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Voices of Hawaii: Life Stories from the Generation that Shaped the Aloha State
By the author, Jane Marshall Goodsill:
Even though my father and I were close, I realized after his passing that there was a lot about his life that I didn’t know, particularly his career. I decided to fill in my knowledge gaps by talking to people who knew him.
It was fulfilling to learn about him, but even more thrilling to engage with people of his generation. I was privileged to hear history from people who actually participated in the destiny of Hawai`i.
I learned about the old days, who did what during WWII, the challenges of living in a racial melting pot, issues relating to land reform, law, local art and literature, and changes in Hawai’i over time.
This book is a gift to all those who shared their hearts with me.
Even though my father and I were close, I realized after his passing that there was a lot about his life that I didn’t know, particularly his career. I decided to fill in my knowledge gaps by talking to people who knew him.
It was fulfilling to learn about him, but even more thrilling to engage with people of his generation. I was privileged to hear history from people who actually participated in the destiny of Hawai`i.
I learned about the old days, who did what during WWII, the challenges of living in a racial melting pot, issues relating to land reform, law, local art and literature, and changes in Hawai’i over time.
This book is a gift to all those who shared their hearts with me.
228 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 20, 2023
I purchased this book at Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana during a recent trip to Hawaii. The book I had been looking for was not in stock.
My father knows the author and recommended the book as a way to get to know a bit about old Hawaii.
The book does indeed contain a wealth of information... I learned why ranches keep cattle even though they aren't profitable, and I also enjoyed the explanation of the too rusty frame of Aloha Stadium.
Ms Goodsill really did her legwork, but the format did not work for me. Verbatim statements from the sources weren't always very easy to understand and might have benefitted from being filtered through the author. There was also sometimes way too much boring detail (for me) of legal stuff.
My father knows the author and recommended the book as a way to get to know a bit about old Hawaii.
The book does indeed contain a wealth of information... I learned why ranches keep cattle even though they aren't profitable, and I also enjoyed the explanation of the too rusty frame of Aloha Stadium.
Ms Goodsill really did her legwork, but the format did not work for me. Verbatim statements from the sources weren't always very easy to understand and might have benefitted from being filtered through the author. There was also sometimes way too much boring detail (for me) of legal stuff.
June 22, 2022
The author has written a heartfelt book about life in Hawaii between 1940 - 1970, a pivotal time in the islands as Hawaii transitioned from a small, multi ethnic community to a crossroads between Asia and America.
The story is told through a series of interviews of people who lived through this period. Starting with her father, the story expands to include many of the leading figures during this period. It is heartfelt, warm, interesting, and educational. More importantly, the author captures the “essence” of Hawaii, that special spirit that makes Hawaii so unique and precious.
If you want to learn what it’s really like to live in Hawaii, then this book is essential reading.
The story is told through a series of interviews of people who lived through this period. Starting with her father, the story expands to include many of the leading figures during this period. It is heartfelt, warm, interesting, and educational. More importantly, the author captures the “essence” of Hawaii, that special spirit that makes Hawaii so unique and precious.
If you want to learn what it’s really like to live in Hawaii, then this book is essential reading.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews