If you like to know the history of placenames, this is a great book. I lived in North Dakota for 15 years and first heard about such a field of study from Greek teacher at the University of North Dakota. This book, written by an amatuer, is clearly a labor of love and the definitive one in its field. All the minutiae are in it. Good job all around. And the pictures are wonderful.

Northern D'lights is a collection of humorous short stories about the rigors of growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the 1940's. Even today the Upper Peninsula is viewed by most as a strange, wonderful, and sparsly populated area. But it was even more so when Jerry was growing up in the pre-WWII era. In Northern D'Lights Jerry Harju has recreated the events that happened to him and characters he met during that time. You will enjoy each character and story! So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

It's a great book, good descriptions, easy to use and concise. It tells you everything you need to know about the trails of northern Michigan.

In the introduction to his book "Northern Reflections", Jerry Harju reveals that it's a book about growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the 1940's and is perhaps most appreciated by those who can identify with that.

While I'm familiar with Upper Michigan and its culture, I did not grow up in the 40's, and still found plenty of good reading here.

If you're new to reading humorous books (as I am), I recommend this one as a great place to start. It's an easy read, comprised of short chapters, each its own story, so you can pick it up, read a chapter, and come back for more later as time permits.

The author's humor has a wonderful way of sneaking up on a person. And just when I thought it couldn't get any funnier, I'd start the next chapter, and before I knew it, I'd find myself doubled over with even greater helpless laughter! Teens may appreciate it, too. From a first job, to dating, to his first car, Jerry covers it all, against the backdrop of small-town life in the rugged climate of northern Michigan.

"Yoopers" (as U.P.'ers are known), especially, should appreciate it; but even if you're not a Yooper, there's still lots to laugh about.

This book contains an outstanding pictorial history of Novi. From it's origins as a farming community to the present day, it covers it all. Factual, enjoyable and entertaining. The authors obviously spent a great deal of time searching out just the right photos, and did their homework to describe each.

Well done.

State Parks listed alphabetically. Each includes camping, fishing, hiking, day trips, and much more. A map shows where in Ohio each park is. Very comprehensive. There are some phone numbers that have out dated area codes. Great resource.

I grew up in Ohio but returned recently for an extended visit and wanted to explore some places I had never been. I used this book as my guide and was delighted to find so many beautiful and interesting places as as result.

Many people outside of Ohio see it as a boring, gray state; the place where Alcoholics Anonymous and the Professional Bowlers Association originated... Well, Ian Adams (photographer) and Stephen Ostrander (writer) of "Ohio: A Bicentennial Portrait" prove that the Buckeye State offers so much more! "Ohio: A Bicentennial Portrait" walks you through the state's backyards and byways, highlighting its history and bucolic splendor. Chapters covering flowers, public art, schools, farms, seasons and other such architectural, agricultural, and natural wonders are touched upon by Ostrander's interesting prose and are massaged by Adams' delicious photography.

Stephen Ostrander's writing is straightforward and interesting. He did his homework and has added depth to what could have simply been just another art book. While his stories and facts are intriguing, you won't be able to keep your fingers from turning to the photos.

Adams' work (which graces one of the U.S. post office's newest 37-cent stamps) is a wonder to behold. The variety and texture of his photographs highlight his love for nature via majestic panoramas and tender close-ups. This book is yet another succulent chapter in his photographic career.

"Ohio: A Bicentennial Portrait" is the perfect gift for those friends, family and co-workers who have yet to see Ohio's silver lining. It is the perfect antidote for a gray day anywhere. It is a must, not just for your coffee table, but also for your desk, your nightstand, and your life. I highly recommend that you get two copies of this masterpiece - you WILL want one for yourself.

I have been a fan of Ian Adams' work ever since I picked up "The Ohio Lands" over six years ago. It was one of the first gifts I gave to my then-fiancée (my now-wife). I'm not saying that she married me because of it, but it certainly convinced her that I was sensitive, artistic, and proud of my state. We have since given most of our out-of-state friends his work (and many of them have picked up additional copies to share). Adams' work can also be found in: "The Holden Arboretum," "Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens" and "Midwest Landscape Design." They are all works of art.

Finally someone has truly captured the flavor and essence of the Sooner State! I have been waiting for a book like this one for a very long time. The combination of poignant text and stunning photographs is a one-two punch that really delivers. Thanks so much for giving us this wonderful book!

This really is a great book, it really goes farther than many depression era historical books to put you into the situations faced by those living "below the standard".

If you want to feel the depression Grapes of Wrath style first hand, I know of no better book