The Fourth Coast

Library Journal

One summer Blocksma, a Michigan librarian and writer, set out to explore the Great Lakes coastline from New York to Minnesota, the longest continuous coastline in the United States. Driving a minivan and camping alone, Blocksma completed the 5000-mile journey in 90 days. Her itinerary-always following the road closest to the shore-took her to large industrial cities like Milwaukee, small artistic communities like Saugatuck, Michigan, and wildlife areas such as Isle Royale National Park, the largest island in Lake Superior. Blocksma's prose is adequate, although she occasionally produces a lovely description of the natural world. She provides few insights into what it was like for a woman to travel and camp alone. Instead, the author is a camera: she records what she sees and hears but does not reflect on it. This work may be useful as an introduction to a beautiful and diverse area of the country, but those seeking depth will have to look further. Recommended for public libraries and travel collections.-Caroline Mitchell, Washington, D.C.