Maine Books

ANYBODY (and for once I mean it) who is at all interested in the Maine coast line, plans to visit Maine, has dreamed of cruising the Maine Archipelago, is interested in history and ecology of the northeastertn U.S. etc. owes it to themselves to order this book (and indeed the whole series). Lovingly written, beautifully illustrated with impossible-to-find historical photos and maps, this series by the greatest living (and probably greatest ever) expert on the history of Maine islands belongs in your boat, belongs on your desk, belongs by your bed. I try never to go Downeast without a stack o' Mclane (much to the bemusement of my skipper) and have spent mant happy afternoons on islands with my students working out just from where a particular photo was taken a century earlier. Beautifully written, with a nice mix of stories, geneologies, and a real eye for the land, this has been literally the "life's work" of a wonderful couple. All of us who know, study, and love these islands have a deep debt of gratitude to the McLanes.

This is a fascinating book that tells the stories about how our great State of Maine has played a key role in the history of the United States. Did you know that Maine was the sight of the United States first naval battle? This book does a great job giving a glimpse into the unique life of Mainers and the pride we have in the accomplishments of our State. No matter who you are you are sure to be entertained by the stories. The writing is accessable for all ages and the stories are entertaining. The chapters are short-I kept the book on my nightstand and read a chapter before bed. Reading it has made me interested in reading other books in the series about the States in our country.

I spent many a happy hour reading the whole trilogy. There was not a "dog" in the series. The style of writing moved the story along but still allowed me to know the characters. I liked the series so much that I plan to read it over and over. I also think enough of the trilogy, I am going to repurchase the two volumns I let someone borrow and never got back. That should tell you right there that this is really a great series. And guys -- this is NOT a "girl book" -- men will enjoy it also

I found this a very readable narrative. It gives the reader a good taste of what life was like in Kosova during the time leading up to the war.

This is truly a hilarious book about the experiences of a maine vet. Dr Brown is a dedicated veterinarian and a credit To his profession.

What a fun book! The poems are really clever, and the pictures are dazzling...really engaged my kids with the details and smiling animals. Anyone who's been to Maine would love this book, and kids will pore over the gorgeous, rich pictures.

This out-of-print paperback is an absolute gem. I remember it
well--"Walter gets a stove" in which his 1920's wood-burning stove is stolen from his shack, and his neighbors take him "to town" to get a new one...I won't spoil the punch line on that one. Walter explaining how he learned to knit -- hilarious! And in "Walter gets a letter" the town council sends him an officious letter demanding that he clean up all the garbage in his yard. When his neighbor reads it to him (he can't read) Walter still doesn't understand their claim. He calmly explains the planned use of each item (junked cars, rusting farm equipment, a pile of scrap lumber, etc) in great detail. Finally, when she points out an undeniable pile of garbage described in great detail as a mound of old coffee grounds, apple peels, potato peels and so forth...he finally gets a
little bit indignant.

"That, Miss, is my Compost Heap!"

Based on a true story, The Late Loon is the picturebook story of a young loon that hatched two months late. Normally, loons learn how to catch fish and how to fly during the summer, so they can flock to the temperate seacoast for the winter. But the late loon, younger and weaker than its brethren, has less time to rise to the challenge. A human family watches the loon from afar, and a friendly beagle named Jasper intercedes at key moments in the loon's life, such as barking a warning when a bald eagle is about to attack. Ultimately, though, it is the loon's own responsibility to grow up, tough it through bad weather, and learn how to fly. Written and illustrated by "Foreward" magazine's environmental category award winner Dean Bennett, The Late Loon combines a touching story with beautiful, realistic artwork and is highly recommended.

Felon O'Reilly's story is very powerful and his translation of it into a lesson for all is genius. This book is a must read for everyone. His uncanny sense of humor makes this a true page turner.

Thirty years after its initial publication, Edward "Sandy" Ives' "Lawrence Doyle: the Farmer Poet of Prince Edward Island" remains the standard work on a folk poet whose writings were little known outside of his home region of eastern P.E.I. before this book's publication. Ives, who has also published standard works on two other Maritime Canadian folk poets (Larry Gorman of western P.E.I. and Joe Scott of New Brunswick) is recognized as the doyen of Eastern folklorists and his work here proves the point. Readers will quickly become embroiled in 19th P.E.I. political issues such as Confederationism, Reciprocity with the U.S.A. and out-migration in his treatment of Doyle's poem "Prince Edward Isle Adieu." The colour of local "Island" culture is richly revealed in his study of poems and songs addressed to the more limited audience of Eastern P.E.I. (such as "The Picnic at Groshaut" and "When Johnny Went Plowing for Kearnon"). More universal themes, such as the age-old conflict between the male and female of the species, are explored (delicately!) by Ives in his examination of "The Crooked Rib." It is Ives' almost unique ability to personalize this fascinating material, while giving it the thorough treatment of scientific historical/folkloric study, that sets him apart as a giant in his field. The book is emminently readable and will be a delight to the present generation who are 'meeting' Dr. Ives for the first time; be they folklorist, folk musicians, or home-sick Prince Edward Islanders.