"Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing," by Constance Hale (W.W. Norton, $26.95): The Oahu-born author shows in this helpful handbook how the use of verbs is central to writing well. Now living in San Francisco, Hale attributes her initial fascination with language to her "bilingual upbringing" that included use of pidgin English while growing up on the North Shore.

"The Nanjing Massacre: Poems," by Wing Tek Lum (Bamboo Ridge, $18): A fixture on the local literary scene since the late 1980s, Lum’s latest is a vividly written collection told in various voices that focuses on the horrific six-week period in 1937 when, during the Sino-Japa­nese war, occupation forces murdered, raped and looted the people of the city in China.

"Diary of Use," by J. Vera Lee (Tinfish, $16): The Seoul-born poet packs this small book with equally spare and quietly expressed verses that express thoughts that cross between an inner life and the outside world. A well-designed book, typical of this local independent and experimental press.

"MIA: That the Lost May be Found," by Mark J. Riechman (MJR, $19.68): Details the author’s experiences in the South Pacific in search of the remains of missing World War II fliers and their warplanes. He describes the missions of the doomed flights, the pilots’ personalities and his adventures diving in treacherous waters for evidence.

"Get with the Program," by various writers (CelebrityPress, $19.95): Ryan Pang, owner of Fitness HI, is one of 15 contributors to this compilation of fitness tips. Pang’s advice includes monitoring food intake and shopping along the perimeter of the grocery store where perishable, unprocessed foods are usually kept.

"The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer," by Lise N. Alschuler and Karo­lyn A. Gazella (Ten Speed Press, $16): Alschuler, a naturopathic oncologist and breast cancer survivor, and Gazella, a writer and ovarian cancer survivor, provide tips on diet, exercise and lifestyle for cancer survivors.

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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.