The Michelle Wie book series that ran over four days a week ago Sunday is a little unusual in that we spent so much space on excerpts from an author who is not local and has no real connection to Hawai'i.

But the series contains excellent new information and insights into the young life of one of Hawai'i's most fascinating athletes, who has transcended local state interest to become an international figure. Writer Eric Adelson is a wonderful storyteller who benefited from special access to Wie and her family; he gives us important details that help us understand her background and upbringing.

Adelson and I spoke and e-mailed frequently before we published the series, trying to find the pieces that would best fit our Hawai'i audience. The author was so taken with our community and the assistance he received in researching the book that he was happy to help. Adelson was also hoping to sell some books in this market and we wanted to drive more readership.

As I read the excerpts, it was clear that we would run multiple portions of the book and that we wanted distinct periods of Wie's career covered in each. The first part would be about Wie's early years, followed by the first time she competed with men and end with something that described her failures while looking to the future. Adelson sent some pieces that I felt had too much golf and not enough Wie.

We wanted an ending that spoke of her struggles and what would come next, but then it became apparent that we needed something in between. Adelson sent a chapter on her string of misadventures in trying to qualify for the U.S. Open but it didn't seem to work.

As the only U.S. reporter to cover her appearance in South Korea, Adelson also suggested crafting something out of that series of events, which was a national spectacle, but after talking about the possibility of making it an online-only extra, Adelson started to worry about giving away too much of his book for free.

The piece Tuesday about Wie turning pro at 15 was well covered by The Advertiser and others in 2005, but Adelson had new information about the Wies choosing the William Morris Agency over known golf agencies because of what they considered Michelle's broad appeal beyond her sport. It was such an interesting development in Wie's career that we selected it as the third installment.

The final chapter briefly went through some of Wie's downfall since mid-2006 but Adelson insisted — and I agreed — that the ending be hopeful. After all, she is still 19, and though she has made mistakes and publicity about Wie has saturated this market, there is still a fascination with her progress. Adelson has a personal affection for the Wies and said he wishes Michelle Wie great success.

Adelson has gambled in writing about Wie before she has even won a major tournament and to a lesser extent, so have we by putting so much emphasis on her during four days last week. But the book is solid work and sheds new light on a fascinating figure who still has many years ahead of her.