The Clam Lake Papers: A Winter in the North Woods

by Edward Lueders

Book by Lueders, Edward

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

148 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the way this book came about is way more interesting than the book itself. Otherwise it's just fragmented drivel.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I acquired this book during the years I lived in Northern Wisconsin, but I never read it until now. The author returned to his cabin in the woods near the hamlet of Clam Lake, probably the most remote habitation in the state, to experience profound winter. I have traveled in the area in winter and his description of the cold, the snow, the clarity of the air is accurate, but other than this, there is not much to be said for this volume. His book begins with a letter he found in his cabin written by an intruder who stayed for some time and then left, leaving behind an unsigned letter. The author never learns the identity of his visitor. The few pages of the mystery writer are the best in the book. The rest are the poorly expressed random thoughts of the author. The best one can say is that the some of the poetry he includes is not too bad, and there are a few minor insights succinctly expressed. Honestly, I cannot recommend this book.

[Robby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t very drawn in by the writings of the mysterious cabin dweller. I think the background of the book was more interesting than the book itself.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book!! Sort of a diary written in solitude at Clam Lake during the cold winter months. Who doesn't enjoy reading someones thoughts. Sorta like finding that old letter caught in the back of an old desk drawer. Just writing thoughts with no desire for debate. One idea on top of another. Sometimes I found him very cute other times I wasn't sure what he was getting at. Then again there were times he seemed to be talking with me. We have no idea who the writer was but one can say he chose his words and thought much as a poet would.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended by my bro, and therefore typically too deep for me at times. Admire the format, however -- supposedly Edward Lueders happens upon these writings when he returns to his summer cabin (Northern Wisconsin) in 1970. He claims he has never been able to locate the person who authored the "papers" left behind for him in exchange for the use of his cabin the previous winter.

[Thomas Qualls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite-sized portions of thought and observation. Creative explorations of the metaphor as a vehicle for spirituality. Refreshing, relaxing, and sometimes challenging.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really know what to expect with this book. I found it at a vintage book store and was drawn to it because of our proximity to Clam Lake. I love the descriptions by the Edward Lueders and the random thoughts in his book really connect the reader to this Northwoods haven in North central Wisconsin. Reading these pagers transports the reader to the silent, cold winter of Clam Lake.