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The Life and Times of a Hawaiian Tiki Bar #1
The Parrot Talks In Chocolate
A mythical Hawaiian Tiki bar, and it's eclectic patrons help tell the story of our young hero as he discovers love in the tropics. Tiwaka, the parrot, trades chocolate covered nuts for words of wisdom and watches the wild and often mystical adventures unfold. You'll laugh, cry and insist on buying your plane tickets immediately, to Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill.
Amazon Reviews
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Amazon Reviews
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172 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2009
47 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Everett Peacock
43 books25 followers* change your GOODREADS password folks.
They were hacked*
Mr. Peacock was born on an island and continues the tradition living in Maui, Hawaii. Decades were spent living on a secluded O'ahu, Hawai'i beach, surfing, mountain biking, glider flying and throwing beach parties people still talk about - all in the name of research.
When he had to work it was stints at the Honolulu airport, as a cargo handler, Air Traffic Control radio, Airline Flight Operations Dispatcher and tower operator at Kapalua airport. Part time gigs included computer programmer and an amateur lobster fisherman.
Having traveled extensively to all of the Hawaiian islands, Tahiti, Bali, Australia and a few places he has sworn to keep secret, Mr. Peacock has lived, and continues to do through his writing, a life as colorful as his name.
He lives in a bungalow, under a mango tree, in Lahaina. He can sometimes be found hanging out at Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FICTION
Series: Agent Boudreaux
book 1: Leaving Lana'i
book 2: The Slovakian
book 3: A Perfect Analogy
book 4: Wicked Game
Series: The Life and Times of a Hawaiian Tiki Bar
book 1: The Parrot Talks in Chocolate
book 2: In the Middle of the Third Planet's Most Wonderful of Oceans
book 3: Tiwaka Goes To Waikiki
book 4: Green Bananas
A Paradise of One
The Galactics
Escape from Hanalei
One More Sunset
Escaping the Magnificent (also in Audio)
Death by Facebook (also in Audio)
NON-FICTION
The Nearly Impossible to Follow Diet - for Everyone! (Christmas 2019)
They were hacked*
Mr. Peacock was born on an island and continues the tradition living in Maui, Hawaii. Decades were spent living on a secluded O'ahu, Hawai'i beach, surfing, mountain biking, glider flying and throwing beach parties people still talk about - all in the name of research.
When he had to work it was stints at the Honolulu airport, as a cargo handler, Air Traffic Control radio, Airline Flight Operations Dispatcher and tower operator at Kapalua airport. Part time gigs included computer programmer and an amateur lobster fisherman.
Having traveled extensively to all of the Hawaiian islands, Tahiti, Bali, Australia and a few places he has sworn to keep secret, Mr. Peacock has lived, and continues to do through his writing, a life as colorful as his name.
He lives in a bungalow, under a mango tree, in Lahaina. He can sometimes be found hanging out at Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FICTION
Series: Agent Boudreaux
book 1: Leaving Lana'i
book 2: The Slovakian
book 3: A Perfect Analogy
book 4: Wicked Game
Series: The Life and Times of a Hawaiian Tiki Bar
book 1: The Parrot Talks in Chocolate
book 2: In the Middle of the Third Planet's Most Wonderful of Oceans
book 3: Tiwaka Goes To Waikiki
book 4: Green Bananas
A Paradise of One
The Galactics
Escape from Hanalei
One More Sunset
Escaping the Magnificent (also in Audio)
Death by Facebook (also in Audio)
NON-FICTION
The Nearly Impossible to Follow Diet - for Everyone! (Christmas 2019)
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 17, 2012
I downloaded this book on my Kindle touch as it sounded like a nice tale and I wanted something gentle in between my murder mysteries. What I found was a vacation in words!
Mr. Peacock has an ability to draw a scene and send smells and temperatures and flavors with his talented word-smithing. To my delight, my vacation was in Hawaii.
