What do you think?
Rate this book
Haole Wood
When San Diego weather caster, Jaswinder Park, is mysteriously summoned to the island of Maui in Hawaii to help her grandmother, she ends up losing her job. This fair-haired, light-skinned foreigner, called haole by the natives, decides to stay in Maui for a couple of days until she can figure out what to do with her life. She realizes that her quick trip to Maui may not be all she’s hoping for when:
-She has to bail her Hawaiian/Korean grandmother out of jail for possession of pakalolo.
-The only thing she can understand her grandmother say is: “Not that.
-She can’t decide which hurts worse, her sunburn, hangover, or memories of the night before.
-She’s labeled the “Liquor Licker” on the front page of the Maui News in a photo that shows her doing a shot of tequila with a hunky Hawaiian who’s been found dead.
-It seems she’s had orgasms that have lasted longer than her career.
-She scrapes the bottom of the barrel to find her guardian angel.
Beautiful fabric found in her grandmother’s closet unfolds a future for Jaswinder as she designs sensuous silky wraps called sunshminas that provide sun protection. She tries for a Hollywood connection, but her company, Haole Wood, has some growing pains. From trying to find a killer, to selling her sunshminas, to lusting after Dr. Jac, the island dermatologist, to trying to ignore her so-called guardian angel, can Jaswinder learn to embrace the island way of life? Aloha!
-She has to bail her Hawaiian/Korean grandmother out of jail for possession of pakalolo.
-The only thing she can understand her grandmother say is: “Not that.
-She can’t decide which hurts worse, her sunburn, hangover, or memories of the night before.
-She’s labeled the “Liquor Licker” on the front page of the Maui News in a photo that shows her doing a shot of tequila with a hunky Hawaiian who’s been found dead.
-It seems she’s had orgasms that have lasted longer than her career.
-She scrapes the bottom of the barrel to find her guardian angel.
Beautiful fabric found in her grandmother’s closet unfolds a future for Jaswinder as she designs sensuous silky wraps called sunshminas that provide sun protection. She tries for a Hollywood connection, but her company, Haole Wood, has some growing pains. From trying to find a killer, to selling her sunshminas, to lusting after Dr. Jac, the island dermatologist, to trying to ignore her so-called guardian angel, can Jaswinder learn to embrace the island way of life? Aloha!
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Dee DeTarsio
10 books106 followersDEE DeTARSIO is an award-winning writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from The Ohio State University she vowed never to be cold again and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a producer/writer. (Penguins are mean!) She then became a producer/writer for the NBC affiliate.
ALL MY RESTLESS LIFE TO LIVE (Winner, 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards), HAOLE WOOD (Winner, San Diego Book Awards, and Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards), THE SCENT OF JADE, THE KITCHEN SHRINK (both finalists in The San Diego Book and Writing Awards), 'TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, and ROS, (Kindle Bestsellers). Her holiday novel, GINGER KRINKLES won the 2015 New Apple Book Award, as well as the New Apple Book Award for Best Cover.
www.DeeDeTarsio.com
DeeDeTarsio@gmail.com
ALL MY RESTLESS LIFE TO LIVE (Winner, 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards), HAOLE WOOD (Winner, San Diego Book Awards, and Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards), THE SCENT OF JADE, THE KITCHEN SHRINK (both finalists in The San Diego Book and Writing Awards), 'TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, and ROS, (Kindle Bestsellers). Her holiday novel, GINGER KRINKLES won the 2015 New Apple Book Award, as well as the New Apple Book Award for Best Cover.
www.DeeDeTarsio.com
DeeDeTarsio@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 4, 2012
Here's my review! First appeared on Chick Lit Central!
I’ve got my First Class ticket to Maui, Hawaii courtesy of author, Dee DeTarsio and I’m traveling via her latest novel, HAOLE WOOD. It’s her fourth book, but first filled with all the Aloha spirit that makes you sit back, relax, pull up a lounge, and enjoy a mai tai and HAOLE WOOD like I did.
Jaswinder is a weather caster San Diego who leaves the mainland to help her grandmother, called Halmoni whom she can’t understand except for one phrase, “not that.” Apparently, Granny is the herb-expert on the Islands. Once she arrives, Jaswinder goes out drinking one night, hooks up with Dr. Jac, a hunk of course and a dermatologist, which works out perfectly because the fair-skinned Jaswinder just happens to bake herself the next day.
In addition to herbs, Granny has bolts of beautiful fabrics in her closets and Jaswinder proceeds to make what she calls “sunshminas” – they’re similar to pashimas! She soaks them in her Kukui nut oil which is found in the Kukui nut trees all over the islands and they protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun! Woo Hoo! They are a success! But during this good time, businessman, Mike Hokama is found murdered! He has been poisoned by a lethal amount of Kukui nut oil. Granny is number one person of interest!
At this point, a bunch of characters come into the circus making for a comedy of errors. There are a bunch of women working on the sunshminas because the business has grown so successful. There’s an enormous nude guardian angel only seen and heard by Jaswinder, her parents who lucky for everyone involved stay on the Mainland, lawyers, a nightclub singer, it’s Dee DeTarsio at her “fun Kitchen Shrink best.” All the while, Jaswinder is blossoming into a beautiful,
confident, successful woman when at the beginning of the novel many readers had barely any hope for her.
This is romantic comedy. Boy and girl kiss. The bad person goes to jail. The Hawaiian title ends up making sense. We’re in Maui, Hawaii. Everyone gets their happily-ever-after and a nice suntan, too! No, I haven’t given it all away. You’ll have to read HAOLE WOOD to enjoy the rest. Maholo!
