Notes from a Public Typewriter ,by Michael Gustafson
When Michael Gustafson and his wife, Hilary, opened Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. The pair compiled their favorite notes from over the years into this ode to the community. (where I live, in Ann Arbor)
Bootstraps, by Mardi Link
(Northern Michigan writer, her true story of survival and independence)
The Nick Adams Stories, by Ernest Hemingway (written when he lived in Northern Michigan
I remember reading about the typewriter people in Ann Arbor. What a wonderful idea! I would definitely read these — even if I weren’t headed to Ann Arbor right away
I love reading and visiting those places together and think it enhances the reader experience so so much! This made me yearn to travel again! I'm from Kentucky and frequently feel like there's not a lot of books that truly capture that essence, though there has been more Appalachian lit out in recent years than ever before. I love reading about the vastly different experiences the area creates, even though it is stereotyped for being one very specific thing.
Here are a few of the many books which have enhanced my travel experiences : “Middlesex “ by Jeffrey Eugenides in Greece. During frequent business trips to Basil, Switzerland, La Place de la Concorde Suisse by Jon McPhee opened my eyes to the connection between the military and corporate management. My company was even mentioned in the book. Duh, why was it so tough for women ? Finally, thanks Joleen for reminding me about happily plowing my way through “Pillars of the Earth “ while touring Italy and France.
I grew up in southeastern Iowa, not far from Winterset, the location of “The Bridges of Madison County” by Robert James Waller. The story brings back memories of “home”, the scenery, the simplicity and the summer heat!
My doctor had spent some time in England while attending University. He recommended that I read “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett before my first trip to England. It gave me an incredible appreciation of the labor and years to build the great cathedrals that we visited.
I look forward to your articles, Betsy. I read Hemingway's 'Green Hills of Africa' before we traveled to Africa for a safari. However, it wasn't the prep it portended to be... our travel purpose was quite different than his and the hills weren't quite so green. But, it was 'the trip of a lifetime' and I highly recommend that you go!
I was born in Missouri, but Oregon is my heart's home. For Oregon, I recommend: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey, The Jump-Off Creek by Molly Gloss, Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin, and A Gift Upon the Shore by M. K. Wren. For Missouri, I recommend: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (be mindful it was written in/of its time), and Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell. Before traveling, I have read mostly non-fiction travel guides, but I enjoy reading mysteries set in places foreign to me where I have traveled. Venice, Paris, Provence, Istanbul, Egypt (Nile River esp), Ireland, England, New York City, Toronto, the Philippines, Austria, Germany. I read books from as many different countries as possible.
Great read, as always. When we lived in Boston, we had a weekend place in New Hampshire. Spent every weekend there for 10 years. It wasn’t as far north as Coos County, but I am going to check out the books in your picture. Thank you so much for that. We live in Utah and I pray to go back East. Reading your suggested books may help to sooth my soul. ❤️
As for Crossing to Safety, oh gosh, it’s my favorite, but not for everyone. It resonates with me somehow. I love the writing mostly. And I have a passion for all things Vermont. Wallace Stegner had a way with beautiful prose. I also loved All the Little Live Things and Spectator Bird. Interestingly I have not read Mormon Country, even though I live in Utah.
Looking forward to your post on Crossing to Safety. I always love to hear other’s viewpoints.
I loved the writing too. I could see and smell and feel the Vermont woods and lake. I was, I think, a little frustrated with the characters, one in particular. I'm still thinking about this...
Feb 5, 2022·edited Feb 5, 2022Liked by Elizabeth Marro
I never think of authors in terms of regions they write about or how that puts one in touch with home. It’s an interesting way to call up memories. Guess I’ll have to do my research! Or I can become one…
My reading is so random and so often dictated by a shiny new cover or a recommendation from a reader or something I saw online. I can't believe that I'm this many years old and it has never occurred to me to read one or more books about/set in the area I'm going to visit. I have never traveled out of the country, but I've traveled to several places in the US, and I can't wait to do this for my next trip. Nothing is planned yet, but as soon as I know where, I'm going to find a couple of books set in that area and read them in advance of traveling. I think I'll do one non-fiction about the area so I'll actually learn about it and maybe find interesting things to do while there.
I grew up in Southern California, moved away and then moved back for 25 years, and I'm away again. While I went to many places in SoCA, I never went as a "tourist". I don't know that I've ever been on Mulholland Drive and I know I haven't seen Angels Flight. Looking back now, there are so many things that I wish I had done there, like the tourists do. When I travel to new places, I try to do some of the "popular touristy things" along with finding the out of the way and hole in the wall places and things to do.
It's amazing how living somewhere can lead to a kind of blindness, isn't it? I live right next to the beach and it's been way too long since I've gone down and sat in the sand. I hope you enjoy your next trip. You'll have to let us know the reading material that got you started.
