Michigan Books

HAUNTED HEART: A BIOGRAPHY OF SUSANNAH MCCORKLE isn't likely to reach the general interest, non-musical reader, for her name is likely to prove familiar only to those with an in-depth interest in female jazz vocalists. This audience, however, will find HAUNTED HEART a brilliant expose of a troubled American songbird, surveying her many achievements as she devleoped her own style and performed in venues around the world while struggling with bipolar disorder. From her emotional ups and downs to her influences on singers of the 70s through the 90s, HAUNTED HEART is a key piece of musical history not to be missed.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is an exhaustive biography of the jazz/cabaret singer Susannah McCorkle. The book features a blow-by-blow account of McCorkle's musical career and psychological processes. Why "psychological processes?" Susannah struggled with bipolar disorder for at least all of her adult life, if not longer. She took her life at the age of 55. It is therefore very relevant to showcase her mental state as a major focus of the book. I found it exhausting to read about all of her ups and downs. Think of how Susannah must have felt to live through them!

The other focus of the book of course, is a detailed account of her musical career. McCorkle started out as an aspiring author and one day in early adulthood heard a Billie Holiday recording and decided she wanted to sing jazz. Even though she still wrote short stories with some success, Susannah then started on the road to become a prominent, although always struggling, singer. I felt I was with Susannah as I read about her career and life. The author, Linda Dahl, brings this woman into sharp focus.

To me, one moral of this biography is, "take your meds, folks." Ms McCorkle was not taking her prescribed medicines when she died. I can't help but wonder if the outcome could have turned out differently.

Haunted Heart by Linda Dahl is a biography of American cabaret singer Susannah McCorkle, who took her own life in May of 2001. The author seems to have had extensive cooperation of family members and friends in researching the book. McCorkle suffered from depression and bipolar disorder all of her adult life, and part of her childhood as well. Much of the book is given over to her illness.

Like many women, McCorkle was dissatisfied with her physical appearance, this combined with her mental illness no doubt contributed to her unhappiness. She was a large woman, though well-proportioned and not at all unattractive, but far from her own ideal of feminine beauty.

The author says McCorkle was in love with the idea of being in love (as in the song), she also seems to have been in love with the idea of being a cabaret singer. None of her many romances was entirely satisfactory, despite the fact that she was twice married to men who seem to have been loving and caring. Though a respected professional singer for over twenty years - winning several record of the year awards, her career was not actually very successful. She had a loyal, but small, following among New York's cabaret set, but was not otherwise highly sought after.

The shortcomings of both her personal and professional lives seem to have been related to an inability to compromise. Though, for example, her husband lived in Schenectady, NY, she insisted on living in New York City - even when not performing there. Likewise, she often complained about people talking during her shows and the noise of waiters serving food and drinks. She failed to accept the idea that a cabaret singer is supposed to "put butts on chairs", as someone puts it in the book, not give a master class on the subtlety of Cole Porter lyrics!

Susannah McCorkle comes across as having been a "user", viewing others merely as ways to achieve her goals - particularly musicians, critics, club owners, and others connected with the music business. Repeatedly, she is shown cultivating those whom she feels can advance her career, while ignoring, even dismissing, others. Many people helped her get started, paying for demo tapes, for example, or by encouraging owners of small restaurants and clubs to let her sing, if only for tips. Yet, there was no mention of her having helped others get started later on.

One story near the end of the book struck me as typical of her manipulative behavior. The manager of her favorite venue, the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel in New York remarked, that in Autumn of 2000, she had acted affectionate to him, even giving him a hug, which she had never done before. Later on in the book it comes up that she had taken pains to be affectionate with him, suggesting it was a conscious effort to do so, not a spontaneous act of friendship. Only months before she died, she was still "playing" people she thought were useful.

Significantly, she had few friends among professional musicians, though several friends were amateur musicians. For the most part, her close associates were writers and others connected with the arts and show business. Many of her acquaintances were themselves involved in psychotherapy, both as patients and practitioners.

McCorkle began her career as a writer, only later becoming a singer. She continued to write throughout her singing career, and worked (unsuccessfully) to become a novelist. Her singing style and careful phrasing reflected her interest in words and story telling. She often sought out original lyrics to old songs, and even taught herself Portuguese in order to translate Brazilian songs, so popular in clubs during the 70s and 80s.

The book itself is a little scholarly, perhaps, and not always easy to follow - for example, when the author quotes someone who is quoting someone else. I would have appreciated more frequent date references since the author attempts to intertwine McCorkle's career and personal life with the progress of her illness. The book is a well-documented and carefully researched biography of a person with a troubled personal and professional life. Recommended.

The early days of Ernest Hemingway come alive in this book that first was published in 1966. Selected as one of the top Michigan books in 2000, this new edition is a must for lovers of both Michigan and Hemingway.

This biography captures the "real Ernest Hemingway" when he lived in northern Michigan. Since I visited Petoskey, Michigan, I know the places that the author writes about. I reread Hemingway's short stories about Nick Adams and found out how close to the truth he was. When you take this book, Hemingway in Michigan, and go to the sites described in it, you feel as as if you have lived the fiction of the early Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway in Michigan gave me the background about Nick Adam's and the early years that made me reread Hemingway from a different point of view.
If anyone is interested in Hemingway, the emerging writer, this is the book to read. Not only is it a well documented biography, but it places Hemingway in the region of northern Michigan he loved and wrote about.

Set in rural Kentucky around WWII, this book is so good, it should replace Huckelberry Finn as "the great american novel". It is a shame that it isn't better known, but unfortunately Arnow-Simpson is thought of as a regional writer. This is a very deep book, but it also has some very funny parts. Her description of pre-consumerism country life is very detailed and insightful. She saw how the world was changing, and captured a piece of it that is now long gone. I'm not even an hunting type, and I wanted to go out and get a couple of hounds after reading this. Better even than The Dollmaker, and not half as sad. Highly Recommended!

This book captures the spirit, character, and complexities of the mountain people of eastern Kentucky better than any other I have read. The individuals are simple, strong-willed, and proud like many of the people I grew up with. The descriptions of the landscape are detailed, accurate, and compelling as I remember them. For anyone interested in a better understanding of the depth of human character explained in a very readable way, this is a terrific book

If you've never read Harriette Arnow, or only know her through The Dollmaker, you'll be shocked at how stunning this novel is. Beautiful written, with some of the most complex and moving characters in literature.

This book is marvelous! We have used it in our family for vacations and weekend trips and it has pointed us to many interesting places that we never would have heard of otherwise. The book describes places clearly, with no hype--the way a friend would tell you about a place they had visited. Things that sound interesting turn out to be so, and the Hunts don't lead you to expect more than what you actually find. The Hunts describe natural features, parks, towns, museums, shopping, interesting businesses--I'm sure that almost anyone could find something of interest in this book.

Anyone who has discovered the wonders of under-rated Michigan will want to keep this frank and comprehensive guide handy on vacation. The big attractions as well as the often-missed backroad oddities are highlighted. Rather than keeping a narrow focus, this book manages to zero in on something for everyone--but without sounding like the brochures every chamber of commerce hands out to the gullible. I know because I live in one of Michigan's premiere tourist towns (at least, according to our CVB hand-outs...) and what the Hunts' book says is right on the money. And speaking of that, unlike some guides, this book talks alot about free attractions and gives prices for admissions, etc.. There's plenty of family-oriented info, too. I really can't say enough good things about how valuable a resource this book is for people who like to explore when they travel. Go buy it

I keep buying this book and giving them to our friends and family from Michigan and across the country. We don't go anywhere without our Hunt's. The descriptions are honest and comprehensive and we've never been disappointed. This is a must buy for anyone who visits or lives in Michigan.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT POETRY, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. NOT ONLY IS IT INFORMATIVE, THE AUTHOR, DONALD HALL, WRITES BEAUTIFULLY AND DOES SO IN A WELL ORGANIZED MANNER.

YES, THIS BOOK IS EXPENSIVE, BUT MOST REALLY HIGH QUALITY THINGS ARE. YOU COULD PURCHASE TEN CHEAPER BOOKS FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEARNING POETRY, AND HAVE FAR LESS THAN WHAT IS IN THIS ONE BOOK.

I'D RECOMMEND YOU START READING ON THE FRONT COVER AND READ EVERY PAGE UNTIL YOU GET TO THE BACK COVER. THEN READ THE BOOK A SECOND TIME, AND THEREAFTER, FOR STUDY PURPOSES, OR ENJOYMENT; IT ALSO CONTAINS A WOUNDERFUL COLLECTION OF POEMS.

NOTE: THIS BOOK IS GETTING HARD TO COME BY---DON'T WAIT TOO LONG.

This book addresses the various aspects of poetry, as well as what makes a good poem. It presents attempts at defining poetry.

The reader is provided with poems by a broad selections of poets, with the date of the poem and a succinct anecdote about the poet.

Best of all, there are questions that guide the reader to reasonably interpret the poems. This is helpful to the novice or to the expert.

I would certainly recommend this concise, yet highly valuable and detailed book about reading poetry. It will lead you to truly understand the poems presented and to develop the skills to read any poem.

Poetry affords us with crisp and detailed accounts of our historical and immediate world. The imagery and other poetic techniques enhance our understanding of ourselves and others.

So, go for it. Read this book! View the world with a sharper lens. Express yourself so another can relive your experiences through your words.

This book addresses the various aspects of poetry, as well as what makes a good poem. It presents attempts at defining poetry.

The reader is provided with poems by a broad selection of poets, with the date of the poem and a succinct anecdote about the poet.

Best of all, there are questions that guide the reader to reasonably interpret the poems. This is helpful to the novice or the expert.

I would certainly recommended this concise, yet highly valuable and detailed book about reading poetry. It will lead you to truly understand the poems presented and to develop the skills to read any poem.

Poetry serves to afford us with crisp and detailed accounts of our historical and immediate world. The imagery and other poetic techniques enhance our understanding of ourselves and others.

So, go for it. Read this book! View the world with a sharper lens. Express yourself so another can relive your experiences through your words.

Into The Fire: A Post - 9/11 American In Tel Aviv is the memoir of Charles T. Salmon, an American who immersed himself in Israeli culture. He arrived on a Fullbright fellowship, speaking no Hebrew, and largely unfamiliar with Judaism and Israeli customs. As time passed, Salmon closely observed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations; Palestinian terrorist events and Israeli responses; the differences between university studies in Tel Aviv and America, and a great deal more replete with insight, wit, and candid openness. Into The Fire offers contemporary readers a revealing, informative, and highly recommended presentation.

This book was well-written, funny and easy-to-read. I read the entire book in two sittings because it was so interesting -- I was just engrossed in it. This book is good for someone interested in politics, foreign countries, and academia. Salmon's interest in wanting to make a difference and learn about many different cultures makes me want to take a class from him. I also liked how he used humor and candor in admitting his own shortcomings and what he missed about America. I would highly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15. Wonderful! Keep writing and I will keep reading, Charles T. Salmon!

Reading the book, you feel like you are alongside Salmon as he experiences the sites and people of Israel. Salmon's writing blends descriptions of his experiences with insightful perspectives on how life in Israel differs from the US in a way that entrances the reader. As an American living in our post-9/11 society, I found Salmon's descriptions of those who live world that constantly deals with terrorism, and how they deal with their environment, fascinating. It has made me think of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a new enlightened perspective. This book is a must read!

I have found this book one of the most useful ethnographies for teaching undergraduate anthropology courses focusing on schooling in cultural context. My students find the book very accessible, and often say how surprised they are at how little they understood of their own education before they encountered Eckert's work. The book successfully addresses cultural aspects by framing them in a coherent social structural analysis. Concrete examples and straighforward evidence support the theory, which is presented so well that is remains within the grasp of most undergraduate students. Perfect for complementing ethnographies of schooling outside North America. I consider this book essential reading for anyone planning to teach in the public school systems.

This book is about high school kids and the way they view themselves, others, and the worlds of school and work. It starts with stereotypes in order to go beyond them. It explores why some young men and women are in student government and others are out in the courtyard smoking -- and yet it does so with great respect for both groups, showing how each group functions as a miniature society with its own rules that make sense within their context, however well or poorly they fit in with the grownup world. It reminded me of many things from my own high school career as well! The basic premise is that a typical high school student body consists of Jocks (annoyingly enthusiastic youths with a lot of school spirit), Burnouts (working-class kids who aren't on the college track and don't see much value to school), In-Betweens, and Nerds/outcasts. By comparing the values of the Jocks and Burnouts and how they relate to economics, the job market, and social psychology, Eckert tells a fascinating story of the self-expression of emerging adults. This book should be a big help to teachers, counselors, and other people working with high school students, as well as to parents who might be confused by the seemingly senseless world of a high school.

