James D. Houston, Bird of Another Heaven

Bird of Another Heaven

James D. Houston

Knopf, February 2007, $25.00

ISBN 140004202X

In 1980's Northern California' radio host Sheridan "Dan" Brody has always wondered about his roots, but did nothing to learn more about the identity of his father. However, when he sees his birth certificate, it includes the name of his sire. He wants to know more about his paternal side.

Not long afterward, Rosa Waddell calls Dan while he is on the air to inform him she is his grandmother. He goes to meet her' and she shares family stories and her mother's diaries that tell quite a heritage. His great-grandmother was Nani Keala' who was the wife of Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua. Now Dan seeks an audio of his ancestor's regal trip to the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

BIRD OF ANOTHER HEAVEN is a delightful tale of a San Franciscan seeking his roots. Once Rosa contacts Dan, the storyline becomes one sitting throughout, as readers will want to know more about his Hawaiian ancestry and that missing tape. This it behooves fans of remarkable family dramas, to give this fine novel a chance; once Dan gets started there is no turning back for him or the audience. James D. Houston provides a powerful character study of a soul searching person looking for his unknown heritage.