The 29th annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards were held on May 18, 2017. The Thursday evening festivities began with a book fair, wine/beer cash bar, and refreshment reception in the Kirby Ballroom from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and continued with the awards presentation at 6:30. The celebration's featured speaker was nature writer Larry Weber, author of 14 books, including Butterflies of the North Woods, Spiders of the North Woods, Fascinating Fungi of the North Woods, and Backyard Almanac.
This event was free and open to the public. View photos of the Book Fair and the Awards ceremony.
Nominations were evaluated in six categories: (1) Fiction, (2) Poetry, (3) Art, Photography, (4) Children's Literature, (5) Memoir, and (6) Nonfiction.Reading teams chose a winner and an honorable mention in each category. The winners each received a $200 cash prize. The winning author and the honorable mention received a beveled glass award as well as 100 NEMBA book seals.
NOTE: Nominations for the 30th NEMBA, honoring books published in 2017, will be accepted beginning November 1, 2017.
Listed below are the honorable mention and winners in each category with descriptions written by the reading teams:
Winner in Fiction
Wintering
Wintering book cover
by Peter Geye published by Alfred A. Knopf
This beautifully written book centers on an epic father-son journey into the vast northern wilderness in the dead of winter, but also tells a bigger story—of a divided family, a town’s complicated history, and a feud that spans generations. Geye’s writing somehow evokes the peace of the northern wilderness while also providing a gripping plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end.
Honorable Mention in Fiction
The Tao of Nookomis Book Cover
The Tao of Nookomis
by Thomas D. Peacock published by North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.
This beautiful collection of stories explores various aspects of Native American life on tribal lands bordering Lake Superior. Sad and touching, yet hopeful, the mostly modern day tales (with some mythical themes thrown in for good measure) weave together recurring characters and themes throughout the book to create a sort of tapestry of reservation life. The reader learns that we can be, and should seek out, the great teachers in our lives: family, elders, or life itself.
Winner in Poetry
The Sky Watched: Poems of Ojibwe Lives
sky watched book cover
by Linda LeGarde Grover published by Red Mountain Press
Linda LeGarde Grover weaves together spiritual and personal stories in both Ojibwe and English. The intertwined accounts in narrative prose reflect the interconnectedness of the experiences; “a continuing song,” as LeGarde Grover states on the last page. These stories and the format in which LeGarde Grover tells them are gripping, and The Sky Watched is an important read for all who consider Northeast Minnesota home.
Honorable Mention in Poetry
Meridian book cover
Meridian
by Mark Maire published by Codhill Press
Meridian is a poetic journey, encouraging readers to go within and to embrace the nuanced emotions and thoughts that we harbor. Maire leads readers into the mindful nature of marshes, rock cliffs, and blue skies. In a world that is chaotic, aggressive, and complicated, Meridian is our chance to pause mid-sentence and gaze at colors with amazement and quietness.
Winner in Art, Photography
Glensheen: The Official Guide to Duluth's Historic Congdon Estate
by Tony Dierckins, photography by Dennis O'Hara
published by Zenith City Press
Numerous current and historic photographs guide the reader on a detailed tour of Minnesota's most famous mansion and estate grounds. The book tells the story of the Congdon family and how Chester Congdon built the fortune that financed this grand home on Lake Superior s North Shore. The reading team members commented that all of them would like to have a copy of this book sitting on their coffee table. It beautifully represents a visitor’s experience at Glensheen and lets the visitor take a piece of Duluth home.
Honorable Mention in Art, Photography
In and Out of Context
by Tim White with excerpts from 21 Northland writers
published by Tight Squeek Press
In Tim White’s first published book of photographs, he collaborates with 21 local poets, songwriters, and prose artists, to pose the photographs and writings “in a mutual relation, like passers-by whose gazes meet.” Mr. White does a marvelous job of connecting Duluth writers and poets with photographs. The positioning of Northland writers with photographs of the region is unique.
Winner in Children's Literature
One North Star: A Counting Book
by Phyllis Root illustrated by Betsy Bowen and Beckie Prange published by University of Minnesota Press
Through bog and marsh, along river and lake, across prairie and woods, readers learn what creatures live where by counting them on foot or in flight, swimming or perching or taking root in exquisite illustrations created by Beckie Prange and Betsy Bowen in an artistic collaboration. For those looking for more about the pictured wildlife, Phyllis Root includes fascinating facts and information on the state's ecosystems and the plants and animals that make their homes here.
Honorable Mention in Children's Literature
Storm's Coming!
by Margi Preus illustrated by David Geister published by Minnesota Historical Society Press
Take a step back in time and experience life at Split Rock Lighthouse through a child's eyes. Will Sophie reach Papa in time to alert him of the changing weather? And will the lighthouse be ready to guide nearby ships as the sky darkens and rain begins to fall?
Winner in Memoir
Homemade: Finnish Rye, Feed Sack Fashion, and Other Simple Ingredients from My Life in Food
by Beatrice Ojakangas published by University of Minnesota Press
“Peaches” recounts stories of her life, in chapters paired with recipes that mark important events and relationships. She uses humor and acquired wisdom in describing her youth growing up as part of a rural Finnish community, her college days, and the origins of her successful career as a cook, author, and restauranteur. Marriage and family offered new cooking experiences and recipes. Her memoir describes a resourceful life filled with resilience and creativity.
Honorable Mention in Memoir
The Contemplative Paddler's Fireside Companion
by Timothy McDonnell published by North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.
This book will appeal to any paddler, wanderer, or dreamer with a love for the wild, particularly the canoe country of the Boundary Waters, Canada, and the Big Lake. Timothy McDonnell shares stories of his journeys and explorations with wonder, gratitude, and introspection.
Winner in Nonfiction
What Should A Clever Moose Eat? Natural History, Ecology, and the North Woods
by John Pastor published by Island Press
John Pastor offers a profound and intriguing conversation about the biological history of our unique area of the world. He paints vistas of the complexity of life in the woods, bogs, and lakes of Northern Minnesota, offering the experience of a biologist with the heart of a conservationist. Readers will discover a wonderful new appreciation for this wonderful biome we call home.
Honorable Mention in Nonfiction
Jay Cooke State Park to Two Harbors: A Walking Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail
by Ron Morton and Judy Gibbs published by Rockflower Press
A Walking Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail is the perfect companion for exploring the natural beauty and history of the North Shore. Gibbs and Morton employ a subtle wit, extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, and attention to detail that will delight day-trippers and through-hikers alike.
