Maine Books

How could I have missed this series? I enjoy stories set in this period because my own father was born in 1890; in Kentucky. He was a small-town boy, following the work to Ohio where he and several of his brothers settled.

I can picture him being a member of such a club as the Moosepath League and having small adventures such as author Reid depicts in this series of books. My father was not bumbling like most of these characters, but he was witty and funny and would no doubt have led them on even more exciting adventures.

Reid paints a vivid picture of a small town of the late 80s ... filled with characters who would make entertaining neighbors. They'd certainly liven up any neighborhood with their quaint, old-fashioned, yet quirky fun.

It's obvious this is a satire, and I love satire myself. (I discovered these books because on Amazon.com they were placed beside one of the books I wrote: THE TOONIES INVADE SILICON VALLEY. While the TOONIES does not disparage our lovely Valley in anyway, I certainly delighted in poking a bit of fun at our techie culture ... tongue-in-cheek humor, of course ... as Mr. Reid does in these books.)

Fun reads! Enjoy all four.

I had lunch with Van Reid in August of 2001. He was as fun to talk to as his books are to read! I love the humor, the insight, the intrigue and the adventures of the Moosepath League! I agree that this installment is not as "heavy" as Daniel Plainway (at least to all but Ephram, Eagleton,and Thump!) but all the other elements are present. I laughed out loud several times while flying, which caused my fellow passengers to wonder about me, I am sure. Moxie!

For excellent quality, humor, detailed plots, and kind, likeable characters, you can't beat Van Reid's "Moosepath League" novels. The latest, "Mrs. Roberto", seems to me to be a little lighter in tone than "Molly Peer" or "Daniel Plainway", but is still immensely involving and entertaining. This kind of writing just cannot be found anywhere else today. If you are fond of the classics or nineteenth century American literature, you will love Van Reid.

The willing adventurers of the Moosepath League of Victorian Portland, Maine, have lost none of their good-natured innocence in this fourth adventure, despite entanglements with tavern keepers, loose women, pickpockets, hoboes and worse. Indeed, Van Reid's droll storytelling depends upon it.

Misdirection and misunderstanding form the strong foundation of the meandering and digressive missions of the League's six members, who gather at the Shipswood Restaurant in the spring of 1897 for one of their regular dinners. They raise their water glasses (prohibition has been in effect in Maine for 46 years) to their only female member, Miss Phileda McCannon, who's making a journey to settle her deceased aunt's affairs. Mr. Tobias Walton, their chairman and the oldest at 48, is a bit subdued on this occasion as Phileda has not given an answer to his proposal of marriage.

Joseph Thump, Christopher Eagleton and Matthew Ephram are still in a small state of excitement after nearly running down a tavern keeper named Sparks who could have been Thump's double, but for his workingman's clothing and his high-pitched voice. The youngest member, Walton's faithful assistant Sundry Moss, 23, is the only one who dares to hazard that the crowd of ruffians backing away from the near-accident were pursuing Sparks rather than attempting his rescue.

The trio of Thump, Eagleton and Ephram have not seen the last of Sparks. Walking home through an unfamiliar and doubtful part of town, Thump happens to save a policeman from certain death-by-falling-piano, thereby incurring Mrs. Sparks' heartfelt gratitude for preserving her cousin, the perpetrator, from a murder charge.

This might again have been the end of it, but the trio, inspired by an incident in a play, determine that the lovely balloon ascensionist, Mrs. Roberto, must be in need of rescuing. Their mission leads them to a house of ill-repute (not that they ever realize where they are) and a run-in with the gang that's after Sparks, from which they escape thanks to Sparks' youngest son and his urchin friend who lead them over Portland's slippery rooftops. Sparks' network of less-than-respectable relatives continues to aid the trio as they seek Mrs. Roberto from Bangor to Dresden Mills, taking up with a large party of hoboes along the way.

Meanwhile, Moss, attempting to distract his employer, has taken Walton to visit his uncle in Norridgewock, though they never make it quite that far. The train is delayed in Bowdoinham where Walton is pressed to come to the aid of a glum prize pig. Perplexed by the locals' assumption of his expertise in porcine matters (the reader has been let-in on the misunderstanding), but as willing and easy-going as ever, Walton embarks on a visit to the Ferns, unhappy owners of the depressed pig, where Moss, a farmer's son and a bit more worldly than his fellow Moosepathians, soon susses the problem.

