Reviews
Overtime: Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines at the Crossroads of College Football
by John U. Bacon
The author spent nearly a year with the Michigan football team during the 2018 season. From spring practices to the Peach Bowl Coach Harbaugh gave Bacon full access to the team from players, coaches, trainers, recruiters, and academic advisors, to equipment managers, nutritionists, strength coaches, and even players' parents. The result is the best book I've ever read about college football.
The book provides an interesting portrait of Jim Harbaugh who was hyper-competitive even in grade school and the readers get to know some of the players and learn why they picked U of M and how they benefitted from the program. The reader learns that the academic reputation of the University of Michigan played a major role in many of the players choosing U of M. When Harbaugh is asked to evaluate the team he always echoes his coach's (Schembechler) answer to that question by saying it is what the players achieve after ten or twenty years after graduating. Did his players become good fathers, were they respected in whatever job or career they choose, were they good husbands, and were they men of character? That belief is reflected in the Michigan football players who are confident that after spending four years being on the team they are ready to face any challenge.
The author has no respect for the NCAA as a governing body of college sports. He points out that when a southern university was caught steering its football players to sign up for fictitious, non-existent courses that were never held and for which the players received an A the NCAA
threatened to penalize the school. When the university argued that any student could have signed up for the fake courses the NCAA lifted its sanctions. Logically, Bacon argues that when a major basketball powerhouse was stripped of two NCAA championships because the coach supplied prostitutes to players they were recruiting, the sanctions would have been lifted if the coach had provided prostitutes to the entire student body.
Bacon also makes it clear that fans of college football are much more passionate about their team than NFL fans are about their hometown teams. This was not news to me because I have a daughter who graduated from U of M and comes close to sweating blood during the football season. Bacon has written a unique and revealing portrait of college football and just not a recapitulation of the season's games. Anyone who follows college football will find Bacon's book as engrossing as watching their team win a national championship. U of M fans will simply devour the book.
Overtime: Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines at the Crossroads of College Football by John U. Bacon. William Morrow, 2019, $28.99 hardback.
The book provides an interesting portrait of Jim Harbaugh who was hyper-competitive even in grade school and the readers get to know some of the players and learn why they picked U of M and how they benefitted from the program. The reader learns that the academic reputation of the University of Michigan played a major role in many of the players choosing U of M. When Harbaugh is asked to evaluate the team he always echoes his coach's (Schembechler) answer to that question by saying it is what the players achieve after ten or twenty years after graduating. Did his players become good fathers, were they respected in whatever job or career they choose, were they good husbands, and were they men of character? That belief is reflected in the Michigan football players who are confident that after spending four years being on the team they are ready to face any challenge.
The author has no respect for the NCAA as a governing body of college sports. He points out that when a southern university was caught steering its football players to sign up for fictitious, non-existent courses that were never held and for which the players received an A the NCAA
threatened to penalize the school. When the university argued that any student could have signed up for the fake courses the NCAA lifted its sanctions. Logically, Bacon argues that when a major basketball powerhouse was stripped of two NCAA championships because the coach supplied prostitutes to players they were recruiting, the sanctions would have been lifted if the coach had provided prostitutes to the entire student body.
Bacon also makes it clear that fans of college football are much more passionate about their team than NFL fans are about their hometown teams. This was not news to me because I have a daughter who graduated from U of M and comes close to sweating blood during the football season. Bacon has written a unique and revealing portrait of college football and just not a recapitulation of the season's games. Anyone who follows college football will find Bacon's book as engrossing as watching their team win a national championship. U of M fans will simply devour the book.
Overtime: Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines at the Crossroads of College Football by John U. Bacon. William Morrow, 2019, $28.99 hardback.
Upper Peculiar: Tales from Above the Bridge
by Joseph Heywood
Michigan readers can always count on Joseph Heywood for solid entertainment, captivating descriptions of the Upper Peninsula's natural setting and the character of the people who inhabit this unique and sparsely populated corner of America. Once again the author does not disappoint with this collection of short stories set in the U.P.
The stories range in time from World War II to the present with the WW II story initially set aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress on a training mission over Lake Superior when the crew is forced to bail out because of mechanical failures. The story focuses on the plane's tail gunner who is introduced to the Porcupine Mountains when his parachute becomes tangled in a tree and the airman finds himself hanging in his parachute harness from the top of a tree as evening falls and so does the temperature. Heywood's prose, as expected, is sharp, often memorable, and funny. Heywood treats the reader to sentences like, "Death was like graduating high school. You went through the door and never came back." Or, "The sky was the color of motor oil a thousand miles past a scheduled change."
