Bud Cook

Disclaimer: I am family to Malia, however, these comments are offered about her as a writer, about this book as a story, and not my feelings for her as my niece. For a first effort, I was surprised to discover so many nuanced layers entwined in the book. Ultimately, this is a book about healing, about acceptance and love. Malia has done a wonderful job at weaving aspects of ancient mo'olelo with the journey towards self-realization of a thoroughly modern young woman. This is a book that will teach the malahini (people from outside Hawai'i) how we see the world through the lens of Kanaka Maoli culture. Young people will see that all their struggles to be seen by the world, will someday bear fruit. I cannot wait to see where Lei, her friends and 'Aumakua will take us next...and yes, Malia, for all the effort it takes to bring a story into the world, I, and many others demand to fill our hearts and imaginations with new mo'olelo. On behalf of my part of your family, for the Ancestors who I know were pleased by your work, thank you for bringing the richness of our culture to a world in need of its perspectives, joys and lessons. Mahalo a nui loa.