Maine Books

KUDOS! I'm a fan! That is to say, a fan of the Red Sox for many years, and now, a fan of author, Henry Garfield.
My own dreams with alternatives to my reality have sometimes haunted me beyond sleep. They are my "should have..., would have..., could have..." dreams. Henry Garfield has put that type of dream into the very words of his novel. Fact and fiction are awesomely merged by this author to create a page-turner of good entertainment. By the way, I'm a "teenager" with 40+ years of experience!

Can the outcome of a throw to home plate on a hot August day in 1967, by a Boston Red Sox outfielder of minimal talents, affect so many livesýin different ways? That is the premise of a remarkable novel, TARTABULLýS THROW, by Henry Garfield. This ýprequelý to Garfieldýs earlier novels, MOONDOG and ROOM 13, skillfully melds the crack of a bat on a baseball, the howl of a werewolf to the full Moon, and the stunning silence of time/dimensional travel into a unique coming-of-age story. Cyrus ýMoondogý Nygerskiýs love for the enigmatic Cassandra, for baseball in general, and for the Boston Red Sox in particular make for an unforgettable read.

Is the runner safe at home plate? Yes. Is he out? Yes. Is Cyrus, as Garfield says, ýThe best left-handed second baseman in Wisconsin,ý called up to The Show by the Chicago White Sox? Yes. Is he an error-prone player who can barely hit his weight and is released by the low minor league Beloit Turtles? Yes. But how can all of this be?

Believe me, Garfield pulls it off. If you like baseball, suspense, science fictionýor merely just want a rollicking taleýyou can't miss TARTABULLýS THROW.

Can the outcome of a throw to home plate on a hot August day in 1967, by a Boston Red Sox outfielder of minimal talents, affect so many lives—in different ways? That is the premise of a remarkable novel, TARTABULL’S THROW, by Henry Garfield. This “prequel” to Garfield’s earlier novels, MOONDOG and ROOM 13, skillfully melds the crack of a bat on a baseball, the howl of a werewolf to the full Moon, and the stunning silence of time/dimensional travel into a unique coming-of-age story. Cyrus “Moondog” Nygerski’s love for the enigmatic Cassandra, for baseball in general, and for the Boston Red Sox in particular make for an unforgettable read.

Is the runner safe at home plate? Yes. Is he out? Yes. Is Cyrus, as Garfield says, “The best left-handed second baseman in Wisconsin,” called up to The Show by the Chicago White Sox? Yes. Is he an error-prone player who can barely hit his weight and is released by the low minor league Beloit Turtles? Yes. But how can all of this be?

Believe me, Garfield pulls it off. If you like baseball, suspense, science fiction—or merely just want a rollicking tale—you cant’ miss TARTABULL’S THROW.

Though this story is magical (as any story about a left-handed second baseman must be), it's also realist in ways that baseball novels rarely achieve without getting bogged down in historical minutiae. Garfield's 1967 is 1967, and at the same time it subtly isn't; his fine manipulations of chronology and causality keep the reader off-balance in consistently fascinating ways.

Tartabull's Throw is the best recent baseball novel I've read, for any age group. High-schoolers will love it; but junior-high and younger should stick with Bruce Brooks or John H. Ritter for a while longer. Adult readers will really appreciate this novel; it may get them howling for more.

Seamus Heaney won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, in large part because of this book. The poetry isn't archaic or highbrow or needing 80 pages of notes to understand. It's written comfortably and easily, about simple things from his childhood and life.

I bought this to take on a trip to Ireland, and it was fantastic reading it while walking the green meadows and rocky coastline. It breathes Irish air. If you have a love for the misty grasses, or simply enjoy rural, quiet life, read through these poems.

The poems talk of birth, and love, and death, of heather bells and boats in docks. Give them a try, and be swept away in their gentle language.

i thought i'd read a irish writer. i couldn't think of a better choice than heaney. the poems here are subtle, but infinitely brilliant. i love the way he uses mythology in some of the pieces, taking references from dante and homer. he draws from his family life, childhood, and his lifelong experiences to create poems that are wondrous in form and content.

