The Crystal Falls Community District Library, in partnership with the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, announced that the 16th event will involve Mikel B. Classen discussing his “Points North,” which features 40 unique locales in the U.P. with commentary and over 100 photographs.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. April 14 on the Zoom platform. Anyone interesting in joining should contact Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu@uproc.lib.mi.us or 906-875-3344. UPPAA recommends participants borrow a copy of the book from a local library or purchase it from a local bookseller in advance to fully enjoy the event, which is free to all U.P. residents.

“Points North” has earned the State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

“Each site is a forgotten gem of history or natural beauty,” UPPAA said in a news release.

This is Mikel B. Classen, who has authored ‘Points North.’ (Photo courtesy of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association)

UPPAA said Classen has been writing and photographing northern Michigan in newspapers and magazines for over 35 years, creating feature articles about the life and culture of Michigan’s north country. A journalist, historian, photographer and author “with a fascination of the world around him,” he enjoys researching and writing about lost stories from the past, UPPAA said.

Currently Classen is managing editor of the U.P. Reader, a juried annual compilation of writings submitted by UPPAA members, and a member of the UPPAA Board of Directors. In 2020, Classen won the Historical Society of Michigan’s George Follo Award for Upper Peninsula history.

Classen, who lives in Sault Ste. Marie, collects out-of-print history books as well as historical photographs and prints of upper Michigan. At Northern Michigan University, he studied English, history, journalism and photography.

Learn more at https://mikelbclassen.com, where Classen provides a description of “Points North.”

“I’ve spent many years exploring the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), and one thing has become apparent: no matter what part in which you find yourself, fascinating sights are around every corner,” he says. “There are parks, wilderness areas and museums. There are ghost towns and places named after legends. There are trails to be walked and waterways to be paddled.

“In the U.P., life is meant to be lived to the fullest. In this book, I’ve listed 40 destinations from every corner of the U.P. that have places of interest. Some reflect rich history, while others highlight the natural wonders that abound. So, join in the adventures. The Upper Peninsula is an open book — the one that’s in your hand.”

The book includes photos of scenes such as trumpeter swans at Seney National Wildlife Refuge, an old iron mine in Caspian and a campsite at Kingston Lake in Alger County.

Michael Carrier, author of ‘Murder on Sugar Island, was quoted as saying, “Without a doubt, Mikel Classen’s ‘Points North’ needs to be in every library, gift shop and quality bookstore throughout the country –particularly those located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

“Not only does Classen bring alive the U.P. through his polished words, his masterful use of color photography also makes this book absolutely beautiful. ‘Points North’ will long stand as a tremendous tribute to one of the most remarkable parts of our country.”

More information about the U.P. Notable Book list, U.P. Book Review and UPPAA can be found at www.UPNotable.com.

The UPPAA was established in 1998 to support authors and publishers who live in or write about the Upper Peninsula. The nonprofit association has over 100 members, many of whose books are featured on its website at www.uppaa.org. UPPAA welcomes membership and participation from anyone with a U.P. connection and an interest in writing.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.