LIHU‘E — The joys of living in Hawai‘i, specifically on the Garden Island, are brought to life in a new book entitled “Kaua‘i Stories: Life on the Garden Island told by Kaua‘i’s People.” The collection of more than 50 touching,
LIHU‘E — The joys of living in Hawai‘i, specifically on the Garden Island, are brought to life in a new book entitled “Kaua‘i Stories: Life on the Garden Island told by Kaua‘i’s People.”
The collection of more than 50 touching, humorous and inspiring stories is edited and published by Pamela Varma Brown — a freelance writer, the former editor of Kaua‘i People and a 24-year resident of Kaua‘i — and includes everything from island music and surfing to the lively and abundant rooster and hen population.
“All of the stories are first-person and they’re all wonderful representations of life on our lovely island,” Brown said. “They’re all positive and upbeat. Some are even inspiring.”
One inspiring tale is that of an introverted, young Japanese-American man who becomes a leader while fighting for the United States during World War II, comes home an extrovert, becomes politically active and helps get a man elected who fights for Hawai‘i to become a state.
Approximately half of the stories are written from personal interviews by Brown, while the other half are written by local residents.
Discover the joy and aloha spirit of Kaua‘i’s people through their stories of keeping the ancient dance of hula alive, growing up island-style, living in multi-cultural sugar plantation “camps,” and their mischievous childhood high jinks, writes Brown on her book’s website. Follow the lives of patriotic Japanese American soldiers born in Hawai‘i as they fight for the United States in World War II against the country of their parents’ birth. Journey with Kaua‘i people who have sailed thousands of miles to foreign lands in a canoe built like those of Polynesians who discovered Hawai‘i centuries ago, navigating only by the stars.
All of it is inside Brown’s new book, which was released last week on Amazon.
“There is humor in almost every story,” Brown said. “It’s not a dry historical document by any means.”
One particularly funny story, according to Brown, is that of a man recalling his innocent childhood on Kaua‘i, making toys of whatever was available, including flying discs made from car-flattened, sun-dried toads.
“They made due with whatever they had,” Brown said.
The book’s stories are woven together in a way that paints a dazzling picture of life here on Kaua‘i, starting with its discovery and moving through history into modern times.
“I’ve always known people have stories of the island that bring Kaua‘i to life more vibrantly than any historical document could,” Brown said. “And that’s what I’ve wanted this book to do, to bring Kaua‘i to life.”
Brown believes she has achieved that goal. Others agree, including Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Director of Grove Farm Museum Robert Schleck.
“Kaua‘i Stories captures the sweetness and kindness of this island community with great detail, humor and grace,” Schleck wrote in his testimonial.
Mayor Carvalho writes that Brown’s book is a “must-read for anyone that knows and loves Kaua‘i, as it captures the true essence of the Garden Island through the stories of its people.”
Brown says the book was written and compiled for Kaua‘i residents and visitors alike.
“To tell a visitor what our island is like with real authentic flavor,” she said. “Kaua‘i is known for the beautiful scenery, but it’s really the warmth of Kaua‘i’s people that makes Kaua‘i the special place it is.”
To celebrate the release of her book, Brown will host a Book Lunch Party from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Lihu‘e Barbecue Inn, located at 2982 Kress St. Copies of “Kaua‘i Stories” will be available for purchase and light pupus will be served.
The event is open to the public and will “kick off the joy of having this wonderful book with Kaua‘i stories out in the world,” according to Brown.
Paperback copies of the book are now available on Amazon for $16.99, as well as audio and digital versions for Amazon Kindle, iPad, Nook, Sony and Kobo Reader.
For more information about “Kaua‘i Stories: Life on the Garden Island told by Kaua‘i’s People” visit www.kauaistories.net.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
