SENSE AND SENSIBILITY meet GONE WITH THE WIND and go to BLUE LAGOON! I could almost feel the tropical breezes, the hibiscus, the ocean, the ripening sugar cane as the characters met and fell in love. I was especially interested in the multi-cultural themes of anglos and polynesians being drawn to each other, even as the American sugar barons conspire to steal the Kingdom of Hawai'i away from it's lawful native ruler. Intriguing and beguiling characters swept me along. But I have to say, the love scenes really captured me. I am running out to buy a peacock feather right away!

Set in the sunny and splendid 1892 Hawai'i, Mahalo, My Love by veteran romance novelist Ida Hills is a captivating story of love amidst a land of beauty on the verge of being torn apart by strife, as American sugar barons clash with Queen Liliu'okalani. A double romance afflicts the hero, who in spite of being expected to marry one woman falls in passionate love with a flame-haired stranger. Ultimately, Mahalo, My Love is a fiery, exciting, and especially engaging historical romance from beginning to end.

Ms. Hills delivers a fine novel uniquely set during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Laelani Winton, half Hawaiian, half English returns to her beloved Hawaiian sugar plantation only to have her dream of running her father's sugar plantation thwarted by her scheming brother-in-law. Traveling with Laelani is her English companion who has a different dream.

Under the tropical breezes and lush surroundings each spirited young woman finds adventure, success, and romance. Readers will enjoy the two love stories. Expect to laugh a little and shed a tear or two in this well-executed tale of passion and betrayal. Kudos to Ms. Hills, and kudos to Beagle Bay Books for a wonderful read and a quality edition.

This was a great story. It is extremely sad and poignant. It is not only heartbreaking that a beautiful people where losing their lands, but witnessing the terrible deaths they suffered before they passed on. It is up lifting to find that the author shared a spirit in the characters towards the end of the story that showed how truly beautiful these people were in how the accepted their fate. I believe Bushnell has a great voice of old Hawai'i. Like every great book it leaves you wanting more at the end.

I read this book in college while living in Hawaii and then read it again ten years later and it is still excellent! The three faces of the book bring a new dimension to the reader's experience. Bushnell uses each of the three characters to teach the reader about the time period and about the experiences of living on Kalapapa. He weaves a wonderful story about the lives of the Hawaii people who suffered from leprousy. Used the book for a book club and was loved by everyone!! Historical fiction!! Wonderful story!!!

Outside of Michener's famous novel, "Hawaii", this is one of the best fiction works about Hawaii. Fictional characters are woven into a tapestry around the real Father Damien and how all their lives are affected by the curse of leprosy and exile to Molokai.

I picked this up in a used bookstore in Hawaii expecting to get a little historical background on Father Damian and life in the leper colony of Molokai, but ended up discovering an utterly gripping novel. The story of a prisoner on death row given the option of life among the lepers in exchange for experimentation on his person in an attempt to find a cause for the spread of the disease. The story is told from three perspectives and fits together like a satisfying puzzle. The self absorbed Dr. Neuman is straight out of a Dostoevski novel. Highly recommended.

The author of "Mosaic Moon" - Frances H. Kakugawa - is a caring, empathetic woman who became the leader of a group of Alzheimer's caretakers in Hawaii. What a productive work she did and continues to expand!

The book tells of the concept of encouraging creative outlets for deeply torn persons who are tethered to family members living in another dimension. The Alzheimer's Association of Honolulu describes it as an amazing opportunity for caretakers "to step outside their burden of care."

Kakugawa's treatise is a cooperative effort of leader and 'pupils' working together to survive through the gift of writing. They learn to express themselves and their predicaments, thus releasing resentment - escaping, if you will. There is nothing *stodgy* as that word might infer, about the telling of their experiences.

Caretakers are usually women; they could easily feel like martyrs if not for setting a high priority on their own mental health. They are sometimes raging and at times laughing at the physical and emotional boundaries that squeeze them into corners, suffocating their love.

The poems are amazing, filled with truth, remorse, hope, despair but generous in their sharing. I want to say to everyone "read this one, and this and this . . " but I see your 'tolerant' looks and want to shake a promise from you that yes, you WILL read and try to understand within the limitations of your experience:

As petals open
we learn new ways of seeing -
Tears trail down our cheeks.

