Michigan Books

This book is one of many that deal with the untold travelers of nations that visited this country. It goes against the grain of the history we are taught. The Rio Grande, Mississippi, Ohio rivers etc, were ancient freeways of the days of old .Archeology has proven this. These ancient travelers came to mine the many resources here. Dr.Barry Fell was a great
teacher and linguist who has written many books of the subject as did Gloria Farley & Raymond Capt.

She found a nitch in this book -it had to be a favorite link in her research.

This book is invaluable for naturalists who live in Mecosta County. It must have taken Mr. Ross many hours and persistent dedication to put together such an exhaustive compilation. Being a birder, I especially appreciate the arrival/departure estimates he lists for every species. An added plus are explicit directions locating natural areas in the county, and what you may see there. While I purchased this book to compare bird notes, I have found everything about the book to be of interest. He includes extensive and easy to read history, geography and geology chapters--even offers notes about caring for injured/orphaned wildlife, and he supplies additional reference sources. If you love nature and are lucky enough to live/travel through Mecosta County, MI, this book is a must-have. How fortunate we are to have such a passionate naturalist among us; Mr. Ross writes good newspaper articles too. I hope to see more books and articles authored by him.

My parents own a cabin in Mecosta and we love it up there, it is like holy ground. I believe it is what pushed me to get a degree in fisheries and Wildlife. It would be wonderful if more local communites had a resource like this.

This outstanding book celebrates a beautiful area of southern Michigan and Ted Nelson may be to Kensington what Ansel Adams has been to Yosemite. The secret is ----------- Kensington isn't overcrowded. WOW.

This book is photographed by a man who has been into Kensington Park for a long time. He has splendid shots of the animals, foliage, and of the skies! It is just beautiful.

These are wonderfully crafted stories. R.M. Kinder shows remarkable courage by grabbing and using phrases aptly that few writers realize are even out there. Her characters are three-dimensional, and what they do makes me say to myself, "I remember that. Yes, I was there." But I wasn't. The author made me go there in my head. She has good sight, hearing, memory, rhythm, and heart. A beautiful writer in all ways.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.

I first met Onie, Old Lady Buckroe, and the boys at 30,000 feet, somewhere over southern California on a flight to Seattle. They were the first characters encountered in R.M. Kinder's award winning book of short stories entitled "A Near-Perfect Gift." I had chosen this book to be my companion on a two day business trip and it proved itself to be an amiable and engaging traveling partner. The story of the boys "Going into Battle" against imaginary witches, soon morphed into stories of personal "Ghosts" and the "Madman's Moon," the type of experiences we have all tried to exorcize from our own imperfect lives. As the daylight dimmed in the airplane cabin, I switched on the overhead light and entered into the yellow, dry heat of the Missouri summer, waiting with Ruth and James for their big sister Cora and her baby to arrive at the train depot. By now I sensed the "Pulse of the World," and the geographic and biographic rhythms of the American Midwest that gently bound these stories together. James' youthful frustrations and impulsiveness merged into young Mary's fierce determination and sense of injustice in "The Promise." The stories flowed together like a dream, where names and scenes change but the underlying personalities and pathos remain the same. Was it Martha or Cora who was tempted by the existential serpent in "A Winter's Snake?" Was it Kay or Martha who was fascinated by Buddy's Bartleby-like behavior while "Searching for Heroes?"

I separated from my friends for a couple of days while I took care of business but caught up with them again as the pilot turned off the fasten seatbelt sign somewhere over Portland. James had gone from driving fast cars to driving out the demons of Vietnam in "Baby Blues." His frail elderly mom, Oida (or was it Martha again?) found redemption in saving an emergent demon (or one of god's misplaced creatures), as well as herself, in a "Near-Perfect Gift." The flight attendant delivered my gin-and-tonic just in time to help me through the edgy shampoo scene in "An Intimate Gesture" and the surreal siren's song in "Friday Fisherman." The neighborhood ghost returned in "Late Fall," this time as a timeless observer of Oida and her family over the many years. And finally, somewhere during the descent toward San Diego, life both ended and was renewed "With a Change of Seasons." As I stuffed the book back in my bag and stowed it for landing, I reflected on the people, places, and themes of Kinder's "near-perfect" literary gift. No awful monsters were slain, no grails found, no heroes resurrected, no ultimate triumph of good over evil; just simple stories of everyday fears and hopes, fascinations and miracles, bound together with love and empathy.

I highly recommend this book to other readers, whether traveling by plane or in the comfort of their favorite reading chair.

I was amazed at what I saw when I opened this book of amazing images of New York. The eye that created these photographs is that of a sensitive and first rate photographic artist. Looking at Revesz's images remind you of the relationship of the city and it's famous places to it's people...It is a very loving, cosmopolitan vision from a photographer who is a transplant to New York from Hungary. I have never seen a more wonderful take on our spectacular city. I recommend this as a great book for anyone who wants more than just pretty colorful images that we've seen hundreds of times before....

