Maine Books

Started off beautifully written, but characters a bit too one dimensional--more characters and less boatmaking description would've been better in my opinion. Ends with a cop-out court drama that just became too unbearable to finish. I really wanted to like this book but felt the ending was disappointing. Court cases: ho-hum. I could watch Matlock or read John Grisham if I needed another dose of courtroom climax. But the writing is superb and unique, thus he gets 3 stars...a writer to watch and who I believe will increase in talent and skill.

I agree with the earlier reviews. Beautifully written, a very well woven plot line, and the exquisite simplicity of true "Downeaster" philosophy and ethics.

My only minor complaint is that while his descriptive passages are beautiful, I sometimes got the feeling that he was "trying too hard" and heading a little toward "verbal gymnastics".
As I said, this is only a "minor" point.

Well worth reading, and a phenomenal first novel by a gifted writer. I will be awaiting his next effort.

Norman G. Gautreau's debut novel Sea Room takes place during and after the devastation of World War II. The Dupuys are simple family living on the Maine seacoast must bid farewell Gil Dupuy, a passionate young man who enlists to serve his country, while his wife, son, and parents pull together on the home front. Sea Room is very highly recommended as an engaging and original story of bitter truths, hanging on despite increasingly harsh conditions, and holding on to hope and dreams in the wake of despair.

This was one of the most interesting books I have read, and
I read a lot. We are taken into a Maine seafaring family and
share their secrets, loves,prayers and sit at the table for meals. The descriptions of the townspeople, friends, family and
others is so complete that you feel that you know them well.
Of special interest to boating enthusiasts (which I am not) but
exceptionally well written by Mr. Gauthreau in his debut novel.
See for yourself!

The cover is so beautiful, it gives you an idea that this book is above the ordinary, and it is!

It's a story about 3 generations (the Dupuy's) of a fishing family who live and work on the coast of Maine. When Pearl Harbor is bombed, everything changes for the family. Gil leaves for the war and the family is left to wait and pray for his return.

The writing is beautiful as it describes the landscape, the sea, and each member of the family. They all are vividly portrayed and come to life.

If made into a movie, it would be comparable to "Snow Falling on Cedars". It would be a great movie and is a book well worth anyone's time.

I found Pat Nyhan's Zig Zag to be an eye opening read. Having my parent's direct me into the career path of teaching in 1970, I always wondered what else I could be doing. I was inspired by Nyhan's varied experiences, travels and search for that perfect fit of career and family time. I would definately recommend this book to any women in search of herself.

In this thoughtful, absorbing memoir, Nyhan recalls her irrepressible hunger to know the world and the striving, idealistic Dutch/Irish ancestors whose example fueled her determination to reach beyond the conventional clean-house-and-mommyhood aspirations of 1950's women to pursue her own destiny. She skillfully interweaves the turbulent political events of the past fifty years with her own many-angled career path and its ambitions, disappointments, and triumphs. Although Nyhan encounters sexual harassment and discrimination along the way, she remains acutely aware of the privileges that her education, class, and race provided as she reflects on the societal changes that allowed more options for women. Along the way she builds a loving family, travels the world, and finds rewarding work as a journalist and teacher who made a difference in many lives. As Nyhan makes peace with the balancing act that is modern life, her entertaining tale helps readers to do so, too --to seek work they love and to exploit every opportunity to love what they do.

This book is an esential tool for any educator in a women's studies program as well as a "must read" for any women's book club.
What makes this book so essential is that Ms. Nyhan's interesting and varied life experiences are placed in our minds against a rich historical background which enables the reader to understand the time and its challenges for women more completely.

In this engaging, well-written book, Pat Nyhan looks back on her life in an era of historic changes that tranformed the social system she'd grown up in. Its serial format makes the book a pleasure to read and reread as Nyhan takes you along on her zigzag journey with great stories, vivid descriptions, and witty, memorable images of people encountered along the way. Sprinkled throughout are informative references to news and events that marked the changing times. This book has broad appeal, not only to the working woman. The thinker, writer, traveler, and former child in all of us will enjoy the thoughtful observations and reflections in this big little book.

