A Fresh New Approach to Getting Reviews for Your Book
BY LOIS W STERN
YOUR ADVOCATE FOR GETTING NEW REVIEWS FOR YOUR BOOKS!
This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.
BY LOIS W STERN
YOUR ADVOCATE FOR GETTING NEW REVIEWS FOR YOUR BOOKS!
Points North: Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula by Mikel B. Classen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Imprint: Modern History Press
Author: Mikel B. Classen
ISBN-13: PB 978-1-61599-490-8 / HC 978-1-61599-491-5
eBook 978-1-61599-492-2
List Price: PB $ 27.95 / HC $ 39.95 / eBook $ 6.95
TRAVEL/United States/Midwest/East North Central (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) HISTORY/United States/State & Local/Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI)
SPORTS & RECREATION/Hiking
Lighthouses must each have a ghost? Who knew? This book is a detailed guided tour of a vast amount of possible camping, boating, fishing, hiking, walking, and sight-seeing opportunities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. For those who enjoy primitive, off the beaten path opportunities in nature where either boating is allowed or not - and those who prefer RV camping with amenities, Classen covers it all. How to see spectacular views, take a leisurely hike, have a grueling climb, take it easy, rough it on the N.C.T., and where to find fantastic meals (or where to take your own or be hungry) are all discussed. Directions are provided, maps are included, links to all locations are listed, and reading this will provide the knowledge of the locals for the occasional visitor. A lifetime of travel possibilities and enjoyment!
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. The most strenuous part is through Michigan and it may seem impossible at times, according to Classen. I had no idea as I have only heard of the parts where I live, in Minnesota, and thought that trail was long.
People who love primitive camping and getting away from it all will be delighted with the many opportunities described in the book. Many allow boats which isn't always the case. Fishing is usually allowed, but check this book to be sure. RV camp sites are described and it seems there are fewer of these, but they are available. My parents were some who loved being away from it all, and this book would be invaluable to such people. A trip to a remote area would last as long as the food taken with and carried in. On the way out, great restaurants are mentioned, as you might be starving by that time.
Classen has surely "been there and done that" as he writes with the confidence of a resident, letting us all in on the secrets and adventures that await those ready to travel to the U.P. area. The locals will wonder how you know so much!
SUBTITLE: Stories of Turning the Page
SERIES TITLE: Tales2Inspire
AUTHOR: Anthology of contest winning inspiring stories
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: https://www.tales2inpsire.com
GENRE: Inspirational, non-fiction personal stories
AGE / INTEREST LEVEL: 15 +
PAGE COUNT: 236
PUBLISHER: Independently Published
REVIEWED BY: JOY LYNN GODDARD
As a voracious reader and a novelist, I look for two elements in a book before investing time in it. It must have emotion—a story that moves me long after I’ve finished the last page—and it must teach me something. In the Moonstone Collection Books 1 & 2, I found both traits in every story. The stories were honest and raw because the authors weren’t afraid to speak the truth, their vulnerabilities on display. Even if I were hard-hearted (which I’m not, honestly), it would be difficult not to stand up and cheer for them. In “Happily Ever After,” I was gobsmacked by the abuse writer Donna Peczak suffered as a child at the hands of her parents and applauded when she pulled herself up.
I don’t know whom I admired more in “Setting my Lifeline Free,” writer Ellen Lenox Smith or the service dog who saved her life. Both taught me about the indomitable spirit.Love and laughter weave throughout the pages of both books. Although there is sadness underpinning “The Last Laugh,” I laughed out loud when author Ronnie Padwa Pelie described her elderly mother driving a motorized shopping cart. I couldn’t help but remember my own elderly mother’s experience with her motorized scooter. In the last stages of her life, she rammed her electric scooter through a plate-glass window (didn’t get a scratch) and then blamed the scooter for the accident!
As a former teacher, I also identified with author Laura Coy’s “A Blessing in Disguise.” She left a teaching career she loved to put her life back on track. Many words wandered through my thoughts when reading these stories—real, poignant, bitter-sweet, happy, inspirational, and . . . But the word that climbed to the top was strength. Each author showed the strength to turn the page in his or her life and make it better!
Many words wandered through my thoughts when reading these stories—real, poignant, bitter-sweet, happy, inspirational, and . . . But the word that climbed to the top was strength.
Each author showed the strength to turn the page in his or her life and make it better!
And behind each writer was their champion—Lois W. Stern—an accomplished writer who for more than a decade has embodied the spirit of writers helping writers. Kudos to her and all the authors in this collection of stories—a true inspirational gem.