Feb. 4, 2005

The Library of Michigan today announced the list of 2005 Michigan Notable Books (formerly known as Read Michigan).  According to acting State Librarian Nancy Robertson, this year’s crop of titles covers the spectrum and is certain to appeal to fans of all genres.

“Michigan and the Great Lakes have been home to many compelling events that have had social, emotional and historical impact,” said Robertson.  “The titles on this year’s Michigan Notable Books list give readers the chance to see that some of the best storytelling happens right here at home.”

Each year’s Michigan Notable Books list features 20 books published the previous calendar year that are about or set in Michigan or on the Great Lakes or written by a native or resident of Michigan.  Selections, which include nonfiction and fiction titles, typically have a wide appeal to the audience and cover a range of topics and issues important to Michigan residents.

Said author Ingrid Hill, whose work is included in this year’s Michigan Notable selections, “In high school … it was reading Hemingway that ignited this passion in me, and to my mind, Hemingway's Michigan was as romantic as Hemingway's Paris.  My novel, ‘Ursula, Under,’ was a conscious and explicit love letter to the state of Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, and an homage to Michigan's earlier settlers.”

This year’s selection committee included representatives from the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Library Association, Michigan History magazine, Michigan State University, the Grand Rapids Press, the Detroit News, Schuler Books & Music, Waystation Books, Archives/Curious Book Shop and Michigan Center for the Book.

Michigan Notable Books is a statewide program with roots stretching back to Michigan Week 1991, geared to pay tribute and draw attention to the many people, places and things that make Michigan so special.  In that regard, Michigan Notable Books successfully highlight Michigan books and writers focusing on the Great Lakes State.  Each title on the 2005 list, whether non-fiction or fiction, tells the reader something special about what it means to make your home in Michigan and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes region. 

In tribute to this year’s authors, the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation will host the second annual “Night for Notables” and Michigan Author Day on Saturday, April 30.  Michigan Author Day will provide a series of author readings and discussions by selected Michigan Notable Books authors all afternoon – free to the public – at the Library of Michigan.  The “Night for Notables” reception will be held that evening at the Library of Michigan to recognize and honor all of the 2005 Michigan Notable Books authors. 

Information about this and other Michigan Notable Books events happening before and during Michigan Week (May 21-27, 2005) will be updated at www.michigan.gov/michiganweek as details are finalized.  Questions about Michigan Author Day and Night for Notables can be directed to (517) 373-1300 or michigannotablebooks@michigan.gov.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Click here to see the 2005 Michigan Notable Books list.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.