Zig Zag A Working Woman's Life In Changing Times by Pat Nylan is a must read if you are a female raised in the 1940s and 1950s, a time when you were encouraged to continue your education and work only until you reached the goal of homemaker.

If you are from a younger generation, you will find it interesting to compare where you are now and how the experiences of previous generations affect your expectation/goals.

Pat relates her personal experiences while also reminding us how the political and social climate affect our perception of who we are and what we can become.

Ray Fowler, a prominent UFO Investigator, does an A-plus job in this investigative documentation of a UFO abduction involving four men. As a UFO investigator, this book kept me up all night with the lights on! Where were you, Fox Mulder?

Fascinating true story...I attended art school where one of the abductees, Jim was a teacher of computer arts. His colleagues teased him about the "abductions" but also believed him as he is a very down-to-earth, sincere person, and one that does not seek the spotlight. There wasn't much to gain monetarily by telling the story, plus all involved opened themselves to ridicule by skeptics. There is no reason for me to believe that what they experienced was fake, or hallucinated. I also sat in on some UFO classes Ray Fowler taught from his home. He also is very believable and has done extensive research on the UFO/abduction phenomenon, and has had some bizarre experiences of his own!!

This book is a condensation of a 10-volume 702-page research report the author completed on the abduction of 4 men, a pair of twins and two friends, during a camping trip on the Allagash Waterway of Maine. In his preface, the author invites the reader to consider the evidence presented as a juror would, and to answer for themselves, "Are UFO abductions real?"

The evidence presented, in addition to background material on the four men, is primarily transcripts of hynosis sessions conducted by hypnotherapist, Tony Constantino. These sessions were held approx 12 years after the Allagash trip. Until these sessions, the four believed that they had experienced only a CEI (Close Encounter of the 1st Kind, visual sighting). However, "bleed through" memories and vivid nightmares led one of the participants to seek help.

The book includes illustrations drawn by the participants after hypnosis (all are artists) and an excellent introduction in Chapter 12 to Dr. Thomas E. Bullard's two volume work, UFO Abductions: The Measure of a Mystery. The common elements of the abduction experience are discussed in relation to the Allagash Four.

Although the idea that human beings are involuntarily being used a guinea pigs by some alien race(s) is, at some primal level, terrifying and leads many people to reject the phenomenon without consideration, the evidence presented here may lead the reader to a different conclusion.

Usual solid Fowler UFO story. Once again Ray puts in a fully credible tale of alien abduction. How can five people be wrong? - Consistent but independent evidence five times over cannot be questioned. A must for anyone, not just Ufologists.

It has been some years since I read this but I count it as one of the best written and researched books in my own extensive personal library. Fowler does not simply ask the reader to believe him;he presents the evidence collected-admitedlly it's anecdotal and hypnotic regression, but there is other corrobarative evidence as well-and asks if a jury could convict someone of a kidnapping on the basis of this evidence. Read the account and see if you don't agree.

This book is an absorbing journey into the rhythym of life for a New England farming family in the early 1900's. Rich in detail of everyday life, and rich in characterization, this book allows the reader to enjoy watching the central character's lives unfold. The only flaw is that Carroll falls into stereotyping at times, which can make the characters seem a bit less believable. Nonetheless, reading this book gives you a sense of fullness in the family's conection with the earth, and a sense of the peace enjoyed by humble people living honest lives.

I have read this book as part of a seminar being conducted by the Maine Humanities Council and Margaret Chase Smith Library. We will discuss the book at our April 1999 meeting. What a delight to read about people during the time of the early 20s, and people who still exist in parts of Maine today. Some things never change, thank God . Most Maine-iacs can relate to the life of the Shaw family and no doubt can link to people in a certain place. I understand that the book was made into a movie by Warner Bros. in 1934. I wonder if it is available in a video?

This novel is a soothing and comforting story of farm family in Maine. The main character is Jen Shaw, a young woman lving with her family in a small community during the 1920's, I think.

