Written in the Sky

by Matthew Kaopio

A young abandoned Hawaiian boy, living among the homeless in Ala Moana Park, spends his days observing tourists, swimming in the ocean and rummaging in the trash. At first glance there is nothing special about young Ikauikalani, till you learn he can see the future in the movements of the clouds. Following directions received from his deceased grandmother, Ikau sets off on a journey of self-discovery releasing his past and helping him to understand his own future.

Genres: Fiction, Travel

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sisilia Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the Sky tells the story of a young man named 'Ikau who's living at Ala Moana Beach park after the loss of his grandma and their home. He's on a journey to find a mysterious woman named Mariah Wong. Throughout this novel, he shares of his encounter with different local gangs, other homeless around Honolulu, and also discovers for himself what life, kindness, and beauty are really about.

This is a short but powerful story that taught me that above all, kindness truly goes a long way in the scheme of life. I sympathized over 'Ikau and the many trials he faced but it was such a learning experience to see how much he pressed on in his life without question. I recommend this book to the local kids who don't see much hope or peace in their craziness of life. 'Ikau is a great example who taught me to keep going in life because we'll never really know what we'll find if we don't.

[Yair · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times way too saccharine and way too fast and loose with the suspension of the readers disbelief, this is nonetheless a compelling story of love, redemption, and eventual forgiveness. It's just a shame because it seems like the book could've been something a lot better had the author taken some time to edit and re edit the story. A sort of 'pay it forward' story, the dialogue's a bit hokey, but conversely some of the imagery and descriptions are magnificent.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

My new thing is when I travel, not to buy trinkets and pointless crap of where i am, but books by local authors about the area of which I am visiting. I came home with a load of books from Hawaii, but since I have been pretty much living at the library for the past year, I haven't gotten around to reading them yet.

I picked the smallest one and carried around in my purse and last week, I finally finished all my book from my latest quest to the library, so I decided it was finally time to finish this one.

Written in the Sky is about a young kid whose grandmother dies and he is left out on the streets of Honolulu, at Ala Moana Park. He meets all kinds of people and is barely getting by on food and money, but somehow from the people he meets, he does. He has dreams that his dead grandmother is trying to tell him something and he has a hard time trying to figure it out that she is telling him to go and visit a distant relative who is also dying, but can tell him about his interesting hawaiian name and family history before she dies.

Normally I am not into books like this, but put it in a location I love and I will gobble it up. It was a simple and easy read. Even easy to follow, even if I am not explaining it well. It wasn't the best book ever, but it was easy and I love the location and setting and the people described, which made it good.

Grade: C

[Melissa Fondakowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trouble with finding stories by writers outside our own circle is the same trouble with trying to watch something outside your algorithm in the Netflix feed. It takes effort to reach past what you know because it is impossible to know what we don't know. But what is always true is that others--who come from different backgrounds and experiences than we do know different things than we do, and asking them for directions on the path is the only way we can learn more--beyond what we know. I went into a Barnes and Nobles bookstore in Honolulu Ala Moana Center and asked someone if there was a section on Native Hawaiian writers. "That depends," the woman said. And we disappeared around an end cap where she handed me a pile of books, one by matthew kaopio, called "written in the sky." It's a beautiful and complicated book written so economically - a gripping modern day myth I felt compelled to read in a single sitting. The book reminded me that the world is filled with bodhisattvas and at any time any one of us could be one--a deeply rooted Hawaiian concept that kaopio and the main character Ikauikalani know as aloha.

[Beth Hartnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sad and beautiful book of a young teen, suddenly homeless after the death of his beloved grandmother, provided a unique glimpse into Hawaiian culture and the homeless community in and around Ala Moana Beach Park.

[Serenity Wond]

good book! love how the story played out and it was well inspired

[Nmdb22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, a blend of spiritual and earthly lives. The beginning is difficult to read with some violence in the homeless camp. But as the story progresses, the characters are humanized and find kindness and compassion.

[Ava (jeepneylit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever circumstances, this book will make you believe that kindness in this world abounds.

[Lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pololei’oe, ‘Īkauikalani.”

Page 63 ~
As I’m reading this, I get the funny strange feeling of the Ramayana. As a young boy, ‘Īkauikalani Kealahele, is learning the necessary lessons of a leader, a healer, a scholar ~ how he’s supposed to rule his life, be whom he supposed to be ‘Īkauikalani, nurturer, helper, kahuna— who he’s generously helping others, sharing the abundance of gifts received daily by strangers. When given 25 hamburgers from the kind woman at the Burger King, he gives them away to several others - even to the birds, the crusts (buns) that he’s not going to eat.
‘Īkauikalani Kealahele is receiving signs, almost like the spells or the extra magic that Ramayana was granted, as he was on his journey to save his wife, and ultimately learn humility, grace and forgiveness as a loving god.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Flying dreams are my favorite too. Keep dreaming!” ~ Owlfeathers.

Yes, dreams of flight are perhaps the most amazing and liberating and multifaceted dreams of all. I have always loved, feared, pondered my flight dreams. Since being hypnotized by Marlene 40 years ago, I’ve learned that these flights are connected to other births and other deaths, they are answers and they are even more questions. Ultimately, they are choice and they represent liberation.

Chapter 10
Now the Healing Begins
88-90
Lynn “Peaches”, ‘Cray-Cray old woman finally breaks through to ‘Īlauikalani’s entreaties with, “Did you ever notice,” she asked in a timid, raspy voice, “how each sunset has a different story to tell?“


95
Clarence III ~ “Hawaiian’s” Journals
“The boy stared at the words, and his heart tumbled. For too long he had suppressed his true feelings about [grandmother]‘s death. As a child, he was taught never to curse God. But with her gone, he was an orphan, and he wanted to take it out on someone. And then there was the murder of Hawaiian… The boy had seriously begun to doubt that God existed. How could people die as their lives have been meaningless? So what food and money magically appeared, or some mentally ill woman spoke to him? Life was still painful and confusing. Perhaps Hawaiian words from the grave would show him how to begin healing his broken spirit.”

Some crossover sentiments from Sister Catherine in Alan Brennert’s book “Moloka’i” and ‘Īkauikalani:

Both books have incredibly beautiful dreams in them, questioning faith, and understanding the complicity, and the evil of institutions, keeping people separated from one another, casting blame on the innocent and further victimizing the most vulnerable. Perhaps my favorite correlations are the bridging of Cultural Beliefs, Science and Christianity.

Many years ago, while visiting me in da Bronx, my nephew, Kyle, and I briefly discussed how Science and Religion are inextricably linked. These books have great insights into cultural “pagan” traditions have been vilified just as Science once was by the Church. However, these Social Sciences, through Colonization, have adopted outside belief systems, similarly to our conversation and those between Rachel and Sister Catherine (“Moloka’i”) and ‘Īkauikalani Kealahele and Mariah Wong. Yet, even without Colonization, Indigenous beliefs worldwide have intersected with the Divine. In fact, you couldn’t have one without the other. This coincides with the conversation that niece, Kamalei, and I had earlier this week about Science/Hawaiian Culture and Religion being intertwined once you go high enough or deep enough within these, where they both intersect. While many of the concepts and ideas are STILL beyond me, I’ve learned that there are intertwinings throughout both there trajectories ~ like vines on a trellis or branches of the same tree. Like political parties, humanity has created giant walls demarcating “our side” from “their side” never realizing they share a wall and everything above and underneath.

[][][][][][][] [][][][][][][] [][][][][][][]

Further reading: aside from the sequel, I must research more from
Mary Kawena Pukui’s “The Polynesian Family Aystem in Ka’ū” and some of her other works.

