Maine Books

My nine-year-old loved this book, and has loved several in this series. Ms. Blume has a way of relating to the tween reader in a way that is funny and understanding at the same time. Excellent read.

Even as an adult, you will enjoy reading through this book and appreciating all the witty humor associated with this five year old and all that comes his way!
Blume is an excellent writer. Like most of her books, this book is packed with dialogue and never a dull moment with five year old Fudge!

We used this book for our summer reading book club and all the kids loved it.
It was fun to read and very entertaining for our group of 9 & 10 year olds!

This book is awesome and hilarious. Fudge-A- Mania is the kind of book that if you have a little brother you will understand how Peter Hatcher feels. In this book Peter's little brother, Fudge, meets a girl named Mitzi. Her dad is Peter's favorite pro baseball player. Peter tries to keep them together so he can meet Mitzi's dad. Oh did I mention they're all in Maine. It isn't a 4 star book because it is okay. But it was not as exciting as The Tales of the 4th Grade Nothing, but it is still a great book so go get this book now!

When I was in Elementary School this was my favorite book. I would check it out of the library and read it time after time. A great story about a boy taken in by the Indians in Maine and his adventures.

Young Indian boy separated from family. Experiences childhood growing up alone in woods.

I read this book many times, as a child. It's a timeless story that would appeal to young boys. I'm always surprised it doesn't show up in many lists of noteworthy children's literature. It should.

Excellent book for Elementary School age children. The book is probably best suited for boys who want to read about the adventures of a young boy who was separated from family and had to learn to survive in the Main wilderness assisted by Indians. Hope you enjoy reading this book.

We found this book while vacationing in Maine and it's beautifully illustrated, rhymes, funny, ironic, a good book to enjoy. It's probably perfect for a 3-5 year old but a 2 year old and older kids would probably enjoy it too.

Loved this book. It is for children and will be enjoyed by the adults reading it to them. The illustrating is great. Highly recommend.

This is a classic young childs book. Told through the eyes of a young boy the book takes on a real young child feel. The rhyming words that make it easy to read and the bright expressive pictures have captivated my young childrens imagination.
I would recommend this book and also the first book by these two creative individuals; The Boston Ballonies.

I got this book because my son loved the "Boston Balloonies" so much and this had the same illustrator and author. This book tells the story through the eyes of the little boy, so the illustrations are even more expressive. The bright colors and expressive facial expressions on the characters helped captivate my 1 and a half year old. I'll admit that he doesn't have the attention span to get through the whole book yet, but I imagine that it would be perfect for kids starting at 2 and going all the way through grade school.

Just like Boston Balloonies, the text rhymes in a "Suess-ish" fashion, so that also is great for little ears.

It's a nice hard-cover binding with full-color pages. It's not a board book, but the pages are thick enough to not tear easily. Great price!

I have given this book to many people who are going through a health crisis. It speaks universally to the families of loved ones who are going through any sort of chronic illness. If you happen to be a family afflicted by Long QT syndrome, it makes the scientific knowledge of this genetic heart condition easily understood. I have also given this book to my children's teachers and the parents of their friends so that the diagnosis and treatment and day-to-day problems will be more readily understood and not seem as frightening to the adults who are in daily contact with my children.

I have given this book to many people who are going through a health crisis. It speaks universally to the families of loved ones who are going through any sort of chronic illness. If you happen to be a family afflicted by Long QT syndrome, it makes the scientific knowledge of this genetic heart condition easily understood. I have also given this book to my children's teachers and the parents of their friends so that the diagnosis and treatment and day-to-day problems will be more readily understood and not seem as frightening to the adults who are in daily contact with my children.

I have given this book to many people who are going through a health crisis. It speaks universally to the families of loved ones who are going through any sort of chronic illness. If you happen to be a family afflicted by Long QT syndrome, it makes the scientific knowledge of this genetic heart condition easily understood. I have also given this book to my children's teachers and the parents of their friends so that the diagnosis and treatment and day-to-day problems will be more readily understood and not seem as frightening to the adults who are in daily contact with my children.

