2012 Michigan Notable Books

The Library of Michigan released the list of 2012 Michigan Notable Books – 20 books published in 2011 that highlight Michigan people, places and events.

“This year’s selections prove that persevering through economic and personal hardship is nothing new for Michiganians, and that this enduring and independent spirit has a long, rich history in the Great Lakes State,” said State Superintendent of Public Education Mike Flanagan.

A collection of Michigan ghost stories; a biography of one of the most recognized women in the Republican Party; a history of the role Jacobson’s department stores played in Michigan communities; fiction by nationally-recognized authors; and three children’s books that range from topics covering race relations, “what is art?” and teachers from Mars are among this year’s most notable Michigan books.

“This year’s Michigan Notable Books bring to life the Michigan experience through vivid storytelling that creates portraits of the people and places that make Michigan great,” State Librarian Nancy Robertson said. “Addressing Michigan’s natural beauty, its innovative leaders or the faith of its people, these books celebrate Michigan as a place and a people that even in the most trying of times find transformation.”

Each year, the Michigan Notable Books list features 20 books published during the previous calendar year that are about, or set in, Michigan or the Great Lakes region or are written by a native or resident of Michigan. You can see the list of 2012 winners (which includes works by Michigan poet & author Jim Harrison and Michael Moore) and also read the bios of authors. Below is a video from the recent “Night of Notables” celebration at the Library of Michigan.