"And it's the same with history, I try to present history topics that engage readers in a relaxed style that is easy to read," he said.
"History to me is a fun hobby, and I have a strong desire to have as many pioneers before us recognised and remembered for their contribution to Hawke's Bay.
"Some interesting stories in the book are the strange bylaws Hastings had in the 1910s, including only allowing motor cars to park on the streets for 10 minutes (now they offer free parking to encourage it in the CBD).
"Also the Napier legal opinion in the same period as to whether they could ban Chinese men from swimming in their public swimming baths.
"There are lots of really odd things that used to occur here mentioned in the book, and I had a few good laughs writing it.
"The building of the Te Mata Peak Rd was also a fascinating story, especially with the discovery of the rare photos showing the men building it."
If you are interested in the history of our region then you'll love this book. Chapters include Railway, Parks, World War I departure, Fantasyland, Te Mata Peak Park and Jean Batten's Napier visit.
The subjects are diverse and fascinating - once you start reading it's hard to put this book down.
Mr Fowler's next book is due out in December and is called Hawke's Bay Opera House: The first one hundred years 1915 to 2015.
