The Lake Michigan Mermaid

2019 Michigan Notable Book

Wayne State University Press, 2018

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a new tale that feels familiar. The breeze off the lake, the sand underfoot, the supreme sadness of being young and not in control-these sensations come rushing back page-by-page, bringing to life an ancient myth of coming of age in a troubled world. Freed from the minds of Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen, the Lake Michigan mermaid serves as a voice of reason for when we’re caught in the riptide.

This is a gripping tale in poems of a young girl’s desperate search for guidance in a world turned upside down by family and economic upheaval. Raised in a ramshackle cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lykretia takes refuge in her beloved lake in the face of her grandmother’s illness and her mother’s eager attempts to sell their home following her recent divorce. One day Lykretia spots a creature in the water, something beautiful and inexplicable. Is it the mythical Lake Michigan mermaid, or an embodiment of the stories her grandmother told as dementia ravaged her mind? Thus begins a telepathic conversation between a lost young girl and Phyliadellacia, the mermaid who saves her in more ways than one.

Accompanied by haunting illustrations The Lake Michigan Mermaid offers a tender tale of friendship, redemption, and the life-giving power of water. As it explores family relationships and generational bonds, this book is an unforgettable experience that aims to connect readers of all ages.

“I enter your dream with my silver skin,
my blue/green hair married to the lake. I sing
a ballad–low chant of the moon…”

“The Mermaid Enters the Girl’s Dream,” (published in the book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, Wayne State University Press, 2018)

Notable Review

“When a young girl who fears she is losing everything stands along the shore of Lake Michigan she senses a presence hidden beneath the waves. As her grandmother did before her, she has faith in her intuitions, and in a moment of despair is met by a mysterious healing power. This lovely series of poems, beautifully illustrated in quiet watercolors, tells a tale of grief and longing healed by grace.”

Patricia Hooper

News

Poetry Reading in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Linda will be reading from her most recent book, Bone Country, and also discuss two other poetry collections: The Blue Divide and The Lake Michigan Mermaid. This event is hosted by Lion’s Mouth Bookstore, one of the region’s most popular independent bookstores. Lion’s Mouth Bookstore 211 N Washington Street Green Bay WI, 54301 For more […]

AWP Conference in Seattle

Linda has been invited to give a reading from her new book, Bone Country, at the Cornerstone Press book table at the AWP Bookfair on Friday, March 10 at 11:00 am. She will also be doing book signings for Bone Country and The Lake Michigan Mermaid (the latter book at the Wayne State University Press’ […]

The Zoom presentation of “The Lake Michigan Mermaid” with Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen is now online.

Sponsored by the Royal Oak Public Library, the program can be found on the library’s YouTube channel.

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen will present a Zoom presentation of their award-winning book, “The Lake Michigan Mermaid”

This event will be sponsored by the Royal Oak Public Library as part of their summer reading program on July 25th, 2022 at 7:00PM. Registration is required. Click below for more information and to receive the Zoom link: https://ropl.evanced.info/msignup/Details

Linda Nemec Foster participates in a panel discussion on collaboration at the LowellArts Center

Linda Nemec Foster discusses her collaborations with visual artists, musicians, and animators. A featured highlight will be her book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, as she is joined by artist and illustrator, Meridith Ridl. Free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged via this link: https://lowellarts-wordview-panel-collaboration.eventbrite.com The event will take place in person at: […]

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen Present 2019 Michigan Notable Book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, in Hartland, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen present their award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at the Cromaine Library in Hartland. The program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlight the illustrations and the process of writing the book. This event is part of the official 2019 Michigan Notable Book Tour. A […]

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen Present 2019 Michigan Notable Book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, in Holland, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen present their award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at the Herrick District Library in Holland. The program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlight the illustrations and the process of writing the book. This event is part of the official 2019 Michigan Notable Book Tour. […]

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen Present 2019 Michigan Notable Book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, in Holly, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen present their award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at the Holly Township Library. The program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlight the illustrations and the process of writing the book. This event is part of the official 2019 Michigan Notable Book Tour. A reception […]

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen Present 2019 Michigan Notable Book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, in Cascade, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen present their award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at the Cascade Library (Wisner Center). The program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlight the illustrations and the process of writing the book. A reception and book signing will follow the program.

Linda Nemec Foster is Interviewed on WBLV-FM (Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s Public Radio Station)

Linda Nemec Foster was interviewed on WBLV-FM by radio host, Foley Schuler, on March 5, 2019. To listen to the full interview on WBLV’s website, click here.

Accolades

YearHonorPrizeDescription
2019FinalistForeWord Book of the Year Award in Poetry“The Lake Michigan Mermaid” is a finalist in this national book competition for independent, university, and small presses sponsored by ForeWord Reviews.
2019FinalistThe da Vinci Eye Award“The Lake Michigan Mermaid” is a finalist in this prestigious national contest given for superior cover artwork by the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.
2019WinnerMichigan Notable BookThe Lake Michigan Mermaid received Library of Michigan’s 2019 Michigan Notable Book award.

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