And again all these Summer Readings, with the exception of one not worth mentioning, have been introduced and inspired by “An Ocean of Wonder: The Fantastic in the Pacific”, by ku’ualoha ho’omanawanui, Joyce Pualani Warren, and Cristina Bacchilega
Additional recommendations (“Moloka’i” Series) from my cousin Lehua, and Wailuku and Kahului librarians.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homelessness is a growing epidemic in Hawaii. Written in the Sky by Matthew Kaopio draws you into the story of a 14 year old boy living in Ala Moana Beach Park.

'Ikau is a 14 year old boy who came to be homeless when his grandmother, his only living relative, died. Not knowing what to do, he took his few remaining possessions and started to live under a bridge at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, HI. Throughout the story, 'Ikau learns about the kindness of strangers and the sense of family that develops among mere strangers.

While dreaming, 'Ikau is visited by his grandmother who is urging him to find a mysterious Mariah Wong. The dreams disturb 'Ikau, but he starts to find and follow other signs that lead him on journey where he meets Hawaiian, another homeless man, who gives him a journal with advice for how to survive. 'Ikau pays forward this first kindness and a cycle of kind actions begins to take shape where a stranger does a kind act for 'Ikau and he pays it forward to the other homeless in Ala Moana Beach park.

My son was assigned this book for his Freshman English class. I always try to read my children's assigned reading homework as well so that we can discuss the story and I can help with their homework, if necessary. This story was easily read for a teenager. However, I found the plot to waver too much. For instance, 'Ikau's grandmother urges him to find Mariah Wong. But her interaction with 'Ikau is only for one chapter and only gives him in knowledge of his family history, which is fine, but as a mother of a teenage boy, my hope was that this woman would become a mother figure for 'Ikau and take care of him. Spoiler Alert: That didn't happen.

I did find the random acts of kindness and how the characters would pay those acts forward, very rewarding. We all hope that we would take similar actions, but too often try to avoid homeless people worried that they are mentally ill or criminals. Some, as this story shares, are, but not everyone who ends up homeless are afflicted with these issues. Sometimes, it's bad luck and unfortunate circumstances.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is obviously a first work and was prepared without the assistance of a professional, nationwide publishing house. As someone who writes as well, I applaud Kaopio's effort in producing a work that is shared with teens throughout Hawaii.

[Robert Yokoyama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the Sky is a book about homelessness In Honolulu. through the eyes of a 14-year-old. This book is also about the journey this boy takes to discover the significance of his Hawaiian name. The theme of homeless and the linguistic language themes are the best aspects of Written in the Sky.

Homelessness is a big theme in the book, but most people don't really understand how they live Matthew Kaopio made of homeless people at Ala Moana Park. His observations are precise because he describes how homeless people sleep, eat and most interestingly, how homeless bond together in adverse times.

The Hawaiian language is another theme in this book. The main character in this book is a teenage boy named Ikauikalani. I love how the author explains the name by breaking the name into parts. The name Ikauikalani means the answer is in the heavens.
I love learning different languages and enjoy the Hawaiian language information the author provides.

The issue of homelessness is very moving, and the language elements are insightful, and that is why I enjoyed reading Written in the Sky so much.

[Jadyn Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ikau is a homeless Hawaiian boy living in ala Moana park. He is spending his days trying to get money and stay out trouble when he witnesses another homeless man be murdered. He finds the murdered man’s journal and makes some interesting discoveries while reading it. Ikau’s grandmother comes to him in his sleep and tells him he must find Martian Wong, a name he’s never heard before. While on his journey to find the mystery girl, Ikau learns about his heritage and Hawaii more fully.

This book was a good read, though the pacing was hard for me to follow because of inconsistency. The imagery was amazing though and I think it’s a really good one if you’re looking for a local Hawaiian author. You really feel for Ikau and it’s a good way to be introduced to some Hawaiian culture.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 14 year old boy is living in Ala Moana Park under a bridge (which is about a mile from my house actually) after his grandmother, the only person he really had in this world, passes away. Messages in dreams, new friends, murder, struggling to survive. Beautiful and painful.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING. very heartmarming, some sad moments but life starts to get better.