The narrator is a young boy who grows into a man that bartends at the Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill on one of the Hawaiian islands off of Oahu. The bartender's name is 'Boss' at least that is what Tiwaka says...who is Tiwaka? An amazing Parrot that will answer any direct question for a piece of chocolate. He is a very wise Parrot.
The story is a set of short tales about the narrator and his life and the animal and human friends he makes throughout his life. This novel involves the first third of his life. When he speaks of his dog, Ococ, you will find yourself reliving every moment you treasured with your pet. When he takes you surfing, you can feel the surf and sun.
When he falls in love, your heart holds it's breath! You realize that you care about this gentle Hawaiian Bartender. You cry with him, you laugh with him, you ache with him.
This book was a delight to read and I can't wait to download his next one.
Mr. Peacock has an ability to draw a scene and send smells and temperatures and flavors with his talented word-smithing. To my delight, my vacation was in Hawaii.
The narrator is a young boy who grows into a man that bartends at the Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill on one of the Hawaiian islands off of Oahu. The bartender's name is 'Boss' at least that is what Tiwaka says...who is Tiwaka? An amazing Parrot that will answer any direct question for a piece of chocolate. He is a very wise Parrot.
The story is a set of short tales about the narrator and his life and the animal and human friends he makes throughout his life. This novel involves the first third of his life. When he speaks of his dog, Ococ, you will find yourself reliving every moment you treasured with your pet. When he takes you surfing, you can feel the surf and sun.
When he falls in love, your heart holds it's breath! You realize that you care about this gentle Hawaiian Bartender. You cry with him, you laugh with him, you ache with him.
This book was a delight to read and I can't wait to download his next one.
April 20, 2011
The Parrot Talks in Chocolate is like the fairytales I loved as a child, but this novel is for the grownups. Told in the first person, I suspect the author put much of his own history into the book and had the wisdom to know that he lived in a magical place. The images flow like discriptions in beautiful poetry and I was nostalgic for the years I lived in Hawaii. I laughed at the humerous antics of Tiwaka and cried over Ococ. This is a beautiful novel. A Tiki culture is represented that I wished to live in. It was a magical experience in reading where unexpected events occur and the wonderful power and wisdom of animanls and of nature is explored. I'm looking forward to reading more novels by Everett Peacock.
May 2, 2018
DNF at 10%, just wasn't for me.
January 18, 2013
Aloha!
Have you come for a Coco Loco Moco? You haven't? Oh, you are here for The Parrot that Talks in Chocolate then? Yes? Ah, my friend, you have come just in time. Tiwaka has just left the last one to question him dumbfounded, with infinite wisdom pouring into his mortal mind.
No questions for the bird, you say, just here to watch? *smiles, while polishing a glass with a rag* Well, here's a question for you. Are you really thirsty?
... And so goes on the night, with our unnamed yet popular (and mysterious) surfer-bartender, as he takes care of one customer after the other. (Customers who, no matter what, always order a second Coco Loco Moco after having their first.)
As you sit in the bar-stool, amazed at the intelligent bird while watching-but-not-watching the sexy pareo-wearing beauties, you begin to breathe in a tinge in the air. Is it the smell of the barbecued grass-fed organic beef (that's so good vegetarians had to reaffirm their faith in its presence)? Is it the scent of the chocolate cashews, beckoning you to hand it over to the all-knowing parrot? Is it even the faint musk of to-be lovers, meeting for the first time in this secluded bar and leaving for the very rustic cabanas in the area?
No, my friend. I believe its the Tiki magic working its way on you.
This book of connected-yet-separate anecdotes features to us the life of one who grew up on The Island. An island where an active volcano lets out its Vog every so often to agitate the spirits of its residents. An island where pineapple pickers long for the blue, blue sky. An island where choice surfing spots abound, stretched out as so as if each was designed to be shared by only two people.
An island among the islands of Hawaii.
