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"We Sell Drugs: The Alchemy of the U.S. Empire," by Suzanna Reiss (University of California Press, $29.95): The author, a University of Hawaii history professor, argues that post-WWII drug policy, particularly in regard to coca-derived substances, has been used as a tool for promoting certain political, economic and social interests instead of protecting society from harm. The rigorously researched volume cites instances where both coca production and prevention proved profitable.
"Murder Sets Sail," by Paul J. Stam (Second Wind, $13.95): In this crime thriller set on the high seas, a Hawaii charter boat skipper’s vessel is taken over by a crime syndicate boss looking to make a big score, with the mobster’s mistress caught between the two men. The author is a Kaneohe resident.
"Breaking the Silence: Lessons of Democracy and Social Justice From the World War II Honouliuli Internment Camp and POW Camp in Hawaii," edited by Suzanne Falgout and Linda Nishigaya (University of Hawai‘i Press, $20): A series of essays on Honouliuli covering its historical roots and recent excavation of the site, the handling of internees with German and Italian ties as well as Japanese-Americans, and spiritual and religious issues within the camp.
"Ancient Sites of Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Archeological and Cultural Places on the Big Island," by Van James (Mutual, $19.95): This guidebook, updated for the first time since its initial publication in 1995, provides background information, maps and photographs of 50 accessible ancient sites on Hawaii island, from heiau to fishponds and petroglyphs. The author has written similar guidebooks for Oahu and Maui counties.
"Aloha Kahuna Soul," by Rick Pruett (self-published, $14.99): Honolulu in the 1980s serves as the backdrop for former Hawaii resident Pruett’s novel, which follows a surfer named Alika Kealoha to now-closed places like The Wave and Club Masquerade. His investigation into his father’s disappearance leads him into a mystery involving ancient burial grounds and modern-day gangsters.
"Images of Rail: Oahu’s Narrow-Gauge Navy Rail," by Jeff Livingston (Arcadia, $21.99): Train junkies can rejoice with this picture book about the Navy rail system on Oahu. Livingston, historian of the Hawaiian Railway Society, combed through archives to find 200 photographs that document the surprisingly large rail system on Oahu, which at war’s end amounted to 34 locomotives, hundreds of cars and 100 miles of track.
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 features@staradvertiser.com.
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