Notes from a Public Typewriter ,by Michael Gustafson
When Michael Gustafson and his wife, Hilary, opened Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. The pair compiled their favorite notes from over the years into this ode to the community. (where I live, in Ann Arbor)
Bootstraps, by Mardi Link
(Northern Michigan writer, her true story of survival and independence)
The Nick Adams Stories, by Ernest Hemingway (written when he lived in Northern Michigan
I remember reading about the typewriter people in Ann Arbor. What a wonderful idea! I would definitely read these — even if I weren’t headed to Ann Arbor right away
What an incredible idea! I've thought about doing something like that with an audio booth, as I work in public-radio. Hmmmmm ....
I love reading and visiting those places together and think it enhances the reader experience so so much! This made me yearn to travel again! I'm from Kentucky and frequently feel like there's not a lot of books that truly capture that essence, though there has been more Appalachian lit out in recent years than ever before. I love reading about the vastly different experiences the area creates, even though it is stereotyped for being one very specific thing.
Here are a few of the many books which have enhanced my travel experiences : “Middlesex “ by Jeffrey Eugenides in Greece. During frequent business trips to Basil, Switzerland, La Place de la Concorde Suisse by Jon McPhee opened my eyes to the connection between the military and corporate management. My company was even mentioned in the book. Duh, why was it so tough for women ? Finally, thanks Joleen for reminding me about happily plowing my way through “Pillars of the Earth “ while touring Italy and France.
I grew up in southeastern Iowa, not far from Winterset, the location of “The Bridges of Madison County” by Robert James Waller. The story brings back memories of “home”, the scenery, the simplicity and the summer heat!
My doctor had spent some time in England while attending University. He recommended that I read “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett before my first trip to England. It gave me an incredible appreciation of the labor and years to build the great cathedrals that we visited.
These are excellent, Joleen. Thank you!
I look forward to your articles, Betsy. I read Hemingway's 'Green Hills of Africa' before we traveled to Africa for a safari. However, it wasn't the prep it portended to be... our travel purpose was quite different than his and the hills weren't quite so green. But, it was 'the trip of a lifetime' and I highly recommend that you go!
It sounds amazing.
I was born in Missouri, but Oregon is my heart's home. For Oregon, I recommend: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey, The Jump-Off Creek by Molly Gloss, Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin, and A Gift Upon the Shore by M. K. Wren. For Missouri, I recommend: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (be mindful it was written in/of its time), and Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell. Before traveling, I have read mostly non-fiction travel guides, but I enjoy reading mysteries set in places foreign to me where I have traveled. Venice, Paris, Provence, Istanbul, Egypt (Nile River esp), Ireland, England, New York City, Toronto, the Philippines, Austria, Germany. I read books from as many different countries as possible.
Great read, as always. When we lived in Boston, we had a weekend place in New Hampshire. Spent every weekend there for 10 years. It wasn’t as far north as Coos County, but I am going to check out the books in your picture. Thank you so much for that. We live in Utah and I pray to go back East. Reading your suggested books may help to sooth my soul. ❤️
As for Crossing to Safety, oh gosh, it’s my favorite, but not for everyone. It resonates with me somehow. I love the writing mostly. And I have a passion for all things Vermont. Wallace Stegner had a way with beautiful prose. I also loved All the Little Live Things and Spectator Bird. Interestingly I have not read Mormon Country, even though I live in Utah.
Looking forward to your post on Crossing to Safety. I always love to hear other’s viewpoints.
I loved the writing too. I could see and smell and feel the Vermont woods and lake. I was, I think, a little frustrated with the characters, one in particular. I'm still thinking about this...
Hmm, the only character I disliked was Charity.
I struggled to like her but got even more frustrated with how they all danced around her.
I never think of authors in terms of regions they write about or how that puts one in touch with home. It’s an interesting way to call up memories. Guess I’ll have to do my research! Or I can become one…
Yes, Chevanne, become one! I want to read that story when you've written it!
My reading is so random and so often dictated by a shiny new cover or a recommendation from a reader or something I saw online. I can't believe that I'm this many years old and it has never occurred to me to read one or more books about/set in the area I'm going to visit. I have never traveled out of the country, but I've traveled to several places in the US, and I can't wait to do this for my next trip. Nothing is planned yet, but as soon as I know where, I'm going to find a couple of books set in that area and read them in advance of traveling. I think I'll do one non-fiction about the area so I'll actually learn about it and maybe find interesting things to do while there.
I grew up in Southern California, moved away and then moved back for 25 years, and I'm away again. While I went to many places in SoCA, I never went as a "tourist". I don't know that I've ever been on Mulholland Drive and I know I haven't seen Angels Flight. Looking back now, there are so many things that I wish I had done there, like the tourists do. When I travel to new places, I try to do some of the "popular touristy things" along with finding the out of the way and hole in the wall places and things to do.
It's amazing how living somewhere can lead to a kind of blindness, isn't it? I live right next to the beach and it's been way too long since I've gone down and sat in the sand. I hope you enjoy your next trip. You'll have to let us know the reading material that got you started.