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  NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS & REVIEWS OF BOOKS

 

PRAISE FOR TEN HOURS UNTIL DAWN

"Arguably the best story of peril at sea since Sebastian Junger's Perfect Storm. Tougias' balancing of human and technical detail is nearly perfect, and he has made the book accessible even to relative newcomers to maritime literature.  Readers should sincerely hope that Tougias will produce further such superb chronicles!"

“I was a college senior in Providence, Rhode Island, during the Blizzard of ’78 —  a meteorological holocaust of snow and wind that I'll never forget.  To learn twenty-six years later that there were men brave enough to attempt a rescue at sea during that storm still has me awestruck with wonder.  Michael Tougias’ Ten Hours Until Dawn tells their story — an   incredible tale of heroism and sacrifice.”

--Nathaniel Philbrick, New York Times bestseller and National Book Award winner of In The Heart of the Sea

 “With a steady hand, Michael Tougias draws us into the vortex of this historic winter storm of 1978, and a high seas rescue attempt gone wildly awry. The dynamics of this adventure alone would make it well worth the journey.  But as a writer, Tougias’ true gift is his ability to plum the depths of human emotion, to take us ever deeper into the hearts of those who survived the ordeal — and   even into the lives of those who do not.  He recreates not only the superhuman efforts between the imperiled crewmen and their would-be rescuers, but the gut wrenching experience of their loved ones waiting helplessly ashore--Spike Walker, bestselling author of Coming Back Alive and Working on the Edge

"What a story! Tougias' research and writing make the reader feel as if he is onboard the Can Do during the Blizzard of '78.  Ten Hours Until Dawn is a gripping book about a fascinating event of courage and tragedy that few people, including those of us who were deeply involved in fighting that storm, know enough about."

— Michael Dukakis, former governor of Massachusetts

 

UNTIL I HAVE NO COUNTRY (A NOVEL OF KING PHILIP'S INDIAN WAR

• "It's impossible not to bite your fingernails, hold your breath and then breathe a sighs of relief as the story unfolds." -- The Southbridge Evening News

• "Full of action, with intense life-and-death scenes, memorable human friendships and touches of romance. His tone is both from the heart and aimed at balancing the Native American and Colonial perspectives."--The Call

• "Michael Tougias skillfully handles the real-life characters involved, capturing the way these all-too-human beings are gradually hardened as the war heats up. He maintains an admirable balance throughout the book, not favoring either side, but rather allowing the characters to speak and act for themselves."--Sentinel and Enterprize.

• "Michael Tougias brings history to life. He has drawn in beauty and put it on paper."--The Boston Globe

• "Michael Tougias captures the essence of the Native American"--Weetamo (Edith Andrews) Former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Massachusetts.

• "The struggles of the two Native American warriors for the preservation of their people and their families is a universal tension throughout the novel"--Fall River Herald

• "Using diaries, interviewing Native American oral historians, scouring local libraries, and adding his imagination, he brings to life the events that occurred."

• --Sun Chronicle

• "Michael Tougias adds the human element, making this conflict come to life"--Suburban Press Newspapers

• "Skillfully weaves history, romance, and intrigue"--The Spectator

• "The book is much more than an account of battles. It depicts the trials and tribulations of everyday life on sides of the battle, as well as the characters reactions when faced with adversity."--Country Gazette

• "Until I Have No Country is a well documented portrayal, written as a novel, that keeps the interest of the reader riveted."--Massachusetts Genealogical Society

• "What is explicitly different and appealing about this book is its focus on the human drama, it's a tale of romance, loyalty and human ambition. An intriguing tale with intense thrills." --The Standard Times

• "It is a human dram, factually and historically based, sure to please and engross a variety of reading tastes."--Country Gazette

• " Unlike other historical fiction novels, Michael Tougias does an excellent job of combining the facts with his imagination to create one continuous narrative without any long, dissertations on Native American culture. Suspense, sorrow, intrigue, and even romance have found a place in his book. It is more than a story about war. It is a story about life." -- The News

• "It's a great book!"--Up With Learning Bookstores

• "Excellent portrayal of Native Americans"--Falmouth Enterprize

• "An engaging novel with solid historical data"--Milford News

• "Novel about Indian War wins praise...The story lends keen emotionality and is sure to please and engross a variety of readers. "It weaves romance, adventure and intrigue"--Newport Daily News

• "The historical facts are subtly woven into the narrative and the charm of the book lies in Michael Tougias' ability to give the reader an inside look into Native American life through plenty of details. One of the strengths of Until I Have No Country is the third person narration attached to Tamoset. Michael Tougias' brand of writing is especially effective in describing the Native American perception of things."--Southern Rhode Island Newspapers.