I have given this book to many people who are going through a health crisis. It speaks universally to the families of loved ones who are going through any sort of chronic illness. If you happen to be a family afflicted by Long QT syndrome, it makes the scientific knowledge of this genetic heart condition easily understood. I have also given this book to my children's teachers and the parents of their friends so that the diagnosis and treatment and day-to-day problems will be more readily understood and not seem as frightening to the adults who are in daily contact with my children.

Marianne Worthington's Larger Bodies Than Mine is the winner of the 2007 Appalachian Book of the Year Award for Poetry awarded by the Appalachian Writers Association. Past winners include James Still, George Ella Lyon, Charles Frazier, Robert Morgan and Lee Smith.

Although we grew up hundreds of miles apart, in a different time and place, Worthington makes me put my own family under a microscope and remember everything. She finds the truth in the everyday, and makes it extraordinary like few writers can do. This is something I will share with everyone I know.

With aching tenderness and an impressive mastery of lyrical language, Worthington digs through the scraps of her memory to piece together something warm and comforting to protect her from the underlying knowledge she has of the transitory nature of all things.

Just as in the gardens, fields, and woods mentioned so often in her poems, she remembers seasons of bloom and seasons of decay.

In spite of the darkness present in some of these poems, many of the artifacts of her American childhood are retrieved from the attic and baement of her past to be spread in sunlight,like objects in a yard-sale, upon the green lawn of her imagination. The old and ancient are thus renewed. Brought into the present they are seen as evocative and interesting.

The poems in this volume ask us to consider our own lives, our family's lives, and our own sense of values.

Though an awareness of death (and perhaps a deep fear of it) drives these poems. In the end, it is the poet's acceptance of such things as part of the natural order that redeems them.

Marianne Worthington is an accomplished poet who uses skillful restraint when dealing with intensely emotional moments. In spite of the down-home atmosphere that showcases these poems. They are definitely not sentimental or cliche. They are strong in both message and craft.

Perhaps, the best thing about this slim volume is its brilliant simplicity. Worthington is a mature poet with enough distance and wisdom to present things just as they are.

"Larger Bodies Than Mine" is a memorable first book written by a poet who will make you eager to hear what else she has to say.

This is a beautifully produced chapbook full of beautiful poems. Every single poem is popping with the lyrical nature of everyday life, but Worthington transcends "real life" with her perfectly chosen words. These are important pieces about family, mostly, but also about the joys and struggles that join us all. This is a must for any true poetry collection.

As a judge, a lawyer and an historian I had heard about the Leo Frank case but did not know the details. Leonard Dinnerstein does an excellent job of relating the story of Leo Frank in a fair and unbiased manner. He also puts the entire affair in a historical context. This would be an excellent read for any student of racism in America and of the New South. It is easy to read and has an excellent bibliography.

I got interested in this case after reading a large write up in the local paper, the Atlanta Journal constitution, which is quoted many times in the book. I like historical books and was really amazed at the semitic overtones in the south during the civil war. As stated by reveiwer C. Ellen, it was written well and put into context with other goings on in that period. Being from Atlanta myself, I could very easily relate to the narative and it held my facination throughout. It told what I beleive to be the complete story and facts as well as being updated for NEW release in 1987 by adding an additional preface. Anyone who is interested in civil war reads, the laws of the time , or who lives in or around Atlanta , will be interested in this book. Over 50 pages of it are dedicated to the bibliography and all facts are well documented. It is a story that is all to reminiscent of famous cases that have arrisen in the past few years. It's a sad commentary on just how far the attitudes of this nation have come in the past 100 years or so. If interested in further information after reading this book, then I suggest trying to contact the Atlanta Journal Constitution for their brilliant account of the incident in the June 11, 2000 addition of their paper. It also gives a partial list of the lynching mob, held in secretcy until this time. A great book to own for any historical book collection.

The circumstances and attitudes that coincided in the trial of Leo Frank, had very little to do with the accused or the victim. They were both surrogates for a larger battle; Leo Frank was proxy for Northern industrialists and "Little Mary Phagan" stood in for the victimized South who had been taken advantage of by Northern opportunists.