It can't be anything but Tiki magic that sprinkles the words here, words of a simple man living a simple life in a curious island. It dusts his daily living with different incidents he doesn't bother to think about - only to feel about and let happen. While he talks about his memories of his old beloved Ococ, the feel of his dried hair while surfing the wave, and the unattainable apple of his eye, he talks too of ghosts, of connected spirits, and of the Great Cosmic Gift Giver. And he lets them hover in the air, not bothering to explain anything.
(Let's not forget the interesting parrot as well, whose current tap of the toes - now at 1, 3, 6 - signify the 136th song on the portable media player. Lo and behold, it's the perfect song to signify the current mood. And he does it every single time.)
No, don't come in if you're looking for an unscrupulous joint selling nothing more than ice tea and moonshine. Turn and leave if you expect therapy, and not escapism. Don't try to find this place if you don't have faith. This is a Tiki bar, through and through. (It even has the parchment paper certificate guaranteeing that it has passed the standards for authenticity of the 1958 TIKI Convention!)
While this book seems like a bunch of well-written (and slow-paced) stories, it holds much more than that. It has the promise of green turtles that snort as they save your life, it has the promise of dreamy vacation landscapes with unique and captivating locals, it has the promise of sun-kissed love.
Don't rush, feel the wind against your hair, and relax. You've got some minutes of escape at your fingertips. Enjoy, and aloha.
(This is almost! a 5-star read for me. While I can't quite rate it with 5 stars, it's awesome! I lost myself almost completely to this world. Note that this is my first foray into Hawaii- / Tiki-related books :) Great read!)
Have you come for a Coco Loco Moco? You haven't? Oh, you are here for The Parrot that Talks in Chocolate then? Yes? Ah, my friend, you have come just in time. Tiwaka has just left the last one to question him dumbfounded, with infinite wisdom pouring into his mortal mind.
No questions for the bird, you say, just here to watch? *smiles, while polishing a glass with a rag* Well, here's a question for you. Are you really thirsty?
... And so goes on the night, with our unnamed yet popular (and mysterious) surfer-bartender, as he takes care of one customer after the other. (Customers who, no matter what, always order a second Coco Loco Moco after having their first.)
As you sit in the bar-stool, amazed at the intelligent bird while watching-but-not-watching the sexy pareo-wearing beauties, you begin to breathe in a tinge in the air. Is it the smell of the barbecued grass-fed organic beef (that's so good vegetarians had to reaffirm their faith in its presence)? Is it the scent of the chocolate cashews, beckoning you to hand it over to the all-knowing parrot? Is it even the faint musk of to-be lovers, meeting for the first time in this secluded bar and leaving for the very rustic cabanas in the area?
No, my friend. I believe its the Tiki magic working its way on you.
This book of connected-yet-separate anecdotes features to us the life of one who grew up on The Island. An island where an active volcano lets out its Vog every so often to agitate the spirits of its residents. An island where pineapple pickers long for the blue, blue sky. An island where choice surfing spots abound, stretched out as so as if each was designed to be shared by only two people.
An island among the islands of Hawaii.
It can't be anything but Tiki magic that sprinkles the words here, words of a simple man living a simple life in a curious island. It dusts his daily living with different incidents he doesn't bother to think about - only to feel about and let happen. While he talks about his memories of his old beloved Ococ, the feel of his dried hair while surfing the wave, and the unattainable apple of his eye, he talks too of ghosts, of connected spirits, and of the Great Cosmic Gift Giver. And he lets them hover in the air, not bothering to explain anything.
(Let's not forget the interesting parrot as well, whose current tap of the toes - now at 1, 3, 6 - signify the 136th song on the portable media player. Lo and behold, it's the perfect song to signify the current mood. And he does it every single time.)
No, don't come in if you're looking for an unscrupulous joint selling nothing more than ice tea and moonshine. Turn and leave if you expect therapy, and not escapism. Don't try to find this place if you don't have faith. This is a Tiki bar, through and through. (It even has the parchment paper certificate guaranteeing that it has passed the standards for authenticity of the 1958 TIKI Convention!)
While this book seems like a bunch of well-written (and slow-paced) stories, it holds much more than that. It has the promise of green turtles that snort as they save your life, it has the promise of dreamy vacation landscapes with unique and captivating locals, it has the promise of sun-kissed love.