HAOLE WOOD is available on Kindle.
I’ve got my First Class ticket to Maui, Hawaii courtesy of author, Dee DeTarsio and I’m traveling via her latest novel, HAOLE WOOD. It’s her fourth book, but first filled with all the Aloha spirit that makes you sit back, relax, pull up a lounge, and enjoy a mai tai and HAOLE WOOD like I did.
Jaswinder is a weather caster San Diego who leaves the mainland to help her grandmother, called Halmoni whom she can’t understand except for one phrase, “not that.” Apparently, Granny is the herb-expert on the Islands. Once she arrives, Jaswinder goes out drinking one night, hooks up with Dr. Jac, a hunk of course and a dermatologist, which works out perfectly because the fair-skinned Jaswinder just happens to bake herself the next day.
In addition to herbs, Granny has bolts of beautiful fabrics in her closets and Jaswinder proceeds to make what she calls “sunshminas” – they’re similar to pashimas! She soaks them in her Kukui nut oil which is found in the Kukui nut trees all over the islands and they protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun! Woo Hoo! They are a success! But during this good time, businessman, Mike Hokama is found murdered! He has been poisoned by a lethal amount of Kukui nut oil. Granny is number one person of interest!
At this point, a bunch of characters come into the circus making for a comedy of errors. There are a bunch of women working on the sunshminas because the business has grown so successful. There’s an enormous nude guardian angel only seen and heard by Jaswinder, her parents who lucky for everyone involved stay on the Mainland, lawyers, a nightclub singer, it’s Dee DeTarsio at her “fun Kitchen Shrink best.” All the while, Jaswinder is blossoming into a beautiful,
confident, successful woman when at the beginning of the novel many readers had barely any hope for her.
This is romantic comedy. Boy and girl kiss. The bad person goes to jail. The Hawaiian title ends up making sense. We’re in Maui, Hawaii. Everyone gets their happily-ever-after and a nice suntan, too! No, I haven’t given it all away. You’ll have to read HAOLE WOOD to enjoy the rest. Maholo!
HAOLE WOOD is available on Kindle.
August 26, 2012
After finishing my second Dee DeTarsio novel, I find myself wondering just what genre this one fits into. I'm a guy, so I don't read chick lit (not that there's anything wrong with that), and I rarely read murder mysteries, romances, or travelogues. But whether it's chick lit, romance, mystery or travelogue, there's one thing I'm more certain than ever about: Dee DeTarsio is freakin' hilarious!
I found myself laughing aloud often as I breezed through this pleasure-fest. I've been to Maui and to Kaanapali, and her descriptions took me right back. Reading this book is like a mini-vacation, and DeTarsio's heroine, Jaswinder, is the perfect travel companion--if you like to laugh, that is.
As usual, DeTarsio throws in an ample array of the unusual, including an herbalist (yeah, the medicinal kind *wink, wink*) grandmother who doesn't speak English and an overweight, seemingly inept guardian angel. On the last page I found myself quoting Jaswinder's grandmother: "Not that!" (You'll laugh at that reference after you read it.)
If you are looking for beach or poolside or screen porch reading, please do not hesitate to download this book. This instant--go on, do it right now. Believe me, you won't regret it.
I found myself laughing aloud often as I breezed through this pleasure-fest. I've been to Maui and to Kaanapali, and her descriptions took me right back. Reading this book is like a mini-vacation, and DeTarsio's heroine, Jaswinder, is the perfect travel companion--if you like to laugh, that is.
As usual, DeTarsio throws in an ample array of the unusual, including an herbalist (yeah, the medicinal kind *wink, wink*) grandmother who doesn't speak English and an overweight, seemingly inept guardian angel. On the last page I found myself quoting Jaswinder's grandmother: "Not that!" (You'll laugh at that reference after you read it.)
If you are looking for beach or poolside or screen porch reading, please do not hesitate to download this book. This instant--go on, do it right now. Believe me, you won't regret it.
September 3, 2015
First, I would like to say thank you to the wonderful author for providing me with this book through a first-reads giveaway. Thank you!
This book has it all: a murder mystery full of suspense, a kindling romance, a vacation in paradise, Harry Potter references, and a quite unorthodox guardian angel.
From the very beginning, I found it very easy to get attached to Jaswinder, whose life seems to be ruled by Murphy's Law: anything that can go wrong probably will. Being forced to fly from her home in San Fransisco out to Maui to bail her grandmother out of jail soon becomes the least of her problems as Jaswinder gets wrapped up in a whirlwind of adventure, both good and bad.
This book is a thrill-ride of fun that will leave you guessing at every twist and turn, and longing for a beach and a piña colada.
A fantastic read!
This book has it all: a murder mystery full of suspense, a kindling romance, a vacation in paradise, Harry Potter references, and a quite unorthodox guardian angel.
From the very beginning, I found it very easy to get attached to Jaswinder, whose life seems to be ruled by Murphy's Law: anything that can go wrong probably will. Being forced to fly from her home in San Fransisco out to Maui to bail her grandmother out of jail soon becomes the least of her problems as Jaswinder gets wrapped up in a whirlwind of adventure, both good and bad.
This book is a thrill-ride of fun that will leave you guessing at every twist and turn, and longing for a beach and a piña colada.
A fantastic read!
May 23, 2012
Escape to Maui, Hawaii, with Haole Wood! Romance, suspense, twists and turns, all with an island vibe of "aloha" . . . Did I mention romance?
July 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, what a captivating read! It starts off with the main character Jaswinder having to go to Hawaii to rescue her Grandmother (Halmoni) who has been arrested for possession of marijuana, and then the fun really starts. She meets a couple of hot men her first night in Hawaii and while she spends the evening with one, the other turns up murdered the next morning and her Halmoni accused of the crime. Right off the bat you know you are in for a good ride.