The fact is that the case of Leo Frank acted as a steam valve, in many respects, to the buildup of Southern frustration and anger that had grown since the Civil War, then through Reconstruction and its aftermath. Southern Pride took a near-mortal blow when Lee surrendered to Sherman at Appomattox, humiliating the survivors of hundreds of thousands of dead. Reconstruction brought in Northern carpetbaggers who participated in the governments of the states that they had just defeated. Southern anger accumulated, especially as attempts to overturn it were thwarted until the contested election of 1876, in which Rutherford B. Hayes won on the condition of agreeing to end Reconstruction.

Reconstruction allowed Southern states to exact a measure of revenge on black populations, although resentment toward the North remained unavenged. In an honor-bound society such as the South, it is very difficult to imagine that wrong to one's family would go without settling the score. Such is the larger metaphor of the South as a whole to the North. Southern society and culture prided itself on being a distinct and cultured entity from the slavish industrialists of the North.

Thus, when a stereotypical Northern carpetbagger, a Jew no less, found himself in connection with the violent death of a Southern belle, vengeance became a powerful a prevailing force. Upon Leo Frank was heaped all of the indignation from Southern loss to the North - the industrialization, forcing young girls to work in factories; the ownership of capital; the imposition of Reconstruction; Lincoln marching into Richmond - all Southern rage at the North was embodied in the trial of Leo Frank. (Ironically, a Northern newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, fed the flames through his acquisition of the Atlanta Georgian, which led the pack in sensationalizing the trial.)

All of this is to say that the forces which demanded that Leo Frank be the sacrificial lamb for the North's crimes against the South were too powerful for rational legal procedures. If the governor had reversed the conviction or the commuted the sentence, he would have been denying the mob the satisfaction of revenge. The lynching of Frank did give rise to the Klu Klux Klan, however the immediate reaction of Georgia (and the South) was a demand for justice, even though it was at the end of a rope.

It is telling that Frank did not receive a pardon of his conviction until 1986, and even that was amid controversy in the South. Those eighty years had to pass before rational analysis of a crime could be carried out and a form of justice could be executed, which lends perspective to the heft of the event in the history of the South. Tom Watson's remark was an astute reflection of the prevailing sentiment of the day and offers a glimpse into larger, unresolved tensions of the day.

Dinnerstein does a beautiful job in eloquently presenting the facts of the famous Leo Frank case. All angles of the case are examined in a thorough, impartial manner. A must read for anyone familiar with the Frank case, and well worth looking into for anyone who loves a good murder mystery.

This book is well written and moves along well for a history book.I read this as part of a family genealogy research project. I live in Maine and am familiar with the areas covered in the book.
It is interesting to me that things in general have not changed much in the corruption of government area. They had great proprietors,men of wealth and influence,we have lobbying and corporate agenda. It appears this country has never benefited the average citizen to any great extent.I read Alan Taylors book about William Cooper,a town founder and real estate speculator in upstate New YOrk. The same crooked dealings happened there.

Although I read this for Prof. Taylor's class at UCD (in other words I had to read it), it was FANTASTIC and I couldn't put it down. The same is true for his second effort - William Cooper's Town...

This is not only a fascinating book on a well-kept historical secret (even from those of us who hail from mid-Maine), it is well written and lively.

I will not go into detail about the book, but will let you know that it is awesome. I earned a BA in History at UC Davis and Dr. Taylor was my instructor. The book he has written will shed new light on your understanding of life in colonial America, and the struggles the settlers went through.

This book is a great summer read for anyone of any ago who wants to laugh and dream of Maine island life. It is a hysterical view of teenage and Maine island life that anyone will enjoy.

Charlotte quits. Wants out. Wants to leave everything behind. She doesn't want to have to be responsible for her brother and sister. She doesn't want to be around her mom, who finds comfort in her pills, or her dad, who surrounds himself with everything healthy and natural. She can't stand school or having to go back and forth on that stupid ferry.

