"Unchopping a Tree," by W.S. Merwin (Trinity University Press, $14.95): This is a gift edition featuring prose by former U.S. poet laureate Merwin, a Maui resident, with illustrations by Liz Ward. Merwin is a dedicated environmentalist who has created a preserve for palm species near Haiku, and in his sparse prose he uses the image of raising a fallen tree as a device to explore themes of renewal and preservation.

"Empire in Waves: A Political History of Surfing," by Scott Laderman (University of Cali­for­nia Press, $26.95): History professor and surfer Scott Laderman places surfing within a sociopolitical context in this meticulously researched book. Topics include how surfing was first discouraged, then essentially appropriated by white colonialists in Hawaii, its politicization during the apartheid era in South Africa, and its transformation into a marketing vehicle for global corporations. 

"Hawaiian Tales: The Girl with Heavenly Eyes," by Lee A. Jacobus (tellmepress, $14.95): Jacobus, a retired English professor, penned these 14 short stories inspired by his experiences in Hawaii. Some show the visitor’s perspective, such as "Having Lost," which is set at the Arizona Memorial, or "Never Turn Your Back on the Sea," while others take a local angle. The title story is a coming-of-age tale about a young woman coping with the loss of her grandmother.

"The Billionaire and the Mechanic," by Julian Guthrie (Grove Press, $16): With Lanai owner Larry Ellison announcing his intention to bring the America’s Cup to Hawaii, local readers might be interested in this account of his victories in the past two races, the most recent one being one of the most amazing comebacks in sports history. The final chapter details some of Ellison’s plans for the islands. Guthrie is a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.

"The Wife of John the Baptist," by K. Ford K. (Create Space, $8.20): Hawaii resident K. Ford K. weaves a historical novel about Hessa, a young Greek woman living in Roman-occupied Judea who has the ability to intuit someone’s innermost secrets by touching them. When she does that to the charismatic prophet John, she is ensnarled into his violent, passionate world. The book has reached the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest.

"Goldie, My First Love," by Mitzi Mensch (authorhouse, $28.99): Written as a series of email exchanges, this romance novel tells about Mitzi and Goldie, who were high school steadies but are now nearing retirement. He came from humble roots but has gone on to great success, all the while holding a candle for her. She came from privilege but is now struggling to make ends meet in Hawaii.

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.