Good Minds Suggest—Sarah Jio's Favorite Books About the South Pacific
Posted by Goodreads on January 2, 2012
Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener
"I read this novel—the 1948 Pulitzer prizewinner for fiction—ten years ago, right before my wedding and honeymoon to Tahiti. I wanted to learn about the islands of French Polynesia, and Michener's vivid story packed with romance, gorgeous scenery, and descriptions of life on the islands didn't disappoint."

30 Days in the South Pacific: True Stories of Escape to Paradise, edited by Sean O'Reilly, James O'Reilly, and Larry Habegger
"Richly detailed essays written by a compilation of writers (many of them Islands magazine contributors), this book conjures the scents of the tropics (from coconuts to frangipani) and will make you want to book a trip to the South Pacific ASAP."

The Writings of a Savage by Paul Gauguin
"I'm fascinated with Paul Gauguin, who reportedly left his wife and family of five children to escape to the islands of the South Pacific to paint. A selfish move? I think so, but I'm still captivated by his art and fascinated by the writings in his personal journals. And in my research for The Bungalow, I had the good fortune of getting in touch with one of the artist's great-great-granddaughters, who is active in all things Gauguin."

The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost
"I have this book on my nightstand, and just a few chapters in, I know I'm in for a hilarious ride. This unusual memoir/travelogue isn't really about sex or cannibals (you can stop blushing) but rather the challenges, quirks, and uncommon joys of life in the Pacific Islands."

Stories from the Pacific by Lawrence F. Kirby
"In my research for The Bungalow, I found this memoir written by a former 'mud Marine' to be a gritty and informative look into life in the island jungles during the war—mosquitoes and all."

Vote for your own favorites on Listopia: Best Books About the South Pacific
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Jean
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Jan 03, 2012 10:44PM

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Thanks to Jean for recommending Vaite, but you might also try Chantal Spitz's Island of Shattered Dreams. Move on to Albert Wendt, Patricia Grace, Witi Ihimaera, and Sia Figiel.

