Midwest Book Review on Raymond Luczak’s Compassion Michigan

The Literary Fiction Shelf

Raymond Luczak
Modern History Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9627
9781615995288, $33.95, HC, 200pp
Synopsis: Doesn’t history matter anymore? Could we still have compassion for others who don’t share our views? Encompassing some 130 years in Ironwood’s history, “Compassion, Michigan: The Ironwood Stories” by Raymond Luczak (who is a Yooper native, and either the author or the editor of 24 books — including Flannelwood) illuminates characters struggling to adapt to their circumstances starting in the present day, with its subsequent stories rolling back in time to when Ironwood was first founded.
As an author with a genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling skill set that keeps the readers total and rapt attention to what they are reading, author Raymond Lucazk has created an impressive body of work with “Compassion, Michigan: The Ironwood Stories”
These are deftly crafted and engaging stories about what does it mean to live in a small town (so laden with its glory day reminiscences) against the stark economic realities of today:
  • A Deaf woman, born into a large, hearing family, looks back on her turbulent relationship with her younger, hearing sister.
  • A gas station clerk reflects on Stella Draper, the woman who ran an ice cream parlor only to kill herself on her 33rd birthday.
  • A devout mother has a crisis of faith when her son admits that their priest molested him.
  • A bank teller, married to a soldier convicted of treason during the Korean War, gradually falls for a cafeteria worker.
  • A young transgender man, with a knack for tailoring menswear, escapes his wealthy Detroit background for a chance to live truly as himself in Ironwood.
  • When a handsome single man is attracted to her, a popular schoolteacher enters into a marriage of convenience only to wonder if she’s made the right decision.

Raymond Luczak, author of Compassion, Michigan

Critique: The twin roles of the literary short story are to entertain and to provoke thought. As an author with a genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling skill set that keeps the readers total and rapt attention to what they are reading, author Raymond Lucazk has created an impressive body of work with “Compassion, Michigan: The Ironwood Stories”. While especially and unreservedly recommended for both community and college/university library Contemporary American Literary Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that “Compassion, Michigan: The Ironwood Stories” is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781615995271, $21.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.95).

Editorial Note: Raymond Luczak is a Yooper native, is the author and editor of 24 books, including Flannelwood.

Doggone Honeymoon - Book #5 [PB]

SKU 978-1-61599-848-7
$18.95
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-848-7
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Diane Wing
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 10/01/2024

In Doggone Honeymoon, newlyweds Autumn and Lieutenant Ray Reed's romantic getaway quickly turns into a chilling mystery when a lifeless body interrupts their Pocono Mountains tranquil retreat. With their loyal canine companions, Chrissy and Ace, by their side, they find themselves swept into a riveting murder investigation. As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, Autumn and Ray must navigate treacherous terrain - not only in the scenic mountains but also within the relationships of those living in the small town of Stroudsburg. Will they uncover the truth behind the ominous discovery at the dock, or will the shadows lurking in this idyllic setting threaten to shatter the community? Join Autumn, Ray, Chrissy, and Ace in this gripping tale of love, loyalty, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

BONUS: "Recipes Inspired by the Tall Tree Inn", "Book Club Questions", and a reprint of the debut book chapter!

"Together, Ray and Autumn face recent crises when a missing person situation becomes a complex series of mysteries and whodunnits. A bit of honeymoon sweet stuff and a whole lot of craziness-and, of course, Chrissy and Ace: their majestic and fabulous pet companions." --Molly G. Hamblin

"I really enjoyed meeting new characters and following the plot twists. Whenever a new character was introduced, I thought, "Oh, he/she is the killer!" only to find out I was wrong. I also suspected a few innocent characters and was truly surprised when the true murderer was revealed. I highly recommend this cute, cozy mystery." -Terri Chalmers, New Jersey

"I absolutely love Doggone Honeymoon, the fifth installment in Diane Wing's cozy mystery series. Grab a cup of tea, a soft blanket and set aside a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the suspenseful, jaw-dropping, intriguing plot twist with the lovable, huggable characters of Autumn, Chrissy, Ray and Ace." --Annette Sadelson, Maryland

"A killer is loose at Moonlight Lake. Diane Wing takes her Chrissy's Mysteries series to new heights in Doggone Honeymoon, a fresh and highly entertaining read with twists and turns that will surprise and confound even the most experienced reader's inner sleuth." --Maxine Ashcraft, California

Book #5 in the Chrissy the Shih Tzu Mysteries

Save this product for later
Share this product with your friends
Doggone Honeymoon - Book #5 [PB]

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.