July 8, 2007 Northwoodsy Books

I love the Midwest States, I really enjoy the whole northwoodsy feeling. There is nothing better than to read a local newspaper, while sipping a cold press iced coffee at a Caribou Coffee shop. For me that is true relaxation. And something else I really enjoy, is reading books that take place in the Midwest or are by area authors, such as Faith Sullivan and Lorna Landvik. They’re great storytellers and it’'s so fun to read about places you’ve visited. You truly become a part of the picture.

Moon Over Madeline Island by Wisconsin author, and former hair salon owner, Jay Gilbertson was fun to read. It is the story of the friendship between Eve and Ruby, two Wisconsin women looking for a change. It follows them from a beauty shop in Eau Claire to their stay on Madeline Island. Here they take up residence in Ruby's log cottage, which belonged to her late husband's family. Here the women set up a cottage industry, making aprons. If you’ve ever been to Maggie's Restaurant in Bayfield, you will feel like you are right there with them. If you enjoy this book, there is a sequel “Back To Madeline Island”. The library has a copy of it on order.

Night Of The Radishes by Sandra Benitez is the first book I’ve ever read in a day. It's the captivating tale of a family, that stretches from a small Minnesota farm to the Mexican town of Oaxaca. A tragic farm accident claims the life of an identical twin and changes her family forever. Their lives are filled with guilt, sorrow and misunderstandings. We follow them along the paths they must take to finally face the hurts of the past and perhaps bring them back together. In the end, out of the ashes there arises hope and the promise of new life. If you read one book this year, let it be this one. The library has a copy of this book on order.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards takes place in Kentucky. It’s not really a Midwest State, but I’m sneaking it in here. On a snowy winter night in 1964, a doctor is pressed into delivering his own son. But there’s an added surprise, a second baby, a girl with Down Syndrome. In an instant he makes a decision that changes their lives forever. He asks a nurse to take the baby girl to an out of town institution, then tells his wife she was stillborn. The nurse decides to keep her and raise her as her own. The story spans twenty five years and is about secrets and how each family member handles the loss of a baby they never knew.

The Empress Of One by Minnesota author Faith Sullivan has many of the characters in her previous book The Cape Ann. Taking place in the 1930's and 40's, it revolves around a young girl, Sally Wheeler and her mother. Her mother suffers from depression, at a time when mental illness was not discussed and certainly not understood. As her mother becomes more erratic, residents of the town turn against her. Sally struggles to cope with being teased by fellow students and the stigma of having her mother institutionalized. It was hard growing up in a small town where everyone knew everything about you. Sally escapes her world through her love of reading and a desire to act.

The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane by Minneapolis author Kate DiCamillo, is the tale of a cold hearted china rabbit,owned by Abilene Tulane. His story begins when he falls overboard into the sea and is rescued by a fisherman. His adventure continues after he is taken to a dump, where a hobo and his dog find him. During his journey Edward comes to understand the meaning of love. This beautifully illustrated book is in the children's department, but is something that the child in all of us would enjoy. Kate DiCamillo is also the author of Because Of Winn Dixie.

Lake Wobegon Summer 1956 by Garrison Keillor. I would be remiss if I didn't include my favourite National Public Radio personality, in this article. It's the story of a 14 year old boy living in a small town in the summer of '56. His days revolve around sexual fantasies, a preoccupation with flatulence and his new Underwood typewriter. It's the coming of age of a repressed young boy, who just wants to be bad.

If you're searching for other titles to read, you can visit our Virtual Collection. The database What Do I Read Next? is a good place to start. You can use Who? What? Where? When? to do a search by place,such as Minnesota or Wisconsin. This will lead you to other books that may be of interest to you.

I hope you have a safe and happy summer. If you are planning a trip to the Midwest, why not bring one of these books along with you. Then find yourself a Caribou Coffee, or any coffee shop for that matter and enjoy.

Karen Craib, Library Technician