Sarah, along with her mother and grandmother, were among dozens of fans who showed up yesterday at Borders in Ward Centre for a book signing by Hamilton. The 14-year-old from Princeville, Kaua'i, was promoting her new autobiography, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board," published by Simon & Schuster.

Hamilton was thrust into the international spotlight after losing her left arm from a shark attack Halloween morning last year.

"This was very cool," Sarah said with a big smile, clutching the book Hamilton had just autographed for her. Hamilton signed: "To Sarah, Follow your dreams!"

Sarah's mother, Angela, was just as excited about the book signing.

"It's remarkable that she's back out in the water surfing," said Angela Zephier, 33. "She's an inspiration because there are so many people that are like Britney Spears — cute and talented — but they turn out to be bad role models. But (Bethany) is definitely a great role model."

Hamilton, wearing a light blue Rip Curl T-shirt and faded jeans, arrived with her mother, Cheri, amidst applause by the nearly 50 in attendance. Before autographing books, Hamilton addressed a few audience questions.

"What's your favorite place you've visited?" asked Ryan Moore, 30, of Wahiawa.

"Australia, because they've got lots of big waves and lots of kangaroos," Hamilton said and laughed.

Moore, who purchased a copy of the book for Hamilton to sign, said Hamilton's story is inspiring.

"I think that with all the challenges she's faced, she's pulled through pretty well," he said.

Hamilton has pulled through, and then some. Recognizing her youthful appeal, companies such as Sunny D have asked her to add luster to campaigns such as the "It Pays to be a Good Sport Essay Contest."

"She's a best-selling author now," said Hamilton's agent, Roy Hofstetter, via telephone from California, referring to "Soul Surfer's" ranking on the Los Angeles Times nonfiction best-sellers list.

Before the book signing, Hamilton met with Gov. Linda Lingle, swapping "board stories." The governor took to the waves for the first time in September.

Hamilton also filmed an anti-drug public service announcement for the state yesterday.

"I did this because I'm against drugs and I think that's a main problem in Hawai'i that a lot of people get caught into," Hamilton said.

Meanwhile, at Borders, Becky Kendrick skimmed the autobiography and thought of her 16-year-old niece, Lauren.

"I was thumbing through it and just the way she feels about life, her outlook and how she doesn't give up ..." said Kendrick, 43, of Hickam Air Force Base, referring to Hamilton. "I just want to tell her, 'Thank you,' for getting right back out there and going on with her life."