Don't rush, feel the wind against your hair, and relax. You've got some minutes of escape at your fingertips. Enjoy, and aloha.
(This is almost! a 5-star read for me. While I can't quite rate it with 5 stars, it's awesome! I lost myself almost completely to this world. Note that this is my first foray into Hawaii- / Tiki-related books :) Great read!)
June 21, 2011
This book is a wonder. From the moment I started I was caught in the salt spray of the Hawaiian air, the smell of pineapples and the feel of the sun pulsing against my skin. This is one of those few books where I feel that I want to be inside its pages.
The characters are what make the book what it is, even more than the setting. From the narrator, who is honest and lighthearted, to Tiwaka, the charming, loveable parrot who rules over the Tiki bar, to a waitress who might be more than she looks, the pages are crowded with fabulous personalities.
There is no plot, per se, the book is made of a collection of connected experiences in a paradisiacal island that ripples with Tiki music. It is the perfect story to pick up when feeling down, or stressed. The writing style is so soothing that it lulls you into a sense of well being that mimics the feelings of the many patrons of Tiwaka’s.
There’s really not enough I can say about how wonderful this book is. All I can tell you is that as soon as I finished it, I began to read the sequel, attempting to remain a little longer amid the wonders of the beautiful Tiki atmosphere.
Highly, highly, recommend it.
The characters are what make the book what it is, even more than the setting. From the narrator, who is honest and lighthearted, to Tiwaka, the charming, loveable parrot who rules over the Tiki bar, to a waitress who might be more than she looks, the pages are crowded with fabulous personalities.
There is no plot, per se, the book is made of a collection of connected experiences in a paradisiacal island that ripples with Tiki music. It is the perfect story to pick up when feeling down, or stressed. The writing style is so soothing that it lulls you into a sense of well being that mimics the feelings of the many patrons of Tiwaka’s.
There’s really not enough I can say about how wonderful this book is. All I can tell you is that as soon as I finished it, I began to read the sequel, attempting to remain a little longer amid the wonders of the beautiful Tiki atmosphere.
Highly, highly, recommend it.
June 27, 2015
Review Snippets:
(Goodreads.com and Amazon.com)
"...a near-perfect beach read"
"... I haven't quite woken up from the dreamy-state it put me in"
"The vivid descriptions in the book made me feel like I was right there watching the story unfold."
"Perfect blend of magic and humanity, coconuts and tropical cocktails."
"This is a beautiful novel."
"A must read to get you in the mood for a spiritual vacation."
"...a must for the nightstand to free oneself of the realities of life while reading this "bed-time story" for adults."
(Goodreads.com and Amazon.com)
"...a near-perfect beach read"
"... I haven't quite woken up from the dreamy-state it put me in"
"The vivid descriptions in the book made me feel like I was right there watching the story unfold."
"Perfect blend of magic and humanity, coconuts and tropical cocktails."
"This is a beautiful novel."
"A must read to get you in the mood for a spiritual vacation."
"...a must for the nightstand to free oneself of the realities of life while reading this "bed-time story" for adults."
April 15, 2011
Not yet finished this but so far it's a wonderful mystical tropical paradise vacation snap shot. Perfect evocative piece of writing for those suffering a long cold wet winter/spring. Will blow away the grey clouds and invite the tropical sun into your life. A must read to get you in the mood for a spiritual vacation.
September 18, 2011
This copy was received free for review. I try to avoid any other reviews before reading so any comments are my own views.
----
I want to visit :o(
Oddly enough I started this book while travelling and it didn't grab my attention as much as it did when I picked it up a few weeks later upon my return home. Maybe during my travels I was finding my own slice of heaven and didn't need the far-off dream (at least while I'm at home) that the book portrays.
