Maine Books

Yes, I am the author's husband. ;) However, I can honestly say that I enjoyed each proofreading run through. I encouraged my wife to be as open and honest as possible in this book because that is what makes such a mini-autobiography compelling. I learned some salacious things about her past. I winced several times as she lays out some embarassing events. When it comes down to it, though, the writing is clear, concise and compelling. If you are (or know) a working woman in Manhattan, the stories within All My Men on Wall Street will ring true.

My partner, Brian, and I paddled the Allagash this past summer (2006) for the second time. We brought along "The Allagash" by Lew Dietz. Each night, sitting around the campfire we turned on Allagash-TV; that is, we read, with fire light illuminating our world, from Dietz's book. It's like we were right there paddling through history!

First, I should say that I spent two summer with John Cariani doing summer stock at Summer Theatre at Mount Holyoke. And he is one of the funniest, entertaining and endearing humans on the planet. Secondly, every word, every absurd twist of this comedy is so purely his heart that reading it was like reconnecting with an old friend. It is beautifully written. So sweet and romantic, it is guaranteed to melt even the iciest of hearts. The closest thing I can compare it with is "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It has all of the magic and fantasy of Shakespeare's romp, but it's Great Northern setting makes it delightful and the very simple and effective dialogue makes it so completely modern, without placing it in any one time period. In five or ten years, the messages and humor will still play to audiences without seeming dated, jaded or political. Kudos, John!

Upton has worked as a commercial fisherman for many years. Currently I believe he is in Alaska. This book is the tale of Upton purchasing, repairing then using an old sardine carrier in Maine. He purchases it and fixes it up in the dead of winter. A great book for anyone interested in work boats or commercial fishing.

This is the guide book to get if you are thinking of doing a river trip in Maine. The information in it has been thoroughly checked and is very accurate. It tells you if you need permits for campsites and even tells you the quality for those sites. It has excellent detailed descriptions of all significant rapids and even suggests the best route to take. It has every conceivable trip from a half-day to a week or more. As a professional in the field, this is a book that I rely when planning any canoe expeditions in the state.

I found the atlas to be very accurate, easy to read and most of all a great deal for the price. I used it extensively on my New England vacation and highly recommend it to anyone who plans to visit the New England states.

so I have to send this in. I've never read this book, although I am sure it is good (that is why I gave it a five). The real reason I am reviewing this book is to say that in the note from the publisher, the word "exclusively" is spelled wrong. I just have to point that out. Thanks. :)

an excellent book in the usual style of this author. a Bennett's island book. Joanna and Nils have to deal with Jamie getting older and becoming involved with a married woman on the mainland. Very happy to be visiting the island again through this book. very enjoyable.

The Aputamkon Review Vol. 1 is an excellent book that covers the artistic community. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Les Simon. He is an excellent person to know and very caring of the artistic community in Maine. This is an enlightning book that is full of hillarious stories that make you want to read the book over and over.

I read the following review of Morgan Grayce Willow's Arpeggio of Appetite in Whistling Shade, and I must say I couldn't agree more. Morgan's poems are sharp as crystal, a delight to the tongue, rich as truffles. Try them. You'll enjoy this book as much as both I and Rhonda Niola have. It's a rare treat! . . .


"There is something about the beginning of spring that quickens my blood after a long, cold winter. For those of you like me who appreciate nature and enjoy reading haiku, grab Morgan Grayce Willow's chapbook "Arpeggio of Appetite."

Each of the poems is written as a cinquain--five lines consisting of 2,4,6,8 and 2 syllables equaling a total of 22 syllables. Reminiscent of Basho and Emily Dickinson, the poems use language sparsely but are full of rich images that stamp the reader's mind with a picture. In "Bat", few words are used but the reader is left with the full meaning of the poem at the end: "Window/open unseen./A bat sweeps through the room,/sounding./ A benediction for faint hearts."

For those who enjoy things in small packages (or just can't devote time to reading, say, The Iliad) these poems are perfect. They can be read while waiting for the bus, doing laundry or being interrupted by kids. By the time I arrived at the end of the book, I had found my appetite and was wanting to read more."

- Rhonda Niola, Whistling Shade

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