ISLE PAGES
New releases by Hawaii authors

"Like a Joyful Bird -- A Memoir" by Glenda Chung Hinchey (iUniverse, $13.95)

Hinchey's memoir follows a line begun by her Korean grandparents and continued through her life as an adventurous teacher in Southeast Asia and her more stable career in Honolulu as wife and mother. She tells her story in charming, savvy vignettes, but more importantly, Hinchey has tapped into something profound -- a life doesn't begin with birth and end with death. We're all a part of a continuing process.

"A Dictionary of the Hawaiian Language" by Lorrin Andrews (Island Heritage, $13.99) This is essentially an updated reprint of Andrews' groundbreaking work from 1865 -- yes, 138 years ago -- with a brief discussion up front about the problems facing early Hawaii lexicographers, not the least of which were pesky consonants that varied from village to village. Compiling a dictionary forced order upon the language, for better or worse. This edition is very well laid out with gorgeously evocative period typography, plus illustrations.

"This is Kauai -- Visions of the Islands" photography by Douglas Peebles (Mutual, $10.95) This keepsake book, well-illustrated by Peebles' pleasant photographs, is leavened with various generic quotes and royalty-free Hawaiian proverbs. It should do well at airport gift racks.

"Honu, the Green Sea Turtle" by Barbara E. Berg (Palahonu, $14.95) This self-published children's book is at the expensive end of the spectrum compared to the mass-produced items from big-name publishers, but it has many delights within, not the least of which are Berg's charming illustrations.

"A Week at the Beach -- 100 Life-Changing Things You Can Do by the Seashore" by Jim and Joanne Hubal (Marlowe, $13.95) Oh my, a touchy-feely guide for those who need to get in touch with their own feelings. The book reminds us that, for most people in the world, the beach is a rare escape instead of a fact of daily life.

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Reviewed by Burl Burlingame
bburlingame@starbulletin.com

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