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 -- Volume #7 [HC]

SKU 978-1-61599-734-3
$34.95
Bringing Upper Michigan Literature to the World
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-734-3
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Ed. by Mikel Classen, Deborah K. Frontiera
Pages: 172
Publication Date: 04/01/2023

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is blessed with a treasure trove of storytellers, poets, and historians, all seeking to capture a sense of Yooper Life from settler's days to the far-flung future. Since 2017, the U.P. Reader has offered a rich collection of their voices that embraces the U.P.'s natural beauty and way of life, along with a few surprises.

The sixty-plus short works in this 7th annual volume take readers on U.P. road and boat trips from the Keweenaw to the Soo and from St. Ignace to Escanaba. Every page is rich with descriptions of the characters and culture that make the Upper Peninsula worth living in and writing about. U.P. writers span genres from humor to history and from science fiction to poetry. This issue also includes imaginative fiction from the Dandelion Cottage Short Story Award winners, honoring the amazing young writers enrolled in all of the U.P.'s schools.

Featuring the words of Mikel B Classen, Sharon Kennedy, Ellen Lord, Deborah K Frontiera, Bill Sproule, Maria Vezzetti Matson, Tamara Lauder, Tyler R Tichelaar, Emilie Lancour, M Kelly Peach, Richard Hill, Roslyn McGrath, Becky Ross Michael, Julie Dickerson, John Adamcik, August Whitney, Tricia Carr, Elizabeth Fust, Ninie Gaspariani Syarikin, Mack Hassler, Donna Searight Simons, Leigh Mills, Raymond Luczak, J L Hagen, Nina Craig, Art Curtis, Brandy Thomas, Kathleen Carlton Johnson, Chris Kent, Ben Bohnsack, Edd Tury, Allan Koski, Jaclyn Jukkala, Lilli Gast, Miah Billie, Halle Wakkuri, Serah Oommen, and Betty Harriman.

"Funny, wise, or speculative, the essays, memoirs, and poems found in the pages of these profusely illustrated annuals are windows to the history, soul, and spirit of both the exceptional land and people found in Michigan's remarkable U.P. If you seek some great writing about the northernmost of the state's two peninsulas look around for copies of the U.P. Reader. --Tom Powers, Michigan in Books

"U.P. Reader offers a wonderful mix of storytelling, poetry, and Yooper culture. Here's to many future volumes!" --Sonny Longtine, author of Murder in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

"As readers embark upon this storied landscape, they learn that the people of Michigan's Upper Peninsula offer a unique voice, a tribute to a timeless place too long silent." --Sue Harrison, international bestselling author of Mother Earth Father Sky

The U.P. Reader is sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) a non-profit corporation. A portion of proceeds from each copy sold will be donated to the UPPAA for its educational programming.

Learn more at www.UPReader.org

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