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rootedreader's review
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review. Local: A Memoir tells the story of a woman growing up seemingly in between two worlds. Born to the parents of a native Hawaiian and an American southerner, the author tells not only her story but the story of Hawaii. Between stories of how she grew up she shares the history of Hawaii and its people. An enjoyable but sometimes jumpy read, the authors journey from childhood through adulthood hits many moments many can relate to (though not necessary for the enjoyment).
madscientisthair's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
sguinn13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Death, Fatphobia, Slavery, Racism, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Abortion, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Terminal illness
crafalsk264's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
He memoir covers the author’s life from childhood growing from birth through the death of both of her parents. It is primarily a review of her life as a minority Hawaiian ethnicity appears to have a number of subsets for characterize their residents. For example, Kanaka is a full blooded Hawaiian regardless; a native Hawaiian may be less than full blooded; Haole is white people or people from off island and Local describes all other individuals. The title of the memoir, “Local” not only describes the author’s residence but identifies her as a member of a particular socio economic group. This opens up her personal assessment to include racism as one of the influences.
After she finishes school, she makes the decision to relocate to California to get away from this classification. However, she has only limited success in putting her life behind her. Her most successful intervention was her mother’s illness and death followed by her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and death. I admire the author’s honesty and willingness to make her personal assessment public in this way. Recommend to readers of memoirs, autobiographies, adolescence, racism and Hawaii.