With digressions for the furtherance of romance and good acquaintance, Reid piles misunderstandings upon misunderstandings, constructing a hilarious journey through the towns and by-ways of Maine and the social strata of its best inhabitants. It all culminates in a spectacular and chaotic natural disaster, reuniting the League and necessitating numerous rescues and confusion and some wonderfully vivid writing.

Lots of local color and history round out the adventure. Reid's prose is playful, witty and dry, as well as eloquent and visual. The contrast between the transparent innocence of the steadfastly clueless trio and the sharp wits of Sundry Moss (think young George Burns and Gracie Allen) is a pleasure, further enhanced by the ready-for-anything calm of Toby Walton. Reid (whose Maine roots go back more than two centuries) leaves us with a tantalizing hint of the next to come in the League's adventures. These books are for anyone who enjoys wit and good-natured storytelling in the Dickensian tradition.

I've read it twice now and loved it each time. Agree with the opinions above. People who enjoy this may be interested in "We Took to the Woods" by Louise Dickinson Rich, also entertaining humerous look at life in Maine.

I often don't get a chance for much pleasure reading so many books that I start never get finished. This book, however, grabbed me in from the start and like the other reviewer said, I could not put it down. It truly transported me to Maine, a state that I love to visit. However, even if you aren't a Maine fanatic, I think you will enjoy the book and it's ability to take you away from your everyday life. In addition, the strong, independent women who play the lead roles in the book are truly inspirational, especially considering the time period in which they were asserting this independent spirit. Seeing their willingness to jump in to a business that they knew little about and to set it up successfully in a short period of time has really awakened in me the belief that anything is possible -- you just have to be bold enough to go after it. This book is a wonderful read and one that I will surely pick up time after time. I highly recommend it.

In my youth, I often vacationed in Maine and happened to find this book in the local library during one trip. It was truly inspiring for me as a young girl, both to appreciate the great state of Maine and to go on to write memoirs of my own. I would recommend this classic to any would-be memoirist, as a great example of how a well-written life story can transcend time.

This book written about the trials and tribulations of two young girls who quit their jobs in New York and took up running a grocery store in Goose Rocks. Scotty does a fantasitc job at taking the reader to Maine. She captivated me and I truely could not put this book down. I want read it again right away!

Who says lightning never strikes twice in the same spot? Steven Maines has done it again. Myrriddin Book II of the Merlin Factor is another brilliant book of spellbinding and illuminating storytelling. Maines has picked up with Myrriddin where he left off with Longinus, without missing one heart stopping moment.

Clearly Maines' series of books are destined to become classics in their own right. Steven's writing, like a rip tide, pulls the reader into the deep waters of his imaginative world; a world that is abundantly infused with character and storyline development that is stunning, unpredictable and highly addictive.

Steven... you've got me on the edge of my seat... when is Book III coming out?

Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (11/08)

"Myrriddin" owes a debt to many of its recent predecessors to recreate a realistic Arthurian world when Rome was falling and when Christianity was overtaking the Celtic religions. At the same time, the book has much that is original, especially because it is the middle of a trilogy. The first book "Longinus" told the story of the soldier who inserted his spear into Christ's side during the crucifixion, and who ultimately came to have special powers through the lance. Longinus became a follower of Christ, to some degree, and also ancestor of a new dynasty, and would later reincarnate as Merlin.

"Longinus" was a fascinating book that kept me interested throughout, especially for its spiritual and magical elements. In this second novel, "Myrridin," the main character, more commonly known as Merlin, realizes he is a reincarnation of Longinus. It is now the fourth century and Myrriddin has found the spear that was his in a former life. As previously in "Longinus" the voice of Christ speaks to him through the spear, apparently because Christ's blood remains on the spear's tip.

The prologue begins with a scene of St. Joseph of Arimathea coming to Britain. Reference is also made to Mary Magdalene. Steven Maines has chosen to depict the popular theories of Christ having married Mary Magdalene by stating they had a daughter Sarah. I was disappointed that this idea was not developed further in the novel--perhaps the connection will be brought up in the trilogy's final volume. Those familiar with contemporary Arthurian literature will know of the theories that either Christ or his siblings founded the Grail line. The idea is not original, but interesting in the novel, if also perhaps pointless because not developed further here.

