How the islands adopted the uke

"The ‘Ukulele: A History," by Jim Tranquada and Jon King (University of Hawaii Press, $20.99)

This recently released book provides readers with a heavily annotated history of our most iconic of island musical instruments.

Beginning with its roots on the Portuguese island of Madeira, the journey of this little string instrument to Hawaii and its subsequent rise in popularity is deftly told through the author’s impressive assortment of primary and secondary sources. Through various newspaper articles, magazine ads and historical records, "The ‘Ukulele" takes the reader on a journey through Hawaii’s — and America’s — past, providing a content-rich narrative of the ukulele and the many roles it played around the world.

Especially fascinating is the way the book exhibits how the uke, despite being a Madeiran import, became entirely synonymous with Hawaii within a few years of its introduction. The royal patronage of the "heavenly four" (Kalakaua, Liliuokalani, Likelike and Leleiohoku), its widespread use in Native Hawaiian protest songs and a movement to koa wood construction helped seal the ukulele’s calling as an instrument for Hawaii.

"The ‘Ukulele: A History" helps add another valid stamp of authenticity and legitimacy to an instrument all too often pushed into the margins of novelty.

"The Evolution of Freediving and History of Spearfishing in Hawai‘i," by Sonny Tanabe (Fluid Media, $34.95)

Because we are surrounded by thousands of miles of water, the ocean is obviously an essential part of our island lifestyle and identity. This first book from boutique publisher Fluid Media, producers of Hawaii SkinDiver Magazine and Lawai‘a, has a magazine style and new-media aesthetic that bring a fresh, modern look to local nonfiction and won the 2012 Ka Pala­pala Poʻo­kela Award for Excellence in Design.

The creative layout, artistic typography and stunning high-definition photos make it a visual joy to read and a brilliant example of why people will continue to publish and buy printed books in a future of electronic text.

"The Evolution of Freediving and History of Spearfishing in Hawai‘i" is laid out like a timeline that shows the progression of how the sport grew with new technology and innovative pioneers.

More important, it showcases how the role of divers and fishermen changed from explorers and hunters to ecological stewards.

Author Sonny Tanabe, an Olympian and renowned diver, has passionately compiled a compendium of interesting facts and stories about this underrated sport. Packed with detailed history, this is a fantastic book for any diving enthusiast and an interesting read for everyone else.

"Growing Up American in Papa’s World: Stories of a Korean Immigrant Family," by Marie Park Fujii (Belknap, $12.99)

Life stories are an important part of recording history. More than a regurgitation of facts and dates, they are the thoughts and feelings surrounding significant events.

In her family memoir, author Marie Park Fujii recounts the joys and challenges of her childhood during the Depression and World War II. She centers the book on her father, the hero, as the person who constantly worked to make everything possible. Like many immigrant families, the journey began on a ship bound for Hawaii. Papa got a job on a plantation to earn money that would buy land on the mainland and bring his family over.

With themes of love, loss, family and perseverance, it’s easy to see through the eyes of Papa as he struggles to make a living while raising seven children as a widower. Cultural and generational clashes abound as the children assimilate into their new national identity while Papa clings to the values he brought with him.

Each person in the family is unique and adds something special to this moving account.

This book is a vivid snapshot of rural life for a family creating its own version of the American dream.

Misty Lynn Sanico writes for the literary website HawaiiReads.com.