This book is the Waltons meet Ethan Frome, depicting a year in the life of a family that more and more face the modern world of air planes, college educations, and city life.

The characaters are sympathetic, strong and human. The chronicle of farm living's chores, rituals, and tasks are fascinating.

This is one of my favorite books. I have re-read it many times and always find something new to admire about it. Mrs. Carroll knows this life and it shows-her characters really live on the page. Jen Shaw and especially her father Mark are beautifully drawn. Mark may seem almost emotionless, but one comes to understand that he loves his children and farm too deeply to express by mere words. This is a way of life that may no longer exist, but I'm so glad that it was chronicled. Mrs. Carroll was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for "ATET" but lost to Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth". Her books are all written from her heart about the Maine she knew so well, and are worth checking out if you can find them. Youll be glad you did.

Although born in New Hampshire, Gladys Carroll spent most of her life in Maine (Berwick). Life in rural Maine communities was her major theme in her novels. In this book, her first, she writes about the Shaws, a farm family, and their trials and tribulations over the course of a year in the early 1920s. Her characters are well drawn and come to life.

She is often compared to Sarah Orne Jewett and Mary E. Wilkins, other Maine writers, but a better comparison would be to Mary Ellen Chase, a Maine novelist who is contemporary to Carroll and who also used similar settings to explore comparable themes. As late as the 1960s (I don't know about now), a play based on AS THE EARTH TURNS was performed every summer in Berwick. It was her most popular book, widely translated into other languages.

Benedict Arnold is viewed by most as simply a traitor to the American Revolution, but in fact he was one of the most complex and intriguing people in history. "Benedict Arnold's Army: The 1775 American Invasion of Canada During the Revolutionary War" follows the traitor's exploits before his infamous act, focusing on his invasion of Canada. He was dubbed the "American Hannibal" by his contemporaries due to his amazing exploits and acts during his less infamous time on the side of the Americans. "Benedict Arnold's Army: The 1775 American Invasion of Canada During the Revolutionary War" is highly recommended to American History shelves and anyone who would want to learn more about this enigmatic figure of American history.

Before Benedict Arnold turned traitor, he was a highly-regarded officer in the American Army. Having risen to the rank of colonel, he had caught the eye of George Washington. Arnold was having a significant role in the defense of the northern boundaries of the rebellious colonies to keep British forces from invading from Canada.

Washington selected Arnold to lead part of American forces on an invasion of Canada to remove this threat of British invasion and possibly bring the British possession over to the American side. General Montgomery was to lead the other major part of the American forces. Montgomery would go up the Hudson for an attack on fortified Quebec. Arnold was to lead his force through Maine mainly along the Kennebec River to meet up with Montgomery for the attack.

Arnold did eventually meet up with Montgomery, but not before an arduous trek through the Maine wilderness which weakened and demoralized his men. The delay in reaching Quebec also upset the timing of the planned attack. By the time the American forces joined together, the British were able to repulse the assault on Quebec. They had learned of the advance of the American forces and strengthened the defenses of the city.

The invasion of Quebec was disastrous, though not fatal to the American cause. Montgomery was killed in the assault. Arnold's reputation suffered, so it wasn't long before he went over to the British.

Author of three previous books on the American Revolutionary War, the independent scholar Lefkowitz relates this major, though failed, episode in the Revolutionary War in an engrossing manner that never flags despite its detail as the details are colorful as well as informative. In many cases, the details are revealing as well with respect to Arnold's attributes and character. Readers of popular history could not find a better account of the Arnold expedition and especially the maneuvering leading up to the attack on Quebec and the attack itself. Welcome too is the series of 10 maps such readers can refer to to follow the tale.

Ever since reading "Arundel" by Kenneth Roberts in the ninth grade, I have been fascinated by the story of Arnold's expedition up the Kennebec and down the Chaudiere to Quebec. When I heard about this book I eagerly sought it out and got into it. I must pay tribute to the research and historical descriptions of Mr. Lefkowitz. What was most bothersome, however, was the plethora of typos, omitted dates, words left out, and other evidences of a badly-edited work. One of the most irritating things was the consistent misspelling of one of the key geographic sites in the whole story, Lake Megantic. With one or two exceptions this was always spelled "Magentic" in the book. I would say that Mr. Lefkowitz wrote a fine book but was ill served by his publisher.

