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

Linda Nemec Foster Presents 2019 Michigan Notable Book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, in Jonesville, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster presents her award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at the Jonesville District Library. This 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 and book signing will […]

Linda Nemec Foster is Honored at the 2019 Michigan Notable Book Award Ceremony

Linda (along with her co-author Anne-Marie Oomen) is honored at the 2019 Michigan Notable Book Award ceremony for her book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid. The evening included the presentation of the awards by Randy Reilly, the Librarian of Michigan, a keynote program by NYT best-selling author Josh Malerman, a reception, and book signing. The above […]

Linda Nemec Foster Presents The Lake Michigan Mermaid in Okemos, Michigan

Linda Nemec Foster presents her award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at Schuler Books in Okemos. This program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the illustrations and the process of writing the book. A reception and book signing will follow the program. Location: Schuler Books 1982 Grand River Ave. Okemos, MI […]

Linda Nemec Foster Presents The Lake Michigan Mermaid in Ann Arbor

Linda Nemec Foster presents her award-winning book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, at Nicola’s Books in Ann Arbor. This program will include a reading and a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the illustrations and the process of writing the book. A reception and book signing will follow the program. Location: Nicola’s Books 2513 Jackson Ave Ann Arbor, […]

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a finalist in a National Book Competition Sponsored by ForeWord Reviews.

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a finalist in this national book competition for independent, university, and small presses sponsored by ForeWord Reviews for the following prize: “2019’s ForeWord Book of the Year Award in Poetry”.

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a Finalist in a National Contest for Superior Cover Artwork by the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a finalist in this prestigious national contest given for superior cover artwork by the Eric Hoffer Book Awards for the following prize: “2019’s The da Vinci Eye Award”.

Poetry Reading at the Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids

Linda Nemec Foster will be the featured poet and special guest at a fundraising event for Write616, a literary organization in West Michigan. She will read from her books and new work, with an emphasis on The Lake Michigan Mermaid which has been honored as a 2019 Michigan Notable Book. Location: Eberhard Center at Grand […]

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is Selected by the Library of Michigan as a Michigan Notable Book for 2019

This annual award honors 20 acclaimed books from over 300 titles submitted. The Lake Michigan Mermaid is among those celebrated. To view the full list, click here to visit the Detroit Free Press website.

Michigan Public Radio Recommends The Lake Michigan Mermaid as One of the Top Michigan Notable Books for 2019

The Lake Michigan Mermaid was honored as a “2019 Michigan Notable Book” by the Library of Michigan. To view the full list of Michigan’s Notable Books (including Michigan Radio’s interview with Linda Nemec Foster & Anne-Marie Oomen), please click here to visit the Michigan Radio website.

Michigan Public Radio 2018 Book Gift Guide Recommends The Lake Michigan Mermaid

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen’s latest poetry book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, has been recommended by Michigan Public Radio in their 2018 Book Gift Guide! Click here to view the full Michigan Public Radio 2018 Book Gift Guide.

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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