Dee DeTarsio holds your attention throughout the whole book by throwing in a large and naked…yup I said naked, hawaiian guardian angel who helps to add conflict and humor, a group of Hawaiian ladies with attitude who help Jaswinder with her new business, and the crazy Halmoni who doesn’t speak any English except “not that”. Jaswinder spends her time trying to prove her Halmoni innocent, starting a new relationship with the hot doctor, dealing with her cooky guardian angel and getting her business off the ground.
The song “Trouble” by Pink (http://youtu.be/mFu3YzRnyDU) ran through my head several times as Jaswinder got herself into the different, funny situations throughout the book. Losing her bra, a really bad sunburn coupled with a sexy dermatologist, even breaking and entering, you will definitely have a hard time putting this one down. Haole Wood has the perfect blend of sassy and sarcastic humor and exciting and crazy situations. If you like funny, quirky dramas, you will really enjoy this book! You can check it out on amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Haole-Wood-eboo...
Authors Website: http://deedetarsio.wordpress.com/blog/
Dee DeTarsio holds your attention throughout the whole book by throwing in a large and naked…yup I said naked, hawaiian guardian angel who helps to add conflict and humor, a group of Hawaiian ladies with attitude who help Jaswinder with her new business, and the crazy Halmoni who doesn’t speak any English except “not that”. Jaswinder spends her time trying to prove her Halmoni innocent, starting a new relationship with the hot doctor, dealing with her cooky guardian angel and getting her business off the ground.
The song “Trouble” by Pink (http://youtu.be/mFu3YzRnyDU) ran through my head several times as Jaswinder got herself into the different, funny situations throughout the book. Losing her bra, a really bad sunburn coupled with a sexy dermatologist, even breaking and entering, you will definitely have a hard time putting this one down. Haole Wood has the perfect blend of sassy and sarcastic humor and exciting and crazy situations. If you like funny, quirky dramas, you will really enjoy this book! You can check it out on amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Haole-Wood-eboo...
Authors Website: http://deedetarsio.wordpress.com/blog/
July 10, 2012
I ulu no ka lala i ke kumu. The reach of a tree's branches depends on its trunk. Translation - A family's unconditional love strengthens each one to succeed (from the Waikiki Community Center website).
Jaswinder Park thinks she is fulfilling her childhood dream as a weekend forecaster for a San Diego news station. But Fate has another plan, taking Jaswinder on an unexpected trip to Maui to bail out her Grandmother. Just as the sun set on Lahaina, Jaswinder bonds with her tutu (Hawaiian granny), investigates a murder, stumbles into a new career, and talks to a ketchup loving Guardian Angel. Oh, and she finds passion with a surfing dermatologist. Watching all of it is the Guardian Angel, adding several comic scenes as He teases Jaswinder about sex. Jaswinder expects him to be a genie, granting her three wishes. Instead, the Guardian Angel reminds Jaswinder that she can choose her own destiny. Jaswinder's "coming of age" will resonate with readers as she embraces her Hawaiian heritage.
DeTarsio delivers a wild ride in this small town romance interwoven in a cozy mystery. I commend Detarsio for her spot on references to surfing, tourism, and pidgin (local slang). Recommended read for those who are curious about Hawaiian culture, island life, and where fate can lead.
I received an electronic copy from this author for my Kupono (honest) review.
Jaswinder Park thinks she is fulfilling her childhood dream as a weekend forecaster for a San Diego news station. But Fate has another plan, taking Jaswinder on an unexpected trip to Maui to bail out her Grandmother. Just as the sun set on Lahaina, Jaswinder bonds with her tutu (Hawaiian granny), investigates a murder, stumbles into a new career, and talks to a ketchup loving Guardian Angel. Oh, and she finds passion with a surfing dermatologist. Watching all of it is the Guardian Angel, adding several comic scenes as He teases Jaswinder about sex. Jaswinder expects him to be a genie, granting her three wishes. Instead, the Guardian Angel reminds Jaswinder that she can choose her own destiny. Jaswinder's "coming of age" will resonate with readers as she embraces her Hawaiian heritage.
DeTarsio delivers a wild ride in this small town romance interwoven in a cozy mystery. I commend Detarsio for her spot on references to surfing, tourism, and pidgin (local slang). Recommended read for those who are curious about Hawaiian culture, island life, and where fate can lead.
I received an electronic copy from this author for my Kupono (honest) review.
July 10, 2012
I can't help it - everything I've read by this author is just amazing! I love her well-developed characters. You feel so close to them throughout the story. The storylines are great. Tell anyone and everyone you know, read Ms. DeTarsio's books! They are fantastic! :)
July 8, 2012
I loved this book! It is funny, sexy, and poignant but I hate when people give away the plot .........I personally like to find out these things on my own. Please read this and all of her books. I have told her that I think there is a little bit of "DEE" hidden each and every character.
August 16, 2012
When the author contacted me and asked me to review Haole Wood I jumped on it. A few hours in Hawaii? Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, sun, sand and adventure? I'm in!
Jaswinder Park is living her dream as a TV weather girl in San Diego. When she has to go to Maui to bail her old Hawaiian healer grandmother (whom she barely knows and can't understand) out of jail for selling pot, she not only loses her job but her whole life. Or so she thinks.