It took me a while to get into almost the same as adjusting to a slower pace of life and meeting new friends does. The narrative flows nicely and the characters are beautifully conveyed. As a book end to end in terms of plot not a lot happens but in terms of people and experiences so much goes on that it not apparent until you slow down to enjoy the smaller (but oh so important) things in life that you can revel in each experience and each person as an individual.
There is so much I want to write about this book but don't quite know how to put it in words, some parts of the book are so vivid that I'm almost experiencing it myself. To call it a good book seems insufficient and yes as usual with my reviews I want half stars. 4 and a half stars.
----
I want to visit :o(
Oddly enough I started this book while travelling and it didn't grab my attention as much as it did when I picked it up a few weeks later upon my return home. Maybe during my travels I was finding my own slice of heaven and didn't need the far-off dream (at least while I'm at home) that the book portrays.
It took me a while to get into almost the same as adjusting to a slower pace of life and meeting new friends does. The narrative flows nicely and the characters are beautifully conveyed. As a book end to end in terms of plot not a lot happens but in terms of people and experiences so much goes on that it not apparent until you slow down to enjoy the smaller (but oh so important) things in life that you can revel in each experience and each person as an individual.
There is so much I want to write about this book but don't quite know how to put it in words, some parts of the book are so vivid that I'm almost experiencing it myself. To call it a good book seems insufficient and yes as usual with my reviews I want half stars. 4 and a half stars.
June 10, 2011
EVERETT PEACOCK'S "THE PARROT TALKS IN CHOCOLATE" (A REVIEW)
I was truly enchanted reading this story by Everett Peacock. It's not just the story of the life and times of a Hawaiian Tiki bar but a story of several lives all of which include family, friends, and even those short acquaintances we make along the way. I was intrigued from the very first page and I must say I still think the Parrot knows more than any give him credit for! The story was simply amazing and well-written leaving me wanting more. We all have those places we like to escape to, I always thought I knew where mine was... now I've decided I want it to be Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill. There's just something about a place where nature remains untouched and you feel like you know the people there even if you've never met them before. This is exactly the kind of nostalgia we all long for.
I know this is a book I will hang on to and read often just if for no other reason than to escape to that tropical paradise over and over again!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
I was truly enchanted reading this story by Everett Peacock. It's not just the story of the life and times of a Hawaiian Tiki bar but a story of several lives all of which include family, friends, and even those short acquaintances we make along the way. I was intrigued from the very first page and I must say I still think the Parrot knows more than any give him credit for! The story was simply amazing and well-written leaving me wanting more. We all have those places we like to escape to, I always thought I knew where mine was... now I've decided I want it to be Tiwaka's Tiki Bar & Grill. There's just something about a place where nature remains untouched and you feel like you know the people there even if you've never met them before. This is exactly the kind of nostalgia we all long for.
I know this is a book I will hang on to and read often just if for no other reason than to escape to that tropical paradise over and over again!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
June 3, 2011
This was a Goodreads win for me, and I was so happy to receive this book. I loved the story line in this tropical paradise of Maui, wish I would of found this Tiki Bar when I was there. The author had a perfect way of making you feel like you were right there with him, at his bar, and tasting his wonderful drink creations and asking Tiwaka questions so you could give him some candy. I was impressed with the friendship the parrot and the dog had together, but it was sad for me to read the ending for Ococ, but again rewarding to know the bartender and Tiwaka were by his side to the very end. This was a light read, but so full of everything it needed to have, conversation, compassion, excitment, variety of different types of people, pleasures, and love for people, pets, waves, and the detailed beauty of nature as one would find in Hawaii. Hope Everett will do a sequel now that he has found love for himself.
April 3, 2015
A freebie on the Kindle, I intend to book a flight to this magical and non-existent island as soon as I can. What a delight and a pleasure to read. Short vignettes into the days of the life of a Tiki Bar Bartender. This is one of those lovely books that needs to be experienced by the reader. Each person will take something different from it. Go surfing with a Giant Sea Turtle, talk to a man that thinks he's a ghost or a ghost that thinks he's a man. Fall in love with Tiwaka, the parrot who talks in chocolate. A wonderful, unpretentious, and simple look at life. Read it, you know you want to. Time to find a bar that serves Coco Loco Mocos!
