Down the Road a Piece: A Storyteller's Guide to Maine

By John McDonald

John McDonald offers tips to tourists and tries to help them better "understand" the state of Maine-from its history to its weather to its unique vocabulary. This book is also great for natives... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0976323133
• ISBN13: 9780976323136
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Islandport Press
• Length: 157 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Pretty funny

John McDonald gives us Maine "outsiders" a look into how we are sometimes viewed (humorously...or perhaps not so humorously?) by the Maine natives as we invade their beautiful state during the summer months. I work in Maine part-time over the summer months, and after spending a good deal of time there over the last few years, I found this book to be quite humorous, and at times, partly true. Not having hailed from Maine, I can certainly understand how vacationers could easily get underfoot and annoying....but I am sure that the Mainers know that we also love Maine (in the SUMMER) and so we return year after year (despite some of them poking fun at us), and keep pouring our money into the state. I'll certainly return! I guess they didn't label Maine as Vacationland for nothing. I do plan to buy John's other books, as I enjoyed this one very much.

Learn and laugh at the same time

Maine journalist and humorist John McDonald follows his first book of essays ("A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar") with this entertaining sequel. This time he aims his observations directly at tourists invading his home state -- people who are "from away" and should be considered "Summer Complaints" -- and makes every attempt to enlighten them so that they don't stand out any more than necessary. The text is organized by general subject, with browseable chapters dedicated to the history, language, food, etc. unique to The Pine Tree State. In each instance, McDonald combines fact with stereotype and then covers it all with a sense of humor. He points out the state's signature threefold appeal to visitors -- moose, lobsters, and lighthouses -- and even answers the age-old question about lobsters feeling pain in the pot. A lot of useful information shows up here. And veteran storyteller that he is, McDonald has to include a few appropriate yarns from time to time. Some are familiar, some are newer, and most will result in smiles, if not outright giggles. You'll get the most out of this book if you already know a little something about Maine. Whether you are a tourist or a native: if you come to these pages armed with some knowledge, you'll find yourself nodding along with McDonald's explanations until you reach the point of laughing at the jokes. That's the fun of it. (I'm reminded of Richard Armour and books like "English Lit Relit.") You'd best be able to laugh at yourself, too, especially if you hail from Massachusetts. Mainers hold a special contempt for their pre-1820 fellow Commonwealth residents. (Not that it's not deserved. Try driving north to Ogunquit or navigating Route 1 through York County on any summer weekend. It's true, it's all true.) A fun read for anybody who agrees that Maine is a special place. That has to be everyone, right?

Great Book!!!!!

If your NOT from Maine you may not get some of John's great down east humor ...But I think this book should be @ all the Maine rest stops & travel bureau offices.