Haole Wood is a funny, lighthearted tale that takes us on Jaswinder's journey of self-discovery. Stuck (stuck?) in Maui , feeling sorry for herself and ruminating on the disaster that is her life, she becomes involved in the murder of a prominent island resident. Her grandmother is arrested for his murder, and Jaswinder begins to learn some important life lessons as she works to prove her innocence. With the aid, I might add, of a giant, naked Hawaiian guardian angel who has a penchant for showing up at the most inopportune times.
This book is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, adventure. Dee DeTarsio has a talent for dialogue and expressing her characters' voices and personalities in a very real way. So talented, in fact, that I came to adore Halmoni even though she could only speak two words of English -- "Not that." And Jaswinder, oh, Jaswinder. There were a couple of times when I wished I could turn that girl over my knee. Maybe that's because I saw bits and pieces of my younger self in her stubborn, flighty nature. But that's also a part of her considerable charm.
And the setting -- how can you go wrong with Maui? Well, you can. I've seen it done. But the author does an outstanding job of whisking us away to the island paradise that is Maui, giving us a peek at real life on the island away from the resorts and tourist traps. You also get a little primer on Hawaiian language and culture here and there. The only drawback? You're going to look up from your book and be really mad that your feet aren't buried in the sand on a beach in Maui.
I throughly enjoyed watching Jaswinder get to know and love her grandmother, herself, and her Hawaiian heritage. Her lighthearted romance with Dr. Jac was engaging and sweet, and I was delighted when her company "Haole Wood" (which makes "sunshminas", her Hawaiian version of pashminas) took off. Most of all, though, I was thrilled when Jaswinder began to feed the turtle of love and integrity and left the turtle of fear and greed to starve.
If you're looking to escape into an enchanting land of warm ocean breezes filled with love, mystery and adventure, Haole Wood is the book for you. It is a fun, relaxing read filled with delightful characters with a few life lessons thrown in.
Jaswinder Park is living her dream as a TV weather girl in San Diego. When she has to go to Maui to bail her old Hawaiian healer grandmother (whom she barely knows and can't understand) out of jail for selling pot, she not only loses her job but her whole life. Or so she thinks.
Haole Wood is a funny, lighthearted tale that takes us on Jaswinder's journey of self-discovery. Stuck (stuck?) in Maui , feeling sorry for herself and ruminating on the disaster that is her life, she becomes involved in the murder of a prominent island resident. Her grandmother is arrested for his murder, and Jaswinder begins to learn some important life lessons as she works to prove her innocence. With the aid, I might add, of a giant, naked Hawaiian guardian angel who has a penchant for showing up at the most inopportune times.
This book is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, adventure. Dee DeTarsio has a talent for dialogue and expressing her characters' voices and personalities in a very real way. So talented, in fact, that I came to adore Halmoni even though she could only speak two words of English -- "Not that." And Jaswinder, oh, Jaswinder. There were a couple of times when I wished I could turn that girl over my knee. Maybe that's because I saw bits and pieces of my younger self in her stubborn, flighty nature. But that's also a part of her considerable charm.
And the setting -- how can you go wrong with Maui? Well, you can. I've seen it done. But the author does an outstanding job of whisking us away to the island paradise that is Maui, giving us a peek at real life on the island away from the resorts and tourist traps. You also get a little primer on Hawaiian language and culture here and there. The only drawback? You're going to look up from your book and be really mad that your feet aren't buried in the sand on a beach in Maui.
I throughly enjoyed watching Jaswinder get to know and love her grandmother, herself, and her Hawaiian heritage. Her lighthearted romance with Dr. Jac was engaging and sweet, and I was delighted when her company "Haole Wood" (which makes "sunshminas", her Hawaiian version of pashminas) took off. Most of all, though, I was thrilled when Jaswinder began to feed the turtle of love and integrity and left the turtle of fear and greed to starve.
If you're looking to escape into an enchanting land of warm ocean breezes filled with love, mystery and adventure, Haole Wood is the book for you. It is a fun, relaxing read filled with delightful characters with a few life lessons thrown in.
July 9, 2012
Haole Wood is a very fun and entertaining book that adds in a great suspense plot. Ms. DeTarsio has created a very interesting protagonist in Jaswinder Park and a great plot to read. Add in the beautiful setting of Maui and it's interesting people and you have the makings for a very fine summer (or any time of year) novel.
Jaswinder Park had me as a character from the very first page. Nothing seems to go her way, but she keeps trying. I know how that feels and I could relate. Now I am happily married, but I could still feel her pain. As she jets off to Maui to save her grandmother, the proverbial black cloud seems to be over her then she meets not one but two handsome men, but one is murdered. And then there is that guardian angel that no one else can see but her that doesn't seem to do anything but make fun of her and pop in at inopportune times. Add in a grandmother she adores but can't understand (literally) and you have Jaswinder Park and the story of Haole Wood. The characters are great from Jaswinder to her grandmother, her romantic interest, Jac, and of course the wonderful guardian angel, who when I think of him still makes me laugh. Also add in a great supporting cast as well. I loved them all as I got to know them. They each contributed to the story and each felt like a friend (or enemy) by the time the novel was done.
The suspense plot was great. Moved along by the murder of an islander who was not very well-liked, Jaswinder has to clear her grandmother's name. But it seems likes she's blocked when she tries anything. There is also a great subplot when Jaswinder really finds her niche with the sunshminas. Since I love to sew and watch all the fashion shows on tv, I loved this part of the book as much as the suspense plot (and I love a good suspense plot).
To me, Ms. DeTarsio wove all the stories together so well that the book flowed from beginning to end. I loved it. The suspense was a part of the book, the career path was a part, there was a place for the romance and the character development was stellar. Haole Wood is a fantastic book that has me wanting more from this author. Not only did she give me an outstanding story and remarkable characters, but she also gave me an intriguing culture and setting. This made Haole Wood a notch above for me. I just have a thing for Hawaiian books and Haole Wood filled that niche for me.
