Page Turners

"Earthquake Storms: The Fascinating History and Volatile Future of the San Andreas Fault," by John Dvorak (Pegasus Books, $27.95): Planetary scientist Dvorak studied volcanoes in Hawaii for the U.S. Geological Survey, taught at the University of Hawaii and still lives here. This book focuses on the famous California fault line, but it has a few references to Hawaii. It reads like good sci-fi as well, with colorful characters making startling discoveries.

"Japanese Eyes American Heart: Learning to Live in Hawaii," by various authors (Tendai Educational Foundation, $21.95): The first two volumes of this series focused on wartime experiences of Japa­nese-Americans. The third volume contains stories of coming of age in Hawaii and contributing to American life. Contributors include former University of Hawaii President Fujio Matsuda and civil rights activist Wallace Fuku­naga.

"The World’s Finest Tropical Drinks," by Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi (Island Heritage Publishing, $15.89): This small handbook contains 101 drink recipes gleaned from individuals and bars in Hawaii. Tsu­tsumi, a frequent contributor to the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser, adds in a few anecdotes about the drinks, including the two competing versions of the birth of the mai tai.

"Red Exodus," by Alain Gunn (self-published, $11.70): In a post-apocalyptic world, a family seeks refuge from rapacious marauders by joining the Chosen, a cultlike organization that aims to populate Mars. Gunn, a Hono­lulu resident, combines his background in the military, medicine and science with religious overtones to tell his story.

"One Man’s Dream, One Woman’s Reality: A Six Year Sailing Adventure," by Sharon Reed-Hendricks with Steve Hendricks, (self-published, $17.50): The Hendrickses sold off their belongings to buy a 37-foot sailboat, Poet’s Place, and traveled to South America, across to the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand and finally to Hawaii, where they now live. As the title suggests, this memoir contains their individual perspectives on the journey.

"Baseball in Hawai‘i," by Jim Vitti (History Press, $19.99): Alexander Cartwright, who some say is the true inventor of modern baseball, settled here, establishing a game that spread to churches, plantations and social clubs. This small but comprehensive volume details the long, colorful history of island baseball, from barnstorming and military teams that brought Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio here, to local players, coaches and even broadcast personalities who announced games.

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.