2020-2022

Catch up on past virtual author talks, book launches, and talk stories.

Bamboo Ridge Press is pleased to debut Wing Tek Lum’s third collection of poetry, The Oldtimers. Imagining life in Honolulu Chinatown circa 1900, Lum gives voice to the forgotten pioneer generation of sojourners and settlers, detailing the trials and temptations of this bachelor society living far from their homeland—their hard work, their diversions, their challenges, and perserverance. Book signing to follow poet's reading & talk story.

Celebrate Kristiana Kahakauwila and the debut of her middle grade novel Clairboyance. A student panel and art activity exploring super powers round out this family-friendly time that also includes an author talk story and book signing.

We are excited to host Kealani Netane at da Shop for a wonderful keiki story time about growing up, family tradition, dance, and Samoan culture. Mini dance lesson, coloring activity & book signing were part of the author's reading.

To kickoff AAPI Heritage Month at da Shop, we are excited to host author and NPR correspondent Elise Hu, who will discuss her book Flawless with fellow writer/journalist Stephanie Han. Flawless explores the intersection of K-beauty and culture with consumerism, politics, technology & more. This unique book talk covers how feminism, self-worth and identity in particular--for better or for worse--have their place within this fascinating discourse. Q&A plus book signing to follow.

Spend the day at your neighborhood bookstore on Independent Bookstore Day! In honor of community spaces and our local bookish community of readers, writers, and bibliophiles, we've lined up an all-day celebration of literary events. Featured events were keiki story time at 9:30 a.m.; readings by local poets at 11:00 a.m.; and an author talk by Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of poetry & talk story with poets from the University of Guam Press. Arielle Tainano Lowe (Ocean Mother) and Faye Untalan, Ph.D. (Finu' Chamorro for Beginners) will be in conversation alongside a display of newly published works by UofG Press. Be inspired by emerging and established Pasifika voices making waves in a new landscape of indigenous publishing.

da Shop is turning 6, and you're invited to celebrate with us! Stop by the bookshop to enjoy a variety of birthday festivities including a pop-up by Asato Family's "local kine" sherbert, prints and illustrations from Kelsie Dayna Designs, and a tote bag coloring activity for keiki. Plus, you'll have the chance to browse a wide selection of new and discounted titles up to 50% off.

Join us for a special afternoon with Curtis Chin, author of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Chin will be in conversation with Amy Hill as they dive into what it was like growing up as a gay ABC, or American-Born Chinese, in the 1980s. Filled with personal and familial anecdotes as well as memories both sweet and sour, Chin's memoir captures an Asian American experience often not vocalized but is very much a fabric of American identity and our evolving diverse society. Q&A & book signing to follow the talk story and author's reading.

We are honored to host an evening with writer and published author Deborah Jackson Taffa, a citizen of the Quechan (Yuma) Nation and Laguna Pueblo. Taffa will be in conversation with fellow writer Kristiana Kahakauwila to discuss Taffa's upcoming new memoir as well as engage in a scintillating discourse about indigenous and Native voices in publishing. Q&A & book signing to follow.

We are excited to host Zoë Eisenberg and celebrate her debut novel Significant Others. Zoe will be in conversation with local writer Megan Kamalei Kakimoto. Join us for an enlightening dialogue between two contemporary writers as they navigate a dynamic and evolving literary landscape of new stories by and about women, and more.

Enjoy a rare author & illustrator duo story time at da Shop! Emmy award winning journalist Lori Matsukawa tells a charming tale based on two real-life women who inspired her during her childhood in Hawaii: her babysitter and her maternal grandmother who was a picture bride. Set in the early 1960s, the story shows how simple cultural activities and a personal revelation by an immigrant woman inspire a young girl to be more than she thought she could be. Illustrator Tammy Yee will help kids make a kimono bookmark craft. Book signing follows the author's reading.

Join us for a celebration of a landmark anthology by one of Hawai'i's original local publishers still going strong. A culmination of 45 years publishing stories about Hawai'i from Hawai'i, this collection is an impressive testament to the enduring legacy of local literature only made possible by the indelible Bamboo Ridge Press.