Manhattan in "Jewel-Box"

Tamas Revesz's photo book on New York in its black/white jacket looks like a Jewel-Box. When you open the box, you can see the images, like pieces of jewelry. Each of them is unique and precious one. The composition, the vision, the message, the humor, the sense of humanity, etc are together in the pictures. If you read the lyric text of Introduction, you can understand the sensitiveness of the photographer. He came from Eastern-Europe, Hungary, and has got the same wit, as his late colleagues had got and became famous in the United States, Robert Capa, Andre Kertesz. The image on the front of the jacket looks like a painting. The towers of the World Trade Center under the grayish, before the storm clouds, in front the ruins of the old dock of the age of Ellis Island and the free bird flying. All of them are a kind of symbol. But on the back of the jacket you can see the lion of the Public Library in stovepipe-hat and butterfly-bow made you laugh. The lion is so gentle, sweet, as you can grab a sample of the contrapuntal approaching, which is the most important attribute of Tamas Revesz. The jewelries in the book have got the same message. The hectic, hustle-bustle city sometimes looks like a quiet, sleepy small town in the country because of the long shadows, the sunbathing people during lunchtime, the sitting and watching people on the street. The main point are not the glossy glass skyscrapers, as in the most photo books for tourists, but the humankind in these circumstances. You can enjoy these images either a native of New York, or a tourist from wherever.

A feature that sets this book apart from other birding guides is DeVore's breadth of expertise, which she uses to enliven and enrich the landscape. We are given a readable description of the last million years of geologic history in the area, as well as loads of fascinating information on the natural and human history of the Great Lake. An accessible book for general readers, undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and two-year technical program students. D. Flaspohler, Michigan Technological University

Many scientists, ecologists and volunteers have devoted their lives to study our feathered friends in the UP. Each has carved a niche, tracking, devotedly observing one or a few species, and illuminating another small piece of the web. Now, Sheryl DeVore, a birder with a keen eye and ear, a deep knowledge of her subject, and the ability to tell and describe, shines more light. The UP is a birder's paradise. So it is here -- to Whitefish Point, the Porcupines, Seney, the Hiawatha and Otttawa National Forests that dedicated researchers come to understand the extent of damage we have caused these creatures and to determine how we can help restore their numbers and health. Review written by Chuck Hutchcraft, former editor of the Chicago Tribune

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about Northern Michigan (Northwest Michigan exclusive of the UP would be more precise): weather statistics, geographic features, individual towns, businesses, population and housing trends, government, transportation, architecture, sports and culture to name just some. Whether a resident or visitor you will find the book a gold mine of information about the area. Charts and graphs abound, but so do historical accounts of events and people: the story of King Strang and Beaver Island is fascinating. Complete is definitely a word that can be applied with confidence to this handsome book. Well illustrated, to boot.

This is an essential resource for people who live in northern Michigan or have ever visted there and loved it. Packed full of fascinating information, the book is a ready reference. I, however, read it straight through, as I was engrossed in the details. Note: the book is about the northern lower pensinsula counties west of I-75, so it doesn't include the UP or the "sunrise side."

Several of the stories in this book had a heart touching feel to them. The tale of his death was expecially moving. A must for any whitewater enthusiast. Great pictures and stories of this wild land.

James

The author's love of wildwater boating and his love for the scenic rivers described in this book gushes out of each page. The reader can vicariously descend these rivers and enjoy the rapids and falls seen through the eyes and spirit of Minnesota's premier kayaker --- The Commodore. For those lucky to have the time and talent to paddle wild rivers this book will excite and inspire a Spring paddle down the Brule, the Baptism and the Presque Isle.

Tim Skubick is a master. His weekly news show (also titled Off the Record) is must see for many in Michigan. In his book he has gathered great stories from his 30 plus years in the news business. His writing, like his reporting, is informative and conversational. It feels like he is telling you the stories while sitting in your living room. He has an excellent touch for humor as well, with many "laugh out loud" moments included.

This is an excellent book for political junkies, and anyone interested in learning more about how good, tough, honest, media people work. It is an impressive recounting of some great history and stories.

Tim Skubick's "Off the Record" is a must read for anyone interested in the players and events in Michigan politics over the last 30 years. Skubick has seen it all as the longest serving member of Michigan's capitol press corps. He describes the most interesting scenes with all the details in "Off the Record."
The author's insider portraits of the power brokers and buffoons who appeared on stage in Michigan politics and government during his tenure are revealing. He dscribes events as diverse as the suicide of a corrupt judge to the intricacies of the campaign of Michigan's first woman governor. One of Skubick's most powerful chapters is his description of the rise to power of women in Michigan politics and government. The author has seen it all and shares plenty with the reader.
The book's only blemish is the obvious lack of editorial scrutiny. The author should demand corrections before the next printing. There are multiple grammatical and typographical errors that are not the fault of the author. For example, a candidate may be a "shoo-in" not a "shoe in" and it's "the die was cast" not "the dye was cast."
Despite these technical burps, "Off the Record" is worth the purchase price and provides equal amounts of insight and humor.

Science fiction author Thomas Disch has a strong following in the genre, producing memorable works which have earned an almost cult-like following; but this collection isn't his usual fiction - it's non-fiction containing essays spanning over twenty-five years of his career, offering his perspectives on the genre. From critical assessments of his contemporaries to the roots of science fiction which may be observed in modern writings, Disch offers a range of essays on everything from UFOs and the origins of Christianity to the unsung and too-few heroes of the short fiction genre. Critical, controversial - and thought provoking, On Science Fiction: A Last Judgment On The Genre From Science Fiction's Foremost Critic is for any who would think outside of the box.

I thoroughly enjoyed this idiosyncratic look at a genre which has long-needed a hard, critical eye from someone who knows what they're talking about. Disch, with Sladek, Spinrad, Ballard, Aldiss and Moorcock was one of those associated with the British sf 'new wave' of the sixties, which formed around New Worlds magazine and whose object was to bring the highest literary values to a form they called speculative fiction. Disch's own work is a fine example of their ambition and this book is probably the best so far on the subject. Highly recommended.