'Mystic Michigan' book series has a TV pilot

For fans of the mysterious (and regional!), Mark Jager has just released a TV pilot for Mystic Michigan, based on the eponymous series of books that delve into the weird and cryptic aspects of our state. The pilot is free and easy to watch on Youtube at this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J_dRg51rbtM

It kicks off with an exploration of the Portland Cement Company’s abandoned company town in Lake County, central Lower Peninsula, just north of the old resort area of Idlewild. The production values are excellent, and the show has no shortage of interesting historical facts too!

And if enjoy the music in the pilot, it was written and performed by the band Starboard Quest - more of their work can be heard at https://starboardquest.com/music-videos

We try and keep Jager’s books in stock at the Canterbury, so come check them out the next time you stop in!

-Jesse

1st Annual U.P. Notable Books List and Virtual Book Club with Authors

U.P. Publishers & Authors Association Announces 1st Annual U.P. Notable Books List

According to Mikel Classen (Sault Ste. Marie), UPPAA Publications Chair, this Notable Books List is in response to the lack in some Michigan literary circles of representation of U.P. writers . Classen said, “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.”

http://www.upnotable.com/2020/04/02/announcing-1st-annual-u-p-notable-books-list/

There will be a virtual book club covering several books from the UP Notable Books List that are by UP authors or that are written about the UP. Eight of the authors from the Notable Books List have agreed to do a Zoom talk with readers about their book. This web link will tell you how to join the club which started earlier in January and will continue through August. Order and buy the books through Canterbury Book Store, or check them out from your local library. Then meet with the author and other readers monthly to discuss the book. The schedule is shown below. Please note that ALL events start at 6:00PM Central Time

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne Tuesday, 19 January 2021 **already past**

Three Fires Unity: The Anishnaabeg of Lake Huron Borderlands by Phil Bellfy Thursday, 11 February 2021 Out by John Smolens Thursday, 11 March 2021

Cady and the Bear Necklace by Ann Dallman Thursday, 08 April 2021

Murder on Sugar Island (Getting to Know Jack Book 2) by Michael Carrier Thursday, 13 May 2021

Camera Hunter: George Shiras III and the Birth of Wildlife Photography by James H. McCommons Thursday, 10 June 2021

Lake Superior Tales: Stories of Humor and Adventure by Mikel B. Classen Thursday, 08 July 2021

Go Find! My Journey to Find the Lost—and Myself by Susan Purvis Thursday, 12 August 2021

Developing the Habit of Reading

While some folks just have a seemingly innate love of reading and either pick up a book as often as possible or even carry one with them for any chance to open it up, others want to read more but just don’t seem to be able to get into the habit.

Reading for enjoyment sometimes comes in waves, especially during school years when you have to read so much for your classes. Sometimes the addition of new responsibilities edges out the time you once spent reading.

Whatever the case, if you want to read more and aren’t doing so, this article: https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-make-a-daily-habit-of-reading-more-books can help you work it back into your schedule. It talks about motivation, practice, perseverance, enjoyment, and fulfillment. Some favorite quotes from the article follow.

“…although TV and video games of course offer escapism, there’s nothing quite like devouring the pages of a beautiful novel, sitting quietly in one place while letting words transport you to another. Screens show you what’s happening; novels, by contrast, construct those fictions within your mind, allowing you to become anyone, and go anywhere.”

How many times have you been reading a captivating story only to look up and realize you’ve lost track of time and where you are? I know I have done so. I’ve read books in the middle of summer that are set in snowy, winter landscapes and felt the chill or books involving intense action and suspense and realized I’ve been holding my breath. Reading truly does transport a person.

“People who read literary fiction in particular tend to be better at reading others’ emotions and have greater moral sensitivity, possibly due to their simulation of the lives of complex characters; and reading nonfiction will increase your knowledge and broaden your mind.”

Who of us hasn’t teared up while reading about someone’s struggles or heartbreak. There are certain books I have trouble reading aloud because I get too choked up. On another note, I find the quote to inspire hope - that if we can encourage our youth to read good literary fiction, we can help them become good at reading emotions and being more morally sensitive. I feel that this world could use more sensitive, compassionate, empathetic people.

If you need to purchase some books to get your reading habit, or that of your kids, off to a great start - stop by the bookstore - you might find something just right, or we can order a book for you.

Digital Inventory updated!

We recently finished doing an inventory of all books currently in stock, and have updated our digital inventory spreadsheet that we have hosted on this site! It can be accessed by the tab in the upper right corner, or by this link below:

https://canterburybookstore.com/digital-inventory

As we sell out of books, this list will gradually go out of date, but we’ll try and update it periodically. Additionally, if a book doesn’t appear on this list, and is still in print, we can almost always order in a copy for you. Provided you’re not in a rush, there is no extra charge for this!

New Year - New Challenge

When contemplating the new year, many people like to take on a new challenge. While looking through some ideas for reading or book challenges, I came across this one. It involves reading 52 books in 52 weeks (better get crackin’ since we’re part way through the first week), but it has a twist. Each week you are also challenged to find a book with the described theme or feature.

If you have decided to try this challenge, do jot down the various titles and which theme/feature they satisfy - it may be something we can suggest to other willing readers!

As always, if we don’t have a book you are looking for, we can generally order it for you! Some of our staff are also avid readers and good at recommending books.

Cheers to a new year and a new challenge - Be well - Read Books! MK

Last day for special orders to arrive before Christmas is Fri., Dec. 11

If there is a specific title you would like before Christmas, please call or email us with your order by noon this Friday, Dec. 11. Of course, if you don't mind when your book arrives, we're open for special orders anytime, per usual!

And if you don't feel comfortable leaving your home at the moment, we are still happy to ship, deliver, or do curbside pickup; whatever we can make work to keep you safe.

Winter Island - the latest mystery from Jim Nelson - now available!

Jim Nelson’s latest mystery novel Winter Island is now here at the Canterbury! An excellent book to start with if you’re new to Nelson’s writing, or if you’re a long time fan, another great addition to his bibliography. A description from Nelson himself:

”After the tragic death of his wife during a robbery at his Chicago condo, mystery author Eric Ballard accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law to spend time in the small town of Red Cedar Cove. Eric’s hoping the new atmosphere away from memories of Claire will be the incentive he needs to write again.

When a young boy’s dog digs up a human bone on an island just off the shore of Lake Michigan, whispers of what happened to two girls who disappeared twenty years before begin to circulate.

On the other side of town, Cheryl Foster seeks answers about her past. When the results of her DNA kit point to the most prominent family in Red Cedar Cove, Cheryl’s not prepared for the reaction she receives when she starts asking questions.

Eric is soon in the middle of two real-life murder mysteries-mysteries that make his books seem tame by comparison. Will he be able to unravel all of the clues before more lives are lost?”

Closed for Labor Day, Monday Sept. 7th

Hello All! In observance of Labor Day, we will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We hope everyone enjoys the holiday!

'The Wicked Sister' - New Release

If you enjoyed 'The Marsh King's Daughter', check out the latest release from Karen Dionne: 'The Wicked Sister'! Now in stock at the Canterbury!