Michigan Books

I found Mr. Smith's memoirs insightful and interesting. A true icon among those who mastered life in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Smith left a legacy of character, pragmatic behavior and reconciliation with the apparent facts surrounding race relations in our country. Had I to attempt what he did at the time it was done, I am not certain that I could have performed as admirably as he did. It is a story that many should know.

Williams, a beautiful, intellecutal, slam champion, wordsmith offers us another volume of poetry ringing with truth and depth. I know truth is relative, but dang if she doesn't expose so many truths that we try to hide about relationship, loss, love, and longing.

This is the only really serious study of the Lyceum in American culture. I think Merle Curti would have been proud to mention this study in his "Growth of American Thought" where he bemoans the fact that no satis-
factory study of the Lyceum movement exists in 1951. But even today there is a surprising dearth of serious studies. So, Prof. Ray deserves all the admiration for a job well done!

The word "lyceum" is a Latin word with a Greek derivative that was a name for the god of the sun. The association with classical learning and culture and the "enlightening" the audience of lyceum events would undergo were intentional. The idea of the lyceum in America arose in the early 1800s as a means to provide common knowledge and ideas, or at least some common experiences, for the population of an America that was expanding geographically, changing demographically from large numbers of immigrants, and engaging with the early phases of industrialism and new inventions such as the steamboat. Lyceums throughout the U. S., including frontier areas, were seen by both promoters and audiences as matrixes for unity and communication for the increasingly complex democratic society. In spite of the high-mindedness and vision of their originators, it wasn't long before lyceums were holding circus-like entertainments and other events straying from their intended purposes. But lyceums drew large local audiences wherever they were held, inevitably playing a large part in forming the democratic public culture, much as the universality and eclecticism of television does today. The lyceum--the numerous ones in all parts of the country--is studied not only as representing the diversity and interests of 19th-century America, but also as a central, fundamental ground of rhetoric as "that art by which culture and community and character are constituted and transformed." Though "lyceum" is now an antique word and only traces of the idealism of its originators remain, one recognizes by Ray's historical and social study that the lyceum contributed greatly to the foundation of a unique American culture. This author is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

How would you feel if you got captured by an evil sorceress? That's what happens in Mackinaw City Mummies by Johnathan Rand. Well Robin gets captured by an evil sorceress who is trying to take over the world. The story takes place in an underground tomb. This story has lots of action and adventure! I really liked the characters because they are really cool and awesome. You should read this book!

May Swenson (1913-1989) has long been a personal favorite of mine. Much of her work is difficult to find, or out of print. Gardner McFall, a poet herself,has done a wonderful job of editing the prose, reviews, introductions and the correspondence between Elizabeth Bishop(1913-1979) and May Swenson, although there is much to be found in the St. Louis's, Washington University Archives, where the bulk of May's papers are housed,this is a generous selection.

I am hoping that the McFall book will set May's publishers to consider a "Complete Works" of the wonderful May Swenson. McFall, however, is to be applauded for her rounding up and editing of these important prose selections. The book, part of the prestigious "Poets on Poetry"series from the University of Michigan Press, is a gift to both fans and scholars alike.

"The Madwoman in the Academy" is right up there with "The Illusion of Inclusion" and "Lifting a Ton of Feathers" -- a must-make-the-time-to-read core text for academic women and those who work with us and/or live with us. It is both heart-breaking and heroic in its depiction from inside the Tower of the diverse and hardworking women whose lives are riddled with contradictions and whose careers are still evaluated on a male-as-norm model. As co-editor Deborah Schnitzer notes, "the movement up the ladder is not easily reconciled with the critique of the ladder itself." Let flowers fall upon the heads of these 43 women who prove many things, including that she who laughs, lasts.

As a fan of all humorous fiction and humorous fantasy in particular I just had to give this book a try.
I am glad I did! Without any spoilers or giving away too many of the funny bits I have to say that the characters are wonderful, believable (for a fantasy story anyway...) and well written.
The humor doesnt get in the way of the story as it can in some attempts at this genre and you will find yourself smiling, laughing and nodding all the way through. (Dont ask about the ducks...)
This book is aimed at younger readers (teens) but anyone will enjoy it. I can't wait for a sequel so I can visit this world again.

Do yourself a favor and check this one out!

-John

Magic Weapons: Aboriginal Writers Remaking Community after Residential School is a survey of what writings by Canada's indigenous population have to say about the destructive legacy of its residential school system, including the system's attacks on native culture and its negative repercussions as embodied in domestic violence, poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, and high suicide rates. The individual writings studied include Anthony Apakark Thrasher's prison compositions, and Tomson Highway's "Kiss of the Fur Queen". A harsh indictment of the weaknesses of "assimilationist" policy, noting the incidences of "survival narratives" among those who made it through residential school, Magic Weapons is an invaluable political as well as literary commentary, persuasively arguing that indigenous life writings are culturally formative in ways beyond simple disclosure. A highly recommended addition to Native American studies shelves.

First in a series of three, this unique cookbook is a collector's item in the making. It's filled with the favorite tailgate recipes of famous University of Michigan Players and coaches. Adding spice to the collection is a heaping helping of U of M trivia, and profiles of the people who helped make this renowned university a football powerhouse.

This little Jewel of a book is one of the few published so far (2000) on the Tokyo International Forum. It is a simple read from a Vinoly Lecture and punctuated with some fascinating black and white "project" photos (I especially like the shots of the GIANT structural model). The fact that this project cost in excess of $1.65 Billion and is probably the most technically breathtaking work of Architecture in the modern era is clear. What is not so clear is why more has not been written on Rafael's "underdog" competition entry. I have an extensive collection of Architectural books but this very inexpensive book is one of my very favorites.