"Myrridin" focuses on a very short time-span in the life of Myrridin and his companions. Their village is attacked and Myrriddin must fight some evildoers, as well as rescue Igraines, a woman he loves, whom Myrridin realizes, through his ability to foresee the future, is destined to become the mother of King Arturius. While there are some twists and turns, the storyline is not really complicated. This novel is not a history of Merlin's involvement with King Arturius but stops before Arturius is even born. The events seemed hardly significant enough to be the focus of the novel compared to more traditional tales of Arthur becoming king, the quest for the Holy Grail, or the Fall of Camelot.I was somewhat disappointed that the novel did not move farther into the future and the actual rise of Camelot and the highlights of the Arthurian legends. I also thought that at times the writing was a bit too wordy and some of the phrasing awkward--something I did not notice in "Longinus." I found the Epilogue jarring because it has no connection to the novel but took place in the 1190s during the Crusades. I assume Myrridin/Longinus will be reincarnated into that period, but if the Epilogue is a precursor to what will be the focus of Book III of the Merlin Factor, I am disappointed the reign of King Arthur will be skipped over. With all the set up in these first two novels, I would have expected the story to go on for maybe seven volumes or more, but according to the author's website it is only a trilogy. I find it hard to believe Maines will conclude the story so quickly when he barely even touched the meat of Merlin's story in this second book.

Despite my longing for more about Merlin and Arthur, I am happy to add "Myrridin" to my large collection of Arthurian novels because of its unique aspects. I have followed the evolution of the Arthurian genre in the last few decades, and I believe Maines provides fresh insight into the characters that only a few of his modern predecessors like Marion Zimmer Bradley have achieved. What struck me most about the novel was the spiritual questioning of the main character and how his story, despite the action of the novel, is really an internal one of trying to understand and prepare himself to become a great spiritual leader and wizard. Steven Maines clearly has studied ancient religions, mysticism, and many of the New Age ideas relevant to reviving Celtic traditions.

Anyone who enjoys King Arthur stories will find "Myrriddin" by Steven Maines an interesting addition to the legend. I will definitely read the final volume of this trilogy when it is available, with hopes the trilogy will conclude as strongly as it began.

I found Myrriddin by Steven Maines to be one of the most though provoking and entertaining novels I've ever read. I found myself often pausing to ponder concepts and ideas Maines shares and teaches throughout this book.

Maines gently crafts his memorable characters from his prior novel "Longinus: Book 1 of The Merlin Factor" into the plot of this succeeding book.

Written in a similar vain to The Alchemist, besides being a great story that blends historical fact and fiction. This intellectual book is a must for any aspiring occultist or student of esoteric teachings.

This books starts out 3 centuries after Longinus ends. Steven Maines effortlessly makes the transition connecting the two books. The action in this book is entirely different than Longinus, but the book moves just as fast and is next to impossible to out down.

All the characters come alive as you read the book, and you literally get a visual "movie" of the action in your mind. You can say the book is spiritual, but it is just as much a battle of good versus evil, during the time when the Christians and the Druids were hard at it.

And, like Longinus, this book leaves you hanging, so now you have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next.

Helen Hamlin's shared experiences in the Maine woods brought me back to my childhood. I spent most of my youth in and around the Allagash and St. John Rivers and many summers in the Chamberlin waters; Churchill, Eagle Lake,etc.
Helen's writing is authentic, amusing, and filled with typical Maine philosphy. Loved it!!

I almost hate to share one of the best kept secrets regarding a piece of heaven here on Earth, that being the North Maine Woods. Luckily I have found this place! Many of my friends know that I have enjoyed this amazing spot so for Christmas this past year I received a first edition copy of Nine Mile Bridge. In it, Helen Hamlim writes such a wonderful narrative of her three years living in these woods.

As a reader it was so good to be able to visualize what she wrote about as I have experienced, albeit in a VERY small way, some of it too. Her writing is folksy, campy, but most importantly genuine. What a gutsy woman she must have been!

I know that my next trip into the "woods" will be even more profound having read this novel.

READ IT TOO-- and don't be afraid to visit the "woods". I know you'll feel the same way I do about them-- a piece of heaven here on Earth.

