12/17/2006

Books

Michigan provides a scenic backdrop

By Al Parker

Special to the Record-Eagle

If anyone on your holiday gift list is interested in Michigan-related books, there are several recent releases to consider.

• Tim Bazzett's "Pinhead: A Love Story”(Rathole Books, 295 pages) is the final book in his Reed City trilogy. Fresh out of the Army in 1965, Bazzett returns to Ferris State College and feels alone and alienated from his younger classmates. The campus and the 1960s are vividly evoked in this often-funny, often-poignant tale. Sex, booze, rock 'n roll and spring breaks in Florida are all detailed. Along the way, Bazzett finds the love of his life. Anyone who was a college student in the '60s can probably relate to something here, whether they want to admit it or not.

• Marketing and advertising executive Michael Lindley has turned his writing skills to fiction in his first novel, "The Seasons of the EmmaLee” (Sage River Press, 262 pages). This tale takes the reader to Charlevoix in the early 1940s when Emily Compton is a young woman of privilege. Her father owns the EmmaLee, a stunning cruising yacht. Jonathan McKendry, son of the local boatyard owner, is drawn into their world. The story revolves around love, betrayal, murder and redemption, all played out against the scenic backdrop of the region.

• It's been said that Michigan's 19th-century white pine stands were the finest the world has ever seen. Dense stands of pines, many over 150 feet tall, covered the state from Bay City north. "Michigan's State Forests: A Century of Stewardship” (Michigan State University Press, 201 pages) by William B. Botti and Michael D. Moore recounts how an abandoned, cut-over and sometimes burned-out wilderness has been converted into protected public lands. Written by two authors who understand the vital role of forestry, this book celebrates the successes of the past while raising cautionary questions about the future of Michigan's forests.

• Michigan may be known as the Great Lakes State, but lovers of lager sometimes refer to it as the Great Beer State. Michigan's brewing industry has grown from a handful of breweries 20 years ago to more than 70 today. Authors Paul Ruschmann and Maryanne Nasiastka, who live in Canton, have provided beer lovers with in-depth reports on each of those breweries in "Michigan Breweries” (Stackpole Books, 265 pages). Broken into geographic regions, the book includes reviews of North Peak Brewing Company, Mackinaw Brewing Company, Traverse Brewing Company and Short's Brewing Company. Each review conveniently provides a map, phone numbers and Web sites. There's even a glossary of brewing terms for people who don't know their ale from their pilsner.

• Bellaire resident and corporate coach Bill Munn's first book is "Lead or Be Led: A Guide for Intentional Living,” (110 pages, Rooftop Publishing). Munn provides a roadmap for "intentional living” — the concept that people must lead and control their lives instead of being led by life's events. This book is a quick, easy read that helps people understand their passions, set their goals and use the proper tools to achieve those goals with specific actions.

Al Parker, of Traverse City, is an award-winning writer and lifelong bibliophile.