LANSING (AP) — The Library of Michigan has announced 20 new notable books celebrating Michigan people, places and events.
The 2014 list covers topics such as Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, a hurricane and Chief Pontiac’s Rebellion.
The annual Michigan Notable Books list features 20 books published in the previous calendar year that are about Michigan or the region. It includes an anthology of Michigan poetry, a work on the deadly Great Lakes hurricane of 1913, a collection of articles studying the Great Lakes sturgeon and a book highlighting the joys of baking and eating pies.
Other 2014 books focus on the racial divide in Detroit, Henry Ford, Flint residents, and a Detroit-area band’s life on the road.
Worthwhile books about Michigan are written year after year, according to State Librarian Nancy Robertson.
“The Michigan Notable Books Program helps to show what is great about the Great Lakes State,” Robertson said in a statement. “It is amazing to see the quality of books that are written focusing on Michigan year after year.
“Each year the program helps to tell Michigan’s complete story through the voices of talented historians, creative writers, illustrators, essayists and poets. These creative voices are all around us in our communities. We just need to take a little time to find them and to recognize their value. Reading is more important than ever. This list helps to steer people to the good stuff.”
The books show a “wonderful variety of character, tone and flavors that are purely Michigan,” said state schools Superintendent Mike Flanagan.
“Michigan is rich in talented writers, history, and resources,” Flanagan said. “This year’s Notable Books appeal to people of all ages and will continue to build a culture of reading here in Michigan.”
The Michigan Notable Books program began in 1991 as part of the Michigan Week celebration.
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See full list of 2014 Michigan notable books online: http://bit.ly/Kr1gby.