The stories range from the dead man who was "not impressed" when he discovered heaven "seemed to be a dead ringer for the U. P." to the tale of a man who "mostly accidentally killed" his best friend. The short story "Moccasin Square Garden" introduces John Clash, Chief of Tribal Police and his friend and counterpart Houghton County Sheriff Nayar Sekhar. The pair team up to handle an explosive situation when a recently released convict is bent on mayhem and retribution. I'd like to see the duo featured in a novel.
Like all Heywood's books set in the Upper Peninsula, the latest is packed with marvelous characters and a wonderful feel for its unique setting. It is another gem from a prolific Michigan author and state treasure.
Upper Peculiar: Tales from Above the Bridge by Joseph Heywood, Lyons Press, 2019, $27.95.
The stories range in time from World War II to the present with the WW II story initially set aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress on a training mission over Lake Superior when the crew is forced to bail out because of mechanical failures. The story focuses on the plane's tail gunner who is introduced to the Porcupine Mountains when his parachute becomes tangled in a tree and the airman finds himself hanging in his parachute harness from the top of a tree as evening falls and so does the temperature. Heywood's prose, as expected, is sharp, often memorable, and funny. Heywood treats the reader to sentences like, "Death was like graduating high school. You went through the door and never came back." Or, "The sky was the color of motor oil a thousand miles past a scheduled change."
The stories range from the dead man who was "not impressed" when he discovered heaven "seemed to be a dead ringer for the U. P." to the tale of a man who "mostly accidentally killed" his best friend. The short story "Moccasin Square Garden" introduces John Clash, Chief of Tribal Police and his friend and counterpart Houghton County Sheriff Nayar Sekhar. The pair team up to handle an explosive situation when a recently released convict is bent on mayhem and retribution. I'd like to see the duo featured in a novel.
Like all Heywood's books set in the Upper Peninsula, the latest is packed with marvelous characters and a wonderful feel for its unique setting. It is another gem from a prolific Michigan author and state treasure.
Upper Peculiar: Tales from Above the Bridge by Joseph Heywood, Lyons Press, 2019, $27.95.
The Life of the Sleeping Bear: Views and Stories from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Jerry Peterson and Kathy Cole, editors
In 2011 ABC's Good Morning America ran a contest to select "The Most Beautiful Place in America." Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was voted #1. There is no better way to soak in the beauty, marvel at the grandeur, and learn about the natural and human history of this remarkable place than driving the seven-mile-long Pierce Stocking Drive and stopping at the 11 interpretive signs placed at significant points along the drive.
Produced by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, this book serves as an excellent in-depth guide to the national lakeshore by using the 11 interpretive stops on the scenic drive as the starting point for a much more detailed exploration of the geological and human history within the area. The brief but thorough human history began some 8,000 years ago with the arrival of prehistoric hunters. Logging, farming, and tourism are all covered and Pierce Stocking is given credit for helping preserve the land and began buying up acreage in the area when he foresaw the establishment of a national lakeshore. When the creation of the park was delayed he built a 14-mile road over and through the dunes as a tourist attraction. When the park came into being the first thought was to close the drive but instead, it was shortened to seven miles and paved. Stocking also opened dune buggy rides that operated from 1934 to 1978. I can still vividly remember my Sleeping Bear Dune Buggy ride from the mid-1950s.
Maritime history is especially interesting with an explanation of the Manitou Passage as a major shipping lane and a map showing the known final resting places of many of the 60 vessels lost in the area. Lighthouses and the U. S. Life-Saving Station are also covered. The authors also explain the creation of the 450-foot high perched dunes and the story of how the dunes received their name. The book also details safety precautions visitors need to take when climbing the dunes. The book is packed with contemporary and historical photographs, charts, and illustrations.
The book is a fine memento for your visit to the National Lakeshore and makes even a better guide for planning a visit. You will arrive with a better appreciation for "The Most Beautiful Place in America" and it will single-out not-to-be-missed points of interest and spots of breathtaking beauty. This beautiful book will make your exploration of Sleeping Bear Dunes even more memorable. The book can be found in bookstores or ordered direct from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes at https://lifeofthesleepingbear.com.
The Life of the Sleeping Bear: Views and Stories from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive edited by Jerry Peterson and Kathy Cole. Mission Point Press, 2019, $29.95, Limited Edition $34.95.
Maritime history is especially interesting with an explanation of the Manitou Passage as a major shipping lane and a map showing the known final resting places of many of the 60 vessels lost in the area. Lighthouses and the U. S. Life-Saving Station are also covered. The authors also explain the creation of the 450-foot high perched dunes and the story of how the dunes received their name. The book also details safety precautions visitors need to take when climbing the dunes. The book is packed with contemporary and historical photographs, charts, and illustrations.