Jaswinder Park had me as a character from the very first page. Nothing seems to go her way, but she keeps trying. I know how that feels and I could relate. Now I am happily married, but I could still feel her pain. As she jets off to Maui to save her grandmother, the proverbial black cloud seems to be over her then she meets not one but two handsome men, but one is murdered. And then there is that guardian angel that no one else can see but her that doesn't seem to do anything but make fun of her and pop in at inopportune times. Add in a grandmother she adores but can't understand (literally) and you have Jaswinder Park and the story of Haole Wood. The characters are great from Jaswinder to her grandmother, her romantic interest, Jac, and of course the wonderful guardian angel, who when I think of him still makes me laugh. Also add in a great supporting cast as well. I loved them all as I got to know them. They each contributed to the story and each felt like a friend (or enemy) by the time the novel was done.
The suspense plot was great. Moved along by the murder of an islander who was not very well-liked, Jaswinder has to clear her grandmother's name. But it seems likes she's blocked when she tries anything. There is also a great subplot when Jaswinder really finds her niche with the sunshminas. Since I love to sew and watch all the fashion shows on tv, I loved this part of the book as much as the suspense plot (and I love a good suspense plot).
To me, Ms. DeTarsio wove all the stories together so well that the book flowed from beginning to end. I loved it. The suspense was a part of the book, the career path was a part, there was a place for the romance and the character development was stellar. Haole Wood is a fantastic book that has me wanting more from this author. Not only did she give me an outstanding story and remarkable characters, but she also gave me an intriguing culture and setting. This made Haole Wood a notch above for me. I just have a thing for Hawaiian books and Haole Wood filled that niche for me.
July 31, 2012
Haole Wood is definitely the funniest and wittiest book I have read in quite a while. When Jaswinder Park has to bail her grandmother out of jail for the possession of pacalolo, her problems on the Hawaiian island Maui have just started. After losing her job as a san Diego weather caster, getting a really bad sun burn, being photographed with a murder victim and being beaten up by said murder victim's mother, Jaswinder's stay on Maui is turning out not to be much fun at all. Bring into this equation the handsome dr. Jack and a rather unusual, wisdom spouting guardian angel and you have a story that demands to be read in one go.
As one failed attempt to solve the murder and to start her own business followed another, I started to wonder whether Jaswinder could do anything at all without botching it. This would be serious was it not for the humorous way in which the story is told. The main character has a unique capacity for getting herself into wildly embarrassing situations and saying just the wrong thing at the wrong time. The reader gets a look into Jaswinder's thoughts and inner dialogue which are, even at the most serious moments, absolutely hilarious. The author frequently refers to popular culture which gives the whole story just that much more life and credibility.
Colorful descriptions of the people of the island and the natural scenery adds to the magic of the book. Meet Zev, Bronco and Kenny, the hot surfers, who try to teach Jaswinder how to surf, Lana Ho the stunningly beautiful island entertainer and of course Jaswinder's Halmoni who only knows two English words.
If you are looking for a hilariously funny and extremely lively story, Haole Wood is the book for you. Amidst all this humor and excitement, there are some pearls of wisdom tastefully worked into the dialogue and thoughts of the characters.
Not only does Dee DeTarsio write an excellent and spellbinding story but she is an absolute genius with wordplay. There are even some sweet romantic scenes for those who like a bit of romance in a book. Haole Wood is a must read deserving of far more than 5 stars. (Ellen Fritz)
As one failed attempt to solve the murder and to start her own business followed another, I started to wonder whether Jaswinder could do anything at all without botching it. This would be serious was it not for the humorous way in which the story is told. The main character has a unique capacity for getting herself into wildly embarrassing situations and saying just the wrong thing at the wrong time. The reader gets a look into Jaswinder's thoughts and inner dialogue which are, even at the most serious moments, absolutely hilarious. The author frequently refers to popular culture which gives the whole story just that much more life and credibility.
Colorful descriptions of the people of the island and the natural scenery adds to the magic of the book. Meet Zev, Bronco and Kenny, the hot surfers, who try to teach Jaswinder how to surf, Lana Ho the stunningly beautiful island entertainer and of course Jaswinder's Halmoni who only knows two English words.
If you are looking for a hilariously funny and extremely lively story, Haole Wood is the book for you. Amidst all this humor and excitement, there are some pearls of wisdom tastefully worked into the dialogue and thoughts of the characters.
Not only does Dee DeTarsio write an excellent and spellbinding story but she is an absolute genius with wordplay. There are even some sweet romantic scenes for those who like a bit of romance in a book. Haole Wood is a must read deserving of far more than 5 stars. (Ellen Fritz)
September 9, 2012
Dee De Tarsio is one of the funniest women on the planet. I’d love to see her do stand-up, but until she opts for a career change I’ll just have to read her books. She excels at writing hapless heroines, wacky characters and situations that spiral delightfully out of control. Her latest, Haole Wood, is a standout novel featuring Jaswinder Park, who has had orgasms that last longer than some of her jobs. When her Korean-Hawaiian grandmother Halmoni is arrested, Jaswinder is dispatched to Maui by her family to extract the old woman from jail. Since granny is an “herbalist” (yeah, right), keeping her out of trouble is a challenge for Jaswinder and one that she fails when Halmoni is arrested again.
But this time, the charge is murder. A handsome developer who has tried to buy Halmoni’s property is found dead and Halmoni was the last to visit him. If only Jaswinder could provide an alibi for her grandmother, but our heroine needed to blow off steam and spent the evening (a) getting wasted, (b) meeting the developer at a local bar and licking salt off his palm, and (c) hooking up with a handsome young doctor.