We're having a book party to close out 2023 as we enter the year 2160––Come hang out with author Chris McKinney while getting some holiday shopping checked off your list (hint hint: the trilogy box set signed by the author makes a great gift!). Find out how McKinney's trilogy ends with the release of the third book Sunset, Water City to complete this thrilling, dystopian sci-fi saga. Q & A plus book signing to follow.

Join us for one of the biggest shopping days of the year AND check out our very popular pop-up at da Shop market inside the store warehouse. Browse an array of unique gifts, coffee, and delicious baked goods, all lovingly made by local artisans and makers. Shop small, shop local, and Keep-it-Kaimuki in your favorite neighborhood!

We are excited to host not one but two O'ahu-based writers of science fiction & fantasy. Candon and Elliot will speak to their inspiration, journey, and process as writers pushing the boundaries of a genre that has been generally geared towards a male audience. Come hear how they are redefining expectations of sci-fi, world-building, and speculative fiction beyond the traditional paradigm.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon exploring Native Hawaiian poet Kai Gaspar's newly published poetry collection Ulu. Gaspar weaves together themes of "broken family, queer exploration, and aching love of land and culture," presenting a timeless work of art that has received praise from some of Hawaiʻi and Oceania's most beloved and well-respected poets. Engaging Gaspar in conversation about his writings will be Jaimie Gusman, local poet, editor & publisher of TinFish Press. Don't miss out on this special homecoming event!

Debut author Megan Kamalei Kakimoto will be at da Shop to discuss her new collection of short stories. Join us for a lively conversation between Megan and Kristiana Kahakauwila, both Hawaiʻi-based writers paving a path to publish indigenous Native Hawaiian voices and feminist stories. Q&A to follow then book signing.

Join us for an out-of-this-world event celebrating ‘Ike Pāpālua, a new collection of science fiction stories from Mutual Publishing. Selected writers and Editor Sam Fletcher will share how this unique anthology was inspired. Q&A and book signing to follow readings and talk story.

Come to da Shop and hear some poetry by da best of da best poets and writers in pidgin led by our very own Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate Brandy Nālani McDougall. Book signings to follow ~ join us for an all around good time! This special event is co-hosted with the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities.

Author Malia Maunakea, joined by illustrator Shar Tui'asoa, will talk story about her debut middle-grade fiction book Lei and the Fire Goddess. Join us as they share the making of the book and their creative processes as artists who find inspiration for indigenous and Pacific Islander stories.

Surfing Sisterhood: Hawai‘i (Mutual Publishing) recounts how female surfers were pushed aside and deprecated by an industry in the mid-twentieth century and how they’ve come roaring back in recent times. Join us with the author and journalist Catherine Toth Fox to discuss and celebrate the history of women surfers of all ages and backgrounds.

Join us at da Shop for an afternoon of poetry with Amanda Galvan Huynh. She will read from her newest collection Where My Umbilical is Buried. Galvan Huynh explores what it means to be a daughter of a grieving mother, orphaned at sixteen, and the ways trauma passes down to the next generation. Q&A plus book signing to follow.

For fans of Scott Kikkawa's detective series that started with Kona Winds and left us eager for more after Red Dirt, the wait is over! Join us to celebrate the release of his third new novel Char Siu (Bamboo Ridge Press) and meet the author of noir himself. There will be a scintillating conversation with Scott and Noe Tanigawa about the book, its depiction of Honolulu's territorial history; and the author's writing process, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

As part of da Shop's AAPI Heritage Month recognition in May, we are honored to host local writer and educator Pamela Rotner Sakamoto. As the author of Midnight in Broad Daylight, she will be in conversation with another local writer and author of Remembering Shanghai, Claire Chao about the experience of writing family stories. Join us for an enlightening, lively talk story that includes the personal touches on Asian American history we can individually or collectively relate to.

It's the biggest party of our year in celebration of da Shop's 5th Anniversary and Indie Bookstore Day!

Shop from LOCAL MAKERS including Jahier Studio, Kakou Collective, Meristic Designs, and Tamiko Claire Ceramics. MEET THE AUTHOR, Scott Kikkawa and his new book, Char Siu. And join us for BIRTHDAY CAKE at 2:00 p.m.!

