The land of pleasant living affords us many reasons to be inspired and, lucky for all, there’s a plethora of writers and musicians who creatively weave that inspiration into stories both longform and in song. We present a mix of Chesapeake-inspired and wholly original book titles, authors, bands, and solo artists—some are completely new works, while others are favorite gems worth revisiting. —James Houck
Bookshelf
Bob Woodward
Woodward’s A-bomb insiders’ exposé of the Trump presidency offers liberals more ammunition to call for impeachment and conservatives another opportunity to claim “fake news.” Either way, this politically-charged book promises an entertaining read.
The Mindful Day
Laurie J. Cameron
Renowned Maryland-based mindfulness teacher and leadership consultant, Cameron presents her first book, showing how to seamlessly weave mindfulness and compassion practices into your everyday life, from morning to evening.
The Stephen Decatur House on Lafayette Square: A History
The White House Historical Association
Timed to mark the bicentennial of the house in the president’s neighborhood, the book is the first comprehensive history of the house, its occupants, architecture, collections, preservation, and evolution from private home to historic site, as well as its many presidential connections.
Tradition, Speed and Grace: Chesapeake Bay Sailing Log Canoes
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The hard-cover 150-page book explores the thrill of log canoe racing—four to 18 people in choreographed motion, balancing the strain on the rig—through more than 140 color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs. North recounts his perspective on the sport from his 70 years of log canoeing. The book also includes individual profiles of the remaining 23 canoes in the fleet, along with a chronology of log canoe racing and line drawings of canoes from the CBMM collection.
Maryland: A History, Second Edition
By Suzanne Ellery Chapelle, Jean B. Russo, Jean H. Baker, Dean R. Esslinger, Edward C. Papenfuse, Constance B. Schulz, and Gregory A. Stiverson
Fatal Deadline
Stephen Michael Berberich
Christopher Gilley—new real estate reporter for the Maryland Inquirer—is an eye witness to an evident terrorist bombing of the offices of notorious predatory mortgage lenders. The prodigy reporter goes undercover, against the wishes of his editors, to find and report the truth of the murder and bombing.
Chesapeake
James Michener
Published in 1978, this riveting Michener classic celebrates its 40th anniversary. Recalling the trials and tribulations of young Edmund Steed in the 1600s and his journey across the Atlantic to the new world, the epic tale of the America, Maryland, and the Eastern Shore then follows 400 years of Quakers, pirates, planters, slaves, abolitionists, and notorious politicians.
Wind Chime Novels
Sophie Moss
Each of the Wind Chime Novels features a military hero or heroine and explores economic, social, and cultural issues that are particularly relevant to the Eastern Shore. The series is set on a fictional island community called Heron Island, which is loosely based on Tilghman Island.
Ben
Robyn S. Brown
Centreville author, lawyer, and pastor Brown has written a compelling novel that follows lifelong friends and companions, Kate and Ben, through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—ultimately challenging Kate to question what if the one person you loved more than anyone in the world wasn’t who you thought he was? What if he was someone different? Different yet extraordinary.
The Heart of War: Misadventures in the Pentagon
By Kathleen J. McInnis
Maryland author creates a gripping, fictional drama (based on real experiences) about Dr. Heather Reilly, an anti-war activist since her brother died fighting the Taliban. But her crushing student loans drive her to take a job working on a peace plan for Afghanistan, in the last place on Earth she ever thought she’d be employed: the Pentagon.
Stereo
Sanctuary
Super City
Baltimore-based, five-piece band Super City just released Sanctuary this September and are blazing a path of guitar driven, dance grooves with a pop appeal not unlike the sound of Weezer or the likes of Stephen Malkmus. Well done.
Cold Frosty Morn at West River
Maggie Sansone, Andrea Hoag & Sharon Knowles with Patrick Egan
Released three seasons ago, in 2015, this offering from renowned hammered dulcimerist and Shady Side resident Maggie Sansone and company is a collection of spirited holiday songs rooted in Irish, Scottish, and American string arrangements.
Port Saint Joe
Brothers Osbourne
On 4/20 of this year, the Deale, Maryland homegrown duo put out their latest offering, Port Saint Joe. The country-fried rockabilly of Brothers continues to win over not only their Maryland brethren, but also the world, even earning Grammy nominations.
A Place in Time
Doug Segree
He’s ubiquitous in and around Annapolis, playing show after show, but if it’s been a while since you’ve checked in with Segree, listen to his latest release to hear what he’s been up to—well framed melodies, sophisticated writing, and an overall edgier sound than previous offerings.
Mine
Swampcandy
Annapolis-bred Swampcandy—the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Ruben Dobbs and bassist/percussionist Joey Mitchell—sees their fifth album to fruition this year, a mix of lightning fast honky-tonk blues, biting riffs, and gritty proclamations.
