Hawaii: A Novel
"Mark Panek's new book 'Hawaiʻi' skillfully destroys the stereotypes perpetuated by Michener's 'Hawaii' as the token 'book about the islands.'"--Huffington Post"Am I saying this is ourBonfire of the Vanities? Yes....Get this book...Get it before the post-Inouye island power players figure out a way to ban it."--Honolulu Weekly "This isn't the Hawaii of sun, hula dancers, and Waikiki Beach. Nor is it James Michener'sHawaiior even the Hawaii ofHawaii Five-O. Mark Panek's Hawai'i is a place that the tourism industry would like to keep a deep, dark secret. In this sprawling, bowl-you-over novel, Panek blows that secret world wide open."--Colby Magazine "Panek says his book is based on extensive interviews with lobbyists, reporters, activists, developers, and public officials, and it shows. The book reads and feels like the true state of affairs across the state."--Mauitime"Mark Panek has truly crafted an epic tale...unafraid to dig into the scabs, re-open the wounds, and show us the color of the blood inside....If you've read any of Panek's previous non-fiction books, especially the poignantBig Happiness, then you'll know that he is a talented writer who is able to weave together local narratives and smaller stories gracefully into a web of greater social consciousness....Hawai'isucceeds in constructing a blisteringly authentic representation of the Hawai'i we live in today, one that stands tall in its unapologetic honesty.  Must read."--Hawaiibookblog.com"Panek's books are portals for viewing lives that tumble on behind the headlines.  He combines journalistic-style coverage with atmospheric color and character portraits...Yes, the reference to Michener's classic is thoroughly intentioned.  Panek is throwing down the gauntlet."--Hawai'i Public Radio"Panek has an ear for language and an eye for the identifying detail...[He] confidently enters the smoke-filled rooms, flies to Asia on a lavish gubernatorial golf junket, represents the anger and savvy tactics of Hawaiian activists trying to protect their family's lands."--Honolulu Star-Advertiser"Panek's depiction of Hawai'i is like none Michener could imagine."--Honolulu Magazine"This story is expertly told through experiences and perspectives that are completely unique to the islands...Panek gives his readers a compelling, sometimes cynical, and often humorous account of what it's like to live in post-millennial Hawai'i."---Ke Kalahea