Can Jaswinder save her Halmoni? Can Jaswinder save herself? You’ll just have to read this utterly charming book to find out. But beware, you’re liable to spit out your daiquiri when you do. I had to read it behind closed doors because I got tired of my husband asking “What’s so funny?”
Read this book if you need a laugh, and read it if you need a vacation. Dee brilliantly evokes the lush island atmosphere. You can practically smell the sunscreen. It’s been years since I’ve been to Maui but this book made me wonder why I haven’t been back. I do have one regret: I wish I’d saved this book for January. It would be the perfect antidote to the winter blues, but honestly, you’ll enjoy it whenever you read it. Treat yourself.
But this time, the charge is murder. A handsome developer who has tried to buy Halmoni’s property is found dead and Halmoni was the last to visit him. If only Jaswinder could provide an alibi for her grandmother, but our heroine needed to blow off steam and spent the evening (a) getting wasted, (b) meeting the developer at a local bar and licking salt off his palm, and (c) hooking up with a handsome young doctor.
Can Jaswinder save her Halmoni? Can Jaswinder save herself? You’ll just have to read this utterly charming book to find out. But beware, you’re liable to spit out your daiquiri when you do. I had to read it behind closed doors because I got tired of my husband asking “What’s so funny?”
Read this book if you need a laugh, and read it if you need a vacation. Dee brilliantly evokes the lush island atmosphere. You can practically smell the sunscreen. It’s been years since I’ve been to Maui but this book made me wonder why I haven’t been back. I do have one regret: I wish I’d saved this book for January. It would be the perfect antidote to the winter blues, but honestly, you’ll enjoy it whenever you read it. Treat yourself.
July 27, 2012
I have highly enjoyed Dee DeTarsio’s novels, and was excited when she asked me to review her latest, Haole Wood. A Hawaii setting – yes please! The main character is Jaswinder Park (killer name!) and she is sent to Hawaii to help bail her grandmother out of jail. While there, she loses her job as a San Diego weathercaster (pre-taping a segment calling for sunshine turned out not be the best call) but she has bigger fish to fry in the Aloha State. Mainly, her grandmother now being on trial for the murder of the cute guy she did a shot with the night he was murdered. Add to that stress she is trying to find a job or some source of income, possibly seeing the sexy derm doc, and has a guardian angel who was scraped from the bottom of the barrel. Jaswinder has her hands full and Haole Wood whips up a tale of murder and mayhem, and makes for a fun summer read.
I have reviewed The Scent of Jade, Ros, and The Kitchen Shrink from DeTarsio, and all have been great reads. If you have yet to read anything from her – get on it! I loved the intrigue in the book – and the fact that I was really wondering who the true murderer was up until the end. Jaswinder is a fun character, and her grandmother seemed super sweet – even though she only ever said two different phrases to her granddaughter. There was a lot of humor, romance, and I loved the guardian angel element, which is classic DeTarsio. One to check out!
I have reviewed The Scent of Jade, Ros, and The Kitchen Shrink from DeTarsio, and all have been great reads. If you have yet to read anything from her – get on it! I loved the intrigue in the book – and the fact that I was really wondering who the true murderer was up until the end. Jaswinder is a fun character, and her grandmother seemed super sweet – even though she only ever said two different phrases to her granddaughter. There was a lot of humor, romance, and I loved the guardian angel element, which is classic DeTarsio. One to check out!
September 28, 2012
4.5 stars!
Jaswinder Park is living her dream as a weather reporter in San Diego when she is called on by her parents to rush to Maui to bail her Hawaiian grandmother out of jail for selling marijuana. Jaswinder's bad judgment in her attempt to play hooky from work causes her to lose her job. Adding insult to injury, within 24 hours of her arrival in Maui, her grandmother is accused of murdering a man who was last seen licking tequila off of Jaswinder's wrist. As if all of this is not enough, Jaswinder is convinced she is losing her mind when a naked man claims to be her Guardian Angel despite his insistence that he cannot grant any of Jaswinder's wishes or help in any way to find the real killer. What good is a Guardian Angel when he just silently stands by and watches your world fall apart?
This novel, while completely over-the-top, was 100% original and laugh-out-loud funny. I loved every character, especially Jaswinder and her grandmother and the relationship between the two of them was unbelievably touching Who would think that such a believable bond could be created between two people who don't even understand each other's language? I loved being a bystander as Jaswinder grew into herself and discovered what really made her happy. I can't wait to read more by Dee DeTarsio!
Jaswinder Park is living her dream as a weather reporter in San Diego when she is called on by her parents to rush to Maui to bail her Hawaiian grandmother out of jail for selling marijuana. Jaswinder's bad judgment in her attempt to play hooky from work causes her to lose her job. Adding insult to injury, within 24 hours of her arrival in Maui, her grandmother is accused of murdering a man who was last seen licking tequila off of Jaswinder's wrist. As if all of this is not enough, Jaswinder is convinced she is losing her mind when a naked man claims to be her Guardian Angel despite his insistence that he cannot grant any of Jaswinder's wishes or help in any way to find the real killer. What good is a Guardian Angel when he just silently stands by and watches your world fall apart?
This novel, while completely over-the-top, was 100% original and laugh-out-loud funny. I loved every character, especially Jaswinder and her grandmother and the relationship between the two of them was unbelievably touching Who would think that such a believable bond could be created between two people who don't even understand each other's language? I loved being a bystander as Jaswinder grew into herself and discovered what really made her happy. I can't wait to read more by Dee DeTarsio!
