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I was 5 years old, living in Southern California, I fell in love with
Maine... via Cap't Kangaroo's Storytime. He read "One Morning in
Maine" by Robert McCloskey, and wove such a tale -- filled with the
magic of the Maine Coast, reeling gulls, clamming and island hopping,
plus a healthy portion of pines, rocks and seaweed -- I was so inspired
that I asked my mother to fix clam chowder for lunch. |
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Book Reviews
To order any book, just click on the title
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Maine Guides
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1. Maine: An Explorer's Guide, Tenth Edition
Christina Tree and Elizabeth Roundy
I use this guide all the time ... it is informative and well
written... most importantly, these gals have done their research...
I always feel like I am getting tips from a well traveled friend. |
2. Compass American Guides : Maine
Charles C. Calhoun
This is a gem of a guide: beautiful photographs, great travel
tips, and heads up on some of the local history. I think of this
as the arty guide to Maine and I do use it often. |
3. Maine Off the Beaten Path
Wayne Curtis
This is not a fancy guide, but it offers great insights. If you
like to go places that are historical, regional, and less traveled...
this is a great companion to the above mentioned guides. It is
not hard to glean a few great side trips from this little book. |
4. Maine : The Coast and Islands
Jack Leadbetter
If you want to just peruse the coast of Maine through photographs,
Jack has put together a book you will love. It is Maine Coast
through the seasons. Lovely. |
5. Great Destinations The Coast of Maine Book
Rich Ackerman and Kathryn Buxton
In the early 90's I picked up a copy of this book. I believe
they must have been to all of the restaurants, inns, shops and
lobster shacks in this compact guide. It has been recently updated,
and is devoted solely to the coast and a few islands of Maine. |
6. Maine Lighthouses : A Pictorial Guide
Courtney Thompson
A straight forward photographic record of ALL the lighthouses
in Maine today. Good reference book. |
7. A Birder's Guide to Maine.
Elizabeth C. Pierson and Jan Erik Pierson
I love birds and quiet places where they congregate. This is
a book I have used often... It is not fancy but highly informative.
I always travel with this book. |
8. A Field Guide to the Birds : A Peterson Field
Guide
The absolute best guide for identifying our singing friends who
fly about and entertain us. |
9. Islands in Time : A Natural and Cultural History...
Philip W. Conkling
A sensitive and intimate look at the geological history, as well
as at the people that inhabit these many islands in the gulf
of Maine. The author is also the founder of the Island Institute.
He has made a huge difference in this world of ours. This book
reflects his love and reverence for the islands of Maine. |
10. From Cape Cod to the Bay of Fundy : An Environmental
Atlas of the Gulf of Maine
edited by Philip W. Conkling
Full color images taken from space ,interwoven with commentary
on the areas ecology, geology, and oceanography. It sounds very
scientific, but actually it is very interesting and easy to understand.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. |
11. Maine's Most Scenic Roads : 25 Routes...
John Gibson
Mr. Gibson has created a handy guide for the car traveler |
12. Maine : Atlas and Gazetteer
Delorme
The BEST map of Maine. I would never enter the State of Maine
without it! |
13. Country Towns of Maine
Donna Gold |
14. Moving to Maine : The Essential Guide to...
Victoria Doudera
Once you seriously fall in love with the State of Maine, this
book will give you information on all the nuts and bolts of relocating
there. A must. |
15. Portland Undercover
Chris Barry
Quirky, Fun and packed with great tips on restaurants, shopping,
and the history of Portland, Maine. |
16. The Park Loop Road : A Guide to Acadia...
Robert A. Thayer
A nice little driving guide for Acadia National Park. |
17. Great Walks of Acadia National Park and...
Eileen Oktavec and Robert Gilmore
For anyone planning to spend anytime Downeast at Acadia Nat'l.
