Tom Powers reviews Points North

Points North: Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula
by Mikel B. Classen

Review by Tom Powers, Michigan in Books

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Yes, yet another travel guide to the Upper Peninsula, and if you’re tempted to dismiss it and say enough already, you would be wrong. This is both a travel guide to 40 uniquely beautiful and scenic wonders or historically significant destinations north of Big Mac and it also doubles as a tribute to the indisputable beauty, splendor, and unique history of the U.P.

Unlike a typical travel guide, a two- to four-page essay is devoted to each site. The author’s love for the U.P. is obvious on every page. Whether a museum, a state park, or a 17,000-acre wilderness area Classen’s descriptions are vibrant, enticing, and thorough. Color photographs, most of which were taken by the author, complement the essays.

The book contains almost as many surprises as the “Secret Upper Peninsula.” The author credits the Au Train River as the best kayaking river in the U.P. In an essay on a state forest campground located on Lake Michigan near Naubinway he not only fully describes the little-used campground and the beautiful beach but also mentions that just offshore is the Lake Michigan Water Trail which I Googled because I had never heard of it. It seems the trail is still under development in the four states surrounding Lake Michigan and when completed it will be the longest freshwater water trail in the world.

I was particularly taken with the book’s scenic descriptions, history, and activities to be found at the 17,000-acre McCormick Wilderness Tract, the three square miles of the little-used Donnelley Wilderness Tract located in the foothills of the Huron Mtns, and the Grand Canyon of the U.P. the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. It is another book that belongs in the car of any Troll (those of us living below the Mackinac Bridge) vacationing in the U.P. Better yet the book should be read by anyone planning a trip to the Upper Peninsula. It is sure to influence their itinerary.

Even if you are never going to the U.P. it is still well worth reading just to gain an appreciation of what this great state and the Upper Peninsula have to offer its citizens in the way of outdoor adventures and unique natural wonders. This sparkling collection of essays makes for great reading. There is no arguing with the author’s claim that the essays and the research that went into them were a”labor of love.”

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Doggone Honeymoon - Book #5 [PB]

SKU 978-1-61599-848-7
$18.95
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-848-7
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Diane Wing
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 10/01/2024

In Doggone Honeymoon, newlyweds Autumn and Lieutenant Ray Reed's romantic getaway quickly turns into a chilling mystery when a lifeless body interrupts their Pocono Mountains tranquil retreat. With their loyal canine companions, Chrissy and Ace, by their side, they find themselves swept into a riveting murder investigation. As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, Autumn and Ray must navigate treacherous terrain - not only in the scenic mountains but also within the relationships of those living in the small town of Stroudsburg. Will they uncover the truth behind the ominous discovery at the dock, or will the shadows lurking in this idyllic setting threaten to shatter the community? Join Autumn, Ray, Chrissy, and Ace in this gripping tale of love, loyalty, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

BONUS: "Recipes Inspired by the Tall Tree Inn", "Book Club Questions", and a reprint of the debut book chapter!

"Together, Ray and Autumn face recent crises when a missing person situation becomes a complex series of mysteries and whodunnits. A bit of honeymoon sweet stuff and a whole lot of craziness-and, of course, Chrissy and Ace: their majestic and fabulous pet companions." --Molly G. Hamblin

"I really enjoyed meeting new characters and following the plot twists. Whenever a new character was introduced, I thought, "Oh, he/she is the killer!" only to find out I was wrong. I also suspected a few innocent characters and was truly surprised when the true murderer was revealed. I highly recommend this cute, cozy mystery." -Terri Chalmers, New Jersey

"I absolutely love Doggone Honeymoon, the fifth installment in Diane Wing's cozy mystery series. Grab a cup of tea, a soft blanket and set aside a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the suspenseful, jaw-dropping, intriguing plot twist with the lovable, huggable characters of Autumn, Chrissy, Ray and Ace." --Annette Sadelson, Maryland

"A killer is loose at Moonlight Lake. Diane Wing takes her Chrissy's Mysteries series to new heights in Doggone Honeymoon, a fresh and highly entertaining read with twists and turns that will surprise and confound even the most experienced reader's inner sleuth." --Maxine Ashcraft, California

Book #5 in the Chrissy the Shih Tzu Mysteries

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