October 9, 2013
Haole Wood has both mystery and humor, wrapped up in a chick-lit storyline.
The mystery revolves around a murder early on with several viable suspects. These include Jas, the protagonist, who is the last known person to see the victim alive (although she knows at least one other came after her, since she didn’t do it). That another person with motive is her grandmother is more than a touch unnerving.
The humor comes from multiple directions. Sometimes it is how the author chooses to word something, like with the play on words in the chapter heading of “Blonde Leading the Blind.” Other times it is the characters, as with almost everything to do with Jaswinder’s grandmother, both the communication difficulties the two have due to language differences and the situations her grandmother gets herself in. That Jas is first sent to Hawaii to bail her grandmother out of jail is one example, even though that seems serious.
A chick-lit story line is a female protagonist, through her experiences and events in the story, learning about herself and ending up in a better place at the conclusion. That happens too, no matter how unlikely it seems through much of the book. A fun read which I highly recommend.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The mystery revolves around a murder early on with several viable suspects. These include Jas, the protagonist, who is the last known person to see the victim alive (although she knows at least one other came after her, since she didn’t do it). That another person with motive is her grandmother is more than a touch unnerving.
The humor comes from multiple directions. Sometimes it is how the author chooses to word something, like with the play on words in the chapter heading of “Blonde Leading the Blind.” Other times it is the characters, as with almost everything to do with Jaswinder’s grandmother, both the communication difficulties the two have due to language differences and the situations her grandmother gets herself in. That Jas is first sent to Hawaii to bail her grandmother out of jail is one example, even though that seems serious.
A chick-lit story line is a female protagonist, through her experiences and events in the story, learning about herself and ending up in a better place at the conclusion. That happens too, no matter how unlikely it seems through much of the book. A fun read which I highly recommend.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 21, 2013
* Originally posted on Lost in Literature
When I was contacted by Dee DeTarsio about reviewing her chick lit story, I quickly accepted. I mean, seriously, a story taking place in Hawaii with that amount of drama... How could I deny myself the pleasure of reading this story?!
Jaswinder definitely deals with her share of stress. From losing her job for pre-taping a weather report to fighting to find the killer of a murdered man to get her grandmother off the hook, Haole Wood is fun and witty. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect while also being entertained by the natives of Hawaii. There were a few twists and turns throughout the story too, which kept me hooked.
The one part I wasn't too sure about was the whole guardian angel thing. I liked the idea of a guardian angel showing up and helping out... but it seemed a bit weird at times. Maybe just too much. But Dee definitely pulled it all together beautifully at the end. (Nope, not giving any hints. ;))
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I will be looking into Dee's other books as well. If you like chick lit and you love yourself some Hawaii like I sure do, you should check this one out.
3.5 stars!
When I was contacted by Dee DeTarsio about reviewing her chick lit story, I quickly accepted. I mean, seriously, a story taking place in Hawaii with that amount of drama... How could I deny myself the pleasure of reading this story?!
Jaswinder definitely deals with her share of stress. From losing her job for pre-taping a weather report to fighting to find the killer of a murdered man to get her grandmother off the hook, Haole Wood is fun and witty. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect while also being entertained by the natives of Hawaii. There were a few twists and turns throughout the story too, which kept me hooked.
The one part I wasn't too sure about was the whole guardian angel thing. I liked the idea of a guardian angel showing up and helping out... but it seemed a bit weird at times. Maybe just too much. But Dee definitely pulled it all together beautifully at the end. (Nope, not giving any hints. ;))
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I will be looking into Dee's other books as well. If you like chick lit and you love yourself some Hawaii like I sure do, you should check this one out.
3.5 stars!
June 13, 2012
Dee DeTarsio's latest is a fun-filled trip to Maui with Jaswinder Park, a young woman who's made a ton of bad decisions in her life and would desperately like to change that. But, fate seems to be working against her, especially when she meets her Hawaiian guardian angel who tells her that he can't reveal her future nor can he help her out. When her grandmother is arrested for the murder of a local land developer, Jaswinder is convinced that her grandmother is innocent, but must turn her own life around before she can saved her grandmother. A mystery filled with humor and heart, this would make a great addition to your summer reading list.
August 19, 2013
Funny entertaining novel set in the backdrop of the beautiful island of Maui.
Enjoyable read with laugh out loud moments as Jaswinder attempts to help
her grandmother despite not speaking her grandmothers native language.
The adventures begin when Jaswinder arrives to bail her grandmother out of
jail for possession of marijuana. The story continues like a sitcom with various
outrageously unbelievable plots. This was a nice break from the heavy murder
mysteries I had been reading.
Http://bookwormreviewblog.blogspot.com
Enjoyable read with laugh out loud moments as Jaswinder attempts to help
her grandmother despite not speaking her grandmothers native language.
The adventures begin when Jaswinder arrives to bail her grandmother out of
jail for possession of marijuana. The story continues like a sitcom with various
outrageously unbelievable plots. This was a nice break from the heavy murder
mysteries I had been reading.
Http://bookwormreviewblog.blogspot.com
April 28, 2013
Loved this book! Perfect for a week-end read. The characters are engaging, the locale is awesome and the writting is fun. Jaswinder is a hoot...she manages to get herself into all kinds of trouble with no help from her guardian angel. What the heck is he doing anyway...the plot is fun and the people more so. Pull up a beach chair or blanket and enjoy!
By the way, this was a free book and it's true...the best things in life are free!
PS Dee, thanks for the candy bar...you were right, great with raisins (added some wine). All is good.
I want more Jaswinder!
By the way, this was a free book and it's true...the best things in life are free!
