ISLE PAGES
New releases by Hawaii authors
Reviewed by Burl Burlingame
bburlingame@starbulletin.com
The University of Hawaii's oral-history projects that began in the 1970s created a kind of highly personal, working-class history of the islands that is far removed from the dry, official histories stamped out by acaddemics. This volume draws on that tradition as it traces the life story of plantation worker Lilo Bonipasyo, told in her own words but edited and rearranged by historian Felipe. It occasionally is sprinkled with salty talk and some Big Island plantation slang, but the overall impression is extraordinarily rich and passionate. The book is another link in creating a people's history, and one that will shine a spotlight on the Filipino immigrant's role in creating modern Hawaii. The text is disarming and vivid. There's too much leading between the paragraphs, however, it gives the effect of padding a text that doesn't need it.
"Hawai'i A Pilipino Dream"
by Virgilio Menor Felipe (Mutual $15.95)
"Stars Over Hawaii"
by E.H. Bryan Jr.
(Petroglyph Press, $17.95)This is essentially a reprint and update of Bryan's original "Stars Over Hawaii," which has been out of print for some time. Bryan wrote the original in 1955, and while the stars haven't changed, our knowledge about them has progressed incredibly. Into the knowledge breach stepped University of Hawaii at Hilo astronomy professor Dr. Richard Crowe, who provided the extensive additions. A portion of the proceeds benefits Bishop Museum.
"chaloookyu eensai (Try Look You Inside!)
by bradajo (Jozuf Hadley)
(Bradajo, $30 )After a 30-year absence, Jozuf "bradajo" Hadley's ground-breaking pidgin-English masterpiece is back in print, and printed most interestingly, too -- as if it were a school composition book. Includes "translations" in a variety of languages, plus a CD of the material being read. Quite an accomplishment. The underlying sentiments for a better, more self-aware world have survived intact as well. Bradajo seems to have boundless faith in mankind's potential for intellectual improvement and finely honed sensitivities. A nice gift for people you like; a must-give for people you don't.
"Path of the Pearl -- Discover Your Treasures Within"
by Mary Olson Kelly
(Beyond Words, $16.95)Pearl and gem expert Kelly has operated the Black Pearl Gallery for more than a decade, and in the course of learning her trade has picked up more than a few anecdotes and telling morals regarding the living of a full and polished life, and how that relates to owning pearls. A very attractive and unusual little book, with several beautiful color pictures of pearls.
Send items at least two weeks in advance of publication to 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu, 96813; or fax 529-4750. [ Read All About It ]
AUTHOR SIGNINGS
"Letters from the Lanai"
By Maili Yardley, 2 to 3 p.m. today at Borders Ward Centre. Call 591-8995.
"Zen Master Raven"
By Robert Aitken, 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Borders Ward Centre. Call 591-8995.Readings
"Kaimana 2000-2001"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Doris Duke at the Academy, 900 S. Beretania St. Featured artist Lynda Hess will also be on hand to show slides of her work. Call 532-8700.
STORYTELLING
Barnes & Noble
10:30 a.m. Tuedays; and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call 737-3323.
Borders Waikele
10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Call 676-6699.
Borders Ward Centre
10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 11a.m. Saturdays. Call 591-8995.
Hawaii Opera Theatre
Volunteers will read stories at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Hawaii State Library. To book an opera reader for school presentations, contact Stephanie Conching at 596-7372, Ext. 18.
Kaimuki Public Library
10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Thursdays at the library. For toddlers and their accompanying adult; led by children's librarian Sandra Hall. No signup needed. Call 733-8423.
WORKSHOPS/Lectures
"Hawaii's Adopted World Class Actor"
Noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday at UH-Manoa's Center for Biographical Research, Henke Hall 325. Terence Knapp, an actor/director and professor of theatre at UH-Manoa, will lead this installment of the "Brown Bag Biography" series. Free. Call 956-3774.
Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The Hawaii chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators presents this conference, which features guest speakers Samantha McFerrin, G. Brian Karas and James Rumford. Cost: $80 general; $70 for SCBWI members. Price includes lunch. Call 779-5910 for conference location and information.
SPECIAL
Poetry Slam
6 p.m. Thursday at Jelly's, 98-023 Hekaha St. An open mic session will start at 6 p.m., followed by the slam at 7 p.m. A $25 gift certificate will be presented to the poet who performs the best slam. Pre-registration required; call 484-4413.
Book Sale
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Liliha Public Library. A variety of videos, books and music will be on sale at prices ranging from $.25 to $5. Call 587-7577.
Poetry Contest
Hawaii residents are invited to enter poems of 21 lines or less into a nationwide contest for a share of 50 prizes, including a $1000 grand prize. Mail entries by March 20 to Free Poetry Contest, 1257 Siskiyou Blvd. PMB #4, Ashland, OR 97520 or visit www.freecontest.com.
CONTINUING
AAUW Multicultural Book Group
6:30 to 8 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month. Call 537-4702 for location.
Crafts and Stories: 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Barnes & Noble; call 737-3323.
International Women's Writing Guild
Bring your muse, pen and notebook. 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month at Borders Waikele; call 676-7820.
Online Fun
Barnes & Noble author chat room at www.barnesandnoble.com or America Online (keyword: bn). Call Elke Villa at (212) 414-6157 or e-mail evilla@bn.com.
Open Mic
Poets and writers are welcome to share their works, 7 p.m. every third Friday of the month at Barnes & Noble; call 737-3323.
Poetry Writers Circle
7 p.m. every third Thursday of month at Borders Ward Centre; call 596-8194.
"Sammath Naur"
The Mythopoeic Society of Hawaii meets every third Saturday of the month to discuss fantasy, science fiction and other literature; 638-7497.
Spiritual Book Club
10 a.m. Thursdays in Hawaii Kai. Sponsored by Church of Keauhou. The club is currently studying Dr. Phil's book "Self Matters" during its meetings. Call Sue at 988-8618 for details.
Click for online
calendars and events.
