I lived in Maine for a few years and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

“ Strange Maine “ is a above average book. It is based on the author's blog of the same name. I will have to confess that I thought that Maine had been covered the “Weird Series” such as “Weird New York” or Weird California”. After doing some rather superficial checking I found that Maine is not covered any of that series or any other. So for those looking the strange, odd, paranormal, etc. in Pine Tree State, this would be your book.

The author Michelle Souliere has has a more then competent job in putting this volume together. Her work reflects the many facets of picturesque Maine. Those not usually seen or even looked for by tourists or even probably most locals. I was continually surprised by the amount of detail that she offers on the many bits of lore without making it boring She also goes into the sadder parts of the culture of modern America. When she describes the vandalism and general neglect of the state's monuments such as Portland’s East and West Cemeteries. In fact she begins her book with a plea to her
readers that “ This book is not intended as a guide to trespassing”. Too often we tend to wreak havoc and destroy those things that like we like or love.

I can recommend this book to all who like and can appreciate local lore, arcane things and a good ghost story. ( )

I found this book to be entertaining, albeit short. I had expected this to be mostly about paranormal areas and history of Maine, but was pleasantly surprised at the unusual museums and roadside attractions (Hubcap Heaven, for one).

I was most drawn to the historical story of the doctor who murdered his lender. Some stories I felt should've been elaborated upon more. I would not mind reading more from this author ( )

I enjoyed the stories in this book, delivered in an informal, chatty tone. the history behind the stories/areas is thorough and interesting. I do have to agree with the review that the book tends to be heavier into introduction than substance, but I wasn't put off by that in this instance. My only regret, really, is that there wasn't more - I find it a bit hard to believe that what's here is all that's strange in Maine - I guess I'd been expecting something along the lines of the "Weird books" (Weird New England, etc.) - with personal experiences, follow-ups, etc.

Not a favorite book, but one I'd enjoy maintaining in my collection. ( )

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I felt like I was being given a constant course of introductions and very little else. Nothing really strange, nothing as delivered and a lot of explanation as to how I could find more information on what was in the book - things like the public library where the information was originally found, the dates of certain festivals, locations of certain museums, have individuals e-mail your blog with these stories nearly done...

The problem is that the tales aren't so strange and the "but true!" tends to come from dying young or tragically. Something not unique to Maine and entries that often appear to be largely quoted from old newspaper text rather than from new information discovered. Of course, there's the small amount of mention of ghost hunters (author doesn't believe), the museum next door (author plugs) and then the odd collectors present in every state.

Good idea, poorly executed. Perfect thing to sell tourists who will likely never read it later. ( )