Author Arthur Lefkowitz's account of Benedict Arnold's army marching through the Maine wilderness to attack the city of Quebec during the waning months of 1775 may very well be the definitive account of this expedition. For those, me included, who would not fit the definition of a historian this book may go into a little more detail than what may interest you. Nevertheless, the book will be worth your time. Many of those who accompanied Arnold on this trip included veterans of the Battle of Bunker Hill in June of 1775. Several who took part on this harrowing trip were called gentleman volunteers. Among them was a smallish man who distinguished himself well named Aaron Burr. The plan of attack was for General Philip Schuyler who was to first attack Montreal from Fort Ticonderoga while Arnold and his men traveled to Quebec through Maine. Schuyler became sick along the way and had to return, and he was replaced by General Richard Montgomery. Arnold and his men suffered on their trek by having to deal with numerous hardships such as portaging their way around numerous waterfalls, insufficient food, freezing weather, and traveling through swamps. There was some question whether Arnold would defer to Montgomery's authority when they joined forces in Quebec, but the two got along fine. With several soldiers' enlistments due to expire with the arrival of the new year and several attempts to get British Governor Guy Carleton to surrender the two generals combined their attack on Quebec on December 31st in a snowstorm. Although Montgomery was killed and Arnold took a musket ball below the knee and the effort to take Quebec failed this experience provided valuable training experience that went into winning American independence. This book is a valuable addition to Revolutionary War literature.

I purchased this book with a "Ho hum, another book purporting to offer something new on the Arnold expedition." I was pleasantly surprised in that Lefkowitz has written probably the best complete book on the expedition's march and subsequent battle for Quebec. What was "new" was that the author's end notes were excellent, and his discussions of controversial points were most welcome.

The parts focusing on Arnold were not expressly germane to a book about Arnold's Army, but they did not detract excessively. I would have wanted more on the life of the American soldiers while prisoners of the British and the details of their return, but primary sources on this part of the story are few.

The author lists many references, but only about two dozen would supply probably 99 percent of the information available on the expedition. Actually, this is a story that an historian almost can get his arms around just by reading Kenneth Roberts's, "March To Quebec", at least for the journals by the expedition members. Coupling that with Justin Smith's "Arnold's March From Cambridge To Quebec", and one pretty well covers the ground.

So why this volume? Well, because it brings all of the above together, weeding out the myth (like Aaron Burr's Indian Mistress) and resolving conflicts and discrepancies in source writings. A good example of this is the story by Francis Nichols who maintained that a drunken British sailor fired the cannon that killed Montgomery although Nichols was not there and evidently based his account on heresay. Another is Morgan's comment in a letter he wrote to Henry Lee of finding the second barricade undefended that was probably a fabrication in whole or in part. Another is the discussion of "Dog Lane", a name for the path Arnold used for his approach to the lower town that was apparently added in the nineteenth century.

Probably very little will be added to the story through further research in future years as the vast majority of primary sources are already known (and they are very few.) Once in a while a little is added when a letter is found like that written by my Great-great-great-grandfather James Dougherty who was in Smith's company, captured at Quebec and immediately on being paroled, broke parole and joined Washington to fight on until 1783. Whether or not Lefkowitz's book will someday be considered the definitive work I leave up to future generations, but it will come close.

This book is about Jack. The author,Elvira Woodruff,has read the book and admiring the book. This book i great. If you lke mystery books you will like this book. I like this book because it gives you the picture that you can see it in your head. Jack is sleeping in his bed when a ghostly figure was at the end of his bed! Jack found out that he was livivg but the ghost was not.The ghost name was Nathaniel Witherspoon than it said "you're the exactly the kind of boy I need" Jake woke up he found himself in a 150 secret of a ship wreck that clamed many lives including young Nataniel Witherspoons.

