Two recent books by Michigan authors are part of the latest trend of contemporary publishing. One is available only on line as an e-book, while the other is a self-published paperback.
“the land, once called DeWitt” by Melissa Dey Hasbrook is a short, intriguing collection of poetry by a former area resident who now lives in Belgium.
Hasbrook’s latest effort is more than just a simple blog – it’s divided into three parts, includes an introduction, photographs and a list of selected source materials.
The first part offers five poems, examining the meaning of home, exploring memories of ancestors and looking at the future of a large family farmstead.
“Under Construction”, a short prose poem, deftly deals with Highway US-27 and forthcoming land development, providing memorable images.
“Ancestor” is simply one line: “What do I see in the clay?”, accompanied by a photograph of a budding tree and an italicized, speculative note: “To be released in the near future.”
The second part relates to suburbia and bedroom communities, while the final part, “The Tin Sequence”deals with the horrors of the introduction of smallpox to native Indians.
Hasbrook, who has also written “Blame it on Eve” and co-authored “Echoes of Women”, has her poetry available at her website: deyofthephoenix.com
Melissa Dey Hasbrook will be reading at the Feminist Poetry Night, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, on Thursday, April 30 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm at Everybody Reads, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

“Ted & Superior” by Bruce K. Cox (Agogeebic Press, $15.95) is a slim paperback that’s subtitled “Ted Albert & the 51st state of Superior.”
It focuses on the life of Theodore George Albert (1917-1989) and his attempts to create a 51st state by combining all of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and part of Wisconsin.
Two thirds of the book, however, is devoted to the family history and Albert’s controversial court battles, including many long-running legal cases.
Albert, who was elected to serve as Gogebic County Prosecuting Attorney, became disenchanted with the political establishment. The Ironwood and Detroit attorney ran unsuccessfully for Congressman often, including once as the Human Rights Party Candidate in 1974.
This well-researched book utilizes many newspaper accounts and provides photographs, footnotes and an index. At times, it’s a bit confusing, using direct quotes from Albert without significant delineation other than slightly smaller type.
Cox, who lives in Wakefield, has written and produced other books relating to Michigan history. Dedicated Yoopers should enjoy this fascinating examination of Albert’s life and his futile efforts to create a remarkable new state.