"Mother Mary Comes to Me: Words of Wisdom from Medjugorje," by Dennis Muth (self-published, $14): The author, a Kailua resident, tells of his spiritual renewal that occurred during a backpacking trip through Europe as a college graduate. The trip started out as a kind of pilgrimage to Liverpool for the young Beatles fan but became something else when he was steered to Medjugorje, a small town in Yugoslavia where he met a man who claimed to see the Virgin Mary daily.

"No Surrender Soldier: A Young Man, an Old Soldier, and a Fight to Survive," by Christine Kohler (Merit Press, $17.99): First-time novelist Christine Kohler, a University of Hawaii graduate who worked in Guam as a news reporter, tells a coming-of-age story about a Guamanian youth who finds an elderly Japa­nese soldier living in the jungle. The character is based on Shoichi Yokoi, a Japa­nese soldier who refused to surrender.

"Tweezer Beezer: A True Story," by Balazs Szabo (Refugee Press, $19.97): This book tells the story of a mynah hatchling rescued by a Mau­na­wili family after a storm and nursed back to health, becoming a member of the family. The story includes some harrowing incidents, including one where it is nearly crushed to death. The author, a former Hawaii resident, is a noted artist, and his lively paintings are interspersed with photos to illustrate the story.

"The Dangers of Kissing and Diet Coke: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know and Won’t Bother to Find Out," by Mitzi Mensch (Authorhouse, $16.95): A memoir that focuses on the author’s romances, work experiences and medical history. Mensch, a native New Englander who has lived in Hawaii for decades, provides plenty of graphic detail about her illnesses, whose symptoms include catlike howls and a never-ending headache.

"The Pacific Islands: Environment and Society," Moshe Rapaport, editor (University of Hawai‘i Press, $48): This is an updated, comprehensive academic volume containing chapters on the geography, environment and cultures of Pacific islands. With so many different island cultures to address, chapters on cultural aspects — religion, art, language, etc. — are fairly general, but the bibliographies are extensive and would be helpful to someone interested in specifics.

"The Creating Copowerment Workbook: Embracing the Power of Positive Psychology, Healing Stories and Explorations to Create the Life You Want," by Lani Kwon (Balboa Press; $35.99; also softcover and e-book): The author, a University of Hawaii graduate and Hono­lulu-based life coach, offers personal anecdotes, exercises and interviews with spiritual advisers, all aimed at helping readers become happier with their lives.

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“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.