Charlotte just needs time to think. To think about her longtime boyfriend, Noah, who is making her even more confused. To think about her friendship with Susannah; that is, if she is even her friend any more. To think about how she is leading her life and if her family is really there for support.

Charlotte thinks she has the answer: boarding school. But is it the right answer? Charlotte isn't leaving right away, so she has time to think some more. Will this time help her decide who is really there for her and who isn't? Or will it make the decision to leave even harder? Can she muster up the strength and courage to actually see what a new life would be like? At least she has those stupid ferry rides to use to think about it, especially with a little company from a certain someone that she never thought would be more than a friend.

A girl, a ferry, and a very important decision.

Three cheers for Charlotte, the perfect heroine for anyone who needs to make a big decision that will change their life and hopefully make it better. LOBSTERLAND was adorable, captivating, and completely real. The perfect read for those who need a character that kicks butt.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

Engaging, satisfying and fun, this book is a winner all around! Charlotte has an edgy, smart, hilarious sense of humor that is strong from start to finish. Her way of looking at the world is fresh and unique, yet the basic issues her struggles reveal are ones we can all relate to. The understandable desire to escape the place where this teenager has been born and raised is skillfully juxtaposed with the pull that those same familiar people and surroundings have on her. The ensuing conflict--emotional and interpersonal, with eye-opening revelations along the way--is realistically and artfully portrayed. Charlotte is a memorable character in a memorable story, and once you read this novel, you'll never look at island life the same way. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

This book is a very enjoyabe read which tells the tale of a teenage girl who is living in an island off the coast of Maine. As Charlotte embarks on her secret journey to apply to boarding school, many bumps along the road occur which make this process far from easy. In light of her disfunctional family environment and boyfriend issues, Charlotte experiences a hillarious and relatable journey of the life of a teenager girl. I strongly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a few laughs and a plot line which transports you into the mind of a girl experiencing a not-so-typical New England winter.

Philip Harris' A Maine Christmas Carol, a modern retelling of the Dickensian fable of Christmas' past, present, and future in a middle class New England setting is a holiday treat for readers of all ages. The spirit of the original story is cleverly unraveled in a more up to date but equally grim narration of the experiences of a blighted contemporary Scrooge named Thomas as he "sees" Christmas with his spirit guides.
The classic unfolding of the life of a beleaguered and very ill-spirited young man faced with the consequences of his own self-serving actions is cleverly layered with messages aimed at the socially irresponsible of our own life and times. A Maine Christmas Carol is a powerful parable of the ills of progressive society left to exist unchecked and held unaccountable. Through the eyes of the spirit guides, Thomas sees that while he is not responsible for the happiness of others, his actions do deeply impact all those who come in contact with him. From the local shop owners to his eight-year-old sister, his exploits leave a deep and lasting impression. Even more critical to note is the tsunami-like wave affect his acts, deeds, and lack of achievement has on those he will never meet. What he does not do with his life is just as significant as what he has done so far in his 16 years.
In Harris' A Maine Christmas Carol, a new family tradition is born. The easy conversational writing style, the logical flow of the story, and the twist to the original story makes this book a new classic that will go on the shelves right next to Dickens' original morality tale. Harris does a marvelous job of weaving Thomas' profound experience of redemption with the underlying themes of social justice and poverty. A Maine Christmas Carol is explicit in demonstrating the relationship of the privileged class in our country who has failed to address the social issues facing our society. Philip Harris has clearly and unequivocally produced a rich allegory that redefines the importance of Christmas to a new generation of readers.

A Maine Christmas Carol is the modern retelling of Dickens's classic. Set in the small picturesque town of Hallowell, it is the story of TJ, a lost teenage boy. Left fatherless by the war in Iraq he withdraws from his family and the world into the land of drugs and surliness. His younger brother and sister adore him but he is not willing to let their caring affect him. His mother has retreated into her job as a social worker, tying up her feelings of loss by helping others who have it even worse.