If we live without ever knowing someone in this other dimension how can we know the intensity of nature's gift of music? To the five women who contributed to this valuable book (Irene Asato, Lynne Halevi, Joyce Lani Kaaihue, Jody Mishan and Setsuko Yoshida), and to their mentor Frances Kakugawa, my heartfelt thanks.

Kudos to Frances H. Kakugawa. She has done the near impossible. She has drawn caregivers into an environment so filled with trust that they found the courage to be truthful about caregiving. Caregivers, as the contributing authors of MOSAIC MOON Caregiving Through Poetry, bear witness to some poignant facts including...

1. Caregivers are often (usually?) people without medical training.
2. Caregivers are usually filled with love for their patient & grief for their own losses.
3. Caregivers' personal services and sacrifices are not to be taken lightly.

Frances H. Kakugawa, in birthing this remarkable book, has provided insightful evidence that caregivers are usually individuals who set aside their own lives, draw deeply on their own human love and miraculous God love, to put someone else's needs before their own for an indefinite period of time.

I challenge anyone who does not think caregiving is a daunting task to read this book. Then consider who their own caregiver will be when the time arrives that they cannot care for themselves, and let their imagination wander....

This remarkable book should have been subtitled "Searching for the Spiritual in Alzheimer Caregiving through Poetry". This is what these five intrepid women set out to do. It's hard to think of a more unlikely combination -- but you know what? They found it! Maybe the subtitle should have been "Finding the Spark of the Divine in Alzheimer Caregiving through Poetry." In 15 years of practicing as an internist and caring for numerous patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, I have never seen anything like it!
Carinig for Alzheimer's victimes has to be one of the most
disheartening experiences one can imagine. Up to now, there has been very little to offer caregivers in surviving the process -- this discovery is sorely needed and welcome -- and to me, truly amazing. Hope and the possibility of transcending spiritually the rigors of the situation can be extremely powerful.

None of these women are Maya Angelou or Emily Dickinson -- in fact, that is the whole point -- this is something that anyone can discover with the will and a little work and thoughtfulness. The hope of this book is to share this journey with others who may be able to benefit from it. This book is recommended for caregivers (and not necesarrily just of Alzheimer victims) and anyone in the helping profession looking for something to offer caregivers. But it is also recommended for anyone that's human,for it speaks directly to the humanity in all of us.

Mosaic Moon - Review

Poetry may be formidable for some; for others, it may seem excessively sentimental or emotional. Mosaic Moon is neither one. It is not for the meek and insensitive. It is, without question, for those who seek the naked truth of being a caregiver. These are expressions of poet-caregivers sharing their heartrending stories as they care for loved ones who have been robbed of a meaningful life by the unrelenting disease we all fear - Alzheimer.

What greets the potential reader of this extraordinary book is the stunning cover that engages the curious and the creative mind. Upon closer examination of the face that graces the cover, one cannot help but sense the succinct and profound lessons contained within its pages.

That this book has become a reality is an incredible feat, given the uncommon gathering of ethnic, cultural, educational, religious, and age differences. This was made possible only through the skillful guidance and dedication of their teacher and mentor, Frances H. Kakugawa, herself an Alzheimer's caregiver for her mother. She guided this group, whose common bond was their role as caregivers with little or no writing experience to become accomplished poets.

What is offered us is a treasury of shared stories of each poet's unadulterated private thoughts, passions, anguish, and feelings of remorse. The result of this process was the unfolding of transformed caregivers finding peace and joy through their teacher's compassionate wisdom. She guided them through the ugly recesses of their anguish and resentment, leading them from darkness to light as their poetry turned the rubble of the caregiving experience into the gem of their caring compassion. Through this painful process evolves the transformed spiritual being, courageous and beautiful, much like the lotus blossom that emerges from the mud.

Mosaic Moon is an excellent resource book that encourages everyone to affirm and accept whatever conditions they may encounter. In the author's words, "It is meant as a resource guide - a hands-on tool designed to help caregivers and others explore and share that experience through creative expression.... Although written by caregivers for caregivers, this book is for anyone who knows what it is to be human, and who wishes to transform that humanity into poetic form." page x. Without hesitation, I recommend this book for its poetry, for its compassion, and for its truth of what it means to be a caregiver with all our limitations.