Amazon.com Review - 8 October 2012 - by April S. Myers
"This is an amazing story that should be picked up around the country!
"It is significant that this woman is the newly discovered niece of Duke Kahanamoku, just for starters. But how she suffered due to her unknown ethnic heritage, and at the hands of foster care, besides the trauma she endured from her mother and brother, is an incredible story all on its own.
"I couldn't put the book down once I got going.
"Hats off to the Kahanmoku family for welcoming Sonia and giving her a sense of belonging at last."
"It is significant that this woman is the newly discovered niece of Duke Kahanamoku, just for starters. But how she suffered due to her unknown ethnic heritage, and at the hands of foster care, besides the trauma she endured from her mother and brother, is an incredible story all on its own.
"I couldn't put the book down once I got going.
"Hats off to the Kahanmoku family for welcoming Sonia and giving her a sense of belonging at last."
Indian Country Today Media Network Review - 22 January 2012
"From Neglect to Healing and Joy: Coming to Terms With a Fragmented Past"
by Richard Walker
"For decades, musician-singer Sonia Lien hid her Native Hawaiian heritage...."
Read more: From Neglect to Healing and Joy (pdf)
by Richard Walker
"For decades, musician-singer Sonia Lien hid her Native Hawaiian heritage...."
Read more: From Neglect to Healing and Joy (pdf)
In The Press: North Kitsap Herald - The Holiday Section 2011
In The Press: North Kitsap Herald - 4 November 2011
_We had a great book signing even at Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA.
Hula, ukulele music, food, sold out books, lots of old friends and new friends.
An excellent write-up in the North Kitsap Harold:
http://www.northkitsapherald.com/lifestyle/133267133.html
And also in the Kingston Community News (on 9 November 2011):
http://www.kingstoncommunitynews.com/lifestyle/133267133.html
Hula, ukulele music, food, sold out books, lots of old friends and new friends.
An excellent write-up in the North Kitsap Harold:
http://www.northkitsapherald.com/lifestyle/133267133.html
And also in the Kingston Community News (on 9 November 2011):
http://www.kingstoncommunitynews.com/lifestyle/133267133.html
Email - 16 August 2011
I received copy of "From Alone to Aloha." It filled me with the spirit of Love. "Aloha ke Akua," our elders would say, which means "God is Love." Indeed "Pomaika'i na mea Apau," when there is "Aloha" - Love - everything is blessed!
Mahalo nui for this beautiful story.
Had enjoyed reading the book. You are maika'i, Dave. I could feel the Divine spirit within you and Sonia; you have made an accurate written account while here in Hawai'i.... Congratulations!
Hawai'i is truly honored. You have bought so much dignity and awareness of Aloha to your family.
Humbly,
Earl Maikahikinapamaikala Tenn
Ka Pa Hula Manu, Hawai'i
Mahalo nui for this beautiful story.
Had enjoyed reading the book. You are maika'i, Dave. I could feel the Divine spirit within you and Sonia; you have made an accurate written account while here in Hawai'i.... Congratulations!
Hawai'i is truly honored. You have bought so much dignity and awareness of Aloha to your family.
Humbly,
Earl Maikahikinapamaikala Tenn
Ka Pa Hula Manu, Hawai'i
Email - 18 May 2011
Just completed the book in it's entirety - I love it!
I can't help but mist up at the passage about the scales falling from the eyes while reading the Gospel of John. How many brothers and sisters in Christ do you think have come to genuine faith through the Holy Spirit's inspired writings of the disciple whose entire identity became wrapped up in, "I'm one whom Jesus loves"?
And the scenes with Grandma Woodfin are absolutely beautiful.
Jeff Ogard
CPCU, CIC, EHL Insurance, Seattle, WA
I can't help but mist up at the passage about the scales falling from the eyes while reading the Gospel of John. How many brothers and sisters in Christ do you think have come to genuine faith through the Holy Spirit's inspired writings of the disciple whose entire identity became wrapped up in, "I'm one whom Jesus loves"?
And the scenes with Grandma Woodfin are absolutely beautiful.
Jeff Ogard
CPCU, CIC, EHL Insurance, Seattle, WA
Email - 16 May 2011
[From Alone To Aloha] immediately hooked me, beginning with Sonia’s discovery of her Hawaiian roots and union with her family. Early on, I wanted to learn more about her past, to discover what she went through, and how she experienced God’s presence and healing power in her life - an extremely compelling testimony.
Janette Kragen
Executive Assistant to the Dean
California Northstate College of Pharmacy
Janette Kragen
Executive Assistant to the Dean
California Northstate College of Pharmacy