Looking for some fantastic books to add to your summer reading list? NRCM members can help! Featured here are books published by our members covering a range of genres, from essays to art, mysteries, children's literature, hiking guides, and more. If you’re an author of a book about Maine or related to environmental issues, you are welcome to send them along for consideration for next year’s Explore Maine. —Allison Childs Wells, Editor
Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine, by Aislinn Sarnacki (Down East Books, 2019) Right off, I appreciate how Aislinn starts the book with trail etiquette for dogs, dog safety, and suggested gear. I think these pieces are so important, but often overlooked. Now that our dog is older—she turned 14 in April—our hiking with her has dropped significantly. She still loves to walk and can keep up with us on easy trails, but our days of taking her on whatever difficult hike we can find are over. This book is a great resource of several new trails that I normally wouldn’t consider for our dog, and it has a great representation of hikes that are a mix of easy/moderate to difficult. The difficulty description is helpful in determining what trails may be good for our aging pup, and the nearby dog-friendly businesses is a great addition because who doesn’t love a post-hike treat! Overall, I think this is a great hiking resource for both humans and our dogs. Happy hiking!
—Codi Riley-Havu, Gifts, Records, & Stewardship Coordinator
Pitch Dark, by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books, 2024) Not only does nearly the entire novel take place in the pitch dark of one night near the Maine and Quebec border (map 47 in my old DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer), but I felt in the pitch dark as to who the bad guys really were until the last few pages of Pitch Dark! This latest book about Mike Bowditch, Maine game warden investigator, was hard to put down because of the suspense. There was a new twist at every turn. The story started with a phone call from a rookie game warden to Mike about a missing person in the Rockwood area. Most readers will know that there is no cell phone reception in the Maine woods near the Canadian border so Mike needs to contact Josie Jonson, a helicopter pilot, who is having a cabin built there, to see what she knows about the missing person. His father-in-law, Charley Stevens, says it would be best if Charley contacts her because she is very protective of the father and daughter who are building her cabin. Mike drives to Jackman to investigate. Charley goes along, too. Josie then flies them to the site where her new log cabin is being built. From this point on, I could not put the book down! Each book in the Mike Bowditch series becomes more thrilling than the last.
—Betty Hartley, NRCM member
Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming of Oceans that Feed Them, by Porter Fox (Little, Brown and Company, 2024) Porter Fox brings a flare to climate science writing that can only be captured by a person willing to chase scientists, researchers, and storms to every corner of the earth. In his newest book, Fox interweaves personal narratives with expeditionary journalism and hard science to bring us the story of the earth’s increasing superstorms and their causes. You may not be surprised to learn that climate change is a major factor here, but the author goes far deeper into the history of our oceans and the mechanisms that contribute to storm formation. He paints vivid pictures of future superstorms based on climate projections, some of which are gut-wrenching to read, but nonetheless motivate the climate action and preparation that is needed now to avoid the destruction of New York City and other coastal hubs. His interviews with climate researchers and travels to the open ocean and climate conferences alike are captivating, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of climate-induced storms and the solutions at hand to avoid them. Fox was raised in Maine and is back here often for personal and professional visits. Keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to meet him during an upcoming visit!
—Josh Caldwell, Climate & Clean Energy Policy Advocate and Outreach Manager
Zen and the Art of Moose Photography, by Gerry Monteux (Self-published, 2023) I first “met” Gerry several years ago, when he sent photos to our My Maine This Week web feature, where we showcase incredible photos of Maine landscapes and wildlife. Gerry’s photos of night skies, harbor seals, snowshoe hares, and more have always amazed me. But, his moose photos are ones that always cause me to pause to ask, “How in the world did he get that shot?” I have peppered him with questions about locations, camera equipment, and his level of patience to wait to capture these photos. I feel like he wrote this book for me because he answers those questions and more, while sharing his stunning moose photos. Some of his stories made me laugh out loud. It was an incredibly entertaining book. But, it also shares helpful tips and honest information about what he does to capture these shots. Spoiler alert: One tip is to acknowledge that sometimes you just got lucky to be in the right place at the right time. I have read a lot of “how-to” photo books and taken some classes, and they are usually incredibly dry and somewhat tedious. Gerry’s book is anything but that. I encourage anyone who loves photography, moose, and a healthy dose of sarcasm and humor to read this book. Thanks, Gerry, for the tips and the laughs!
