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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The Perfect Gift

SKU 978-1-61599-757-2
$17.95
Color My World Perfect
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-757-2
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: No
Edition: 1st
Author: Lauren Persons
Illustrator: Noah Hrbek
Pages: 38
Publication Date: 06/01/2023

What's Your Vision for a Perfect World?

Recently, while doing a recycling workshop with a group of three and four-year-olds, I asked what they thought would make a perfect world. Their answers made sense to me--ice cream, pizza and chocolate. Then they tackled harder problems by coming up with great ideas to re-purpose containers often tossed away with little thought. Their ideas were bold and creative. The Perfect Gift, an interactive story, was written to remind them how special they are and the important role they play in creating a beautiful world.

"This delightful, interactive story invites readers and their parents (and grandparents, teachers, friends) to consider what makes a 'perfect world' while acknowledging it isn't always so. It encourages exploring options for less than perfect days, developing resilience and encouraging the love of family. The Perfect Gift is a great book for all ages." --Margaret Hill-Daniels (experienced mother, grandmother and counselor)

"This is a good book because kids can draw from their imagination what a perfect world would look like. Their worlds will all be different, because all kids have different ideas in their heads. I wish I had this book." --Lucille Williard, age 5

"I love The Perfect Gift! The message is clear and simple enough for children yet also poignant and inspiring for adults. It explains the simple truth that, despite our best intentions, life doesn't always go as planned. The book offers space for readers to generate ideas. By following the drawing and writing prompts, readers will discover internal strengths. They will find that, when they tap the creative visions that are alive within them, they can positively change how they feel and how they react to what's going on around them. The Perfect Gift is given when this book is read and experienced together. --Jan Thrope, LSW, community activist

Learn more at LaurenPersons.com

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