Park, this little gem of a guidebook will take you to great and
inspiring hikes. |
18. Discover Acadia National Park : A Guide....
Jerry and Marcy Monkman
One of the great little trekking books for hiking, biking and
paddling in Acadia. A very thorough and informative guide with
great tips on trails, plus notes on flora and fauna. Also includes
a pull-out map of the trails and roads of Acadia. |
19. Maine : The Spirit of America
Edgar Allen Beem
This is a delightful book, small in size but big in content,
that offers a mixture of photographs, illustrations and amusing
facts about the State of Maine. Well written and funny, this
little nirvana guide is the hot item! |
20. The Gardens Of Maine, A Guide to Gardens Open
to the Public
Tarrant Hancock
If touring interesting garden is your special ride, this book
is your ticket. Mr. Hancock provides historical background and
information about each garden, plus addresses, phone numbers
and tour schedules. I love a book that gives this much material
for a fun-filled day! |
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Maine Novels, Classic & Modern
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1. The Country of the Pointed Firs
Sarah Orne Jewett
A sweet story about a writer who seeks solitude in a small Maine
village on the sea. Her landlord is an herbalist and quite a
character... the synergy between the writer, the herbalist and
the town folk is very amusing and very "Maine". The
story is set during the turn of the last century. |
2. Time of Wonder
Blueberries for Sal
One Morning in Maine
Robert McCloskey
These are the stories that made me fall in love with Maine when
I was 5 years old. Very vivid storytelling . All of the elements
of the Maine seashore are central to these children's tales:
sailboats, clamming, island hopping and of course blueberry picking!
And they always had clam chowder for lunch... I highly recommend
for kids of all ages. |
3. Mad Tuesdays
Pieces of Earth
Katy Perry
A delightful Downeast storyteller. These 2 books always make
me feel how alive Katy is -- so full of laughter and wit. I enjoy
her books. They always bring a smile to my face. |
4. High Tide at Noon
Storm Tide
The Ebbing Tide
Elisabeth Ogilvie
This trilogy is an account of living in a mythical island town.
On the edge of an outer island on the Penobscot Bay. It is not
a page turner but it is interesting and highly descriptive. The
time she writes of is early 1900's-1945. It left me with a much
clearer idea of how hard life was during
that time... and lived in such isolation. |
5. The Original Biography of Abbie Burgess, The
Lighthouse Heroin
Ruth Sexton Sargent and Dorothy Holder Jones
This gem of a book has been around since 1969. It is still being
published today. Abbie Burgess is famous along the coast of Maine
and her story is true... and inspiring. She lived with her family
at Mantinicus Rock -- truly the outermost island in the Penobscot
Bay. Her father was the lighthouse keeper and the closest town
was Rockland and it was an all day sail... Bad weather came in
one day -- a horrible storm -- and her father got stuck in town.
Abbie kept those lights burning for two weeks... and saved the
many lives of sailors, who otherwise would have crashed into
Mantinicus Rock. This is a fun book to read aloud to children
age 8 and up. |
6. Colony
Ann Rivers Siddon
An interesting but light read about a summer colony on the mid
coast of Maine... the description of the locals are wonderful
-- as well as of the colony itself, the houses and the sea. Even
an osprey rates a few paragraphs. I pull this book out every
few years and reread it. Just for grins. |
7.The Weight of Water
Anita Shreve
This book is very interesting and keeps your attention. I love
a book that uses the land and elements as a character. This story
intertwines two eras into the same chapter -- sometimes even
in the same moment, like the 1870's crash with work in present
day. The locale is Smutty Nose Island, one of the islands off
the southern coast of Maine... A great book. |
8 .Strange Fits of Passion
Anita Shreve
The Downeast coast of Maine is the central character in this
short read. Ms. Shreve describes the coast as if it were a loved
one; the sea, the tides, and weather are all a part of this somewhat
steamy novel. |
9. A White Heron
Sarah Orne Jewett
An enchanting tale about a girl named Sylvia. She is a girl of
the woods, of the land and of nature itself. She is friends with
the birds, and the animals and there is one very special bird
that gives this classic tale its magic. I recommend the Candlewick
Treasures edition with illustrations by Wendy Anderson Halperin. |
10. The Summerhouse
Jude Deveraux
A reunion of three women at a summer house in Maine. A light,
but quite readable summer beach book. |
11. Grange House
Sarah Blake
Set in Mid-Coast Maine - circa 1896 - this novel is a mystery
/ romance / coming of age story where the rocky coast of Maine
also plays an important character. Mrs. Blake paints an accurate
picture of a victorian summer colony. |
12. Stern Men
Elizabeth Gilbert
Narrated by the voice of a young woman, this story tells of the
life of a small fishing village located on an island. The Lobster
men rule the roost and are in the middle of a territorial dispute.
The rugged coastline and the Penobscot Bay are as present as
are the townsfolk in this tale of lobstering, love, and mystery... |
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Non-Fiction / Biographical
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1. An Island Garden
Celia Thaxter
A wonderfully beautiful book... written in the late 1800's. Celia
Thaxter lived on the island called Appledore, gathering place
for other artists and writers. Her garden was an inspiration
for poems, prose and paintings. She wrote this book about her
garden, what she had planted, the birds that visited and the
flowers she cut for arrangements. The now famous impressionist
Childe Hassam contributed all of the paintings in this book.
