“Church of Golf: A Novel About Second Chances,” by Spencer Stephens (Saint Pete Press, $14.25): This ribald fairy tale is set on Lanai in the late 1970s, with Dole announcing its closure of pineapple operations and locals opposing the luxury development plans of owner “DuBrock” (a loose composite of David Murdock and Larry Ellison). Donald Gibson, a paunchy, middle-age mainlander seeking to inherit millions from his great-aunt, sets himself up as a go-between, promoting golf as community salvation. After suffering deserved insults, Donald learns humility and aloha.
“Characteristics of Hawaiian Volcanoes,” edited by Michael Poland, Taeko Jane Takahashi and Claire Landowski (U.S. Geological Survey, free e-book): As a child, few things thrilled me more than the fiery fountains of Kilauea and the phenomenon of spun-glass Pele’s hair. One great gift of science, we’re reminded by this summary of 100 years at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, is its capacity for wonder and surprise. Hawaii residents inhabit “an exceptional natural laboratory for volcanology,” as publisher USGS puts it, and this entertaining e-book provides fresh understanding as well as historical perspective. Download it now for free at pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1801; a printed edition goes on sale in mid-March.
“‘Upoho Uka Nui ‘o Kekokia (Scotland’s Great Highland Bagpipe),” by Hardy Spoehr (Ki‘ilea Publishing, $24.95): For those with hearts in the Highlands as well as the islands, this bonnie, bonnie “buke” (“book” in Hawaiian”) of bagpipes is the perfect fling. It covers the history of the pneumatic blown-and-squeezed instrument beloved of King Kalakaua, as well as the influence of Scots in Hawaii and Hawaiians in Scotland, to whose shores Princess Kaiulani, Robert Louis Stevenson’s “island rose,” brought surfing. A second, much-expanded and generously illustrated printing, it is sure to divert and delight.
— Compiled by Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
Page Turners highlights books by Hawaii authors and books about Hawaii or of interest to Hawaii readers. To submit a book for consideration, send a copy and information to Features Department, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more information, email books@staradvertiser.com.
