Let’s close our eyes – and listen.

Listen to the call of the birds, the sounds of crickets; listen to the voices of the children singing. It is early morning; you are feeding grain to the black and white Holsteins, behind North Bessemer School.

In “Pictured Life”, the lives of Dutch, Finns, Norwegians, and Swedes – Upper Peninsula’s immigrants are revealed. This story takes the reader through family struggles and toils; shining a spotlight on the schools, barns, and homes of magnificent architecture within the astonishing sights of nature in Northern and Upper Michigan.

The stories of immigrants reveal almost insurmountable challenges, but the families persevered. The pain of loss will be impressed upon you. The reader will also see many connections at every level between the immigrants and themselves.

“Pictured Life – And True Stories from Northern and Upper Michigan”, consists of 350 photos encircled by connective life stories that give sentiment to perseverance, challenges, and the love of family of the first immigrants. It reveals a community that finds beauty in nature and strength in each other.

I couldn’t put “The Next Person You Meet In Heaven” down. It is very suspenseful and interesting.

It was so great being able to meet the author, Mitch Albom, and getting my book signed at the Barnes and Noble in Shelby Township. I loved hearing Mr. Albom talk a little bit about the book before the signing.

I look forward to reading this book again before our book club meeting in September.