February 29, 2012
Set in beautiful Hawaii, Tiwaka's is a certified authentic tiki bar. The bar's main attraction is Tiwaka himself, an old parrot with an extensive vocabulary who will answer patrons' questions in exchange for chocolate.
This was a quick and easy read for me. I fell in love with the book's cast of characters, especially Ococ, a dog who does everything backwards. Tiwaka, of course, adds flair to the story with his uncanny ability to read the mood of the bar and utter phrases accordingly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
This was a quick and easy read for me. I fell in love with the book's cast of characters, especially Ococ, a dog who does everything backwards. Tiwaka, of course, adds flair to the story with his uncanny ability to read the mood of the bar and utter phrases accordingly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
March 31, 2011
This was a fun light read that had me dreaming of an escape. The vivid descriptions in the book made me feel like I was right there watching the story unfold. I enjoyed that each chapter was a short story however some left me wanting more information or follow-up. Here's hoping there's a sequel in the future....
February 9, 2012
Who edited these books? Did anyone? So many errors that could have been solved by a simple proof-read. I thought the book was strange and disjointed and I was shocked to learn that there are at least two other books by this author. It had potential, but did not manage to live up to much of anything.
November 19, 2013
When I saw the title I thought this was going to be very good. Alas it was not. I kept reading hoping it would get better but it didn't. Only reason I finished it was because I needed it for a challenge. Glad I hadn't paid for it. It wasn't bad. It just didn't have enough to keep me interested and wanting to keep reading. Kind of blah.
August 28, 2012
This is an easy summer read and likely the perfect beach book. I enjoyed it after some "heavier" books. It is a story that does make me interested in the author's other works that I will be trying soon. The Hawaiin references and jargon are not difficult to comprehend and I think it helped place me on the islands.
September 29, 2012
This book is not a genre or type that I would usually choose, but something, maybe the chocolate, attracted me to read this book and I am very glad I did. The author's writing style is very descriptive and made me feel like I was on a mini holiday at times, while at others I felt like I was definitely a "fly on the wall" enjoying the conversations and friendship of the bar staff and patrons.
September 5, 2011
What a great book. The story was captivating, the characters were well developed and Tiwaka (the parrot) was hilarious. I will definitely be reading more books by Everett Peacock and the Hawaiian TIKI Bar.
June 1, 2023
Just a quick note to say ya just gotta read this book. It's magic & adventure & beauty ... I'm giving this book to friends for Christmas!
April 1, 2011
Easily one of my favorite books of all time. Perfect blend of magic and humanity, coconuts and tropical cocktails. For anyone who ever dreamed of living in paradise, this book's for you.
January 18, 2012
Very down to earth book. I liked it a lot.
February 3, 2014
feel good literature, if you love spider robinson and jimmy buffet you will at least like
parrot
parrot
July 10, 2012
Couldn't resist - love the title - plus it was free for Kindle! I didn't know what to expect...light enjoyable summer read!
March 9, 2012
Delightful book.
September 6, 2012
what a fun summer (albeit the end of summer) read! I will most likely be revisiting this on during our dreary Oregon winter.
October 4, 2012
I love love loved this book!!!
June 16, 2013
Cute book - kind of like chewing gum for your brain. Entertaining, but without any substance. Perfect beach read, I guess :)
July 15, 2015
The perfect book to read while we were vacationing in Hawaii. Loved the parrot stories, and how the author captures the vibe of Hawaii.
August 14, 2012
Cute story, light reading. I want to live there!
November 16, 2018
Basic and slow
The book rambled for quite a bit with no plot. It took till about 80% through to understand it was a romance. The Hawaiian culture was fun, but it was overkill in this book. Might be better as a young adult book.
The book rambled for quite a bit with no plot. It took till about 80% through to understand it was a romance. The Hawaiian culture was fun, but it was overkill in this book. Might be better as a young adult book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews