Maine Books

Every story in this collection is a gem that has been embedded in the pegmatite ledges of Maine until the publication of this book. Some of the stories are American classics, some are classics only here in Maine, and some have emerged from obscurity to grace the pages of this amazing book. No matter which way the story came to be in "The Best Maine Stories" they will be loved by all (not just those from Maine)! My favorite story: The Viking's Daughter.

I bought and read this wonderful book by Gerald Brace soon after Norton first published it in 1966! Insofar as it recently has been republished, it clearly is a classic. I now am buying a copy of this paperback to give to friends with whom we are about to embark on another Maine cruise, our 39th. In the summer of '66 or '67, we had chartered a Swiftsure sloop out of Five Islands, Maine, found the book in a Camden bookstore, and avidly read it aboard in the evenings. It exudes the delightful sights and scents of Maine coastal cruising. I have always cherished that original copy and later kept it on board our Tartan 37 sloop for our cruising guests to enjoy.

"Maines conducts a poet's inquiry into the meaning of life. Readers of this chapbook will discover some curious answers through these 20 often understated, at times sparsely elegant, but always accessible poems ranging from an extended verse on the preparation of dinner to a mother's dying whisper."--Rob Stout, The Cincinnati Enquirer


"I enjoyed Maines' poems wholeheartedly. Hers is a new voice, worth reading."--Jessica Powers, Newpages.com


"In Beyond the River, Leah Maines, also proves her dexterity with the seeming limitations of the chapbook. Her looser, more pointedly open-form style leads her to sketch in large strokes, to be conversational, focusing on social and cultural rituals that define our relationships."--John Wylam, Ohioana Quarterly

You can refer to my review of the original edition of this book. This recently updated version exceeds expectations in all ways. It is a must have fo anyone interested in the biology of the Gulf of Maine. One of the best books I have read in some time.

This book was written by the incredible Stewart Coffin, his magnificent stories of canoeing and portage from years gone by in the remote areas of Canada and the United States really are astounding. I read the book from cover to cover, absolutely refusing to put it down for even a second.
Stewart's lifelong adventures are not only great reading, but the tales make you seem like your right there along with him in the canoe! If you've ever wondered what its like to travel into the vast areas of untouched forests, stream, and lakes then you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this magnificent book!!

Since I was a kid growing up in the Boston area throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s, I've always been fascinated by the Boston & Maine Railroad. Wherever I lived, the B&M was always close by. This book covers the period between 1974, at the time the railroad was under the direction of Alan G. Dustin, and 1985, two years after the B&M was purchased by Guilford Corporation owned and operated by Timothy Mellon. This book is well-detailed with both color and black-and-white photos throughout, covering many interesting locales within B&M territory from Portland, Maine to Rotterdam Jct., New York; from Groveton, New Hampshire to Waterbury, Connecticut; as well as Boston commuter territory radiating in and out of "The Hub". There are also photos covering many scenic areas of New England and New York state, including important freight yards, trains following the contour of the Connecticut River as well as action at the famous 4.8 mile long Hoosac Tunnel near North Adams, Massachusetts. There is also a brief summary of the Boston & Maine's history: when it was chartered back in the 1830s, when traffic peaked during World War II, the decline and bankruptcy of the railroad during the Patrick B. McGinnis years, the reorganization of the B&M during the Dustin years leading toward the end of bankruptcy, and the purchase of the B&M by Mellon. I highly recommend this book for railfans, especially those who have a very good knowledge of B&M territory. This railroad survived considerable odds, operating in Conrail territory, becoming a role model for small railroads everywhere.

This is a moving and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a young boy's love of boats and the ocean. I loved the wonderful illustrations drawn by the author himself. William McCullom's use of a touch of red in each of his hand-drawn pictures is eyecatching and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more books from this author.

This classic book is back in print! Contact: Simonton Cove Publishing;66 Deake St.;South Portland, ME. 04106. Bill Willwerth. 207-799-4880.

This is a treasure of a book, done with great love of design and history - a joy to wander through! It is a delightful chronicle of the development of the beautiful parks and city areas of Portland - a great blend of pictures and text. If you love the New England area, you will love this book.

I think it was the most wonderful fictional novel that incorporated the skill and art of real estate that I have ever read! I look forward to reading Humpty's Pieces.
Cheers.