Comments on: A Coastal Companion: A Gulf of Maine Almanac, from Canada to Cape Cod

By: Twyla

Twyla — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:41:47 +0000

Catherine Schmitt is a thoughtful and talented writer. Her portrait of the Gulf of Maine, its flora and fauna, is evocative and enlightening. I highly recommend this book.

By: Gita

Gita — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:47:31 +0000

Catherine Schmitt does a superb job providing a glimpse into what life is like on the coast. To be read throughout the year, each day presents an artful yet scientific piece of coastal observation. From the life of the loon to the yellow lichen living seaside, A Coastal Companion is a must-have for seaside enthusiasts.

By: Augustine

Augustine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:50:42 +0000

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It provides the reader with a wealth and variety of information about the natural history of the area interspersed with brief snippets of information about specific persons of interest, sometimes quotes and/or poems. All this information is presented in a diary, or almanac, form, with each day describing a specific event, sometimes historical, sometimes a natural occurrence (such as a description of the “strawberry moon”, which is the full moon for June, close to strawberry time, this year on June 18.) Other “topics” include timely descriptions of the return of swallowtail butterflies and various migrating birds, “behaviors” of periwinkles, seaglass, etc. I look forward each day to reading the item of the day and have so far learned something at each reading. This book is a “must have” for anyone who loves the northeast coast in all its seasons.