Moving from Iowa to Maine would be a devistating blow to me, as it was for ten year old Jack Carlton. Who is viseted by a ghost by the name of Nathaniel. And With the help of the Nathaniel Jack unravles a great mystery of time wich is 150 years old.

The Ghost of Lizard light is about little ghosts. I really like this story becaouse it is funny and sad becaouse the half grown up kide uses his own brother you probly wont late your kids read tis book. But you should ander stand that it is trying totell your kids not to play with stuff laying on the on the ground and not to pick up green glowing things. And to listen to you so I would recommend that you give this book five stars because it is so great and theirs know dout about it. So please give it five stars.

This book is one of the best books i have read. I read it to my classmates and nthey all liked it. They asked me to do this so i am! Like I said It is a great book.

I am in fourth grade and I got the Ghost of Lizard Light out from my library. I wondered how scary it would be. It was just scary enough to make me want to keep reading, but not so scary that I had nightmares. The ghost is really good and I liked that he haunted the lighthouse. I also liked Ned the lizard. I would reccomend this book to any kids who love a good ghost story. I'm going to try the author's mummy book next. Jon in Bridgewater, N.J.

I needed a book to flush out my order so I could get free delivery. This one looked interesting. It is simply written, somewhat slow paced, and has what I would call an almost religeous overtone. The stories were somewhat heartwarming if seemingly a bit farfetched. I would not purchase a book from this author again.

This is a collection of four novellas that the writer himself describes as "Stories of human strength and forgiveness and courage." And it is the writer's wish that, through these stories, the hope he found in writing them "could be distributed to others."



In adddition to the hope, however, this book clearly demonstrates that Russell Vassallo is a writer of talent and sensitivity. His descriptions of the natural world are sharply drawn and authentic. His descriptions of people and their crises are accurate -- in some cases, painfully so. And his exploration of the bonds that can form between mankind and animals is both poignant and uplifting.



Even when fantasies are intertwined with reality, as happens in the final story, the results are both intriguing and deftly handled. The only aspects of these stories that may raise some questions are the author's frequent changes in point of view, and his reliance on anthropomorphism. But those are the kinds of questions that would, perhaps, only be raised by other writers.



If you love animals, if you care about human pain and desperation, and if you appreciate beautiful, poetic, and sensitive writing, this is the book for you.



Russ Heitz

Sarasota, Florida

www.russheitz.com

Based on true events, "The Horse With The Golden Mane: Stories of Adventure, Mystery And Romance" is a compilation of three thoroughly entertaining and carefully crafted short stories by Russell A. Vassallo and includes 'Eric', 'Taj', and the title piece, 'The Horse With The Golden Mane'. A very special treat for the reader is Vassallo's introduction 'When We Are Done' and the addition of a charming 'Afterword' at the end. 'Eric' is based on the experiences of Sol, a man who survived internment in a Nazi death camp and came to America where he befriended a Doberman pincher - the very breed of dog the Germans used to hunt down and attack Jewish prisoners. 'Taj' is a story of the bond that can develop between a man and a horse, and how this relationship can help to mend broken families. The loss of a beloved horse and the pursuant search and recovery effort at the hands of as skilled an author as Vassallo makes for truly riveting reading. 'The Horse With The Golden Mane' again addresses how rescuing an abused and spirited horse can heal a man whose life is complicated by a search for a missing wife whom he loves to the point of distraction. Original, compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking, "The Horse With The Golden mane: Stories of Adventure, Mystery And Romance" is highly recommended and rewarding reading for anyone who has a deep regard for how an affection for our animals can influence us and help us in our darkest hours.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (3/07)

Are you looking for a book with adventure, mystery and romance all in one volume? If that is what you are looking for, your search is over. "The Horse with the Golden Mane" has it all. There are three short stories in this book which encompass all of these: adventure, mystery and romance. This is a very delightful read by a great story teller. Russell A Vassallo brings his love of animals and being a gifted storyteller to life in this book. And, if you don't favor horses, there is a dog as a major character in the first story.

