ISLE PAGES
New releases by Hawaii authors
"Strong Currents -- An Anthology by Hawai'i Writers ..."
edited by Sally Sorenson, Alexandra Morgan and Michael Little
(Aloha Chapter Romance Writers of America, $14.95)
Reviewed by Burl Burlingame
bburlingame@starbulletin.com"Strong Currents -- An Anthology by Hawai'i Writers ..."
Niche publications like this are the reason the print-on-demand process is such a boon to both writers and publishers -- writers can get their stuff published in a real book, and book publishers don't have to take a chance on iffy sales. Readers benefit too, by the sheer variety offered. This title showcases the romantic side of Hawaii-based writers. "Romance" literature is often scoffed at, but people -- not necessarily women -- read it by the bucketful. It's completely escapist by nature, and the same is true of your average manly Robert Ludlum or Clive Cussler thriller. Some of the stuff in here is better-written than Ludlum or Cussler, and perhaps a romance hopeful will get noticed thanks to this volume. Better yet, maybe younger fans will pick up the reading habit.
"Maui Trailblazer -- Where to Hike Snorkel Paddle Surf Drive"by Jerry and Janine Sprout (Diamond Valley Company, $15.95) The Sprouts, seasoned travelers, tramped all over Maui County and took hundreds of photos (all in black and white, alas) and tooks hundreds of notes (all with great detail but little opinion, alas) and created this useful basic guide. The maps are particularly good.
"Death & Taxes -- For Hawaii Residents -- Questions and Answers on Wills, Trusts and Probate" by David C. Larson (University of Hawaii Press, $14.95) The Old Inevertables get the Q&A treatment from lawyer and Honolulu Advertiser columnist Larson. A bit slicker than a Compleat Idiot's Guide, this is more like a Nolo Press offering with its clarity and good humor. Just remember this doesn't take the place of real legal counsel.
"‘Ohana -- Hawaiian Proverbs & Inspirational Quotes Celebrating family in Hawai'i" edited by Betty Santos (Mutual Publishing, $10.95) This beautiful little volume is just the thing with which to diplomatically gift visitors and distant relatives. Well-designed (by Jane Hopkins), the quotes are tender and pithy, and the photographs are particularly well-chosen. A lovely book.
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