The story takes place on Christmas Eve. In the face of a raging Maine snowstorm TJ's family decides to spend the night at their uncle's house. He refuses to go with them instead choosing to spend it home alone, stoned as usual. It is then that his father comes to him, apologizing for leaving him so often as a child. He tells TJ that during the night three spirits will visit him. And so arrive the three ghosts of Christmas- past, present and future. Each shows TJ the effects of his behavior on others. He is shown that he too has a role in the world, in his family and his community. Each person can make a difference, even when they chose not to be involved. TJ begins as the poster child for youth at its most callow and ends as youth at its most caring.

A Maine Christmas Carol is a moving replay of the Christmas classic. It comes to life in its portrayal of the character of TJ, a realistic portrait of a disenfranchised youth. He struggles to deal with the loss of his father and fears loving his family in case he loses them also. By becoming totally self absorbed he only has to think about himself, by putting down others he maintains his wall of uncaring. The author, Phillip Harris, has managed to create a sympathetic, understandable character even as TJ scares the elderly and young children alike.

A strong, thorough and meaningful plot is enveloped within of these pages. At around 100 pages it is a poignant and timely reminder of the meaning of caring in today's world. Its well chosen words enable a full length novel to inhabit the pages of a novella. In the guise of the well loved tale it reminds us of the effects of modern life, its drugs, wars and poverty, on its people. It gives us the hope and optimism that is much needed in our contemporary world.

This will be a holiday treat for Maine and the country. Put up the holiday lights of all nations, light the fireplace and curl up with this dose of hope.

Now, this book is really cool. I wasn't sure initially how another make-over of the old Scrooge tale would work out, but author Phil Harris has really spun a relevent-for-today twist to the traditional fable. A troubled misfit teenage druggie is the new Scrooge, and the spirits of Christmas past, present and future are ... well, read for yourself, I don't want to spoil your fun. It's a reading experience that will have you riveted and thoroughly enjoying your time on the couch.

You really could re-name this charming little book "The Main Christmas Carol," because it is what quintessential Christmas Spirit is all about, and re-delivers in today's context the message of compassion and love that we should all strive to display with our lives every day of every year.

A Maine Christmas Carol had me mesmerized from the first page. While loosely based on the traditional Christmas Carol, Philip Harris has brought the story into today's world and given it some unique twists that make it a brand new story.

Anyone with kids, gramdkids or even anyone who knows someone with kids needs to pick up a copy of this book. It is one that you will find yourself reading over and over again.
Joyce A. Anthony
author of Storm

I just received this book from Amazon, and read voraciously for several chapters until it became too frightening, and I had to put it down.

You see, I, too was an outsider and victim of a conspiracy in Bangor,Maine, and as I was reading, would have seen what was coming, even if I didn't already know.

(I won't belittle Amazon with a link, but you may Google Bangor, Maine scam to find the Outsiderr222 blog.)

Don't think that things are getting better. Bangor has generations to go before the people see the light and put a stop to their manipulation by power brokers.

Even 25 years later, Maine still has the highest tax burden and one of the lowest per capita incomes in the country. Things seem to be upside down in northern Maine. (Southern Maine is farther ahead, but Augusta is not in southern Maine).

Drugs, booze, and xenophobia are rampant, and some areas are still controlled by kingpins who can best be likened to Jabba the Hut. Maine's Attorney General is selected by secret ballot by the legislature. (The only state in the USA that does this. He cannot be voted out).

In places like Bangor, Maine, an outsider will never win.

If you think that these small town scams are only limited to places like the Ozarks and could never happen in New England, just read Dr Greenwald's book. (And my blog)

Maine's a beautiful place. But be VERY careful there.

This book is a must read for any doctor, or American. The Government is not always on our side. The things Dr. Greenwald went through are a real eyeopener to sham peer review, and how real conspiracies occur right under our noses.

I couldn't put this book down once I started to discover the facts. It is truly amazing reading. You won't be sorry...

Mark K.
Philadelphia

this book is a real eye opener as to how people can abuse their power to burry the little guy. it is simply amazing!!!!