Reader Reaction to Combat Chaplain

A reader sends the following reaction to Combat Chaplain by Israel Yost:

Dear neighbors on the other side of the globe,

I want to personally thank the University of Hawai‘i Press for publishing Combat Chaplain by Israel Yost, and to thank Monica Yost and Michael Markrich for compiling and editing such a wonderfully well-told account of very tough times.

I work as a spiritual director near Naples, Italy, where I travel many of the paths that Chaplain Yost once did as I live near Avellino. I was surprised to find that I currently conduct spiritual retreats just a few miles from where he did his hardest work in Montecalvo Irpino, Italy.

Having been in combat myself, I am humbled at the harshness of the task facing the 100th Battalion, which lacked our modern protections and tactics. This book will greatly enrich the retreats I conduct here and I will encourage others to read it. I plan to drive the path he did while recollecting some of his thoughts while treading the same, now peaceful ground. We truly stand on the spiritual shoulders of such men as Israel Yost and those who tell his story. I now reap the benefits of the peace that he sought.

My prayers of thanks to the Lord for your book. May such stories be told over and over.

Ciao, most sincerely,
Bruce Mentzer

Mark Panek reading from Gaijin Yokozuna

Mark Panek, author of Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan, will read from his biography of the Hawai‘i-born sumotori on Tuesday, October 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in UCB 100 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Gaijin Yokozuna explores the changes in cultural identity that Waimanalo’s Chad Rowan made on his way to becoming sumotori Akebono, the first foreigner (gaijin) to reach the top rank, yokozuna (grand champion), in a sport that dates back to Japanese creation myths.

This special event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to fulfill grant conditions. Call 808-974-7664 for registration information.

John Clark at Brown Bag Biography

John Clark, author of many popular books on Hawai‘i’s beaches, will discuss his work on Guardian of the Sea: Jizo in Hawai‘i, published this August by University of Hawai‘i Press, on Thursday, November 15, noon-1:15 pm, at the Center for Biographical Research, University of Hawai‘i-Manoa, Henke Hall 325, 1800 East-West Road. The event is part of “Brown Bag Biography: Discussions of Life Writing By and For Town and Gown,” sponsored by the Center.

Bob Dye at the Honolulu Writers Conference

Bob Dye, author of Merchant Prince of the Sandalwood Mountains: Afong and the Chinese in Hawai‘i and editor of Hawai‘i Chronicles II and III, all published by University of Hawai‘i Press, will lead a non-fiction writing workshop at this year’s Honolulu Writers Conference. Twelve workshops will be offered by experienced authors, editors, and teachers at the conference on Saturday, October 20, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, at the Neil Blaisdell Center. Registration and fee ($70.00) are required. For more information, call 808-395-1161, or email alohapress@hawaiiantel.net.

Halloween Book Signings for Marion Coste

Marion Coste will autograph The Hawaiian Bat: ‘Ope‘ape‘a, her most recent book for children on Hawaiian native animal species at the below times and locations. Children are invited to make their own bat bookmarks, and everyone can learn more about this rare animal from the author.

Wednesday, October 24
2-3:00 pm, Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange

Saturday, October 27
12-1:00 pm, Borders-Windward Mall
2-3:00 pm, Borders-Waikele

Sunday, October 28
12-1:00, Borders-Ward Centre
2-3:00, Borders-Pearlridge

The author will also be giving talks on the Hawaiian bat at various O‘ahu elementary schools from now into November:
October 11, Maunawili
October 12, Benjamin Parker
October 18, Pearl Kai
October 19, ASSETS School
October 22, Pearlridge
October 26, Kaneohe
November 15, Hale Kula
November 16, Waiau

Marion Coste is the author of Nene, Honu, and Kolea: The Story of the Pacific Golden Plover, all published by University of Hawai‘i Press.

Stopover featured in Time Magazine

Photographs from Stopover, a new book by New Zealand journalist Bruce Connew, were featured in the September 17, 2007 issue of Time magazine (South Pacific edition). View the article here.

Stopover is published and distributed outside New Zealand by University of Hawai‘i Press.