Presentation Preparation
Checking information in my books to talk about on August 14, I came across this book review of Anguished, the only book that has nothing to do with WWII in the Pacific. Did you read it?
Book Review on 11/22/2020 by Steve Daws, Cary NC
I read Anguished in one sitting. The suspense overwhelmed me. Here is a lovely story about a devoted daughter, living in America, and sorting out how to be engaged with her aging mother who was a resident of a senior living home in the Netherlands. For more about the author and her mother’s life relationship and sheer survival, one must read Herman de Jong’s Rising from the Shadow of the Sun depicting this family’s horrendous experience stranded in Java when the Japanese invaded during WWII. Her mother was quite the hero and thanks to her wise, sometimes risky decisions, she kept her two daughters alive somehow, against great odds… The author is pure as pure can be, her intentions to be part of her mother’s final months. But the plot thickens when another family member sabotages the author. I am glad to report a happy ending, but I was on the edge of my seat throughout.
In these modern times, families are often scattered geographically. In this case, scattered across two continents. The reader may well relate to the struggles many families dealing with distance, imperfect technology, aging parents and other relatives, and maintaining relationships. These are emotional struggles, full of complexity, expense, time, travel, and not to mention managing relationships with siblings who may or may not concur one’s belief systems about what is best for our aging parents. This author has demonstrated throughout her life, depicted in her books, persistence, courage, wisdom, and striving to do the right thing.
August 14: Power Point Presentation in Orchard Villas
I captured the full attention of my audience, mostly neighbors and friends, for the hour long presentation. It felt so good to share information about my early years in the concentration camps and historical events, including the Bersiap, that nobody had heard of before. It was one of my best presentations. The two books that I donated to the Club’s library were checked out before we had cleaned up.
Kona Village restored!
This was the resort on the west coast of the Big Island that was our favorite destination for celebrations when we lived in Onomea on the east coast. We stayed in several “hales” over the years, and payed “kama’aina” rates, special low rates for people who lived there. How we enjoyed that place! So many memories! It was destroyed by an underwater earthquake nearby, and just now reopened, with many new amenities: only affordable by the rich and famous. I hope you will read the article, and any reviews you can find, to agree with us that it
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
The resort features four outdoor pools, a state-of the-art fitness center and the Asaya Spa. Guests can also visit the on-site cultural center to learn more about the land’s history or book ocean activities, such as sunrise canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
And with these two gorgeous pictures, I say: Until next time!
Ronny