Living in the 'wilderness' early in this century was a daily adventure. Much different from 'backpacking' as we know it. Folks like Helen Hamlin set up camp and lived and worked miles from any sizable town, with only a small number of neighbors, if any. Life was difficult and hard, but never dangerous, if you prepared properly. Ms. Hamlin is a first time author and, as such, is not to be compared with modern, well practiced authors of our time. Still, her story is fascinating reading of a life and times that is part of the wonderful fabric of our country. Highly recommended for those with a bent for real-life perspectives of a different America.

This is a time capsule of life in the Northern Maine woods through the 1920's-30's and into the early 1940's. My grandparents (briefly mentioned in the book) were French Canadian lumber workers who lived and worked the woods in the operations based around Jackman, Maine. (The Jeans and the Veillieuxs, respectively, my grandfather and grandmothers family).

A great read for people curious about the lives of those who worked in the lumber camps of Northern Maine in the early 20th Century. I've heard countless stories my late grandmother told of those days, and this book adds immensely to that rich experience.

This is a part of American History that will never occur again, the way of life in such remote locations, the teamwork, effort and work ethic and fun ethic of these folks was astounding. A true Gem worth buying.

Sometimes a novel has such a dramatic, suspenseful plot that you want to race through it to the end. But reading Preacher's Lake, I found myself taking my time, savoring the delicious descriptions of place and character, losing myself to the vivid fictional world Ms. Vice has so lovingly crafted. I didn't want to race to the end because I didn't want this book to end! I felt as if I had become a part of the lives of these characters - Slim, Janesta, Crystal, Rita - witnessing their quirks, their fears, their struggle to find love, forgiveness, and meaning. Indeed, the characters are so finely drawn that they may very well become as much a part of the fabric of your memory as the real people in your life.

When I began reading Preacher's Lake, I realized I was going to have to stop everything else in my life so that I would have time to sit and read this wonderful book. Within the first few pages, I was totally caught up in the lives of the beautifully drawn characters. I quickly became involved in the stories of the gawky, childlike Slim who runs the town dump and Carol, the artist from New York who is grieving over the senseless death of her lover Annie. I watched as the seemingly disparate lives of these and other people became interwoven, falling into place like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Preacher's Lake is my vote for the best read of 1998.

I knew I was in the hands of a gifted writer when I read Lisa Vice's first novel, Reckless Driver, but with Preacher's Lake she has really outdone herself. The cast of characters ranges from Slim, a truly innocent man who keeps the landfill in a coastal town in rural Maine and learns to love what others leave behind, to Vivian, one of the funniest yet most sympathetic lesbians ever to appear in a novel. The fifteen or so major characters in the story are true to life and utterly engaging. The plot is compelling and one of the delights of the book, as in Maupin's Tales of the City, is when the paths of the characters cross and intertwine. And Lisa Vice is a powerful stylist, too. On every page there are sentences that will take your breath away. Preacher's Lake is a book you should not miss!

In her second novel, Lisa Vice takes us to Preacher's Lake, a small town in Maine. What I like the best about Ms. Vice's writing is her ability to make each scene resemble a photo album. She gently weaves the stories of individuals around the connections between the characters, while taking us back and forth between their lives quickly and easily. About the time I am hooked into one person or family, she jumps to another concurrent story. This works well for Ms. Vice because she never leaves us anywhere long enough to forget about the other characters. I took my time reading this book because the characters became so alive to me, I didn't want the story to end. According to her bio, Ms. Vice lived in Maine working with disadvantaged people at one time. The quirky characters make it obvious that Ms. Vice has personal knowledge about that part of the country. I enjoyed getting to know each person, and laughed and cried with them as their fortunes changed for the better, and sometimes for the worse. Ms. Vice is an up and coming writer with a great deal of talent, and I will be waiting eagerly for her next novel.

I have never lived in Maine, but have vacationed there. This book certainly captures the majestic beauty of one America's most breathtaking states. Hubbell's work displays the classic "old New Engalnd" landscape each of his pictures. All of the photos, from the ocean to mountains, are just magnificent. This book makes you want to live there!

Bill Hubbell's work always shines with a superb technical clarity and artistic insight. This book continues his tradition of technical and artistic genius as he covers his favorite subject matter in Maine.

This book brings a breadth and scope of vision to these images of Maine that will inspire you. (...as they have me.)

