The Tattoo

I'm a Haole transplant in Hawaii, from NY. I read this book so I could tutor an at-risk student here. This was a fascinating read for so many reasons.Firstly, it is a look into the poor, adolescent culture that teaches boys that survival means being able to fight, and an illustration of how much easier it is to be involved in the drug culture, and how difficult it is to escape the caste system.Secondly, the book illustrated some reasons why anger and resentment at the dominant white culture erupted. Ken was Japanese and had to defend his racial identity against Haoles, Hawaiians, and other ethnic groups. Claudia was part Korean, and suffered constant racial jibes from Ken's father. The Hawaiian young people were resentful of how their home was overtaken by foreigners. Koa, Ken's Hawaiian friend, "hated all of them...They'd taken his land. They killed his culture and therefore they'd taken his humanity." Cal, the white tattoo artist in prison, who had a Nazi tattoo, thought "I'd been a student of hate, too."Thirdly, one must wonder about Ken's father's influence and how Ken might have turned out differently if his mother, and educated Japanese woman, had lived. Her influence was always at the back of his mind, which is probably why he strove to be a better person. Environment won, and he ended up a murderer in prison.The prison system! A very realistic indictment.Lastly, McKinney illustrated how young people here are brought up to love and respect the ocean and its creatures. Surfing, spearfishing, and diving were all part of those young people's lives.I know I will be looking for more of Chris McKinney's books. I think this should be made into a film. It's quite a story, one that I loved reading and was sorry when it ended. I taught language arts to adolescents for 32 years. If it were not for the gritty language and brutality, I would recommend it as classroom reading. Parental permission would be required. I promise, students will love it.

Yup this book is a great representation of the life that most people don’t know about or don’t want to acknowledge that it’s happening in paradise . Even though any major city in the US has the same issues just different races doing it .

I read this in a hotel when I first moved here with the Air Force in 2001. I learned alot about language and traditions, also where on the island to be wary of. It also helped me understand why some attitudes are the way they are here. It was a great, entertaining read & I recommend it for anyone that can make jokes about life even when circumstances ain't really funny.

Just starting to read this book and enjoying it! I've become a Chris McKinney fan and have bought several titles for future reads. Started with my friend lending me "Bolohead Row"! I can relate to the characters as well, as have either experienced similar situations or know people that are almost like the characters that he depicts! A fast and easy read!

I really liked this book, I grew up in Kaneohe and I now live in Arizona. This book made me a little home sick.

Extremely gripping read. Painted a painfully honest and disturbing picture of the other side of paradise. Incredibly authentic and "local," its themes as to the importance of friendship, loyalty and love resonate far beyond its island setting. Juxtaposing the natural beauty of Oahu with the harsh reality of life on the fringe, it is a Hawaiian "Once Were Warriors" and begs to be turned into a movie.

I've read this book over 20 times. We use it in a classroom to teach students how choices you make can have a serious impact on your life. Recommended only for high school and up, some graphic details, and lots of swearing. Captures the everyday language used by locals, so may be hard for those not familiar with local slang to catch on.

A personal favorite and cult classic with different versions of different stories of lifestyles in Hawaii.