Life and Times on Pleasant Pond paints a Technicolor Cheshire grin on every reader’s face. Readers in northern Maine and those who believe in the myth of a Utopia, will find this be a delightful read. This book chronicles the lives of families who settled in Maine’s northern most county, Aroostook, and developed one of the area’s most treasured bodies of water, Pleasant Pond, in Island Falls. The author’s unique talent of weaving memories with amusing stories, written by people who live and play on “the Pond”, acquaint the reader to the pond’s magnetism.
This beautiful book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic, captures not only the experience of life on “the pond”, but the imagination of an idyllic life. Every page is enlightenment to the author’s passion for the people of Island Falls and those of “the Pond.” Historical maps, and brochures, spanning more than 150 years, tell the story of Pleasant Pond’s tremendous natural beauty and its warm-hearted people.
Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is a celebration of Pleasant Pond, Island Falls, Aroostook County, Maine, where the author summers. This is Sandra Newman’s love letter to her corner of Maine. A must read for those with memories of the area and a picturesque invitation to those readers who have never visited, but so desire. This is also a tribute to everyone who has memories of life from their own special corner of the world.
This is a book to be treasured by generations, not just by those families and friends who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to the broader audience. Life and Times on Pleasant Pond provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area and the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found here. This book is something more than a history book, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.
Theodore Roosevelt discovered Island Falls in 1878 and enjoyed three visits to the home and hunting camp of his lifelong friend, William Sewall, one of the town’s original settlers. Through the joint efforts of President Teddy Roosevelt and Maine's former Governor Llewellyn Powers, the woodlands around this area of Aroostook County are protected from development. Time itself can seem irrelevant here. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.
Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is a wonderful read for those, both young and old, who have memories, stories and history to share. This book is a true tribute to a very special corner of the world, Pleasant Pond, Island Falls, Maine. Enjoy!
Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is available at area shops and book stores. See listing on www.onpleasanpond.blogspot.com . The Island Falls 2011 calendars are also available. Both can be ordered directly from the web-site www.onpleasantpond.com or visit the shops. Ms Newman is available for book signings, discussion groups and workshops. Contact – info@onpleasantpond.com
Books Available:
Birch Point Campground and Cottages - Pleasant Pond, Maine - birchpointcampground.com
Emerson Store - Island Falls, Maine
Katahdin Public Library - Island Falls, Maine
Jerry's Thriftway - Island Falls, Maine
Book Marc's - Bangor, Maine - http://bookmarcs.com/
Maine Craft Center - Gardiner, Maine - mainecrafts.org
Maine Historical Society - Portand, Maine -http://www.mainehistory.org/
Red Moose Gift Shop - Patten, Maine
Shin Pond House - Shin Pond, Maine - shinpond.com
York's Book Shop - Houlton, Maine
Renassiance Spa - Palm Desert, California -renaissancesurgerycenter.com
Latino Books y mas - Palm Springs, California - latinobooksymas.com