KING PHILIP'S WAR (co-authored with E. Schultz)

• "A superb study, their research and sources are outstanding and they write with a riveting narrative style." --Booklist (American Library Association)

• Selected by the Boston Globe's editorial staff as one of the top books to buy

• "This original and praiseworthy book will be useful for years to come. The authors have made it possible for anyone to visit these interesting places."--Douglas Leach, author of Flintlock and Tomahawk

• "King Philips War is an unbiased account of the traumatic events of this war of survival...a well-written work that uniquely identifies key historic sites." --Russell Gardner, Wampanoag Tribal Historian

• "Provides a fascinating compendium of history, myths and mystery"--The Boston Globe

• "History buffs will love using this book"--Jill Lapore, author of The Name of War

QUIET PLACES OF MASSACHUSETTS

• "The measure of Michael Tougias' talent is his ability to let the reader see through newly opened eyes. He shows nature and place through a magic glass, from a new angle." --(Springfield Union)

• "Michael Tougias writes in clear, down-to-earth style" --(Boston Globe)

• "Different from other travel books, in that its a little bit travel, a little bit history, and a little bit personal diary" --(Dartmouth Chronicle)

• " An interesting and charming book where Michael Tougias writes free and poetic. He recounts his experiences in a concise and welcoming way."--The Standard Times

THE HIDDEN CHARLES

• "A true gem of regional publishing, a great read"-- (Needham Chronicle)

• " fascinating reading, you'll be delighted with The Hidden Charles" --(Berkshire Eagle)

• "Even on a second or third reading the novelty of Michael Tougias contemplations impress the reader. Delightful treatise of thoughts strung together by a river"--The Streamer

• "salted with stories of lazy days and unexpected encounters on the river...makes for good reading" --(Patriot Ledger)

• " Reading this book is like accompanying Michael Tougias " --(Sun Chronicle)

• "Michael Tougias delights in unfolding secrets of his river to surprise readers. He allows the reader to see the river through his eyes." --(Needham Times)

• "Has become a Boston favorite. Written in lush description."--(Longmeadow News)

• "Exploring The Hidden Charles is fascinating. I thought I knew a bit about the Charles but this book has shown me a river I'd never really seen. Emerson said all of nature is wonderous if you examine it closely enough. He's right about this book and the river." John Cole author of Striper and other outdoor books.

• "If you're interested in the river that helps give greater Boston its identity, you must read Exploring The Hidden Charles. It's everything a good guide book should be - lucid, entertaining, and informative. You'll learn where to find the best boat ramps, the widest marshes, the quietest trails, and the hottest fishing spots from Hopkington to Boston, and along the way, you'll also learn some fascinating local history. Read it, then head for the river." ---- William Martin author of Back Bay and Cape Cod.

COUNTRY ROADS OF MASSACHUSETTS

• "Author  Michael Tougias has already entranced local readers with his book The Hidden Charles. His new book, Country Roads of Massachusetts, takes a loving and personal look at places off-the-beaten track in Massachusetts." --(New Tribune)

• "For those looking for peaceful spots, and for people who love to read about unspoiled outdoors and history." --(Springfield Union)

• "Michael Tougias injects the book with plenty of history and anecdotes so that the past comes alive."--(Middlesex News)

NATURE WALKS IN EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

• "Walking, canoeing, from the expert" -- (Boston Globe)

• "AMC Books delivers once again with Nature Walks" -- (Weekend Guide)

• "A pocket sized gem authored by Michael Tougias with interesting history and anecdotes." --(Northeast Outdoors)

• Needham Chronicle -- "Small book offers big reward" --(Needham Chronicle)

• "A model guide. A handy and thoughtful book." (Patriot Ledger)

• "Author of Hidden Charles Delights Again" --(Suburban World News)

• "Michael Tougias provides articulate descriptions...an investment that will remain useful for many years to come" -- (The Nines)

A TAUNTON RIVER JOURNEY

• "Michael Tougias takes you on a remarkable voyage from the intimate headwaters of the Taunton River to the expanse of Mount Hope Bay. A Taunton River Journey is a trip well worth taking" --- Trudy Coxe, Secretary of Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

NEW ENGLAND WILD PLACES

• "Michael Tougiaswrites smoothly, and he writes as much from the heart as from the head. Its travel writing with, blending musings with a strong sense of place. Michael Tougias is right on the money with this one, and I urge you to pick up a copy of New England Wild Places."---Sentinel and Enterprise

• "Readers will enjoy more than ever Michael Tougias continuing case of wanderlust. One of the distinctive features about a Michael Tougias book is that it is written by a dreamer as well as a walker--makes ideal reading"---Springfield Union News

• "Michael Tougias always delivers a new and unique angle" --- The News

RIVER DAYS

• "Even though I was busy, I had a hard time putting this book down. We share laughs, fears, excitement and enlightenment. It's a wonderful journey." -- Into the Outdoors

• "A tantalizing read and an inspiration for adventure." --Sentinel and Enterprize

AUTUMN RAMBLES

• "I rarely recommend a book but Autumn Rambles is so informative its well worth the money!" --Worcester Telegram

• "It's hard to read this book without wanting to plan one of the recommended trips."--Gloucester Times

• "A treasure map to New England." -- The Sun Chronicle