Dave Dempsey

An interesting book about some of Michigan's lesser-known writers, as well as a few of the more famous ones. I definitely learned a lot about authors I hadn't even heard of prior to reading this book. Good for anyone intrigued by Michigan and its writers!

It was alright, but the biographical sketches were very sparse, but the bibliographies and sites to visit were nice. I also feel that they missed some authors, mainly Elmore Leonard, but since he just died recently, maybe they weren't covering people who had already passed.

Illuminating, engaging, and even inspiring. I read as I began a new phase of volunteer work with The Nature Conservancy in MIchigan and I found several of the chapters to not only provide good background to current issues, but incredibly relevant. For instance, the history of Chicago's water diversions and the legal arguments about them echo today, as does the discussions about oil and gas drilling, toxics, and the efforts to save dunes. Very good section on Owosso's James Oliver Curwood.

It is hard for me not to like this book. Former Michigan Governor William Milliken is the model of what any one in public service should be: a statesman. My hope is this book inspires a return to civil, compassionate behavior and a desire to do what is best, not the dogma of right-wing or left-wing politics.