Welcome to Elmwood Springs

Fannie Flagg, celebrated author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-Stop Café, charms readers again with her new book—The Whole Town’s Talking.  She tells the history of a tiny town in Missouri founded by Swedish dairy farmer Lordor Nordstrom and his mail-order bride Katrina. Nordstrom and the other early settlers were definitely far-sighted when they started Elmwood Springs in the 1800’s. They even dedicated a lovely quiet spot for the town cemetery--Still Meadows. The book takes us from the town's early days up to the current time, noting how things change yet also stay the same. If you enjoy simple things, this sweet tale of generational life in small-town USA is great. DB

Michigan Misfits

If you enjoy history and are intrigued with the Wild West, check out Michigan Rogues,  Desperados & Cut-throats: A Gallery of 19th Century Miscreants by Tom Powers. The lumbering era in Michigan bred some rough characters. Every area seemed to have its share of crooks and thieves. The stories are real tales of life on the Michigan frontier.

Some of the stand-outs include a pirate, a train robber and an ogre from the U.P. Truth is stranger than fiction!  DB

Thumbs Up!

For some fun facts about the “Mitten” state—especially the thumb area, pick up Michigan’s Thumb Drive by Michael J. Thorpe. He takes you on an informative ride around M-25—the Blue Water Highway. You’ll find out about town names, settlers, historic sites and the Great Fire of 1881. Beer, cheeseburgers and sugar beets play a big part in this regional adventure. Happy travels! DB