Okay, it was Hot in 1911 The Devil's Rooming House By M. William Phelps This story is absolutely fascinating and the research effort put into it was certainly impressive. But I must be missing something here, because this book - by a prolific author mind you - is rather terrible. An utter slog to get … [Read more...]
Book Review: Wicked Hartford
Dude. Wicked Good. Wicked Hartford, Steve Thornton Borrowed from the library I tend to approach most books on Connecticut travel and culture quite cynically. At least the travel bit. Sorry, but if I can be honest for a moment, I’ve been to all those places and have also written about them. It’s that “been to all … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Brittle Thread of Life
The Brittle Thread of Life: Backcountry People Make a Place for Themselves in Early America By Mark Williams Many years after reading this book, I had the chance to meet the author Williams at the then newly opened Wilcox House and Barn Museum. When I began putting together the CTMQ Town Guides in late 2016, I … [Read more...]
Book Review: Connecticut Lore & More Connecticut Lore
This page contains the rare double book review. Tales to Tell Connecticut Lore By Zachary Lamothe 2013 I have this weird habit of reading lots of books about stuff in Connecticut. Sure, this makes sense on the surface. Heck, when I started out with this website, these types of guides and books were invaluable … [Read more...]
Book Review: Smoke, Fire, and Angels
Avon Mountain is No Joke Smoke, Fire and Angels by Mark Robinson (2009) After three years of writing this blog, it's time for a blatant advertisement. [2016 Update: I now have unobtrusive ads.] Please, visit this website and buy the book. And here's the thing: The author, Mark Robinson, won't get a dime of … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Wordy Shipmates
The Only Puritanical Hooker I Know The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell (2008) West Hartford Library I love Sarah Vowell and while her "Assassination Vacation" is a little bit more entertaining, it has nothing to do with Connecticut. The Wordy Shipmates, however, has much for CTMQ fans to devour. Vowell dissects … [Read more...]
Book Review: How the States Got Their Shapes
How the States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein In case you were wondering, I’m a map geek. I’ve mentioned it all over the place on CTMQ and I make no secret of it. (I’m not alone mind you, and I’m not the most afflicted… Trust me.) But I am bad enough that I asked for this book for Christmas and read it in short … [Read more...]