The book is a fine memento for your visit to the National Lakeshore and makes even a better guide for planning a visit. You will arrive with a better appreciation for "The Most Beautiful Place in America" and it will single-out not-to-be-missed points of interest and spots of breathtaking beauty. This beautiful book will make your exploration of Sleeping Bear Dunes even more memorable. The book can be found in bookstores or ordered direct from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes at https://lifeofthesleepingbear.com.
The Life of the Sleeping Bear: Views and Stories from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive edited by Jerry Peterson and Kathy Cole. Mission Point Press, 2019, $29.95, Limited Edition $34.95.
The Words Between Us
by Erin Bartels
Robin Windsor, the owner of a small, and failing, used bookstore in a fictionalized Bay City wants nothing more than to remain invisible. Her father is on death row for corruption, extortion, and three highly publicized murders. Her mother is serving time for trying to help cover up her husband's crimes. Robin has taken an assumed name, has stopped all communication with her parents and wants nothing more than to be left alone and forgotten by the press and the public.
On the day her father was to be executed his lawyer wins a stay of execution and Robin receives a book in the mail that brings back painful memories. In succeeding days Robin receives more books which she fears may lead to her being identified and hounded by the press because of her father's notoriety and eminent execution. The arrival of the books splits the book's narrative into two storylines. One narrative returns Robin to her freshman year in high school and her relationship with senior Peter Flynt. Peter's mother was a book lover who died when he was much younger. As Robin and Peter's friendship grows Peter begins giving Robin his mother's favorite books to read. In payment for each book, Robin writes a poem about the book when she finishes it and gives the poem to Peter. When Robin is convinced Peter has betrayed her she leaves all the books on Peter's porch and flees to the U.P. to escape the press and her past life.
The other narrative follows Robin's efforts to save the failing bookstore and, fearing exposure as the daughter of a killer, she tries to emotionally come to grips with what she believes is her parents' betrayal. It is also troubling and mysterious why Peter, after nearly 20 years, is sending his mother's books back to Robin at the rate of one a day. The two narratives, past and present, ultimately intertwine as Robin struggles to find a way to live with her past, make a new life for herself, and deal with Peter's reemergence into her life. The novel is beautifully written and will surprise readers with several unexpected plot twists.
This second fine novel within a year by Erin Bartels of Lansing marks the debut of an important Michigan author. It is an engrossing story featuring believable characters dealing realistically with betrayal, forgiveness, redemption, the emotional and psychological power of words, love of books. and learning to be true to yourself.
The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels. Revell, 2019, $15.99 pb.edition.
Any of the books reviewed in this blog may be purchased by clicking your mouse on the book's cover which will take you to Amazon where you can usually purchase the book at a discount. By using this blog as a portal to Amazon and purchasing any product helps support Michigan in Books.
On the day her father was to be executed his lawyer wins a stay of execution and Robin receives a book in the mail that brings back painful memories. In succeeding days Robin receives more books which she fears may lead to her being identified and hounded by the press because of her father's notoriety and eminent execution. The arrival of the books splits the book's narrative into two storylines. One narrative returns Robin to her freshman year in high school and her relationship with senior Peter Flynt. Peter's mother was a book lover who died when he was much younger. As Robin and Peter's friendship grows Peter begins giving Robin his mother's favorite books to read. In payment for each book, Robin writes a poem about the book when she finishes it and gives the poem to Peter. When Robin is convinced Peter has betrayed her she leaves all the books on Peter's porch and flees to the U.P. to escape the press and her past life.
The other narrative follows Robin's efforts to save the failing bookstore and, fearing exposure as the daughter of a killer, she tries to emotionally come to grips with what she believes is her parents' betrayal. It is also troubling and mysterious why Peter, after nearly 20 years, is sending his mother's books back to Robin at the rate of one a day. The two narratives, past and present, ultimately intertwine as Robin struggles to find a way to live with her past, make a new life for herself, and deal with Peter's reemergence into her life. The novel is beautifully written and will surprise readers with several unexpected plot twists.
This second fine novel within a year by Erin Bartels of Lansing marks the debut of an important Michigan author. It is an engrossing story featuring believable characters dealing realistically with betrayal, forgiveness, redemption, the emotional and psychological power of words, love of books. and learning to be true to yourself.
The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels. Revell, 2019, $15.99 pb.edition.
Any of the books reviewed in this blog may be purchased by clicking your mouse on the book's cover which will take you to Amazon where you can usually purchase the book at a discount. By using this blog as a portal to Amazon and purchasing any product helps support Michigan in Books.
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