We are starting a book club!

Join us for our first meeting, featuring This Is How You Lose the Time War! Everyone (age 18+) is welcome for meaningful discussion, community, and snacks (yes!). Enjoy the special BOGO 40% off - buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend (discount code BOGO40). RSVP is encouraged but not required. To join the book club email list for the latest news and schedule, call or email da Shop!

Hawaii's very own Lee Tonouchi has edited the first-of-its-kind anthology of writings by Okinawan writers, artists and creators. CHIBURU, published by Bess Press, is an innovative collection of diasporic Hawaii Okinawan literature that explores stories and expressions about Okinawan identity, culture, values, and history, all in the context of also growing up or living in Hawaii. Stop by to talk story with Lee and other special guests at this book talk and signing.

Join us for another literary afternoon this time with author Mike Malaghan as he discusses his second novel from the Picture Bride trilogy by Watermark Publishing. Book signing to follow the talk story. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the stories of WWII as well Japanese and pre-statehood Hawaii history.

Come to da Shop for a heartfelt author talk and book signing with Susan Schultz, author and co-founder of Tinfish Press, as she discusses her latest book Lilith Walks. Schultz will share conversation with local poet/writer Timothy Dyke and her four-legged companion Lilith, who inspired the book. Join us for a fun afternoon in exploration of life in all its multitudes that can happen on the daily walks with one's dog!

Bring your 'ukulele (not required) and your holiday spirit for some merriment and local-style caroling together! Led by musician Jody Kamisato, kids can learn all the favorites from Jingle Bells to Mele Kalikimaka, and of course, the one-and-only Numbah One Day of Christmas song counting down all da gifts from Tutu! This keiki hour also includes making Christmas cards and ornaments with local illustrators Tammy Yee and Jon Murakami (Mutual Publishing) topped off with milk and cookies!

da Shop is honored and excited to host author/poet Ryka Aoki for a book talk and signing. Presented in conversation with fantasy writer Kate Elliott, they will be discussing Ryka's innovative and magical novel Light From Uncommon Stars.

Calling all sci-fi and fantasy fans! Bamboo Ridge has created the first-of-its-kind anthology of LOCAL short stories across speculative genres. Come celebrate their newest issue and meet some of the writers and editors behind this amazing collection.

Local author Mary Lou Sanelli has published her first children's story ~ Bella Likes to Try. A little girl named Bella is looking for that one thing she could be good at. She tries different sports and activities until she takes a ballet class and auditions for The Nutcracker show. This is a great story about children exploring their interests and persevering. A craft, simple dance demo, and book signing follows the author's reading.

Shop at da Shop plus over 40 different local businesses to kickoff the official holiday season. Enjoy 20% of your in-store purchase as well as browse unique gifts from local makers at our warehouse pop-up market.

Mutual Publishing co-hosts this story time just in time for the season of thanksgiving and blessings with their new picture book Leilani Blessed and Grateful. A craft and author signing to follow the reading.

Presented in partnership with Bamboo Ridge, da Shop is honored to host Lee Cataluna––Hawaii's most prolific contemporary playwright––in celebration of her newest collection of works. Flowers of Hawai‘i includes the title play and three others (Aloha Attire, The Great Kaua‘i Train Robbery, and Uncle’s Regularly Scheduled Garage Party is Cancelled Tonight).

Celebrate a new keiki book launch by BeachHouse Publishing! Join us for author Vera Arita's Alohasaurus story time. After the reading and craft, get your book signed by the author.

Chamorro human rights lawyer and defender from Guam, and now author of a new edition of his book, Julian Aguon, will be here for the final stop of his mini U.S. book tour. Come by and meet Julian and/or talk story about No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies, a moving collection of essays that gives ode to the earth and to indigenous peoples everywhere––especially Pacific Islanders––and is a call for social and environmental justice now.

Lucky we live Hawaii! Join author of Punky Aloha, Shar Tuiasoa, along with Jody Kamisato of Ukulele Hale for a fun-filled time of stories, jam-along music, and LOTS of aloha. P.S. There's gonna be some yummy treats by Fine Time Shave Ice, too! Don't miss this special story time hour!

