Monday, January 7, 2008

Some of My Good (not new) 2007 Reads

The Road Washes Out in Spring: a poet’s memoir of living off the grid by Baron Wormser.

Maine’s former Poet Laureate writes gloriously about poetry and what it was like to live in the Maine woods near Madison in the 1970's. The people and the land are equal stars.

History of the American People by Paul Johnson.

Sometimes cranky English historian mostly tells it like it was while striping away American myths.

The Maine Reader: the Downeast experience from 1614 to the present edited by Charles and Samuella Shain.

2007 was the first year that I have concentrated on this wonderful compilation. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with it yet, make it a date.

Confluence: Merrymeeting Bay by Franklin Burroughs and Heather Perry.

Merrymeeting Bay may be a mystery to many but for sure it is a natural treasure. The mixing of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers above Bath has created a natural wonder. Heather Perry’s photography is incredible and Frank Burroughs, retired English Professor at Bowdoin, is one beautiful nature writer.

Contemporary Maine Fiction edited by Wes McNair.

I am not a big fiction reader so to have a chance to read short stories by Richard Ford, Stephen King, Elaine Ford, Monica Wood, etc. is not just a convenience but a thrilling ride.