Tom Powers / Michigan in Books Review of U.P. Reader #4

Review by Tom Powers, Michigan in Books

U. P. Reader, 4th Volume
Mikel B.Classen, editor

U.P. Reader Volume #4 released April 2020

This fourth annual showcase of the best short works by U. P. writers once again entertains, enlightens, and most importantly raises the awareness of the literary talent to be found north of Big Mac. The 45 pieces included here include U.P. history, poetry, short stories, reportage, humor, biographical essays, a U.P. notable booklist, and section of award-winning essays by young people.

I was delighted to see Larry Buege has once again climbed aboard his literary hobby horse and describes a homeowner’s confrontation with an infestation of the Amorous Spotted Slug (A.S.S.). Larry has been writing about A.S.S. in earlier U. P. Readers in a noble but fruitless effort to make these gastropod mollusks Michigan’s state slug. I would also like to encourage Buege to write about the whale sightings in Lake Superior and take up the equally important cause of naming a Michigan state whale.

There is a transcript of a talk by Karen Dionne, author of the “Marsh King’s Daughter,” in which she recounts her journey from being a moderately successful author of two environmental thrillers to the wildly popular author of the above book. Her talk also gives tips to would-be novelists and what she learned about writing that led to being a bestselling author. The Whiteout by Rich Hill tells the dramatic story of his friend Allen who went ice fishing on the great lake and couldn’t find his way to shore when a whiteout struck and died.

A most unexpected and fascinating piece by Deborah K. Frontiera tells the story of the formation of U. P. sandstone, most of which is told from the stone’s point of view. Over the course of a million years and tons of pressure, the deposited sand became sandstone. In the 1800s it was mined and shipped to Calumet where the stone was used to build St. Anne’s church. The sandstone has seen the church sold and turned into an antique shop. A few years later the building was bought with donations and with a state grant was beautifully restored and became the Keweenaw Heritage Center. Other works describe shipwrecks and heroic rescues, a tribute to a father, the descent of a mother into dementia, and the story of a U.P. deer camp.

There is a lot to enjoy in this fine collection of short works by a surprising abundance of very good writers found north of the Straits of Mackinac.

U.P. Reader: Bringing Upper Michigan Literature to the World, 4th Volume, Mikel B Classen editor. Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, 2020, $16.95 pb.

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Please Explain Divorce to Me!

SKU 978-1-61599-780-0
$17.95
Because My Parents Are Breaking Up
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-780-0
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Laurie Zelinger
Pages: 44
Publication Date: 01/01/2024

Because divorce or separation in cohabitating relationships is a family event, this book was written for both children and adults. Gently telling their children that they will be getting a divorce, a mother and father share their family story: the journey from their happy wedding day, through the conflict at present and into the near and reassuring future. The book's second half highlights important tips and insights for parents.

Children will:

  • Learn about the divorce process
  • Find out that their own parents' divorce is not their fault
  • Discover that parents divorce each other; they do not divorce their children
  • Be comforted knowing they are still part of a family who loves them
  • Understand what it is like to have two homes

Parents will:

  • Have a framework for telling their children they are getting a divorce
  • Hear the common questions children ask
  • Learn the DOs and DON'Ts regarding their own behavior
  • Improve the likelihood of creating a healthier divorce
  • Understand their children's reactions and support their emotions

"Dr. Zelinger expertly navigates the sensitive topic of divorce, providing young readers with a compassionate and understanding perspective. The book's engaging storytelling, complemented by vibrant illustrations, encourages open dialogue and empowers children to navigate, with resilience and comprehension, the emotional complexities of divorce." -- Sarah Becker, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Premium Health Center, Brooklyn, NY

"The message of Dr. Zelinger's book echoes our primary goal as divorce mediators--to assist divorcing couples to create a healthier, non-adversarial divorce for the entire family. In a gentle - albeit direct - manner, Dr. Zelinger provides a thoughtful, well-planned approach for parents to prepare their children for the news of their divorce." -- Maren Cardillo, Esq., Divorce Mediation Professionals

Learn more at www.DrZelinger.com

From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

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