Liz Prato Libri

"Volcanoes, Palm Trees And Privilege: Essays on Hawai'i by Liz Prato explores what it means to be a white tourist in a seemingly paradisiacal land that has been formed, and largely destroyed, by white outsiders. Hawaiian history, pop culture, and contemporary affairs are woven with personal narrative in fifteen essays that examine how the touristic ideal of Hawai'i came to be, and what it "is," at its core. The book is a highly readable hybrid of the in-depth exploration of narrative journalism combined with the through-line of memoir"--Publisher's description

The collection features beautifully crafted stories that are both compelling and relatable, showcasing vibrant characters that resonate with readers. Liz Prato's debut offers a striking balance between artistry and engagement, making each narrative feel alive and authentic. Esteemed author Molly Antopol praises it as a remarkable achievement in storytelling.

Generation X was born between the legions of Baby Boomers and Millennials, and was all but written off as cynical, sarcastic slackers. Yet, Gen X's impact on culture and society is undeniable. In her revealing and provocative essay collection, Kids in America: Essays on Gen X, Liz Prato reveals a generation deeply affected by terrorism, racial inequality, rape culture, and mental illness in an era when none of these issues were openly discussed. Examined through the lens of her high school and family, Prato reveals a small, forgotten cohort shaped as much by Sixteen Candles and Beverly Hills, 90210, as it was by the Rodney King riots and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Prato is unflinching in asking hard questions of her peers about what behavior was then acceptable or overlooked, and how we reconcile those sins today. Kids in America illuminates a generation that is often cited, but rarely examined beyond the gloss of nostalgia.