Summers at the Lake

"Much can be learned about life in the U.P. and about the enjoyable places to visit by reading this book. The placement of the importance of rituals and the simple life resonated throughout the book. Stott clearly delineated what it was like to ride his bike on country roads, paddle a canoe and swim laps on a scenic lake, visit local establishments, examine wildlife, and explore historical landmarks. The reader will be encouraged to explore the wonders of the U.P. while dipping their toes into the everyday experiences of life near Crooked Lake." --Sharon Brunner, U.P. Book Review

"Jon C. Stott delightfully described the many joys of lakeside living with the unchanging activities of summer. Deb Le Blanc's many photographs are stunning, enriching the text. Readers will feel like they are right there at the cabin next to the author. Stott says calendars are not required; just note the active fly type until summer is over and time has flown. Excerpts from the author's father's published writings show how lakeside living was the same for several generations that spent summers at the lake. Often locals will not reveal where their prized blueberry picking spot is, but we find out where the author found his. Famous poets and authors are quoted concerning flowers and typical sightings of the Upper Peninsula. Encounters with hummingbirds, loons, blue herons, and ducks are recounted. Dealing with older appliances, including televisions, meant adventures with fire and explosions. Lakeside clothing such as printed T-shirts, beekeepers' hats, and treasures are sorted according to events. Read about when Stott paddled his canoe four centuries into the past on a quiet morning. Take a trip back into the summers of your childhood and reminisce as you read. Nostalgic, melancholic memories. Anything but boring! " --Carolyn Wilhelm, MA, Midwest Book Review

"Stott has an accessible voice in his writing, blending his sense of humor with beautiful descriptions of the UP. He has a fantastic ability to pull his readers into the scene he's creating and make it feel larger than life. Each essay feels like a conversation with someone, and the decision to include older articles from his father was a wonderful choice as well. Being able to see the ways that the area developed and see the perspectives of generations was a great way to show the enduring interest in this region. I thoroughly enjoyed the vignette Paper Boy and the chapter Avian Encounters. I think Stott's humor and lyricism really shine in these sections, showcasing his skill as a writer. Stott presents these slices of life with atmospheric descriptions, remaining informative without overpowering the reader with information. I thought it was a nice touch to include the traditional names of Native Tribes in the UP area first as well. The thorough nature of his memory and research is quite apparent throughout this work. Readers of travelogues and happy memoirs will find lots to love about this collection. I highly recommend Summers at the Lake: Upper Michigan Moments and Memories by Jon C. Stott." --Leslie Anne Smith for Reader Views