Join us for a casual talk story with some of Honolulu's working writers. Meet Don Wallace, Christy Passion, Scott Kikkawa, and Jeffrey Higa who will share about what it is like being a published writer with a day job. From the hustle to the reality of writers' block, this bookish hour is perfect for those aspiring to have a writing career, or for anyone who enjoys talking shop about all things literary. Authors will be available to sign their books afterwards. Free to the public. Note: This is NOT a writing workshop, but there will be time for Q & A.

A double feature story time with A Shape Shifting Adventure in Hawaii by Daniel Frates AND Haku and Sam by Shane Petosa-Sigel (Beachouse Publishing)

Join local authors Daniel Frates and Shane Petosa-Sigel who will read from their picture books. There will be a craft and both authors will be available to sign books after the reading.

Local author Tammy Yee will read from her new book The Angel of Santo Tomas, which tells the story of the courageous Dr. Fe del Mundo, a filipino woman who overcame hardships to become a pediatrician and humanitarian. Her life is an example that will inspire children to pursue science and medicine with the heart to help others, especially the less fortunate. Craft and book signing to follow the reading.

Join us for a very special story time with author/librarian Gabrielle Ahuli‘i Ferreira Holt, who will read a series of Hawaiian legends adapted for even the youngest of readers. Join us for a reading, craft, book signing, then treat the whole family to some popsicles by Pop Box Hawaii at this family-friendly, fun time!

In partnership with Mutual Publishing, we are pleased to host local author Cheryl D. Soon, Ph.D. for a discussion of her new book. Presented as a conversation between Dr. Soon and State Librarian Stacey Aldrich, we will dive into the fascinating history of sculptures as the "silent storytellers" throughout Hawaii. There will also be live music by Peter Apo, who will share his interpretations of songs written by the various musicians whose statues are described in the book.

Join the Honolulu Civll Beat community for a free moderated book club event with author Ali Silvert. Come ready to share thoughts and ask questions about the story behind the story of the book. This meet-up takes place in da Shop's warehouse.

Featuring Milo's Endless Drawing Pad by Sheri Tamamoto in partnership with Beachouse Publishing

Join local author Sheri Tamamoto who will share a story about a boy named Milo who learns how to overcome obstacles and frustration to express his creativity and curiosity about the world. Aunty Sheri will be available to sign books after the reading.

Be part of a historic book signing: Independent bookstores across the globe will collaborate on Saturday, July 16 to break a world record for the most authors to sign a book in person in one day. Richie Biluan, a contributor from Hawaii, will sign books here in Kaimuki. Richie will also be showcasing a collection of black-and-white keiki photography she has taken over the last three years on Molokai and Oahu. Don't miss this unique book event! Learn more about the event here>>

da Shop, in partnership with Bishop Museum, will host a book signing at the first talk of the Kapaemahu Speaker Series: Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu in a Changing Waikīkī. Hear a conversation about the first written version of the moʻolelo, its loss, rediscovery, and restoration—all in the context of the rise of tourism, militarization, and the erosion of Hawaiian cultural identity throughout the 20th century. Meet the authors after the discussion and get your first-edition copy signed! Register here or learn more about the event.

Join the Honolulu Civil Beat community for a free moderated book club event on The Mailbox Conspiracy. There will be two sessions: A virtual Q&A with the author Alexander Silvert and D.C. Reporter Nick Grube as well as a separate in-person book club discussion hosted by Nick Grube at da Shop's warehouse in Kaimuki. Buy the Book and Register for the virtual event or the in-person discussion.

Featuring The Bravest Opihi by Juliet Kono in partnership with Beachhouse Publishing

Come hear the story of a young girl and her brother who venture out too far into the deep ocean. Suddenly a giant eel, the Great Puhi, grabs her brother and pulls him under. Frantic, Nani, his sister, turns to the sea creatures for help. A story for all ages about being brave and working together. Aunty Juliet will be available to sign books after the reading.

Featuring Alphabet Hukilau in Hawaii by Vera Arita in partnership with Beachhouse Publishing.

