My involvement in an annual event prompts me to suggest some summer reading.

For the last few years, I've had the privilege of judging nonfiction entries in the Adirondack Center for Writing Contest. These are books written by authors who live in or near the Adirondacks, or books about the Adirondacks. Nathalie Thill, director of the center located at Paul Smith's College, sent the 11 titles to me and Bibi Wein, who is the other judge.

Together we select winners in three nonfiction categories: Compilation (i.e ., a book compiled from the writings of more than one author); Memoir; and General Nonfiction.

Wein is well qualified to judge Adirondack literature. Her "The Way Home — A Wilderness Journey" describes not only a hike in the woods but the psychological wilderness each of us inhabits. Wein, who lives in both New York City and Olmstedville, brings an outsider's eye and an insider's affection to the Adirondacks.

If you haven't read "The Way Home" yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try.

SPECIAL MENTION


So, here are our selections:

First, we chose three books that deserve special mention even though we did not choose them as winners.

"Adirondack Birding: 60 Great Places to Find Birds" by John M.C. Peterson and Gary N. Lee, with photos by Jeff Nadler, is a wonderfully practical and beautiful book for the veteran and novice birdwatcher. Then there's "Adirondack Attic 5" by Andy Flynn. If you can't get to the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, Andy brings it to you. This volume has essays on the history and significance of more than 50 items from the museum.

We also suggest reading "One Foot Forward: Walks in Upstate New York," by Richard B. Frost. Press-Republican readers are familiar with Frost's travel articles. A medical doctor by training, Frost is a teacher by instinct, and in these essays, he tells us what to look for and how to see.

TOP CHOICES


Here are our winners.

Compilation:

"Stories, Food, Life," Ellen Rocco, editor. This is a delightful and highly unusual book. It was created when North Country Public Radio searched for a project to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The "cookbook" that resulted is so much more than a collection of recipes from the North Country. Each recipe has a story, and the stories are enhanced by photos, both contemporary and historic. Finally, the book includes a CD of "Stories, Food, Life" features first heard on National Public Radio.

Memoir:

"Breaking Out of Prison: A Guide to Consciousness, Compassion, and Freedom," by Bernice Mennis. Mennis is a writing instructor who has often taught incarcerated individuals. "Breaking Out" is a complex book that connects the author's efforts to understand and expand her own inner world while working with prisoners whose world is so limited in other ways.

Mennis writes effectively about the distinction between the vision and dreams that motivate us and the illusions that hamper us. She writes clearly and openly about herself and what she sees.

General Non-Fiction:

"Freedom in the Wilds: An Artist in the Adirondacks" by Harold Weston. Weston, who died in 1972, lived and painted in the St. Hubert's area. This is a history of that area, observations about the world beyond the Adirondacks and a discussion of Weston's growth as an artist. This new edition is edited by Weston's granddaughter, Rebecca Foster, and includes letters and diary entries. It has some stunning illustrations.

The Adirondack Center for Writing and the books in this contest remind me of the balance we're always searching for in this rural area. We write and read books about the area that the New York State Constitution promises will forever remain "wild forest land." Amidst all this natural beauty, human beings create some of their own.

I hope our selections provide you with some choices you'll enjoy when not experiencing the mountains and lakes.

Jerry McGovern, the Press-Republican's coordinator of Newspapers-in-Education, taught in New York state's public schools, and now teaches in the Communication Department of Plattsburgh State. He can be reached at gmcgovern@pressrepublican.com or 565-4126. This column is the opinion of the writer and not necessarily of this newspaper.