Made in Maine

by Shawn Samuelson Henry

It's as if they are living in a country music song. When the mill closes, Edgewater's economy and hope collapse. Hunter's father starts drinking and becomes an embarrassment and liability to Hunter, who's trying to balance his high-maintenance girlfriend with life on the basketball court. Luna, attending in-person school for the first time in her 17 years, has no friends and hides behind her hoodie to escape her peers' vicious ridicule. A tragic accident sends the town spiraling further into despair. In its wake, Luna and Hunter are forced to work together as the unlikely leaders of a fundraising project, one that attempts to make meaning of the senseless disaster. Many of Edgewater's residents jump on board to help. But some are fiercely opposed to the project, and their defiance becomes sinister. When Hunter and Luna stumble upon dark secrets and are forced to keep them, they realize the terrifying risks they are taking to knit a broken community back together. And just like in those songs, not everything that's broken can be fixed.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult

380 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2023

About the author

Shawn Samuelson Henry grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire, where trips to the library were as exciting as those to the Dartmouth Skiway. After earning degrees from Bucknell University, Harvard University and the University of Wyoming, she taught English to teenagers for more than a decade. She is an avid playwright whose plays have won competitions and been produced across the United States and Canada. Shawn currently lives in Davidson, North Carolina, with her husband and three children. Contact Shawn at sshauthor@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Russ Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a college chaplain at a large university, many of my students question the role of the church in the modern world. Henry has sought out how to best answer that question in a YA novel that is well written and well paced. Alternating between two characters, Henry accurately captures the voice of youth today.

We also teach students at the university how to identify gifts in themselves and in others. The way the community comes together in “Made in Maine” is a perfect example of how students can identify gifts in themselves and others in order to create change in the communities in which they play a vital role.

I would recommend this book to anyone. To youth (both high school and college aged), to my pastoral colleagues, teachers, and friends. This book is tender, yet grapples with deep and very real issues that not just youth but we all want the answers to.

Well done, Shawn! I look forward to your next book.

[Peter Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is far more than a young adult novel. While there is so much for young adults, the truth is that it speaks to readers of all ages. We all want to belong. We all want to find out "who we are." And we all want redemption- from things we have done and for the things happen to us. Shawn Samuelson Henry's debut novel explores these themes and more through her characters, Luna and Hunter and the other residents of their small town. This book will pull you into Edgewater, Maine and you will want to stay there to see not only "how it ends" but also to be caught up wondering what comes next. Thank you, Shawn Samuelson Henry, for making us part of this community in which love brings new life to all of us.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a book for young adults, it is very well written and explores topics all of us can relate to. A common theme throughout the book was how strong a community can be and how important it is to stick together through good times and bad

[TYLER A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not able to put this book down, from start to finish. Shawn does an unbelievable job transporting you to modern-day rural New England, and brings a depth to her characters (particularly the teenage characters) that make it hard to believe she's not actually a teenager herself. The emotions she evokes are raw, real, and relevant, and are expertly communicated to the reader through Shawn's mastery of the English language, both technical and colloquial. You can feel her deep love of Maine in her writing, and as someone who has never lived there, by the end of the book I felt like I had spent my whole life there.

A one-of-a-kind, gripping, heartwarming novel that runs the reader through every emotion, challenges every stereotype, and in the end, reminds us that the most important thing we as people can do is to love each other. Cannot recommend highly enough.

[BookTrib.com]

If you're looking for a YA tour de force, an all-encapsulating drama with real, sensitive and growing characters who hurt and love and think and feel, then Shawn Samuelson Henry’s marvelous debut novel, MADE IN MAINE, is exactly what you need to read!

Read the full review on BookTrib.com

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway, and am happy that happened. I might not otherwise have picked this up, as it’s labeled as a Young Adult title. It’s much more than that; I believe it would appeal to readers of all ages. Good character development, and the story is moving and inspiring. A most impressive debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made In Maine by Shawn Samuelson Henry is that rare novel captures you and keeps you long after you are finished.

Edgewater’s mill has closed, which means devastation to the local economy and hardship to the townspeople. Hunter’s dad, who worked at the mill, can’t find a job and begins drinking more and more. Luna’s aunt also worked at the mill but they’re making ends meet. When tragedy strikes, Hunter, Luna and their classmates work on a fundraising project that helps bring their town closer and reveal some secrets along the way.

The story hooked me from the beginning as it touched home because it had me thinking what if the mill shut down in my small town, how different would things be? A lot of people are struggling as is but if the mill shut down, I shudder to think about it.

The characters are real, believable and flawed which made me care for them that much more. There are a lot of characters who are struggling for various reasons in the story, some are able to flourish and grow, some are stagnant, some are very ignorant to others struggles and others don’t seem to care. The overall theme though is that the town pulls together to help each other as neighbors when they need a hand and are there to support each other in good times and in bad. I see this sort of camaraderie in my small town and it’s so nice to see it accurately portrayed here.