Mr. Heaney's titled poem "Seeing Things" takes us to a fishing trip between father and son. It is a calming journey about childhood, youth and the bond between father and son, and poet and audience. I wish that learning to read poetry is as mystical and unassumingly peaceful as learning to fish with one's parent. My wish may be true.

Perhaps this book represents Heaney's finest poetry since 'Field Work.' It contains the magnificent sequence 'Squarings,' and a continuation of his Glanmore sonnets. The craftsmanship impeccable, the voice down-to-earth.

We remember especially his sonnet on Lent in which the poet deals with 'A fasted will marauding through the body,' and the poem "Wheels within Wheels," where a child spins the pedals of an inverted bicycle and notes "The way the space between the hub and rim / Hummed with transparency." Note the unobtrusive assonances, & the exact right words.

In one of the twelve-line poems of 'Squarings', Heaney counsels himself and other poets: 'Do not waver / Into language. Do not waver in it.' In this sequence, it is Heaney's happy accomplishment to have heeded that counsel in an exemplary fashion. Driving through an avenue or tunnel of trees, arching over a quarter-mile stretch of country road, Heaney sees the trees as 'Calligraphic shocks / Bushed and tufted in prevailing winds.' Could Thomas Hardy or Wallace Stevens have done as well?

Talking about it isn't good enough,

But quoting from it at least demonstrates

The virtue of an art that knows its mind.

I read this one after reading Plantation. The two books I have read so far by this author; Plantation and Unforgettable were both very good. I am surprised to find that this author is so unknow. No one I know has ever heard of her, and most of her books are out of print. I had to borrow both books from the library.

So anyway, if you can find a copy, I would recommend reading them, as I said they were very good.

Unforgettable is so different from Ms. Smith-Brown's last book Plantation. This romantic suspense kept me--as they say-- turning the pages! A warm, feel good novel. Makes one believe fairytales really DO come true. Looking forward to her next book.

Unforgettable is so different from Ms. Smith-Brown's last book Plantation. A romantic suspense that kept me--as they say-- turning the pages! A warm, feel good kind of novel. Makes one believe fairytales really DO come true. Looking forward to her next book.

Fern Smith-Browns Unforgetable is a joy to read. It's a love story with intrigue, suspense, chivalry and endearing characters you won't soon forget. I found it most enjoyable reading.

This is a great read. I truly enjoyed Alissa's characters Vicki Silver, CJ and all of their friends. It was great to read about how these teens have a goal and life and go after it! They do not let their young age keep them from solving the mystery of the stolen gem. These kids really have their priorities straight which is a reflection of the author's ability to put her beliefs into words in an entertaining manner that isn't preachy. It truly shows that you can be a faithful Christian and still have an exciting life. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and sharing it with all ages!

I grew up on the Hardy boys and liked Nancy Drew even better when I read her books to my two kids, so I was overjoyed to read on the back cover how author Alisa Wood began writing "The Stolen Gem" at the age of 14 and by the time she graduated from high school had completed seven in the series. Wow! If this novel is any indication she has real talent as a mystery writer, handling dialogue, action and the interplay among characters with the sophistication of someone twice her age. And she has one incredible advantage over them. She not only knows her audience, she was a recent member of the age group she is targeting.

That said, this saga steams forward on plot action rather than character development or atmospheric setting. We have a good idea of the thief a third of the way through and there aren't many surprises as far as a "mystery" goes. Typically it's, "Everyone split up and look for clues." Oh, there are a few red herrings, but I wish Alyssa had taken a bit more time with her heroine's attorney parents--she describes Vicki and her older sister's home life by saying, "The way their parents ruled the household was to turn everything into an argument, a legal argument, and `to the victor go the spoils.'" Now that is original and would be fun for the reader to experience first hand.

I have to say that I was caught up in Vicki Silver's enthusiasm and "can do" attitude. This is also one series in which girls know how to handle themselves in a fight. I even liked her over-the-top, foot steps in the shadows, paranoia. The major problem these undercover teen-aged sleuths face is that grown-ups, such as the police, don't believe them. There is a slight switch in Chapter 2 away from Vicki's 3rd person point of view to get some information across to the reader, but I don't think most readers would even notice; and what a good climax this story has! Two other things I particularly liked were ending the book with the friends going to a clichéd, male-hero action film (nice contrast) and the dedication, which includes many of the author's English teachers. They have a lot to be proud of. And the advice she follows--to base fictional characters on real people--serves her well.