They are extraordinary. It is still in print today hardbound
in a case. |
2. One Man's Meat
E. B. White
This is E B Whites book about his personal life; he is the fellow
who
brought to life Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web. A Mainer,
he lived a Yankee life on a farm in coastal Maine. This is a
straightforward book. After reading it I felt he was a regular
guy who could use his pen like a painter uses a brush. The state
of Maine is lucky to count him as one of its own. |
3. The Good Life
Scott and Helen Nearing
This couple is responsible for the back to the lander movement
of the late 60's and 70's... and this very book the guide and
inspiration for the devotee. They lived on Cape Rosier -- Mid
Coast Maine -- and they really lived off the land. Their farm
is now a learning and teaching center. |
4. Yankee Coast
Robert P.Tristan Coffin
The absolute flavor of the Maine of yore. Mr. Coffin is a storyteller
par excellence. This is filled with short stories as much about
the people as the about the land and the sea.. |
5. Northern Farm
Henry Beston
To farm in Maine one must be a brave and optimistic soul. Henry
is such a man. This book reveals the day to day including a few
weather reports. A great insight to the toughness -- and resilience
-- of Maine and Mainers. |
6. jamien.com, Celebrating her Journey
edited by Philip W. Conkling
This is a story of a community coming together to help physically
and spiritually their good friend and neighbor Jamien Morehouse.
It is a story of hope, strength, happiness and tragedy, but it
is also about Maine, the state she loved, about family, and about
how people can live, love and learn together. This book was purchased
at the Farnsworth Art Museum, where a wing has been built in
her name, filled with Maine island paintings. This is a moving
and inspiring book. |
7. At Seventy : A Journal
May Sarton
A prolific writer who has always called Maine home, May Sarton
wrote this journal in her 70th year. She leads a full and active
life, filled with interesting people and places. Not a page turner
but Ms. Sarton has a beautiful way with words. |
8. Onward and Upward in the Garden
Katherine S. White
A collection of her articles from 1958 to 1979, written for the
New Yorker Magazine. Katherine writes her thoughts on gardens
and gardening mostly gleaned from her garden in midcoast Maine.
Great for reference but also highly enjoyable to read. She has
a great sense of humor... Wouldn't you know? |
9. Enjoying Maine
Islands of Maine
Maine magic
Bill Caldwell
These books bring Maine to life. Caldwell writes with such passion
and interest that one can quickly become hooked and forget that
they have other things to do besides read these excellent books
on Maine. He writes about the people,the islands, the coastline,
boating and living in the great state of Maine. He was a writer
for the Portland Press for many years. |
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Art & Poetry
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1. Monhegan, the Artists' Island
Jane and Will Curtis
For over a century many major artists have come to Monhegan Island
to paint -- from Rockwell Kent to the Wyeth's -- they have come
and been moved by the raw and startling beauty of this magical
place. This large size book is always a joy to peruse. It is
filled with inspiring color reproductions. |
2. An American Vision: Three Generations of Wyeth
Art
Little Brown & Co.
Originally published to accompany an international exhibition
in 1987. A stellar overview of the finest paintings the Wyeth
family have produced. |
3. N.C. Wyeth : A Biography
David Michaelis
In depth view of the life of painter/illustrator N.C.Wyeth.His
life in Chadds Ford Pennsylvania, and his passion for the coast
of Maine... Insights about his paintings, family and the dynamics
of the life of an artist. |
4. Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life
Richard Meryman
The life of Andrew Wyeth is not as you might imagine. This book
does give good details about some of the series of paintings
that he did. Also glimpses into the relationship with his extraordinary
wife Betsy... who helped create who he has become in the art
world and the public eye. |
5. Wondrous Strange : The Wyeth Tradition
Howard Pyle, N.C.Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, James Wyeth
These four prolific painters were brought together for an exhibition
of the same name. The continuum is the content of the paintings
and in a strange and wonderful way the technique. It is a moving
experience to see all of these paintings together in one book. |
6. Sightings : A Maine Coast Odyssey
Peter Ralston
These photographs are haunting. The way he captures the light
is sometimes mystical. The subject matter is Maine, the islands,
the sea, the boats and the people. I can look at his images over
and over. This is a wonderful book to own and to cherish. A gift
to the world. |
7. Acadia : Visions and Verse
Jack Perkins
If the name sounds familiar, it's because it is. This is the
Jack Perkins of A&E's Biography, who moved to Acadia in the
early 90's. A Photographer and poet in his spare time, he has
put together this book. After reading his poetry and enjoying
his photographs, I felt as if I had journeyed back to a gentler
time, into Jack's quiet place called Acadia. It is a book you
can draw inspiration from. |
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Inspirational / Journals / Writing
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1. Poemcrazy : Freeing Your Life With Words
Susan Goldsmith Woolridge
Teaching by example is the mantra of this treasure trove of inspiration,
tips and knowledge. Writing, the greatest gift we can give to
ourselves. Don't miss this top pick... especially if you want
to start a journal or even a small personal notebook. |
2. Bird by Bird
Annie Lamont
A songwriter friend of mine was singing Annie's praises (pardon
the pun)... and we are in total agreement that Ms. Lamont's approach
to teaching and life are unique and clever and that we have been
influenced by her in more than just our writings. |
3. The Right to Write, The Artist's Way
Julia Cameron
Ms. Camerons book is filled with great tips, ideas, and thoughts
on creating a personal journal. Using a combination of visual
images and words... These books make the path to the inner artist
fun and interesting. |
4. The Art of Imperfection
The Art of Doing Nothing
Veronique Vienne
I am a dyed in the wool perfectionist... these two books have
helped me to somewhat overcome this curse. I now practice the
art of imperfection (it is not easy) and just being still and
doing nothing... for at least an hour each day. Am I happier?
