Review: Deep e-reading from a talented literary writer.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2011
Kiana: I am truly moved by your writing.  I've traveled to Hawaii several times, and feel like it's an old friend, even as a haole myself; the enchanted isles always win over those who set foot on the lava sand.  It's magical to those looking in: a place of dense greenery and mystery, a place of traditional, a place of peace.  The foundation of the Hawaiian isles is the culture of the native people, and meeting them can be elusive to the camera-laden, jet lagged tourist.  The best secrets of the native people get short shrift from hungry tourists bee-lining for the luau buffet.I am a reader and budding writer of literary fiction.  For me, plot takes a back seat to character--give me rich, deep-as-mahogany character over plot any day.  The plot will wind its way back to the character, it always does.  I'm paraphrasing Eudora Welty there--a strong proponent of character.I sampled House Of Skin on Kindle this morning and am truly--no, utterly--impressed.  The title story is as flavorful as a cup of Kona coffee.  Perfect descriptions of the family balanced with just the right tweaks and pivots in action to make it enjoyable on all levels.  You, Kiana, can write. Period.Your literary fiction (think Toni Morrison or Joyce Carol Oates) is refreshing in the e-book world.  I see electronic self-publishing, on the whole, to be plot-driven genre fiction--with a major helping of young adult and paranormal--and it leaves me, frankly, hungry at the end of the $2.99 buffet.  Starving, to be honest.Your writing is different.  It's pure, unadulterated wordplay from a talented writer that makes for powerful reading.  Your prose is memorable and quotable, with just the right turn-of-a-phrase at precisely the right moment.  Readable, accessible, intelligent.  I enjoyed savoring the rich character and stories of the Pacific Islanders through your words.I was introduced to your writing through Joe Konrath at [...] and am very pleased to have sampled your Kindle book--I encourage others to do so.  For those who enjoy crisp writing and who are planning a trip to the Pacific, or those on a "stay-cation" with some time in the hammock at home, grab this book.  It's superb.