Monthly Archives: June 2008

Lili'uokalani: Queen & Author

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posted by M.L. Sanico

Hawai’i has inspired many people and some of its most historically recognized authors are also its most influential monarchs. Queen Lili’uokalani published Hawai’i’s Story by Hawai’i’s Queen in 1898, just before annexation. The overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy is a controversial topic of debate so naturally Lili’uokalani’s book is controversial as well. After publication, her authorship of this provacative and intimate portrayal of Hawai’i’s royal history was questioned.

Controversy aside, this book is absolutely enchanting! Read about the monarchy, Hawaiian government, society and culture–all through the eyes of a queen who lovingly describes her land and people with inspiring detail. This book reminded me of a regency novel, similar to Jane Austens popular stories of Edwardian life, only more heartwrenching because of the real life political turbulence that provides the conflict of her story. It has the same vibrance and grace but with an underlying sadness in its language and imagery.

Perhaps the greatest testament to her skills as a writer and to her unique voice, is the honor of being recognized as one of history’s greatest female authors. You can read an electronic version of Hawai’i’s Story by Hawai’i’s Queen at the site below, A Celebration of Women Writers. She is in great company there.

http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/liliuokalani/hawaii/hawaii.html

If you’re interested in learning more about how the book itself was written, and why her authorship has been debated, the following essay is a great place to start. It was written by a University of Hawaii professor who studied Queen Lili’uokalani’s diaries extensively. Queen Lili’uokalani kept several diaries from 1896 through 1897. These diaries, along with her memories of childhood, were used to compile the manuscript for her book.

The Diary of Queen Lili’uokalani

61st Annual 'Friends of the Library of Hawaii' Book Sale!

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posted by M.L. Sanico

McKinley High School Cafeteria

SATURDAY, JUNE 28th thru SUNDAY, JULY 6

(see here for hours of operation and official schedule)

This is the mother of all used book sales, and if you’ve never been to one of these hosted by the ‘Friends of the Library’ then you’re in for a treat. For one whole week they fill (and refill) the entire cafeteria with used and out of circulation books! All the books are priced at a steal, some of them rare and out of print, some of them brand new– either way it’s a deal.

Book lovers can come out of there with oodles of bound treasures. I hurt my back one year carrying a box that was clearly not meant to hold 75 pounds of books. So bring your backpacks and your canvas totes and get ready to hunt for some literary treasure. The cafeteria is laid out by genre, with a very generous children’s section, and a Hawaiiana section as well!

The only setback is that the cafeteria can get very hot. With all the people and books, it can be positively sweltering. A tanktop and shorts is the usual dress code, or you can opt to visit the book sale at night when it’s cooler. The ‘Friends of the Library’ also sell water and refreshments so you can take a break before heading in for round two. All proceeds from the sale go to the Hawaii Public Library system. Books and charity, you can’t go wrong!

"Hawai'i's Party Food" equals elegant pupus!

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posted by M.L. Sanico

It’s my inaugural post and I thought I’d start with something we consider a priority here in Hawai’i… food!

Food is an important part of our cultural identity here in the islands–the only place you’ll find such unique multi-ethnic concotions as Spam Musubi and Poi Mochi. Ohana is also important and we express our love for each other through food and celebration. Holiday dinners usually include sushi, poke and lumpia in addition to the traditional western fare because we just gotta have variety! And since everyone brings something, even if you tell them ‘no need’, you inevitably wind up with an ecclectic mish-mash of yummy things.  

Cookbooks are among Hawaii’s most well known contributions to the world of publishing and I thought I’d take a look at one of the recent releases.

Hawai’i’s Party Food by Muriel Miura is the perfect book for anyone wishing to jazz up some of our local favorites. The recipes are quite innovative but some of them are not meant for novice home-chefs (like myself). What’s best about this book is that it really covers the gamet. All ages and palates will find something to enjoy so don’t let the section titled “Canapes and Sandwiches” intimidate you. The directions are clear and the pictures are gorgeous! The book as a whole is well produced, colorful and just the right size for the kitchen!

I tried my hand at the “Stuffed Cocktail Puffs” with crab filling on page 46. After some questionable “puffs” came out of the oven I finally conceded defeat. Apparently I did not put enough vigor into the “stir vigorously” directions. But all was not lost! Since I live in a multi-generational home, I handed over the apron to the real cook in the house…my father. He had no trouble whipping up the crab stuffed puffs and even had some ideas of his own (the man loves Japanese curry, and I’m convinced he plots to put it on everything). So luckily, the house was spared my soggy “puffs”.

If you’re interested in local recipes Muriel Miura is the author of several popular local cookbooks such as Cookies From Hawai’i’s Kitchen which I have had my eye on for awhile.

Also, here is one of the best resources for local food and pupu recipes I’ve been able to find: Lindy’s Ono Recipes Blog is awesome! Get ready to be hungry just reading it! Not to mention the enticing pictures (warning: this site has A LOT of them! :)).

http://www.lindysonorecipes.com/