Holiday
Gift Guide
Islandport staffers and authors offer some thoughts about holiday books to give and receive.
STAFF PICKS: OUR CHOICES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Here's what Islandport staffers are reading and recommending this season.
Dean Lunt, Publisher: The Best of Bert and I
If you are interested in learning where some of Maine's pop culture references originated, feeling nostalgic for old summer days at the camp, want to introduce young-uns to some classic humor, or just want to laugh this holiday season, check out our CD The Best of Bert and I. Marshall Dodge and Bob Bryan created the iconic duo more than 50 years ago and they remain the gold standard for dry Down East storytelling. Funny stuff.
Michelle Lunt, Editor, Design and Production
Of all the Islandport titles, my favorites are Silas Crockett and
Mary Peters which, I think, should be read together. They give the reader a rich vision of the evolution of Maine's coast from a global seafaring state to a "rusticators' " haven. The characters are strong and independent; they simply deal with whatever they must, good or bad, giving a great perspective on what is meant by "Yankee ingenuity".
Amy Canfied, Senior Editor : Shoutin' into the Fog by Thomas Hanna
It's a heartwarming story about a resilient Maine boy who overcame many obstacles on the road to adulthood. In addition to being a moving memoir, it's also an illuminating look at small-town Maine in the first half of the 20th century.
Carole Fallon, Sales and Marketing: The Scallop Christmas by Jane Freeberg
The story hearkens back to a time when life was much less hectic and pleasures were found in simpler things. The message seems especially pertinent now when life passes at such a fast, technically-enhanced pace. I look forward to reading this book with my kids year after year, enjoying the beautiful illustrations and giving them the gift of slowing down and reflecting on the really important things.
Melissa Kim, Online Editor: The Cat at Night by Dahlov Ipcar
The contrasting spreads, showing what the cat can see and what we can see, never fail to captivate me and 5-year-old son, in part because of the beautiful artwork and in part because the idea of being able to see at night is so appealing. It sparks the imagination and inspires ideas for art projects and storytelling. What more could you ask for in a children's book?
Islandport Authors' Give/Wish Lists
Paging Amy asked some Islandport authors what's on their give/wish lists. Here's what they said:
Rebecca Rule, author of Live Free and Eat Pie: A Storyteller's Guide to New Hampshire:
Give (to all the hunters in my family): The Secret Lives of Deer by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. "I know it's a little perverse, but I think they'd be really interested."
Receive: Vintage New Hampshire histories -- "like I've got a shot at getting any of those, they're wicked expensive -- and, mysteries by Elizabeth George. I'm hooked on them."
Jean Flahive, author of Billy Boy, The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine:
Give: In the Woods and The Likeness, both by Tanya French.
Receive: A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn by James Donovan.
Edie Clark, author of The View from Mary's Farm, Saturday Beans & Sunday Suppers, The Place He Made:
Give: The Long-Legged House by Wendell Barry, Home by Marilyn Robinson, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, Under the Glacier by Halldor Laxness.
Receive: The Islander: A Biography of Halldor Laxness by Halldor Gudmundson, Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow, Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving.
Janet Galle, author of Two Farms: Essays on a Maine Country Life:
Give: The Defector by Daniel Silva. "If you haven't read his mysteries, get one!"
Receive: Bright Wings by David Sibley and Billy Collins, "a poetry book about birds."
John McDonald, author of A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar and down the road a piece: A Storyteller's Guide to Maine:
Give and Receive: "I've discovered the books of Maine author and historian James L. Nelson. So far I've read and enjoyed George Washington's Secret Navy: How the American Revolution Went to Sea and Benedict Arnold's Navy about the naval battles on Lake Champlain during the Revolution. I wouldn't mind giving any of his books or receiving any of the 13 other of his I haven't read."
