Joseph A. Citro,
Weird New England
(Sterling, 2005)


Not weird at all, if you ask me! The legendary Joseph A. Citro joins Mark Sceurman and Mark Moran (authors of Weird U.S.) for an adventurous ride that brings us across the entire New England region, north to south and east to west, in this wonderful addition to the Weird series.

Citro is at it again, unearthing every weird oddity, bizarre legend and little know fact that only he could find and only New England could offer. He includes a whole host of both classic and contemporary tales, "off the beaten path," of course.

He is to be commended on finding so many new curiosities ("The Elusive Vermont Hum," "The Girl Who Stopped Time") as well as uncovering long-lost tales rarely told ("Hibernating Hill Folk," "Gentlemen of the Highway"). As always, Citro writes with his usual tongue-in-cheek, witty humor we have grown to love and expect from him. He doesn't disappoint here.

You'll see giant frogs atop spools of thread, hillside whale tails and Boston's skinniest house. Spend some time at America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire (an enjoyable and educational place to spend an afternoon), and go see the Weird Windmill in Newport, Rhode Island (a fun and historic place to wander around for the day). There are colorful photos of these and more! This book is stuffed full of photos of almost every strange site, as well as illustrations for the legends.

The only omission I can think of is the Desert of Maine. Although it's been covered in other books, I would like to have seen that unique oddity included. Otherwise, you can rest assured you won't be missing anything else along the way. Come join Citro for tales of ghostly encounters, a Cemetery Safari and a tour of Roads Less Traveled. This book from the creators of the Weird series, authored by our favorite folklorist, is loads of fun. Strap yourself in and come along for the ride!




Rambles.NET
book review by
Lee Lukaszewicz


29 March 2009


Agree? Disagree?
Send us your opinions!







index
what's new
music
books
movies