Reader Views reviews Points North by Mikel Classen

Mikel B. Classen
Modern History Press (2019)
ISBN 9781615994908
Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views (04/2020)

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Mikel B. Classen is an explorer and adventurist specializing in exploring many places in the United States, with a specialty of visiting locales in the Michigan Upper Peninsula area. He’s visited ghost towns, museums, various wilderness areas, and many other fascinating sites. In his book, “Points North: Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula,” he’s personally visited at least 40 locations which he shares with the readers. Color photos are included highlighting the areas and adding visual appeal.

Many locations are America’s hidden jewels and express various specific meaning due to their locations. Some reflect rich history, while others reflect the natural wonders of the Upper North Peninsula of Michigan. In addition, “Points North” explores various walking trails, waterways, and various parks. Trails that can actually be walked and waterways that one could actually paddle. Light houses, camping grounds, and old mining towns round out the many sites.

First of all, I had not realized the many number of hidden jewels and exotic places that Michigan had to offer, particularly the northern peninsula area. The author’s deep love and awe for this particular area radiates from each page! His use of the color photographs “brings the areas to life”. The forty places outlined are sequenced so that one could actually use the book as a guidebook if desired to see all the sites on a visit. This would especially be helpful to adventurist retirees!

Various obsolete mining towns and old, still existing light houses are beautifully surreal, like a throw back in time! “Points North” isn’t just a pictorial book; the author masterfully and elegantly explains the origins and meaning of every site. Great syntax and smooth wording highlights this book. Nothing is boring and in fact, the entire book was exciting until the very end. “Points North,” by Mikel B. Classen should definitely be in every gift shop, library, bookstore, and touring company. Once again the pictures, oh those pictures! 5 stars.

U.P. Reader -- Issue #1 [PB]

SKU 978-1-61599-336-9
$13.95
Paperback
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Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-336-9
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Mikel Classen

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is blessed with a treasure chest of writers and poets, all seeking to capture the diverse experiences of Yooper Life. Now U.P. Reader offers a rich collection of their voices that embraces the U.P.’s natural beauty and way of life, along with a few surprises.

The twenty-eight works in this first annual volume take readers on a U.P. Road Trip from the Mackinac Bridge to Menominee. Every page is rich with descriptions of the characters and culture that make the Upper Peninsula worth living in and writing about.

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U.P. Reader offers a wonderful mix of storytelling, poetry, and Yooper culture. Here’s to many future volumes!”
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