by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras
Gastro Obscure is the ultimate encyclopedia of food and culinary traditions from around the world. This tome is complete with interesting anecdotes, photos, charts and the detailed history of everything from graham crackers and chocolate to lime-dried bull’s testicles and Siberian sashimi (what is it? ?!). Hawai’i, of course, is also included: On the menu, Spam, kiawe honey, pineapple sugar loaf and the lunch plate. Plus, there’s an explanation of the origins of “Hawaiian pizza” (clarifying that it’s not actually Hawaiian). Well-researched and packed with detail, this is the perfect reference book or unique gift for foodies and travelers. —Lani Lee, bookseller at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
by Brother Noland
The Hawaiian Survival Handbook is the perfect gift not just for the guy or dad in your life, but almost anyone else: the armchair nature lover, Hawaiian lover, or even the serious outdoor adventurer . Written by Brother Noland with humor and a heart for his culture, this guide is both helpful and entertaining! You never know, it can be useful if you ever come across a boar, a shark, a jellyfish, or if you just want to go camping under the stars well prepared. —Lani Lee, bookseller at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
SEE ALSO: 3 Essential Ways to Survive in the Wild, Hawaiian Style
Image: Bess Press
by Lynn Cook
Capturing the wondrous record of Hawai’i’s past set in stone, this journal is both a historical record and part of art history. Author Lynn Cook’s ongoing study and research of Hawaii’s petroglyphs has made her an expert in interpreting Nā Kiʻi Pōhaku, and her illustrations stimulate the imagination to glimpse the ancient world of travel. and exploration of Hawaii’s ancestry. The journal comes with a faux linen cover and the premium wood-free blank paper inside is perfect for sketching, sketching or writing, for work, school or personal reflections. —David DeLuca, owner of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
by Ann Kondo Corum
A blank newspaper capturing the humorous musings of all things local, author/illustrator Ann Kondo Corum’s collection of whimsical cartoons illustrating the unique and quirky habits of locals will have readers and newspaper enthusiasts laughing. The “all-mixture” charm of island life depicted in alternate-page drawings provides a fun interactive experience for sketchers and note-takers. —David DeLuca, owner of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Image: Bess Press
written and illustrated by Shaowei Liu
This new picture book is perfect for keiki who love the ocean and all of its amazing creatures. Hon 5690 recounts the incredible journey of a Honu (green turtle) born from a conservation program in the French Frigate Shoals. Honu 5690 crosses the Pacific Ocean, eventually reappearing on a Maui beach to nest. Inspirational and educational, the story of Honu 5690 teaches the keiki about the life cycle of green sea turtles and the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. —Kristen Namba Reed, bookseller at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
All of these books can be ordered through Da Shop, our Best of HONOLULU 2020 winner for Best place to find your next great read. Find them here. The Kaimukī bookstore is open for consultation from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl