Eric Chock, editor of Bamboo Ridge Press and instructor at UH West O‘ahu, recommends Ruth Ozeki’s My Year of Meats. “A Midwestern hapa Japanese filmmaker gets contracted by the American meat industry to do a promotional TV series to be shown in Japan, showcasing a different ‘typical’ American family enjoying beef each week. Her insights into the lives of typical Americans, the effects of artificially engineered beef—especially on the families of beef industry workers—and the Japanese view of Americans are hilarious and sobering.” Viking Press, 1999.

FILM

Donne Dawson, Hawai‘i state film commissioner, recommends Niki Caro’s Whale Rider. “A great family film for all ages that really should be part of the permanent home library. You’ll fall in love with Keisha Castle-Hughes and her first-time performance. Whale Rider has an amazing spirit that stays with you long after the last credit rolls. As a Native Hawaiian, I’m pleased to see this indigenous story capture the hearts of mainstream moviegoers.” Columbia Tristar, 2003.

CD

Ed Kageyama, president of the Aloha Section PGA, recommends Diana Krall’s Live in Paris. “After a long day, this is what I listen to, to wind down. It’s what I play in my car on my way home, fighting through gridlock traffic. I actually recommend anything from Diana Krall — she’s very calming.” Universal, 2002.

This article appears in the March 2004 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.