My favorite photograph in this wonderful book is the very last one - it captures the diversity, the geography, the activities, and the natural beauty of our state. Those of us who are lucky enough to live here in Maine can be proud of Bill Hubbell's appreciation of its beauty and majesty. I might add that the other 139 photos are close runners-up for my favorites!

Jean's captions inform and enhance what the eye may have missed, while the mind is transported to "places you'd rather be". I'm glad I'm not "from away".

If you want to know where to go, and the special places to see in Maine, this book will serve as an inspiration for the unconventional traveller. It captures with its beautiful photography and concise, evocative prose the essence of all that the state has to offer. I have lived in Maine for 12 years and looking through the book reminded me of some of the beautiful places I have been, but it also showed me how many other places are left to explore! Unlike a regular tour guide, these photos bring the places to life and draw you in -- after seeing them I am inspired to make a list of places to go. Some of the photographs are almost painterly in style, there is one of a Native American sitting by the river on a rock at daybreak which is haunting -- mist hovers on the distant bend in the river while the man is gazing in sharp focus at the coming day. This would be a great gift for anyone you know who loves Maine.

First of all I'd have to classify this as a top read of mine... Refreshing work for a first novel... It's always a great feeling to see the genre growing with new names to watch for in the future, and Hartsock has made my list.

Eden, Maine population 47,000. Reich's Storage has opened after years of inactivity. The building was built on accidents and misfortunes, both human and monetary. Death is an integral part of its history much like evil that is inevitable in the earth itself.

Eden - a name that conjures gardens, beginnings and a place of lurking evil, all notions that run true in the aptly titled story. Decades of disappearances that no one remembers: does a secret evil reside in Eden?

Dell and Steve, manager and assistant manager at Reich's, sense an evil seeping out of Reich's corridors as they do their rounds. They both notice that this place felt ancient and cold and just wrong, but it's a job and they don't talk to each other about what they feel. At least not until Anton Kurtz drives up and walks into their office. Gates Barton, a former FBI agent who specialized in tracking serial killers, follows a suspicion to Eden where he throws in with Dell. They are joined by a rich and interesting cast of characters, some seeking glory, some revenge, some power and some just victims of the evil that is deep in the heart of Eden. Each character travels his or her own path into Eden. Some won't return from the depths of Reich's Storage facility. Those that do will have their lives forever changed.

J. Dak Hartsock's ability to draw these and other characters to the town of Eden is a masterful work of storytelling. Past and present are drawn together in not only lives but also place. Rich character development, along with the ability to make the reader care about their fate is a true gift that Hartsock draws upon in Siege of Eden.

Fear, horror, & repulsion are all words that describe the roller-coaster of feelings that rocked thru my mind as I was reading. But the love for the story and a remarkable and deeply engaging prose style dragged me along to the heart-stopping end; the stage set for a final battle between good and evil that may shake the world to its foundations.

I do feel inclined to mention the only drawback is in the editing. But I want to stress that those errors have nothing to do with the story or the author's ability to write. Read past the typos and you're in for one hell of a ride.

Rare among books with great artwork, Siege of Eden more than lives up to the promise of the cover, which is exceptionally well done and among the best I've seen in a long, long time. If I rated covers, this too would get 4/4 Fangs. Together, the story and the cover make Siege of Eden a book to treasure and to tell friends about.

Something has come to the small town of Eden, Maine. Something dark,
something evil. Something with a mission the will unleash terrifying
consequences.
The tale begins at a labyrinthine storage facility called Reich's when a
strange bald man named Kurtz rents a number of compartments for some
mysterious purpose. Before long, Dell Trainer, a writer wannabe
moonlighting
at Reich's, finds himself plunged into a nightmarish world of sentient
tapestries, grotesque creatures and unspeakable evil.
Aided by a retired FBI agents named Gates Batton, Trainer learns a
startling
revelation as old as man. When the angels warred in Heaven and Lucifer and
his minions were cast out, it seems not all the Fallen fell as far as
Hell.
Some got caught in-between and Gates has been tracking them down,
destroying
them. The ashes of his first conquest reside in an urn in the Vatican, but
this angel, Uris, is even more powerful, and if Gates fails all Hell will
literally break loose.
SIEGE OF EDEN is a literary tale of horror weaved from a tapestry of Good
and
Evil, Angels and Demons. Not for the faint of heart, the author examines
the
violence of man and the wrath of gods in explicit detail. Complex
characters
mirror the book's themes and EDEN presents an intricate examination of
religious values and dogma. The plot builds to a lethal and explosive
climax
that portends even greater events.
--Howard Hopkins
Author of Night Demons
...

