Book Club
The HoMA Book Club brings together museum community members interested in exploring the intersection of literature and art. Currently held virtually via an online platform, Book Club meetings are centered around docent-led conversations that weave together themes from books selected for their ties to the museum’s galleries, specific works of art, or related cultures.
Online meetings take place on the last Wednesday and Saturday of each month at 1pm. Pick up one of the book selections below, and join the group to enjoy an hour of lively discussion and personal connection to members of the museum community—everyone is welcome!
Please note: No meeting November.
Free to join. Register here to receive Zoom link.
2021 HoMA Book Club Reading List
Voices of Hawaii: Life Stories from the Generation that Shaped the Aloha State by Jane Marshall Goodsill
September 25 & 29
Discussion led by HoMA Docent: Susan Palmore
Eager to learn more about her father, Jane Marshall Goodsill, an accomplished oral historian, began interviewing persons who knew her father, Marshall Goodsill, who lived and practiced law in Honolulu between 1941 and 2004.
Read more
The result is a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Hawaii from pre-war island territory to the vibrant burgeoning state of the 21st Century. Stories from more than 70 individuals in business, cultural and social realms capture life and changes in the Aloha State that will bring laughter and tears along with insight. Did you know there was a railroad on Oahu that could take one from Honolulu to a resort in Haleiwa or how the Hawaii Songbook came about? Please join us to discuss these stories and share your own.
See discussion questions
- Reflecting on the multiple stories in Voices of Hawaii, what do you think are the most important changes that occurred in Hawaii between 1940 and 2000?
- What is your favorite story in Voices of Hawaii? What did you learn from this story?
- As described in Voices, what do you think are some of the effects of World War II in Hawaii?
- What did you learn about development in Hawaii after World War II that helped you understand development issues today?
- Some traditional Hawaiian practices in land and water use were upended during the 20th century. What do you think about these changes?
- Some of the lawyers interviewed noted that legal and business practices changed considerably during the second half of the 20th century. What changes if any have you noticed? Why did they change and how has this affected our society?
- Low stress livestock handling was a key change in the ranching business during this period. What lessons could the ranching business teach us about other businesses in Hawaii?
- There is a lot of talk about tourism in Hawaii today. What did you learn about effective management of tourism from the voices when Marshall Goodsill was working here?
- How would you describe any changes in societal interactions today as compared to interactions in 1940? What do you think about this?
- There have been several iterations of Hawaiian Renaissance since 1940 and today Hawaiian music, dance, art, and other art forms are important parts of island culture. What role has this played in changing island life today?
- What different roles have the government, business, and philanthropy sectors played in changing Hawaiian life? What changes, if any, would you like to see in their roles and interactions?
- What voices would you like to hear if there is a second book of Voices in Hawaii?
Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa by Marilyn Chase
October 27 & 30
Discussion led by HoMA Docent: Karen Ley
The Life of Ruth Asawa by Marilyn Chase chronicles the improbable, inspirational life of a unique and unusual artist.
read more
Although she was interned as a teenager with her Japanese American family during World War II Ruth Asawa went on to attend the idealistic Black Mountain College where her talent was fostered by former Bauhaus teacher Josef Albers. The story of her dedication to an artistic vision, creating an intricately crafted sculpture of surpassing beauty and originality as well the story of her devotion to family and community are told in this fascinating biography.
Registration Coming Soon
A Short Life of Trouble: Forty years In The New York Art World by Marcia Tucker
December 1 & 4
Discussion led by HoMA Docent: Lizzy Lowrey
A Short Life of Trouble brings to vivid life the behind-the-scenes struggles of Marcia Tucker, the first woman to be hired as a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the founder of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City.
read more
Tucker came of age in the 1960s, and this spirited account of her life draws the reader directly into the burgeoning feminist movement and the excitement of the New York art world during that time.
“I have always considered that there are two basic reasons for doing an exhibition: The first is to illustrate and share with the public something one has discovered, that is, something already known. The second is to discover or explore something which is unknown in order to find out for yourself what it is about.” Marcia Tucker
Registration Coming Soon