The story "Eric" deals with a man who was freed from a Nazi death camp and exiled to America. He develops an unusual friendship between him and a Doberman pinscher. It is very exciting to see how this story comes to an end as there are many twists and turns throughout. I had difficulty laying this book down while engaged in this story.

The next is the story of "Taj." Taj is a horse who hasn't lived up to his full potential as a race horse. Grant Larsen feels a connection between him and the horse and saves his life. Perhaps the real reason for Taj's existence isn't really racing, but a different purpose. He chases all over looking for where this horse could have been taken. He is amazed and surprised when he sees what Taj's purpose really is. It's a heartwarming story with a tear-jerking ending.

The title story "The Horse with the Golden Mane," is a wonderful story of undying love of a man named Pierce Bernard. With a self-sacrificing love, Pierce frantically searches for his wife. Pierce develops a bond with an abused horse. The lack of trust in humans that this animal has after its abuse is very well brought out. Pierce finds himself talking with the horse and it becomes evident that the horse ends up being a very close friend to Pierce. In the process of getting the horse to trust him, Pierce learns very much about himself. Will Pierce ever find his wife Maya?

I would highly recommend this book to animal lovers and short story lovers. The stories are very engaging and addictive. My wish is that Russell A Vassallo writes more books like this one. "The Horse with the Golden Mane" is an awesome book that I will long remember reading.

Russ Vassallo has combined three amazing stories in this one book. Part one is the story of Eric, a Doberman, and his adopted master. Book Two is rich in compassion a story of hope and reconciliation and a horse named Taj. The third in this trio of animal stories is "The Horse With the Golden Mane". This is the touching story of Pierce, Maya, and Red Leader, a gripping story of abuse, separation, and resolution.

Russ writes with the uncanny ability to pull at your heart strings until your eyes are wet with the fresh release of previously restrained tears as a sense of compassion floods the very core of your being. Russ maintained a sense of urgency and suspense right up to his surprise climatic ending.

Russ's writing is stronger than ever, filled with beautiful similes, pithy descriptions, and intuitive insight into the mind of man and the nature of beast. I became enthralled as Russ humanized his perception of the feelings and thought processes of animals. He melded the personalities of man and horse, or the man and dog, bonding them together, as he worked through the emotional struggles of his characters.

Although fictional in stance a theme of reality carried the plot of each of the three stories. Each story depicted the insecurity and loneliness of a man working through his own anger, insecurity, or loneliness. I sensed that Russ was reaching out to tell a composite of his own life story in a way that would offer encouragement and hope to others working through similar issues in their personal destiny.

Russ Vassallo has come through again with stirring stories of the special bonding of man and animal through mutual tenderness, love, and trust.
This book is a must read for horse and dog lovers, and for anyone who has mastered the art of communicating with their favorite animal or pet.

The product itself is excellent and would earn 5 stars, however this version (2000, advertised as "updated") is no longer the current version. Jeppesen significantly revised the textbook in 2007 to cover current technologies such as glass cockpits and GPS.

This book is a great teaching/learning tool. There is a picture or pictures on almost every page to emphasize the text.

It simplifies the learning process by explaining everything in great detail and not in a dry way either.

I love this book. What I have said here does not do this book justice. You have to read it for yourself. We use this book here at Purdue University in our Aviation Program.

An excellent reference for the student all the way to the airline pilot. This is the best aviation book I have seen published in years. It has great pictures, illustrations, examples, and quizzes that will challenge any pilot. This book is a must for every pilot. Period.

Even at first glance, you can tell that it's a well made textbook. Just over one and a half inches thick, it's chock full of useful information. Every chapter has explains its learning objectives, and there is NOT A SINGLE PAGE that is without full color illustrations. There are so many diagrams, drawings, and helpful illustrations; all of which are context specific and aid the text very well.
The best part is, none of it is boring. All instructional text is very clearly explained. You are told the how's and the why's of FAA regulation, and there a huge amount of interesting historical aviation reference.
Most of the time, when you are passionate about something, and you want to learn more, you will seek out books and schooling. And then you are handed these huge dull textbooks that, that bore and suck the passion out of you until you just want to quit. This is not the case with this book. You will find that this book will impress, surprise and enjoyably give you what you need to know. By the end of it, you will be well educated and excited to fly.