Keep them coming, Alissa. Meanwhile I'll look for Vicki, CJ, Joe and Justin at the Ultimate Pizza. I know another mystery awaits them. Next time we adults will be paying more attention.

I just finished reading this book and want to say that the author has created great characters and situations that will make you want to keep reading through to the very end! Alissa Wood shows teens the value of friendship and keeping good moral standards while working to bring criminals to justice. If you're a teen reader or know any teen readers, this would make a great gift. I believe that Vicki Silver will appeal to people of all ages and look forward to the rest of the series.

Vicki Silver: Cruise Control

Vicki Silver is a Nancy Drew-type with a cool group of friends that help her solve the mystery and get her out of some dangerous situations. The book has action and suspense starting on page 1 and continuing until the very end. This will be a good series to follow! Neiman, age 10

"View from a Burning Bridge" is elequant, suspenseful, hilarious, and heart breaking. It is one of those books where you are instantly brought into the world of the main character. Once you begin to read this story, you won't be able to put it down, and the story stays with you. I highly recommend everyone to buy it today!

The infernal view of the title is that of Frances Treadwell, fleeing New York and the overmany fictions she told down there. Her old family place in Maine, however, offers a prickly refuge. Indeed, Sarah Goodyear's first novel spendidly upsets expectations at every turn. It's a story of seeking peace and quiet that gets disrupted by the crash of a meteorite, of renewing love that drops the lover into a deeper and scarier murk than before. Throughout, too, we're never far from good-humored insight, though always at arm's length from treacly sentiment. Perhaps most impressive is how Goodyear sticks close to her protagonist yet exposes all the young woman's contradictions. For aren't Frances' more dubious choices rooted in trepidation about what's new and revitalizing? And in that, doesn't she shares a potentially fatal flaw with the ingrown rural place around her? A debut to celebrate, "Burning Bridge" bears out the ancient wisdom that you can't go home again -- but proves as well that there's no other way to achieve wisdom yourself.

...if you've ever thought about leaving New York. I felt as if these people could be me or any of my friends. FINALLY, here's a contemporary book that shows wonderful, flawed but sympathetic characters in believable, complex relationships. To me, it recalled "Rashomon" and "House of Sand and Fog". Great book!

"View from a Burning Bridge" is elequant, suspenseful, hilarious, and heart breaking. It is one of those books where you are instantly brought into the world of the main character. Once you begin to read this story, you won't be able to put it down, and the story stays with you. I highly recommend everyone to buy it today!

I read The Worry Week with my 8 year old. We loved it so much. It was easy for her to relate to the main character and was fun to see what would happen next. It was also a good lesson in what is really involved in surviving and taking care of others.

A great book that explores a childhood fantasy of being on your own and getting by in the wilderness - no parents allowed! I recently reread this book that I enjoyed as a kid and it is still pretty great. It would make a fun movie.

Anne Lindbergh shines! A great book

This is a great book to read when you're on vacation or at the beach. It's the story of 3 sisters Alice, Allegra, and Edith (aka Minnow) who are reluctant to leave their summer house when their parents vacation plans are suddenly changed. Rather than spend a week with their boring and strict aunt, they concoct a plan which will allow them to stay behind without their parents. As Allegra puts it "We'll be on the island and we won't have a worry in the world!" But their plan goes awry and they find themselves facing dilemma after dilemma: sprained ankles, sunburns, murdering thieves (not really) and NO food. Some parents may worry about the ideas sent by of three young girls living for a week without adult supervision. Not to mention there's a lot of skinny dipping. But if you're going to oppose the book on those grounds, you may as well tell people to burn copies of "Pippi Longstocking". The book is well written with a definitively humorous tone. The characters are very real and well portrayed. Overall the story is charming and witty and exciting. If you like it you may want to read Lindbergh's 'Pinapple Place' books, though I think this book outshines them.