Join author Vera Arita for a hukilau at the beach! Cast our nets into the sea and watch what we catch from A to Z! This storytime is a fun way to learn the alphabet and a few facts about some of Hawai‘i’s colorful and amazing sea life. For ages birth to 5 years, but all are welcome. Aunty Vera will be available to sign books after the reading.

It is early 2017 in New York City, Donald Trump is President, and Solomon Fields  finds himself disillusioned by the hollowness and conformity of American life and language. Once brimming with dreams and ideals instilled in him by his eternally bohemian grandmother, Sol now finds the senseless jargon he produces at work seeping into all aspects of the world around him--and most disturbingly, into the art that his beloved grandmother taught him to revere. 

da Shop is pleased to host an author reading and signing with Maui-based novelist Alexander Maksik. He will appear in conversation with D. W. Wilson, Kailua-based author of 14 Miles. Preorder The Long Corner

Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying aloha to experience exciting and unexpected adventures! Inspired by Shar’s own childhood on O‘ahu, Punky is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Young readers will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O‘ahu.

Join us at da Shop: books + curiosities for this special story time with author/illustrator and inspired creator of the Punky Aloha brand, Shar Tuiasoa, in celebration of her new book!  Preorder Punky Aloha

Set in the months leading up to the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaiʻi, Joseph Han’s profoundly funny and strikingly beautiful debut novel is an offering that aches with histories inherited, and reunions missed, asking how we heal in the face of what we forget and who we remember.

da Shop, in partnership with Counterpoint Press, will be launching local author Joseph Han's debut novel, Nuclear Family. Come meet the author, hear a discussion of his book with Anjoli Roy, and get your first-edition copy signed! Preorder Nuclear Family

WATCH THE REPLAY!

da Shop, in partnership with Third Place Books and Europa Editions, is pleased to present Japanese novelist Mieko Kawakami in a discussion of her latest novel, All the Lovers in the Night, translated into English by Sam Bett and David Boyd. Kawakami will be joined in conversation by Katie Kitamura, the author of Intimacies, one of the New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2021 and a finalist for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize. Meri Joyce will interpret.

Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday of April. Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different.

This year, da Shop is thrilled to have Adam J. Kurtz and Jane Mount as special guests. They will be here from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. signing their books and selling other fun stuff they make. Check out all the unique merch and receive gifts with a book purchase that you can only get on IBD. Not before. Not after. Nowhere else.

Local artisans Jahier Studio and Beachcake are also popping up with an array of handmade goods such as enamel pins, embroidery, and ceramics.

This free event does not require an rsvp. Just show up and enjoy the day with us!

Join the festivities all day long, including a birthday sale (25% - 50% off + Bess Press warehouse sale), a pop-up by Jana Lam Hawaii, and ono food by Papi's Empanadas and Via Gelato.

Storytime and book signings by Aunty April of Keiki Kaukau and Chris Caravalho of Mana Comics happening at 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Don't miss out!

Kīpuka: Finding Refuge In Times Of Change from Bamboo Ridge Press is a book of poetry and prose about living in contemporary Hawaii. Civil Beat's digital producer, Kuʻu Kauanoe, hosts an in-person book club discussion at da Shop's warehouse.

The night will start off with an hour-long book club discussion, followed by a half hour for writing and sharing.

Covid Protocols: At the moment, proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in-person portion of this event. Event details are subject to change.

Artist Lauren Trangmar will be popping up in our warehouse on Saturday, December 18th from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come browse matted prints, greeting cards, shirts, assorted stickers and get some holiday gifts checked off your list! Lauren's art is inspired by the lifestyle, culture and natural elements of Hawai‘i life.

Artist Bio: Lauren Trangmar is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer with roots in Hawai‘i and New Zealand. She specializes in highly detailed illustrations that often reference the conventions of historical, scientific illustration with a contemporary, whimsical twist. Themes that are explored in her most recent work include the relationship between storytelling, culture, myths, history, art, science, and the study of natural history.

Scott Kikkawa, author of Kona Winds and new release Red Dirt, will be signing books at da Shop's Small Business Saturday Sale. Signed books make extra special gifts!

Local artisan pop-ups by Beachcake (ceramics) and Mamanu (handsewn keiki goods) along with the Waikiki Curry food truck add to the holiday shopping festivities.

