The Lake Michigan Mermaid

2019 Michigan Notable Book

Wayne State University Press
Detroit, MI
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.

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 is interviewed on WYCE’s Electric Poetry

Linda Nemec Foster was recently interviewed on a episode of WYCE’s Electric Poetry hosted by Kelsey May Fraser, which aired on 9/11/18. To listen to the full interview, click on the play button below or click here to visit WYCE’s website.

WHY I WRITE – by Linda Nemec Foster

Linda Nemec Foster’s essay is featured on the website, Write Across Chicago, which is sponsored by the Illinois Writing Project based at Northeastern Illinois University. A member of the Society of Midland Authors, Linda is the only non-Illinois resident featured on the website.

Linda Nemec Foster featured on the Poetry Foundation’s Website

Linda Nemec Foster is the author of 11 collections of poetry, including The Lake Michigan Mermaid (Wayne State University Press, 2018), coauthored with Anne-Marie Oomen; Talking Diamonds (New Issues Poetry & Prose, 2009); and Amber Necklace from Gdańsk (Louisiana State University Press, 2001).

Book Review of The Lake Michigan Mermaid in NewPages

Linda’s new book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, is reviewed in NewPages which is a major online source for book reviews, publishing, and the literary world. To read the full review, please click here!

Linda Nemec Foster Selected as a Top Michigan Author for Summer, 2018

The Lake Michigan Mermaid, co-authored by Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen, is selected as one of the top ten books by Michigan authors for Summer, 2018. To read the full article detailing the Top Ten Books, please click here!  

National Writers Series Features Linda’s New Book in its “Authors Next Door” Segment

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen were featured in the “Authors Next Door” segment of the National Writers Series (NWS) about their book, “The Lake Michigan Mermaid“. To read the full article, please click here! Below is a short excerpt of the NWS’s article: Mermaids don’t exist. It’s a dull, disheartening truth that we all probably […]

Interview with Linda and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen by Zinta Aistars on WMUK 102.1FM

Linda and co-author Anne-Marie Oomen were interviewed on the radio talk show, Between the Lines, by Zinta Aistars on WMUK  (102.1 FM), the NPR affiliate in Southwest Michigan on the campus of Western Michigan University on March 16, 2018.  The interview focused on their new book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid (WSU Press, 2018). Click here to […]

Linda Nemec Foster Interview with Cynthia Canty on Michigan Public Radio

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen are interviewed by Cynthia Canty for Michigan Public Radio’s Stateside program. They discuss the creative process involved with writing their book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid. To listen to the recorded interview, click here to visit Stateside’s website. This interview was broadcasted on May 21st, 2018 and aired on the following […]

The Lake Michigan Mermaid — Michigan Bestseller for April, 2018

Linda Nemec Foster’s most recent book, The Lake Michigan Mermaid, with Anne-Marie Oomen is listed among the top five bestsellers (fiction category) in Michigan by several state media outlets. View The Morning Sun’s Bestsellers List for April 2018. To purchase a copy of “The Lake Michigan Mermaid”, click here!    

Interview with Shelley Irwin on WGVU

Linda Nemec Foster and Anne-Marie Oomen are interviewed on WGVU (the NPR affiliate in Grand Rapids on the campus of Grand Valley State University) on April 2 (10:15-10:30 AM) by Shelley Irwin for the Morning Show. To listen to the full interview, please 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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