PS Dee, thanks for the candy bar...you were right, great with raisins (added some wine). All is good.
I want more Jaswinder!
February 18, 2013
I've been to Hawaii enough to appreciate the local flavor the author adds, especially the joke in the company name, Haole Wood, and the trials of the very white heroine who sticks out as a mainlander despite her Asian Hawaiian father and grandmother. This quirky book is a little confused on whether it wants to be a romance or a cozy mystery when it grows up, but don't let that stop you from reading it.
June 22, 2012
What a magnificent sense of humor, LOL-funny passages, and quirky characters. I love the narrator in Jaswinder and how quickly she gets herself into big trouble. But she is a survivor, oh those sunshminas! Not only is the novel well-written, nicely paced, and suspenseful, but there is a heart here, too. And overall, a great journey to be on.
February 15, 2014
Wanted a light-hearted read on the trip home from vacation. It was a light, easy read. But it was hard to like since I found the main character to be pretty much of an idiot. The grandmother was charming, and the guardian angel was kind of amusing, but a lot of the story was too silly, and I just didn't like the protagonist.
May 30, 2012
This is such a fun story, great beach read. I really enjoy Dee's writing, she is able to paint such a wonderful picture for the reader...I almost felt like I was in Hawaii. Crime, drama, romance, not to mention a cute doctor, with some twists thrown in along the way, this book has it all!
May 23, 2013
I usually am not drawn to murder mysteries, but this had enough humor for the story to excite me. I enjoyed reading this novel, and look forward to more from this author. I'm glad I won this First Reads book.
June 24, 2012
I was drawn to this book because of the Korean grandma...my kids have a Korean grandma and I can relate to the language barrier. This W's a fun and entertaining read and was free for kindle.
April 1, 2013
Enjoyable
May 24, 2013
Fun, with captivating characters! A good summer read!
July 20, 2013
Cute book. Super fast read. Perfect little beach read.
October 7, 2013
I was not expecting much from this book. Boy was I wrong. Dee DeTariso I will be buying more book by you. I loved the humor in this story. Such a fun read!
November 19, 2012
When the main character, on page two, says that her mom is not the boss of her, I have serious doubts about the maturity of said character. The parts that I read (the beginning) had problematic grammar, and the narration jumped back and forth in a rather confusing way. The main character's on Hawaii, then suddenly she starts going on about her job, and then some ghost(?) and disaster and her sister and I have no idea what she's talking about.
I admit to having downloaded this, in part, to see just how badly the author mangles local culture. As someone living in Hawaii, I actually found the book somewhat offensive. Although admittedly I haven't been here that long myself, my grandparents have lived in Hawaii for years, so I spent months out of every year here while growing up. And this book definitely lacks anything to make it seem authentically set in Hawaii.
As for the facts- far more Hawaiians speak only English than speak Hawaiian. Hawaiian actually almost completely died out in the 1970s, and the only reason it still exists as a language is the hard work of a few dedicated individuals in reviving it. Very few people actually speak Hawaiian at all. Anyone born in Hawaii since the 1920s probably speaks Pidgin, a mixture of English with other languages, but certainly understandable to someone from the mainland. And the taxi driver would probably speak Pidgin- not the broken English that was written.
I really don't see why the main character can't understand her grandmother. If her grandmother is Hawaiian/Korean, that means she was born in Hawaii, and should speak the local language- Pidgin. She's not even an immigrant, and immigrants certainly learn the language after living in a place for years. My grandparents are immigrants from China, but they've lived in America for most of their lives, and their English is better than that of some Americans.
And, uh, what exactly is cool about measuring the amount of water to cook rice with? That just kind of baffled me.
Okay, I'm just going to stop now before I do something (my computer screen) irreparable harm. If you're going to write a book set in Hawaii, then please make sure you actually have SOME grasp of local culture, not some touristy version of it. There is a BIG difference from how people in Hawaii actual live and the stereotypes that tourists have. You know all that stuff you see in gift shops? Not real. Or rather, some of it may have been real in the past, but certainly not anymore.
I admit to having downloaded this, in part, to see just how badly the author mangles local culture. As someone living in Hawaii, I actually found the book somewhat offensive. Although admittedly I haven't been here that long myself, my grandparents have lived in Hawaii for years, so I spent months out of every year here while growing up. And this book definitely lacks anything to make it seem authentically set in Hawaii.
As for the facts- far more Hawaiians speak only English than speak Hawaiian. Hawaiian actually almost completely died out in the 1970s, and the only reason it still exists as a language is the hard work of a few dedicated individuals in reviving it. Very few people actually speak Hawaiian at all. Anyone born in Hawaii since the 1920s probably speaks Pidgin, a mixture of English with other languages, but certainly understandable to someone from the mainland. And the taxi driver would probably speak Pidgin- not the broken English that was written.
I really don't see why the main character can't understand her grandmother. If her grandmother is Hawaiian/Korean, that means she was born in Hawaii, and should speak the local language- Pidgin. She's not even an immigrant, and immigrants certainly learn the language after living in a place for years. My grandparents are immigrants from China, but they've lived in America for most of their lives, and their English is better than that of some Americans.
And, uh, what exactly is cool about measuring the amount of water to cook rice with? That just kind of baffled me.
Okay, I'm just going to stop now before I do something (my computer screen) irreparable harm. If you're going to write a book set in Hawaii, then please make sure you actually have SOME grasp of local culture, not some touristy version of it. There is a BIG difference from how people in Hawaii actual live and the stereotypes that tourists have. You know all that stuff you see in gift shops? Not real. Or rather, some of it may have been real in the past, but certainly not anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews