What's happening: Ten stories created and published by Upper Peninsula authors were included in the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association’s 2025 Notable Books List. A wide range of titles including non-fiction and fiction work for various age and skill levels, the list celebrates 10 works that are considered “essential reading” for every bibliophile who loves the Upper Peninsula.
The books include: “To Be Marquette: A Novel” by Sharon Dilworth, “Animals Out-There W-I-L-D: A Bestiary in English and ASL Gloss” by Raymond Luczak, “Make It Go in the Snow: People and Ideas in the History of Snowmobiles” by Larry Jorgensen, “Limpy’s Adult Lexicon: Raw, Politically Incorrect, Improper & Unexpurgated As Overheard & Noodled” by Joseph Heywood, “Memories of a Mackinac Island Native: Life on the Island from 1940s to 2020s” by Tom Chambers, “How to Hike the North Country Trail: Not Quite a Guide” by Joan H. Young, “The Story of Journey: The Great Horned Owl” by Carol L. Schultz, “The Last Huck: A Novel” by J.D. Austin, “Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye” by Nikki Mitchell and “Michigan Indian Boarding School Survivors Speak Out: A Narrative History” by Sharon Marie Brunner.
What is the UPPAA: The Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association is a non-profit dedicated to supporting writers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts across the Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1998, the organization promotes the region’s literary community by offering resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs. Through its efforts, the association highlights the unique culture and history of the Upper Peninsula while encouraging literary engagement and promoting local authors and their work with events like workshops, conferences, and partnerships with libraries, schools, and book clubs.
What they're saying: “Traditionally, recognition of Michigan books has been dominated by the university presses downstate, and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight literature that focuses closer to home for us,” Mikel Classen, chairman of the association's Notable Books.
What's next: The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association and the Crystal Falls District Library will co-sponsor the U.P. Notable Book Club. Meeting monthly through Zoom, the group hosts discussions with bestselling authors of U.P. Notable books. Events feature author readings, insights into the book's creation, and a live Q & A. The next meeting is scheduled for February 13, with a full year-long calendar to be released soon.
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