Beautiful houses and a lot of different styles of houses. A great gift for anyone who has lived in Maine, visited Maine or just loves good architecture.

This wonderful book by Christopher Glass and Brian Vanden Brink will simply take your breath away. I keep it by by bedside and turn to it on those lonely nights when I long for summer vacations in Maine. Brian Vanden Brink's photographs are crisp and amazing and are truly an inspiration to all novice photographers out there! Fans of Vanden Brink can see more of his amazing work at www.brianvandenbrink.com.

At Home in Maine: Houses Designed to Fit the Land is a showcase of Maine architecture especially designed to be aesthetically pleasing and fully integrated into the environment. Stunning full-color photographs reveal dwellings inside and out with a richness of texture and a smoothly harmonous design. The text by an architect with decades of experience offers insight into the subtle nuances of each house, noting its distinguishing features with a practiced eye in an easygoing, conversational manner that will appeal to lay readers and experts alike. A truly eye-pleasing book to page through, and a valuable resource for architectural design ideas.

Away Happens is a must-read for all lovers of Maine, islands, and life in general. Phil Crossman combines wit, insight, humor, and affection in this book of life on Vinalhaven, an island an hour off Rockland, Maine,accessible only by ferry. He portrays the island community with a down-to-earth honesty and humor that spares no one's warts, including his own. You will laugh out loud and then get on the computer to book a room at Crossman's Tidewater Motel, perhaps even the infamous, but totally delightful, Room #2.

I'm not even qualified to be from "away", as an occasional guest of an official "away" resident of Vinalhaven, Maine. But Phil's stories have added greatly to my appreciation of this special island, its people and institutions. I read his hilarious story about an improbable romance at the island dump shortly after returning from there, carefully recycling, cramming my small $1.50 bag of garbage and checking out the free clothes in the "bus".

Unless you are lucky enough to be invited by a resident, you'll probably spend the night in Phil's tiny but comfortable motel, right in the heart of town and surrounded by the best lobster and crab you'll ever eat.

Because the stories were written for several different outlets, the styles and length vary, and there are a few tiny clunkers, but there are also some brilliant phrases that make it all worthwhile. Commenting on some island septuagenarians that insist on golfing at least once per month year-round, he said that it was remarkable, "considering the latitude of the course and the longitude of the participants."

Great fun. Just don't get too absorbed and miss the last ferry!

This is a wonderful Yankee counterpart to Minnesota's Lake Wobegone! Life on a small island in the Penobscot Bay has its charms and challenges. Crossman's vignettes are humorous, insightful and poignant. A fun read.

The author and I share a love for these types of stories. Small town life captured through minute details of the police log. An excellent read.

As a former Resident of Bar Harbor from 1975-1998 i find this a wonderful book for anyone who likes small town life. Plus most of my friends were in there at one time or another. Its a great insight into the Bar Harbor of the 70's and 80's in the Pre tourist trap years.

Bizarre and sublime bits of true life humor that only a small town can provide. I open it to any page for a poop long chuckle.

This book was a gift and the person receiving it has realy loved it.

Summers are short and precious here in Maine and any outdoor enthusiast, especially with kids in tow, knows that finding a loop hike for the whole family - one that can be done in single day - can be a challenge. This guide makes it easy to find that trail.

This book not only gives you the low down on the trails themselves, but the natural history, wildlife and geological insights that add dimension and interest to even the familiar trail.

Stuff this one in your backpack and leave the rest of the guides at home.

"Best Loop Hikes" is a great resources for hikers of all levels. Many books have been written about hikes in Maine and New Hampshire, but I haven't read one before which focuses specifically on the White Mountains and the Maine Coast. I was pleasantly surprised when the book I pre-ordered from Amazon came in before the April 2006 published released date. The book will especially appeal to those who also enjoy wildlife: each hike describes local flora and fauna, with a particular emphasis on native birds. The author also plugs local land trusts, the conservation organizations that preserve local parcels of land, maintaining them so that hikers and others can enjoy their trails. There is also historical information provided for many of the surrounding areas. This is an excellent resource for both avid hikers and the more casual walker.