This book is about high school kids and the way they view themselves, others, and the worlds of school and work. It starts with stereotypes in order to go beyond them. It explores why some young men and women are in student government and others are out in the courtyard smoking -- and yet it does so with great respect for both groups, showing how each group functions as a miniature society with its own rules that make sense within their context, however well or poorly they fit in with the grownup world. It reminded me of many things from my own high school career as well! The basic premise is that a typical high school student body consists of Jocks (annoyingly enthusiastic youths with a lot of school spirit), Burnouts (working-class kids who aren't on the college track and don't see much value to school), In-Betweens, and Nerds/outcasts. By comparing the values of the Jocks and Burnouts and how they relate to economics, the job market, and social psychology, Eckert tells a fascinating story of the self-expression of emerging adults. This book should be a big help to teachers, counselors, and other people working with high school students, as well as to parents who might be confused by the seemingly senseless world of a high school.

A definite must read! Patricia did her research on this one. Interesting history on lighthouses, the equipment, and how shipwrecked victims were saved. I couldn't put it down! Could use a sequel-Nat and Faith???

After a weekend excursion to the area, including the Shipwreck Museum, the book truly brought the area to life. Very enjoyable book for all ages!

Keeper of the Light is a well-written, well-researched, and dramatic story of a young woman in the 1870s who tries to carry on as keeper of a lighthouse on Lake Superior after her father's death. Despite conflicts with her mother, who wishes to moves to town, and the prevailing attitude of most male characters that she is unable to fulfill these duties, Faith Sutton, the young protagonist, remains committed to her mission and, in an exciting climax to the book's action, becomes a heroine. I found the book to be dramatic and well-written, especially the descriptive passages about nature and the duties of lighthouse-keeping. The minor characters, especially Faith's younger brother, Willy, and her best friend, Cassie, are well-depicted. The book held my attention throughout and I would highly recommend it to young readers or adults interested in children's literature.

I'm always amazed when I read Delp's work because of the way he makes seemingly uninteresting topics move, the way he makes me completely jealous and the way he reminds me of why I love words.

Oh dear,
I meant to say that Delp's book was indeed Stupendorific, but I unfortunatly wrote stupedorific which doesn't begin to cover the stupendorifancy of Delp's book. So allow me to make the correction to this unfortunate understatment.

The old delpster never fails to come through. While all of his books are swell, he shows the ever increasing focus and honing culmanating in each new publication. He is a poetic force to be reckoned with, from Over The Graves Of Horses right through the present. Heck, even his unpublished works like the deadman poems beat most modern writers. His works are full of compelling images and sincere emotions. If you're looking for top-notch/non-pretentious/utterly beautiful poems and insightful/intelligent prose and essays, then grab The Last Good Water, and his other three books while you're at it. Go on, do it.

After Pete had asked a friend & I to join his Bangor team for the Kalamazoo tourney in the summer of 1991, I really got to understand & appreciate the love that he had for Carter & youth sports. His book was truly touching, especially after he asked me to be a small part of one of those summers. I will always cherish the opportunity he gave me, as well as the autographed copy of this book. A must read for all baseball fans & parents.

I cannot believe this book is out of print. I gave my copy to my brother several years ago, and went looking for a new copy today after the hated New York Yankees swept my beloved Boston Red Sox by scoring a whopping 6 runs in three games.
Why? Because Peter Gent's book - which is a wonderful tale about a father and his son getting to know one another - is also a prequel to the very public and successful career of Derek Jeter. You see, Derek Jeter starred on the Connie Mack team that Gent's son Carter played against for the Michigan state championship, and even back then, he was being viewed as a big-time up-and-coming baseball phenom.
And while some of the scenes between Gent and his son will tear your heart out, Jeter is front-and-center in the best sports scene in the book. That occurs when Mike Wyshowski(sp?), the farm-boy pitcher for Carter's team, whiffs Derek Jeter swinging with runners in scoring position late in the very close Championship Game, thereby sealing the win for the underdogs (and permanently endearing himself to me).
This is a wonderful novel. I read North Dallas Forty when I was just a kid, and thought it was a great, funny book. I thought this book, which I read after I'd gotten old enough to get married and have kids of my own, was much, much better. I'm assuming the fact that it's out of print means it didn't sell well. That's a shame, because it's every bit the story NDF was, and then some.

Although the divorce is pivotal in this story, it is not necessarily the key to the book's essence. Any parent who has reached the point of letting go can relate to the emotions the author so wonderfully describes. If a reader is an avid baseball fan, especially Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth, etc., the story jumps out at you and transports you to that "magic" only summer youth baseball can take you. As the mother of three children, two who are finished with youth baseball and softball, and one still keeping me in the "magic" at the age of 13, I loved the book. Mr. Gent deals with emotions like unconditional love, fear, apprehension,regret and wins during that Last Magic Summer.