A book review, and other woodsy book suggestions

 

Hi Readers!

 

Grab your snowshoes! It’s time to go traipsing through the Maine woods! Or maybe just stay in, and delve into these Maine outdoor books, instead. Much warmer.

Spring? Hello, Spring? I think the line is dead.

 

 

 

Life and Death in the North Woods: The Story of the Maine Game Warden Service

life and death

By Eric Wight, published by DownEast Books in 2014. This book was originally published in 1985 by DeLorme Publishing Company.

Eric Wight, a Maine Game Warden for over twenty-two years, recounts experiences that he and other wardens have had during their careers in this arboreous anthology. A light read, Life and Death in the North Woods would make a decent companion on your weekend hike.

If you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat read, this isn’t it. Rather, imagine a written version of your grandfather’s tales; The “When I was your age”, and the “back in the day” type of stories that Eric has clearly aimed at the baby boomer generation.

I think it’s important to point out that none of these stories have been revised or updated in any way – no recent stories were added. To me, it’s fairly obvious that “North Woods Law” had at least a small hand in the reprinting. For those who are unfamiliar, “North Woods Law” is an Animal Planet series about The Maine Game Wardens and their work around the state. Quite fun to watch, actually.

On occasion, I found myself rereading some of the humorous stories – the punch line wasn’t always obvious. The entire chapter about aviation history wasn’t exactly a page-turner either. Regardless, Wight’s passion for his career has shone through. Anyone with an affinity for Maine’s outdoors will probably enjoy his regaling.

 

Overall, Life and Death in the North Woods earned a solid 3 out of 5 bookmarks.

 

Looking for other camp-out books?

 

we took to the woods

We Took To The Woods

By Louise Dickinson Rich, published by DownEast Books in 2007. Originally published in 1942.

In this 1940’s memoir, Louise and her husband, well, took to the woods. Leaving their “city” life behind, they venture to the remote woods of Maine. They discover their love of nature – and themselves – along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

suddenly the cider

Suddenly, the Cider didn’t Taste so Good by John Ford. Published in April 2012 by Islandport Press.

 

John Ford also recounts his Maine Game Warden days. Witty and humorous, Ford is a fantastic storyteller. Bringing a real down-home comfort, you can’t help but be nostalgic of your own campfire days. Ford’s second book This Cider Still Tastes Funny! is also available.

 

 

 

Happy Reading!

 

Sarah Giles

About Sarah Giles

I'm a mother of two, living in the outskirts of Hampden, Maine. I'm passionate about books, and living a family-focused life. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teen - a neurological sleep disorder that keeps me awake at night, and tired throughout the day. I've comfortably coupled my disorder with my love of books. Who doesn't love books and napping together?