[Sierra Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy… Hawaiian Lit with Hawaiian truths.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because I hoped I could include it in my curriculum for a class of reluctant 10th grade readers. Instead, it sounds like something their younger siblings might have written. I used to write short stories like this when I was about thirteen -- stories with a strong sense of place, a clunky moral motivation, awkward dialogue, and plot twists I thought were surprising. The writing is inconsistent; some sections offer gorgeous imagery or intriguing dream sequences, and then the next page is filled with unrealistic conversations (and it's not because of the dialect; it just feels poorly written) or sappy-sweet interactions that feel contrived. I think it comes down to trying to do too much too quickly. The end result is a book that feels rushed, inconsistent, and awkward.

[Nicholas Zorich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Kaopio's Written in the Sky is a compelling, personal novel that tells the story of a homeless boy living in Ala Moana Beach Park. The novel demonstrates the love of the boy post the death of his primary guardian, his grandmother. Over the course of the novel, the boy develops many new relationships and has some experiences with bullying, death, and a lot of self-reflection. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel for its ability to bring a personality to a homeless individual when many people may overlook this mass of people as simply less fortunate. Kaopio's depiction of the boy's thoughts were also very intriguing and thought-provoking to read about.

YALO.

[isabella.sop · Rating 1 out of 5]

read this for my ENGL 126 class. i DESPISED it. i understand the themes in it are important, but the writing and the story itself just sucked. it was very elementary and predictable. i had so many issues with this one but i don’t feel like thinking about them because they’re ick. although i will bring up how i hated the religious themes in it. a severely mentally ill woman isn’t going to recover and go back to normal because some 12 year old boy healed her with God’s magic by saying “God bless you.” it’s honestly kind of fucked that was included and really pissed me off. unless your reading this for a class, skip it.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young adult novel about being seen, small kindnesses, sharing what you have, taking care of the land, reaffirming faith in God, and finding a purpose. In the narrative, ‘Īkau is usually referred to as “the boy” – but it ends with him introducing himself as he starts to write in Hawaiian’s journal. ‘Īkau is resilient, generous-hearted, and mature – he appreciates the small things he has and doesn’t become resentful or bitter. He is eager to learn – “He took out Hawaiian’s journal and fed his equally hungry soul with words of nourishment.” The plot has bursts of violence (the murder scene is not for young kids), peoples of many cultures, and is ultimately hopeful and full of life.

[Atomicgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in the Sky is the spiritual journey of a homeless Hawaiian boy. Orphaned when his grandmother dies, Ikauikalani makes his home at Ala Moana Park. His life is filled with holes; like his very real physical hunger, his loneliness, and his connection to his past. It's a short book and the simple diction is oddly interspersed with spiritual revelations or musings that are sometimes abrupt. The atypical ending coincides with the storyline but I wonder about Ikauikalani's future as an adult.

[Lydia Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last spring I went with several other students and our school chaplain to Seattle over spring break. Our goal was to work with the homeless in Seattle and, in the process, learn something about social justice and ourselves. That lesson has been a continuing one and Written in the Sky is just another piece of the puzzle to me, especially as I settle into my home here on O'ahu.

Read the rest of this review at The Lost Entwife on Sept. 3, 2013.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ikau is a teenage boy left homeless and living on the beach after the death of his grandmother. He keeps having dreams of her telling him to find Mariah Wong, but he doesn't know where to start. On his journey to finding this woman, he meets a lot of people and sees a lot of good and bad things.

I thought the book was okay. There are religious tones and references, done tastefully, but almost a bit too much for me personally.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this with tissue!

[Ambie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent coming of age book about a homeless boy living on the beach in Honolulu. Very positive, very well written. Suitable for high school. A lot about what it means to be Hawaiian.

[Victor Maumatapule]

THIS STORY SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT OF HAWAIIAN CULTURE TO THIS WORLD AND THIS BOY FLOW THE DISEAS OF HIS DREAM THEN HE FOUND A WONDFUL GIFT OF LIFE CALLED MYSTELRIOUS.

[Arasi]

i think this book was an awesome book