Yes, and I feel much more comfortable with the world around me.
I love that these two little beauties have helped to make me
a much more sane person. And I think my family would agree... |
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Music
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| Music can take you places... creating
imagery through sound & song.. Quiet peaceful interludes or rocking
Celtic rythyms.. Providing our senses with a soundtrack for our personal
memories... |
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To hear the music and/or order the album,
just click on the title
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quiet instrumentals / cool jazz
Windham Hill Group
Started in the late 70s by William Ackerman. He was instrumental
in creating the sound of quiet music, which always feels in harmony
with man & nature. The artists on this label are as talented as
they are mesmerizing. I have been listening to this music for many
years and still have not grown tired of it. A great way to add a beautiful
soundtrack to those long summer days on the coast of Maine.
Windham Hill Collections:
Touch- 25 Years of Guitar -- Various Artists
Windows - 25 Years of Piano -- Various Artists
Windham Hill: The First Ten Years -- Various Artists
The Impressionists: a Windham Hill Sampler
Sundance, Summer Solstice Vol.1
Sundance, Summer Solstice Vol. 2
Sundance, Summer Solstice, Vol. 3
Windham Hill Piano Sampler
Windham Hill Piano Sampler 2
Windham Hill Guitar Sampler
Evening with Windham Hill Live
William Ackerman, Extraordinary Guitarist, haunting and lyrical.
Sound of Wind Driven Rain
Conferring With the Moon
Imaginary Roads
Past Light
Passage
Childhood and Memory
Windham Hill Retrospective
George Winston, Wonderful Piano Music ~ soothing and beautiful
Complete Solo Recordings 1972-1996, Boxed Set
Summer
Autumn
Winter into Spring
All The Seasons Of George Winston: Piano Solos
December
Forest
Plains
Liz Story, Piano Music ~ Quiet, rich and moving
Solid Colors
The Gift
17 Seconds to Anywhere
Unaccountable Effect
Liz Story
Alex De Grassi, Jazzy Acoustic Guitar ~ Beauty Beauty...
Tata Monk
Bolivian Blues Bar
The Water Garden
Beyond the Night Sky
A Windham Hill Retrospective
Southern Exposure
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Pat Metheny
This jazz guitarist is inspirational. His music is quiet ~ soothing,
and has the feeling of wide open spaces. A great soundtrack for an
afternoon on the porch overlooking the Maine Coast.
Some of our favorites:
Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories)
As Falls Wichita So Fall Wichita Falls
Jim Hall and Pat Metheny
Bright Size Life
A Map of the World
Shadows and Light ~ Joni Mitchell
The Pat Metheny Group is Ms. Mitchell's band for this live jazzy recording.
WOW!
John Barry
Most of John Barry's work is filled with layers of music, forming
a melody that can at times be hard to put a finger on. He pulls at
the emotional strings that lie within us ~ using space and orchestration.
Playing by Heart (1998 Film)
Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture
Lynn Wedekind
Here's a pianist with great soul. Her music soars and and her voice
becomes one with the piano. A very talented singer/songwriter. We
always make sure to take her CD along on those long drives in Maine.
Heart On A Limb
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seafaring / celtic tunes
Celtic Requiem
Windham Hill Classics: Celtic Legacy
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All photographs Copyright © 1999-2006 by K. L. Dominguez-Brann
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