The story of little Jewel and Atz Lee trying (and failing) to fight quietly and waking hungover Atz, and what he did, was harrowing. Wow. Plus, you'd think Hawaii was paradise but she describes a pretty horrible time. Catkin's husband comes off like a lunatic but I suspect Jewel forgot or left out some details here. I'd imagine she was a pain in the ass then.
Her comment about being unable to leave Hawaii until she got her Alaskan Oil Dividend surprised me, although it shouldn't have. I'd forgotten that all state residents get that.