The Mostly Monthly Reading Series returns for its 14th year, starting off with author Shay Kauwe, who will be reading from her debut urban fantasy, “The Killing Spell,” 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in person at the James & Abigail Campbell Library second-floor exhibition space and online via Zoom.
Kauwe, a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) who resides on O‘ahu, holds an M.Ed. in Education, was named in 2021 an NCTE Early Educator of Color and in 2022 was awarded an Empowering ‘Ōiwi Leadership Award by the Hawaiian Council for her work in storytelling and literacy, according to her website.
“The Killing Spell” publisher S&S/Saga Press described the novel: “In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name.”
In a review by Chris McKinney, author of “The Tattoo” and the Water City Trilogy, McKinney said, “High-spirited, inventive and action-packed, ‘The Killing Spell’ is a skillfully constructed murder mystery that weaves together magic and romance, family and resistance, while showcasing the power of ‘olelo — the Hawaiian spoken word. It’s a dazzling debut.”
The Mostly Monthly Reading Series event will provide Kauwe a space to read from her book and to take part in a short Q&A after the reading portion. There will be snacks and prize drawings for in-person attendees. The event will also be recorded for a future upload to the library’s YouTube page.
The Mostly Monthly Reading Series is presented in collaboration between faculty host Andy Godefroy, an English lecturer at UH West O‘ahu who started the reading series in 2013, and the James & Abigail Campbell Library.
“I am excited for another year of events,” Godefroy said.
The Mostly Monthly Reading Series event featuring Kauwe is open to UH West O‘ahu students, faculty, and staff, and the general public. Anyone who has questions or would like more info may email godefroy@hawaii.edu.