—Beth Comeau, Communications Manager
Lost But Found, by Robert Kimber (Down East Books, 2023) Through a collection of essays, Robert Kimber captures the joys, challenges, and simple pleasures of life in rural western Maine. He does so with the craft of a great storyteller, bringing the reader along with him as an intimate guest as he tries to keep stubborn sheep off his porch, cuts firewood, and tries to outsmart a rather large gray squirrel at his bird feeder, among many other adventures—and misadventures—in northern Franklin County. Through these, we get to know Robert’s neighbors, his family, Maine Guides, game wardens, and other authentic characters he has encountered in his more than 50 years living in the rural town of Temple. Some of these folks I know from my almost 20 years living in the nearby town of Strong; others, I’ve known, as we all have, but know them by other names from other places. If you have ever dreamed of or aspired to live close to the land in rural Maine, or have lived such a life, this book is a must read. The former will be inspired; the latter will certainly read this with reverence and familiarity. Although Kimber writes of his life and experiences, there is a universality to his prose that puts us right there with him, rather than watching from a safe distance.
—Marc Edwards, Regional Outreach Coordinator
Historic Sporting Camps of Moosehead Lake, Maine, by Roger Allen Moody (North Country Press, 2023) Mr. Moody’s book was a delightful read that took the reader on a journey with a bird’s eye view of the beginnings, development, changes, and people involved in the use of sporting camps in the Moosehead region of Maine. Moody’s passion for nature, history, and stories of the people and places he espouses in his book are infectious and leave the reader with the strong desire to learn more and if possible, see the remaining camps for themself. Moody not only showcases his passion for the Moosehead region in his exquisite book but brings a breadth of experience and knowledge of Maine’s culture and people. His training at the University of Maine, and later at Syracuse University, provides a polished account that is greatly appreciated by a fellow history graduate from the University of Maine. Historic Sporting Camps of Moosehead Lake, Maine, is sure to wet the whistle for whatever type of history buff you are as Moody includes not only the cultural and environmental changes of the sporting camps of Moosehead Lake, but also delves into the intersectionality of political, economic, travel, and equity changes throughout their history. The reader can almost smell the wood smoke of the campfires, taste the bacon sizzling on a stove camp, and experience the exhilaration of catching a legendary “brookie,” or field dressing one of those monster bucks that now live only in the legendary past of this beautiful state that both Moody and I call home.
—Ben Wyman, Administrative & Operations Associate
Also by Roger Allen Moody…
Logging Towboats and Boom Jumpers: The Story of O.A. Harkness, (North Country Press, 2018) I join other reviewers of this book to say that O.A. Harkness is surely one of New England’s most innovative problem solvers when it comes to finding ways to harvest and move logs harvested in Maine’s great 20th century forests. Harkness invented the tools and equipment needed to get timber out the woods and down to the mills that in the early 20th century lined the Penobscot River. History and engineering buffs alike will be amazed by Harkness’s genius. Roger Allen Moody shares Harkness’s ingenuity in a straightforward, no-frills kind of way—very likely the way Harkness himself would have provided his own history. If you’ve heard about old Maine logging equipment like “log boom tow boats” and “boom jumpers” and have wanted to learn more, this book is for you. —Allison Wells, Editor
Art of Penobscot Bay, by Carl Little & David Little (Islandport Press, 2024) When you think of Maine, you might picture Penobscot Bay, especially if you’re not from around here. It is a place that captures the essence of the area. With its working waterfronts, many islands, and expanse of coastline, the bay has a rich history that draws many in. The Art of Penobscot Bay, by Carl Little and David Little, is an exploration of the Penobscot Bay region of Maine through an exploration of fine art of the area. The
book includes works by more than 120 artists across generations who have portrayed the people and places that make the bay special. The curated collection of imagery captures the essence of Maine and life of Penobscot Bay from the 19th century to present day, and celebrates the many artists who have connections to this region of Maine where art is such an important part of the culture. The book highlights a range of styles that portray landscapes, life, communities, and the unique character of the bay. It showcases a place of exceptional beauty and the life of the people of Maine through the eyes of artists. This celebration of place and culture makes me want to visit galleries of Maine artists next time I’m out exploring.
—Sierra Toomey, Digital Content Producer
Dear Younger Me: What 35 Trailblazing Women Wish They’d Known As Girls, by Elisa Boxer (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024) Elisa
Boxer’s latest book offers a collection of inspirational stories drawn from her interviews with fascinating, accomplished women. These women include racial justice, health, and environmental activists, political leaders, scientists, educators, authors, musicians, athletes, and entrepreneurs. We learn in the introduction that, while spurred to life by the pandemic, the seed of this book originated in the author’s childhood curiosity. As a collection of stories, each segment stands on its own. I encourage readers to skip around as I did. This is a book that encourages us to slow down and sit with our emotions. It is also a book to return to for inspiration as life brings us hard times. As suggested in the title, each of the featured women is quoted at the end of their story with a message to their younger self. These are gems! Themes include hard work, grit, and determination, trusting your gut, and appreciating the gifts each of us brings to the world. The afterword is just as wonderful. It offers lessons on how to say a gracious no to stay focused and protect our energy. While in the category of young adult fiction, there’s something valuable here for all girls and women. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Elisa Boxer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, columnist, and children’s book author.
