I’m pleased to announce the publication of my new book Up North in Michigan: A Portrait of Place in Four Seasons (University of Michigan Press, hardcover, 186 pages, $24.95). This one’s been in progress for a number of years and finally came together during the pandemic. I’ll always remember it as my Covid book—the one that kept me on an even keel during the stormy days of 2020-21.
The cover and interior illustrations are by the incomparable Glenn Wolff. This is the tenth book we’ve done together, with, I hope, many more to come. My life was enriched beyond measure the day Glenn and I met for the first time at Stacey’s Restaurant in 1988. By the end of that lunch we had outlined three books. Now, 34 years later, we have at least ten more lined up on our to-do list. It’s a rich tapestry, as Glenn often says.
One change this time around: In my ongoing quest to simplify my life I’m no longer selling books directly, so if you want autographed or inscribed copies (of any of my titles) please call or email Horizon Books. I’ll be stopping there every week or so to sign books and would be happy to personalize them in any way you wish.
Or, if autographs aren’t important to you, University of Michigan Press is offering a generous discount and free shipping if you order directly from them. Follow this link.
Another change: I’ve decided not to do many public appearances this year—and, perhaps, any other year (again, that need to simplify), but I will be launching the new book this Saturday at 1:00 at Horizon in Traverse City. Meet me at the fireplace, where I’ll discuss and read from the book starting at 1:00 and will hang around to sign books until 3:00. I hope you can drop by.
Dear Jerry
Just finished rereading “The Living Great Lakes” for the Great Lakes/Great Book Club here (Sturgeon Bay Wi) at the WriteOn/Door County and Maritime Museum group. We read it a few years ago and I contend it is the best book available on the Great Lakes. Hope that you are well and will look into your latest book. Question: For the upcoming Group Meeting on Jan. 6, 2022. Whatever happened to the Malabar? And the crew esp Hajo? Couldn’t find anything on Wikipedia or net. Have you ever considered an update or sequel to the book in terms of what’s happened in the last 20 years? Much ado. Very best wishes for 2022.
Hi Jerry,
Congratulations on the new book. I’m glad its production kept you “on an even keel” in 2020-21. Writing a memoir about hiking and canoeing my way through the pandemic kept me steady through the madness. Looking forward to “seeing” you at the virtual program at the Hamburg Public Library tomorrow night.
Enjoyed the program at Hamburg Library very much and the book itself even more. One of my favorite passages was from the elegant first essay, “Loon Song,” about how Spring “doesn’t spring, it sidles, two steps forward and one back, and then it halts altogether, like a child in a sulk.” Sulky child happening right now! I also liked how “A Round River” ended, suggesting that blunders can be good for us, reminding us “that we’re humble travelers in a complicated world.” But the part of Up North that I liked the best was the description of your canoeing ritual in “River Rush” going back to 1984 when you and Craig Date began writing Canoeing Michigan Rivers. Your guidebook has been in our shuttle vehicle ever since you published it, replaced only by each new edition. Like you, we “still get excited every time we push off the bank,” unable to resist “the draw of that first downstream bend and whatever waits beyond it.” I read your book for pleasure–and instruction. You demonstrate how to write vividly about nature and how to tease out meaning from our experience of the natural world. Thank you.
Thank you, Sondra. I remember the conversations we had about paddling, rivers, writing, and the infinite in 2000-2001. I’m delighted that you’re still using the canoe guide in its evolving editions. I’m making plans and taking notes for a 4th edition, but alas I’ll have to do it alone. Craig passed away several years ago, so as you can imagine it will be a bittersweet project. Glad you’re enjoying the new book as well. –Jerry