Michigan Books

On November 23, 1912 the schooner Rouse Simmons disappeared in a gale on Lake Michigan. When the vessel sank beneath the wind-frenzied waves, thousands of freshly cut Christmas trees, which were en route to eager Chicago buyers, were lost forever. So was the beloved captain, Herman Schuenemann, whom Chicagoans dubbed 'Captain Santa' because the annual appearance of his tree-laden ship at Thanksgiving symbolized the arrival of the holidays.

"Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships" is not an ode to a lost schooner or even a lament for a beloved yet dead holiday tradition. Fred Neuschel uses the wreck of the Rouse Simmons as a focal point in telling the story of the Great Lakes sailors who risked life and limb in the November gales. Herman Schuenemann and his brother August were representatives of a hardy breed that experienced its zenith during the 1870s and 1880s, before railways and roads diminished the reliance of the lake ports on water-based transportation. They persisted in their marine livelihood, even when necessity no longer outweighed the potential danger.

To explain, if not necessarily justify their determination, Neuschel delves into the history of Algoma, WI, and the other lake ports that these men called home. The reader gradually understands that for the Schuenemanns and their contemporaries, fragile wooden vessels and risky autumn excursions were all part of maintaining a proud independence that had been instilled in them since their youth. When improved railways took away much of their business, they resorted to nostalgic traditions such as Christmas tree transport.

In addition, Neuschel explores the evolution and development of the Great Lakes shoreline communities and the impact of European immigrants on the traditions and culture of the American Midwest. The end result is a rich, multifaceted work that will appeal to the general history enthusiast as well as those who enjoy marine memories.

We spend our lives in organizations, but how often do we have a chance to think about them clearly? Kelly sets a standard for thinking about a profession that everyone finds fascinating.This book is to non-fiction what Grisham's are to fiction: Kelly brings the practice of law to life. The book combines thorough, long-term research with an engaging style. Kelly analyzes several different types of law practices: their histories and likely futures. Through him we meet the lawyers, but more importantly, we meet the practice of law.

Though this book can be intimidating at first, this is a fantastic book to read for those interested in how Livy examined the Roman Forum and other features within Rome. I cannot recommend this for anybody starting out in ancient Roman literature, but for the readers that have appreciation for Livy and ancient Rome, this book is invaluable. This book has little to no illustrations or photographs.

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.

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.