Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
Ordinarily Aroostook people think of the Maine Coast as beaches, fishing with docks and boats galore, and craggy rocks splashed by tides and waves, rarely remembering there are wild areas with deer, raccoons, coyotes, very old trees and people who want to preserve these, plus marshes, dirt roads, quiet spaces.
Susan Hand Shetterly in her neat little book, “Settled In the Wild” presents short chapters on her life and thoughts, feelings and experiences, wishes and hopes.
“Notes from the edge of town” is gentle, persuasive, realistic, and invokes images to prove her points. Imagine your pet dog being caught in a trap intended for a coyote, watching the rapid growth of wild (though transplanted) turkeys, adopting a hurt raven, getting stuck in marsh mud and nearly losing your shoes.
Years ago in a workshop this reader had met Susan and her husband and for reasons unknown, the memory stayed with me: her speaking and his artwork. Divorced now and with their two children grown, Susan writes fiction and nonfiction for several magazines.
This is an easy read and without preaching makes one aware of what we have before it becomes part of just another paved road for mansions, big box stores and whatever. Once it is gone, it is likely gone forever and the children will lose vital lessons only nature can offer. Look up this delight in the Maine Collection of Cary Library- you’ll be glad you did.
The Cary Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