Keep-it-Kaimukī's Small Business Saturday community is all about supporting our local neighborhood businesses. Check out deals & discounts throughout Kaimukī by following @keepitkaimuki or visit
keepitkaimuki.com.

Join the Honolulu Civil Beat community for a free moderated book club event for the 2021 release, The Value of Hawai'i 3: Hulihia, the Turning. This discussion will be moderated by Civil Beat's Julia Steele. Details for registration will be posted when available.

Join the Honolulu Civil Beat community for a free moderated book club event for Food and Power in Hawai'i: Visions of Food Democracy. This discussion will be moderated by Civil Beat's Claire Caulfield. Details for registration will be posted when available.

Join us for a special moderated author talk with Sara Ackerman to celebrate her anticipated upcoming new release, Radar Girls!

Join the Honolulu Civil Beat community for a free moderated book club event for the 2020 release, Nānā I Ke Kumu, Helu ʻEkolu Vol. 3. This discussion will be moderated by Civil Beat's Kuu Kauanoe.

Join the Honolulu Civil Beat community for a free moderated book club event for When You Trap A Tiger by local author Tae Keller. This book was recently awarded the Newbery Medal for distinguished children's literature. This discussion will be moderated by Civil Beat reporter Suevon Lee. Details for registration will be posted when available.

Join us for a da Shop special talk-story with Calabash Stories author Jeffrey Higa! Calabash Stories is an unforgettable collection of lucid stories deeply rooted in his Japanese-Hawaiian heritage, in the tradition of Gabriel García Márquez and Maxine Hong Kingston. This event is free and hosted virtually.

Join us and Civil Beat for a free double-feature event! We kick off at 5:30pm with a moderated Author Talk with Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl and Civil Beat's Claire Caulfield, followed immediately by the book club discussion on Zoom. Link for the zoom discussion provided upon registration.

ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD is a debut prose collection by award-winning poet Cathy Song. The deeply personal, interconnected short stories follow highlights in family history across continents and generations. All the Love in the World has quickly become a local bestseller. This event will be moderated by Mindy Pennybacker and have time for audience questions. Click the link below for more information and to register!

Local scientific innovation firm Oceanit CEO, Patrick K. Sullivan’s new book asks: How do we move the future from the distant horizon to the present day? We need Intellectual AnarchyTM. Dr. Sullivan’s book describes how the Intellectual AnarchyTM methodology followed at Oceanit for the past 35 years has generated disruptive solutions to “impossible” problems. Join us for this special talk story, moderated by our own David DeLuca, to learn more!

Join Civil Beat's Book Club for a discussion about "An American Sickness" hosted by health reporter Eleni Avendaño. "I picked this book up before the pandemic to better understand how to navigate the health world... Elizabeth Rosenthal breaks down how we as patients and consumers can better understand the system and the historical underpinnings of how we got here." Free for all.

Local author Scott Kikkawa will host a talk story about his popular debut novel. KONA WINDS is a hard-boiled noir murder mystery set in Honolulu in 1953, when Hawai'i was changing from a racially stratified, near-feudal plantation colony to the multi-ethnic 50th State. Free virtual event.

Free virtual event! In honor of October, we chose a mystery thriller: "Murder Casts A Shadow," by local author Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Book Club meeting is virtual and free. Stay tuned for the link to sign up.

Moderated by Don Wallace, Sarah speaks about her latest WWII historical fiction novel, her research process and the parallels between war-time Hawaii and pandemic-Hawaii. 

The hidden history of the haunted and beloved city of New Orleans, told through the intersecting lives of nine remarkable characters.

Wave Woman is a charming and intimate biography, a love letter from a daughter to her progressive mother who broke glass ceilings with simple curiosity and desire. Both award winning surfers, Vicky takes us through a fascinating presentation of Betty's life, then we have a moderated talk story about the book with Honolulu Magazine's Don Wallace.

Written by Kawai Strong Washburn, this talk story is moderated by Honolulu Magazine's Don Wallace. Kawai and Don talk story about the author's upbringing, inspiration for the novel, and also field questions from event attendees. Kawai will also read several passages from his book and provide detail about their meaning, construct and more.