The author does a really good job describing the Maine scenery and way of life. The descriptions of the ice castle, and the photo shoot site played in my head like a movie.I could almost feel the frigid temps affecting knees and when they had to add several blankets to get warm, I could only imagine how cold it was.

I enjoyed the fact that this Maine town had so many blueberries put up that they were sick of them! I actually laughed because my hometown is known for blueberries and its festival, I know I was sick of freezing blueberries when I was younger.

There are some heavy topics addressed in the story that may be triggering such as a sexual hate crime, depression with mention of suicide, death of a parent, mention of drug abuse, alcoholism, and death of children. I recommend this novel for anyone who wants to learn more about interior Maine and its way of life. It’s for those who keep going when life gets hard, for those who sow seeds of hope when it’s bleak and for those who make a path where there was none.

[Mary Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a signed copy of Made in Maine in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher; it’s much appreciated.

While this book was obviously written with care, it was just too slow to fully appreciate. I understand the seriousness of the community’s economic plight and collective depression and I loved practically all of the characters. Having lived in New England for several years, I noticed the dialect and other references were mostly accurate. All in all it wasn’t a mediocre book - far from it but it did plod along, which affected its impact.

[Jamie Kuhlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful YA book about grief, community, and family. This book has a Beartown vibe with a hopeful, YA spin. I really enjoyed the perspectives of the two main characters, Luna and Hunter, as they navigated not just the social dynamics of adolescents but also serious topics of trauma, addiction, hate, and poverty. This is a perfect read for adults and adolescents who want to grow in empathy and understanding.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made in Maine is a slogan one often sees throughout the state, both in stores and at Farmer’s Markets. So the title initially drew me to this YA novel.

From the beginning, I was hooked by the authentic teen characters and the description of life in Edgewater, Maine. The tight knit community of adults and teens and the struggles they face seem true to life. Without spoiling the ending, I found this book to portray a very real and at times tragic story, as life can be. But is also showcases the spirit and role of a community coming together.

[Victoria Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawn Samuelson Henry is an incredibly talented writer. I was amazed by her creativity. There are so many compelling twists and turns in this novel, it is hard to put it down. And her ability to develop characters and write dialogue is flawless. I can’t wait to read her next book.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and especially loved the characters in this book. Although it is a YA book, all of the themes and situations are relatable to all ages. I believe this book demonstrates the importance of facing your insecurities and finding the friends who will support you.

[Ericka Kilbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many aspects of this book that made me want to recommend it. The first is the amount of empathy one gains while reading it. Empathy for the outsider. Empathy for the person you think or thought you know but don’t. Empathy for the one who is angry, is shy, is overworking, or exhausted. The second aspect is the energy and hope evoked while the reader experiences this community coming together to do something remarkable. I also recommend this book to anyone who works with or wants to know youth better. The author writes their banter and experiences in a very real way. She doesn’t shield us from what teens experience and this has helped me on my own vocation as a mother and as a Pastor. Finally, as a Pastor, I am pleased with the description of this small town Pastor and his passion for good. He’s not perfect, by any means, but he reflects so many small town mainline pastors. While the media tends to tell stories of small-minded and prejudiced Christian leaders, Henry gives us an example of what is really more commonly found in churches in small towns across the nation.
As an aside, my nine year-old has been flagged and screened for dyslexia and has not ever finished a novel of this size. She has begun the book and has already reached chapter 22!

[Jenn Gilgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawn Samuelson Henry has created a caring community of complex characters. Ever since the mill shut down, the town of Edgewater and its citizens have struggled financially. Even though the town is super small (where everyone knows everyone) and they're in the same social studies class, Luna and Hunter, two high school students, don't know each other, probably because they're both focused on their private struggles. After a tragic accident, their social studies teacher teams them up to lead a fundraising project. At first, the project seems insurmountable because of the students' limited resources, and not everyone is keen on the project. But kindness spreads, and soon, many adults in the town are on board, and the project brings hope and healing to the small town and its citizens. Told from Luna's and Hunter's perspectives, Henry authentically captures the teenagers' lives and voices. The minor characters are far from lesser. Each character is complex, even the mean girls. Made in Maine reminds us that kindness is necessary and that communities can unite to make a difference in the world.

