GREAT READS

Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure

Julia Flynn Siler.

Have you ever wondered about the state of Hawaii and how it was added to the US? Did you know that Hawaii is the only state that contains a former Royal Palace? I did not know much until I picked up this book. This history outlines many pivotal events for Hawaii: the struggles of last two Hawaiian ruling families after the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778; the arrival of missionaries in the 1830s who started major agricultural export industries; the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893; and the annexation of the islands as a US Territory. The story centers around Lili'uokalani and the royal family but paints a colorful picture of a nation trying to preserve its traditions while defining its role in the 19th century. Give it a try to gain a new perspective on our history.

Recommended by Carol Landis