Author Talk: Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes ~ HULA, a novel

Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes, on the heels of her debut novel Hula receiving the Honolulu Book of the Year Award, will be at da Shop bookstore for a reading, discussion, and booksigning. In conversation with journalist and writer Stephanie Han, Hakes will share the story behind her debut, writing life, as well as personal thoughts about cultural heritage and identity. Don't miss this chance to meet one of the rising stars who has led a successful year of local and Hawai'i-based publishing. This event concludes an all-day celebration of Independent Bookstore Day at da Shop books + curiosities in Kaimuki.

"I wanted only to write a story of my hometown, for my hometown,” Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes says. “The intended plot was relatively straightforward: The daughter of a famous hula dancer dreams of growing up and perpetuating the family legacy by becoming a famous hula dancer, complicated by the fact that she looks white and the possibility she’s adopted.” ~Honolulu Magazine

Named a Best Book of the Summer by Harper's Bazaar and ELLE • Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award Winner • HONOLULU Magazine’s Book of the Year About Hawai`i

“A full-throated chant for Hawai'i . . . It’s impossible to come away unchanged.” —Kawai Strong Washburn, author of the PEN/Hemingway award-winning Sharks in the Times of Saviors --Publisher's website.

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