Description:
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is blessed with a treasure trove of storytellers, poets, and historians, all seeking to capture a sense of Yooper Life from settler's days to the far-flung future. This is the 7th volume of U.P. Reader.
Brief description: Mikel B. Classen has been writing and photographing northern Michigan in newspapers and magazines for over thirty-five years, creating feature articles about the life and culture of Michigan's north country. A journalist, historian, photographer and author with a fascination for the world around him, he enjoys researching and writing about lost stories from the past. Currently, he is managing editor of the U.P. Reader and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association. In 2020, Mikel won the Historical Society of Michigan's George Follo Award for Upper Peninsula History. He has just released a new book, True Tales: The Forgotten History of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2022. Classen makes his home in the oldest city in Michigan, historic Sault Ste. Marie. He is also a collector of out-of-print history books, and historical photographs and prints of Upper Michigan. At Northern Michigan University, he studied English, history, journalism and photography. His book, Au Sable Point Lighthouse, Beacon on Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast was published in 2014 and his book, Teddy Roosevelt and the Marquette Libel Trial was published in 2015, both by the History Press. He has a book of fiction called Lake Superior Tales, published by Modern History Press, which won the 2020 U.P. Notable Book Award. His book, Points North, is a non-fiction travel book published in 2019 by Modern History Press. It has received the Historical Society of Michigan's "Outstanding Michigan History Publication," along with the 2021 U.P. Notable Book Award. To learn more about Mikel B. Classen and to see more of his work, go to his website at www.mikelbclassen.com.
Review Quotes:
"The U.P. Reader has to be the best work of its kind in the Midwest. And, thankfully, it is based in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Not only does it provide a wonderful source for readers and scholars who are interested in the most intriguing piece of real estate in North America, it also serves as a well-designed forum for Upper Peninsula writers. Great job, Mikel. Keep up the good work!" --Michael Carrier, author of Murder on Sugar Island
"Funny, wise, or speculative, the essays, memoirs, and poems found in the pages of these profusely illustrated annuals are windows to the history, soul, and spirit of both the exceptional land and people found in Michigan's remarkable U.P. If you seek some great writing about the northernmost of the state's two peninsulas look around for copies of the U.P. Reader." And over the last six editions, it has earned a reputation as an anthology with high literary standards that offers readers a unique step inside the customs and character of the Upper Peninsula. --Tom Powers, Michigan in Books
"In addition to featuring stories from the U.P.'s most famous veteran writers, including Tyler Tichelaar, Larry Buege, Donna Winters, the U.P. Reader also showcases stories from the Dandelion Cottage Short Story Award. This contest honors the best writing from middle and high schools around the Upper Peninsula. Any child in grades 5 thru 12 living in the U.P. can enter -- including homeschooled students too. These young writers are not afraid of challenging topics, including suicidal thoughts or intimate partner abuse. But they are also as likely to go on flights of fancy such as a rip-roaring pirate story or a sci-fi spoof. Watch these kids, they will be the U.P.'s next generation of prolific and profound writers." --Victor R. Volkman, U.P. Book Review
"I was amazed by the variety of voices in this volume. U.P. Reader offers a little of everything, from short stories to nature poetry, fantasy to reality, Yooper lore to humor. I look forward to the next issue." -- Jackie Stark, editor, Marquette Monthly
"The U.P. Reader is a great collection of regional authors. The works range across the genre of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, along with some amazing photographs. It's well worth the few minutes each story takes to experience the richness of talent the U.P. has to offer. I am looking forward to the next issue and all that follows." -- Paulette Noble, author, Virtual Reality series