—Toby Kilgore, Grants Manager
From Rails to Trails – The Making of America’s Active Transportation Network, by Peter Harnik (University of Nebraska Press, 2021) In his book From Rails to Trails, NRCM member Peter Harnik traces the history of railroad line construction in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the explosion in bicycle sales in the 1970s, and the movement to convert abandoned rail corridors to bicycle and walking paths from the 1970s to the present day. That rail-trail movement continues to build momentum, including here in Maine, from active transportation enthusiasts seeking to create vehicle-free commuting options. As passenger and freight lines faltered in recent decades, the idea of converting rail corridors to trail corridors picked up steam. In 1986 alone, according to Harnik, there were at least 20 new rail-trail ribbon cutting events at projects located in 14 states, with another 125 projects at various stages of development. Advocates for rail-trails have often faced significant opposition, including from adjacent property owners. Railroad companies also have opposed rail-with-trail projects on safety grounds. Projects have been stymied by legal and funding challenges—obstacles that Harnik describes well. The book provides fascinating details of specific projects and of the critical roles played by advocates and groups such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Projects in Maine don’t receive much attention in the book, although the concept of rail-trails is highly relevant. Multiple abandoned rail corridors in Maine are being eyed by communities and advocacy groups across Maine as potential candidates for active transportation corridors that would involve rail-trails. For anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of the tremendous progress that’s been made with rail-trails nationwide, and the potential for further development of such trails, this book will be a fun read. It was for me.
—Pete Didisheim, Senior Director of Advocacy
The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World, by Elisa Boxer (Rocky Pond Books, 2024) I have read hundreds of children’s books over the years, as I started my career as a preschool teacher. Even when I worked with high school youth, I often read children’s picture books as a starting point for group discussions. If I was still doing that work, I would absolutely include The Tree of Life at the top of the list. I did not know this true story of a maple tree, smuggled into a concentration camp during World War II, that was planted and cared for by Jewish children and their teacher who were imprisoned at Terezin. This story is hard to read for those of us who have learned some of the history of the Holocaust, imagining all that these children had to endure. But the overall message I got reading The Tree of Life was that they didn’t let the unimaginable situation they were in change their strength and compassion. It also didn’t keep these children from sharing what little they had to ensure that this tiny sapling grew into a strong, sturdy tree, one whose descendants continue to grow and flourish all around the globe today. The Tree of Life is wonderful for classrooms, families, and anyone who wants to learn more about this powerful story of hope and strength.
—BC
The Prints of Siri Beckman: Engraving a Sense of Place, (Down East Books, 2024) Siri Beckman has been practicing the art of wood engraving for more than 40 years. Her current book features more than 100 of her images—a celebration of her life’s work and legacy. In the book, Beckman discusses the process of wood engraving and her passion for printmaking and book arts. Maine art book author Carl Little provides the introduction and ties her work to place and establishes its place in the canon of Maine art. —AW
Our Maine: Exploring Its Rich Natural Heritage, by Aram Calhoun, Malcolm Hunter, & Kent Redford (Down East Books, 2023) Our Maine: Exploring Its Rich Natural Heritage is a vibrant collection of essays and photographs focused on the wilds of Maine and the many ways that humans have shaped that wilderness. From snapping turtles to sphagnum moss and tourmaline to the ten-banded Neptune welk, this collection will open your eyes to the wonders of the world around you. While engaging as a front-to-back read, this book would also function well as a point of reference. A perfect gift and a worthy addition to your collection.
—Colleen Donohoe, Events Manager
Demon Spirit, Devil Sea, by Charlene D’Avanzo (Maine Author’s Publishing, 2017) Over the years, we have shared with you three other books in this series featuring Mara Tusconi, an oceanographer and sea kayaker concerned with our changing climate. Each of those books took place in Maine, but the difference in Demon Spirit, Devil Sea is that the United Nations has asked Mara to head to an island off British Columbia, in the cold north Pacific Ocean. Right from the start, you know something dangerous is on the horizon as Mara’s kayak rudder “stuck” and almost swept her out to sea. Mysterious happenings kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen to Mara so far from home and in such a different environment. The author is an avid sea kayaker, so her descriptions and imagery are steeped in her knowledge of the sea and the sport, adding authenticity to this series. I also learned a lot about rainforests and the threats they face from climate change. I came away from reading this book learning about an environment I have not experienced while also enjoying the fast-paced mystery of Demon Spirit, Devil Sea, which received an IPPY award from the Independent Book Publishers. — BC