[Motria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyed this book! Did not want it to end and am eager to consider what happens to the various characters in the future. Great development of the story with nuanced understanding of young people. Beautifully done.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one to typically read young adult fiction (more of a psychological thriller type!), but I really loved this book. The characters are all likeable (even the complicated ones) and realistic, and the plot was inspiring and hopeful. Narrated from different perspectives by the teen protagonists, the story tells the plight of a small Maine town whose main industry closes, leaving many of the residents suffering both psychologically and financially. Then tragedy strikes the town, when one of their youngest and most likable residents drowns in a local pool. In the end the town comes together in a unique way that was heart-warming. This is a great summer read and I hope Shawn writes more YA fiction.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is told from alternating perspectives. Luna and Hunter are part of different groups at school - but turn out to have more in common than a superficial glance would suggest. In this story, a small economically troubled town begins to rebuild, catalyzed by a high school class seeking to do something to remember a special person.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly lucky in that I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I’m so glad I did! (This is also my first written review on here but this book was so good I just had to write about it.) The cover is what originally drew me in and the summary kept me hooked with interest. The book was so much more than a YA novel and the way emotions are portrayed of both the kids and the adults is incredible. It made it so easy for me to empathize with each of the characters and get pulled into their stories. The way everyone’s lives were affected when the mill closed down and how everyone tried to recover after a devastating tragedy was just so well written. This was a one of a kind novel and the fact it’s the authors debut is so fantastic because she really hit the mark with this one! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone because it's been one of my favorites this year!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to add to your TBR list! I read it in two days. The chapters are short and immediately grab your attention. I teach middle school, so I couldn't help but be drawn to the main characters Hunter and Luna (high school students). The book alternates between chapters from each of their points of view. The character development is so well done in this book...you feel like you really know each of the main figures and you can't help but root for a few of them. The book revolves around a small town's response to a tragedy, and really shows how a community working together can make good things happen. This is a quick read that you won't be able to put down!

[Scott Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Made in Maine" authentically captures the devastation a mill closing has on a community through the eyes of high school kids trying to navigate awkward, often cruel teen years. The characters are true, their struggles identifiable, and their blue-collar world is honest. You feel the cold of winter, the limitations of job loss, the pain of isolation, the impact of alcoholism and an unforeseen horrific tragedy. And yet against all of this, the author wonderfully crafts hope that transcends through acceptance, friendship, and a community that works together for a cause that is ultimately bigger than any of them know.

[Debbie Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story for young adults or adults about people who are marginalized..The story follows 2 basic characters who's lives become intertwined, due to a town tragedy. As the story moves, you see how the lives of people in the town come together for a cause. Even though sad in part, it becomes very uplifting. The back stories of the characters make their story so real. You can feel what the characters feel . Highly recommend this book.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is technically a young adult novel, but adults of all ages will be able to relate. Tough times in a small town, and the author deftly weaves in many of the situations we face in modern society - poverty, developmental and physical challenges, who we love, substance abuse, dysfunctional families. Heavy topics, but you sense all along that these strong characters will be ok in the end and the story keeps moving at a good pace. An inspiring read.

[Karen Caruso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with characters that capture your imagination and pull you right into the story! The book delves into all of the social issues we face as people and as a society. When the book is over it will live on with you! Great read!

[Amy Bleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has something for everyone, not just high school-aged readers, though this novel will certainly resonate with them! There is so much intrigue, drama, and action and yet at the end, you are still left wanting more. Can’t wait to see what Shawn Samuelson Henry serves up next!

[Robin Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

Great story line with good character development. Easy to read and a page turner. All the emotions you want are in this book, plus more. I laughed I cried I was moved.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a book for young adults. The characters are endearing, the story uplifting. Read this book and spread the word!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through alternating perspectives, the reader is immediately drawn into the intertwined worlds of the main characters, Luna and Hunter, who both feel isolated by the difficulties in their respective families. Yet these two young people are soon drawn together by their common love of a 5-year-old boy, Teo. After Teo’s tragic death, Hunter, Luna, classmates, and townspeople – many dealing with the complex emotions of guilt and grief – pull together in a campaign to honor Teo.

As the dynamics in the school, town, and church unfold, the reader is captivated by the surprising turn of events. Misunderstandings arise, secrets come to life, judgements ensue – and compassion and understanding emerge. At one point in the story, after Hunter is courageously honest, he is surprised to hear not rejection but praise for his “grit and grace and character.” This is a novel that highlights “grit and grace and character” as the hidden pain and goodness in people – both adults and teens alike – is revealed.

The story is poignantly honest and inspiring, a must-read for both teenagers and adults.

[Laura Happe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading a book about places I am visiting. So when we vacationed to Maine last month, I picked up this book - and I'm so glad I did! Made In Maine is a refreshing mix of the real life challenges that many communities and individuals are facing and how we can come together in the face of adversity. The characters were well-developed and real. The storylines that weaved throughout the story are relatable and contemporary. What I liked most about this book was that it inspired hope. Made In Maine reminds us that we can do more and do better when we work together than when we isolate ourselves and others.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story...wow...Hunter's father starts drinking. Luna has a birthmark on her face and tries to hide from everyone. When a little boy dies from drowning accident, Hunter and Luna work together to raise money to make sure every kid in town has swimming lessons. As they work, others want to help. From Blueberry Jam to specially made sweaters, almost everyone in town gets involved. This story has several strong supporting characters and I would love the author to create a series for each character.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding this up to 5 stars for the story. However, the dialogue littered with "like" kept taking me out. If this were set in the early 2000's, then it wouldn't have been as bothersome, but I live with two teens and am around a good number of them and they don't speak like that. But I will say that their dialogue was so much better than a couple of other books I tried to read this year that were set in Maine. I live in a town in Maine bordering a shut-down mill town. I would love to see someone swoop in to re-purpose the mill.