The Instrument Commercial Manual is unquestionably one of the best volumes written to take a student from PPL to CPL/ATPL level. The many illustrations, explanations and pull-outs serve their purpose well. However, given the amount of theoretical material in the book, it may be less useful for non-FAA students. If you're studying for the European JAR ATPL, or any other non-US licence, you might want to look for a different text. Nonetheless: Highly Recommended for all FAA students!

I read this book twice last year before visiting The Keeper's House. Now that I've been to their fantastic inn, I'm reading it again. It's a great way to revisit and remember the wonderful times we had there. The recipes at the end of each chapter are very good--I've made several of them. I highly recommend this book (and the Inn!) to anyone with a sense of adventure and romance.

This book chronicles the establishment, by Jeffrey Burke and his wife, of an the Keeper's House Inn, next to an old lighthouse in Maine on Isle au Haut, seven miles off the coast, with the only link to *civilization* being the daily mail boat.

With no experience and little money, the Burkes took a giant leap of faith when they decided to open this establishment. The book details many of the obstacles they had to overcome and how they dealt with them.

It is such an interesting story of ingenuity, especially how they managed to get water (having a well pounded, not drilled); survived without any electricity (except for a generator that was only sufficient for running the mini sewage-treatment facility); used a 60-year old gas-powered refrigerator; and painted the 796 windowpanes in the inn and lighthouse.

The vignettes about the guests and some of the local characters were both amusing and insightful.

Each of the 21 chapters ends with one of the inn's recipes and the book is illustrated with delightful engravings by a Maine artist. I really enjoyed this book and have bought it several times to give as a gift.

I read this book as an ex-innkeeper and found it quite enjoyable. Jeffrey Burke does reveal himself as somewhat of a "crabby" person and I kept wondering what his wife thought of each episode. I suspect she is the easy-going wife/innkeeper. I do think the book should be put into quality paperback and it would then have a great audience among inn guests and innkeepers. I would definitely recommend it to friends.

As a former guest of The Keeper's House, I found reading about the history of the inn extremely interesting. Jeff and Judi seem to be among the few who were willing to take a chance and open this very unusual inn. No wonder the guests described in this book are as fascinating as the innkeepers.

What a lovely, sweet book! I flew through it, enjoying every minute of it and wishing there were more! I agree with a previous reviewer that it should be published in quality paperback. I also would love to see a sequel from the author that goes into more depth and detail about their life as innkeepers in such a unique setting. I'm sure there are many more funny and heartwarming anecdotes about guests, as well as more trials and tribulations about their choice and experience of this life. It is my desire for greater depth that lead me to give it four rather than five stars. The recipes seem great (I have not tried any yet), although Judi sure seems to have a penchant for sour cream! Read this book and enjoy an armchair vacation!

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.

Found this book recommended in
Great Books for Girls: More Than 600 Books to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women

This story is about a real girl who rises to meet a challenge that would frighten any adult. My kindergartner now holds this book near/dear as she sees it as a model of courage/bravery to aspire to. Even more exciting is that this story is based upon a real event in a real girl's life.

This book gives you an idea of what it was like to operate a lighthouse in the mid 1800's. Sure doesn't sound fun. In that sense the book is very educational, and it give hero status to a deserving individual that most people have never heard of. The only real flaw it has is in the format of its printing. I can't tell where one paragraph starts and another ends, so if I were trying to narrate this thing I would have a hard time knowing where to stop and start as far as the vocal intonation goes. I also think the introduction gives away the whole story on the first page, so it should really be put at the end of the book.

I remember watching this book on Reading Rainbow when I was little and I had to have it. I got the Audio casatte and Loved it I recommmed this book to anyone! Highy!!

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.