'The Samurai's Garden' is next for Advertiser readers

And we have a special treat this time: Tsukiyama is making arrangements to be in Hawai'i in December — and we will have her as our guest at the first Advertiser Book Club "real time" meeting. We don't have a date yet, but watch the Island Life section for details.

The book we have selected is an older one of hers (from June 1996) and one that stands alone in its grace, subtlety and beauty, and in subject matter that touches on some themes common in Hawai'i: feelings of alienation within a culture, and issues about the treatment of people with what we now call Hansen's Disease, or leprosy. It's a young man's coming-of-age story, but it's also about the perspective that age can bring.

It's called "The Samurai's Garden," and we hope you enjoy it.

Be sure to get your copy and start reading now so you'll be well along when we hold our discussion and signing event with Gail Tsukiyama, probably in mid-December.

Book club basics

Here's how to get involved in The Honolulu Advertiser Book Club:

Membership: There is no formal membership. Just read the book and participate in the virtual discussion by sending in your comments and questions.

Our book: "The Samurai's Garden," by Gail Tsukiyama; St. Martin's Press, paper, $12.95

Reading period: Through Dec. 27

Next "discussion": Jan. 5

To participate in the discussion: Write Wanda Adams, Books Editor, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Fax: 525-8055. E-mail: bookclub@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Listen: To the "Sandwich Islands Literary Circle" at 9:30 tonight, KHPR 88.1 FM, KKUA 90.7 FM Maui, KANO 91.1 FM Hilo; or hear the program online, starting tomorrow at the URL below.

If you have trouble finding the book: Please call Wanda Adams, 535-2412. We want to keep tabs on supply.

To experience the book club online: Visit http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/current/il/bookclub.