jane stebbins (jstebbins@summitdaily.com), staff writer Summit Daily News, January 18, 2002,
'Siege of Eden' hits mark for lovers of dark horror
If J. Dak Hartsock's 'Siege of Eden' is any indication [we] may well have a blossoming Stephen King in [our] midst. Or better. Hartsock has penned a novel for lovers of dark horror and mystery, for those who love suspense and evil. The horror unfolds in Eden, a small town in Maine, where a dark evil begins to awaken under an abandoned storage facility. It's been here before, it is only by the grace of God that people were able to keep it from surfacing then. Now it attracts the attention of a wide array of people--Gates Batton, an FBI agent that fought the evil before; Bishop Erwin Hester from the Vatican; and Dell Trainer, a writer who moonlights as a manager of the facility, and his assistant Steve Seasons--who, despite the realization of what they might be dealing with, continue to pursue the monster that threatens to take over all that is good in the world. [the monsters] slowly make their meticulous appearance by nabbing unsuspecting citizens of Eden, and ruthlessly killing them, or worse, transforming them into servants. In the darker-than-dark mazes beneath the surface of the earth, the forces of good and evil battle it out. What sets Hartsock's book apart from [the rest] of the horror genre is that he doesn't let the reader merely imagine what's going on as the characters feel their way down the stone passageways, or when a monster feeds on its prey: he tells you in blood-chilling detail that makes your skin goosebump. Not only can you envision a character running through the dark forest, you can feel the burn of every breath he draws to do so, you can feel the sharp rock onto which he falls; you can feel the fear. It's a great book for those who enjoy the extreme battle of good and evil. The writing is crisp and flows particulary well. -----jane stebbins, summit daily news

I was very impressed with this first-time writer's use of prose. The depth of his characters is unmatched amongst first-time writers. The story flows better than any science fiction work I have ever read. He is the next Stephen King.

My family has read these stories aloud to our children for three generations. Since the 1st edition of these stories is long ago out of print, it was great to see that a new compilation of these stories was published. Now we all can have a copy of these wonderfully funny stories to give to our children, instead of fighting over the scarce old copies!

I had never heard of C. A. Stephens until this book was given to me (thanks, Stuart!). I suspect the book is best consumed as a read-aloud. The book is packed with stories, and much to my surprise, almost every one of them is quite funny! After reading this book, two new entities were permanantly added to our family culture: "Vermifuge" and "Master Lurvey".

I had never heard of C. A. Stephens until this was given to me (thanks, Stuart!). I suspect the book is best consumed as a read-aloud. It is packed with stories, and much to my surprise, almost every one of them is quite funny! After reading this, two new entities were permanantly added to our family culture: "Vermifuge" and "Master Lurvey".

This notable book is a compilation of stories based on the life of an extended family living on a Maine farm in the mid 19th century. It gives a rare glimpse into life at that time. Our family felt that it was in the same league as the Little Britches and Little House series. It's a great book for outloud family reading.

This book is beautifully done! Our family grew up skiing on Sugarloaf Mountain in the beautiful Carrabasset Valley, Maine. This book, with breath taking photos, takes us back to the early days of development to today's big busy ski slope. My dad was one of the first skiiers who worked on developing this wonderful resort. It matters not wether or not you ski, this book is a great addition to one's library!
Mark "Bowk" Bowker

I got this book as a gift. The history of this fantastic mountain unfolds from the beginning and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The price is worth the photos alone. J. Christie not only captures the essence of Maine, but also the mystique of this truly unique place.

I've been a sugarloafer since 1964, the year I was born. Though out my life. I have heard the stories of Amos Winter,transporting my Mom and Sisters(filliettaz family) up the access road in old army ambulance. Seasons tickets for a family $60.
Skiing has always been part of my life, now with this book were able to connect both generations of skiers. thank you MR. Christie

" Outstanding ". I grew up at Sugarloaf and my Dad knew all the players in the book, including the writer. I remembered some of the best times of my life when reading this. I gave a copy to my Dad and he wept. He is 92 and wishes he could still ski. It brought back great memories for Dad and my Mother.

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.