Lost In Michigan: History and Travel Stories from an Endless Road Trip

by Mike Sonnenberg

Based on the popular Lost In Michigan website that was featured in the Detroit Free Press, It contains locations throughout Michigan, and tells their interesting story. Whether you’re a long time Michigander, or new to the“Mitten State” there are over 50 stories and locations that you will find fascinating. After reading this book, you're going to want to take a road trip in your car, and get “Lost In Michigan.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, History, Reference

182 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2017

Reviews

[Janet Pawelek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the choice of interesting places to visit that I, as a native Michigander, had never heard of. However, there were a couple of things I found disconcerting. One, the improper use of “it’s” and “its” throughout the book, many misspellings, and incorrect grammar. But more than that, there were so many places that you can’t actually get to…either it’s private property, it’s on Indian property, or it’s only accessible from the water, and even then you can only see it, not visit. I may someday use this to find an out-of-the-way attraction, but I doubt it.

[Better · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was an embarassment. Typos galore, so many spelling and grammar mistakes, you'd think this was written by a 3rd grader. Even by the basement standards of self-published books (a low bar indeed) this one was a giant turkey. The author even thanks his mother in the introduction for "proof reading" (sic) the book. I wonder if her seeing eye dog helped with the task?

Etaoin Publishing house in Saginaw, MI ought to be ashamed of themselves for putting out such an amateur badly-written book, and refusing to hire a copy-editor to eliminate the barrels and barrels of NUMEROUS typos. Poor Mike Sonnenberg, maybe on his next book he'll be able to afford a proper proofreader who's not his blind mother.

And also with added insult to injury, the author refused to include ANY landmarks in Grand Rapids or even the Kent County area! Dozens and dozens of state landmarks, and just a baffling ZERO representation of the 2nd largest city here in MI. Staggering. This book was a failure on every level, I had to quit reading it halfway through, it was really that unreadable. Better luck next time Mikey.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone from Michigan will enjoy this book about places that are off the beaten trail. Mike Sonnenberg visits mostly small places, takes a picture of a unique feature there, then writes about it. Some chapters are about ghost stories, some are about castles that get donated to universities, and others are just unknown facts.

This book is divided into four distinct areas of Michigan; Southern Lower, Central Lower, Northern Lower, and Upper Peninsula. His intrigue with interesting pictures or unusual facts causes him to stop in obscure places. Because each chapter is about a different place, it's hard to rate this book. Some stories are engaging while others are uninteresting. My biggest complaint is that there were spelling or grammar errors that I believe an editor should have caught. Still this is a very quick and very easy book to read and gives a glimpse of what to see in Michigan if you get off the main trail.

These books are very short so I did not rate each one. I read this plus Volume 2 and 4. My rating would be the same for all. Pick one up.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

History and Travel Stories From an Endless Road Trip, EBK-M, Kindle, Vol. 1, @ ?, Read 10/32/22. Little snippets and pictures of various old or historic buildings in Michigan, some well known, others not so much! Just an interesting sort of little trivia spots in Michigan. 3☆'s = Good, I enjoyed it!

[Suellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

#StoryGraph: nonfiction history travel
170 pages • 3.5⭐️

My roots are in Michigan and I lived there most of my life. This book, for me, was a very pleasant walk down memory lane.

DESCRIPTION

Based on the popular Lost In Michigan website that was featured in the Detroit Free Press, It contains locations throughout Michigan, and tells their interesting story. Whether you're a long time Michigander, or new to the "Mitten State" there are over 50 stories and locations that you will find fascinating. After reading this book, you're going to want to take a road trip in your car, and get "Lost In Michigan.”

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

50 short descriptions of out of the way places to visit in Michigan arranged by area, each with a picture, address, and map icon with the location. Just a teaser to encourage wandering, opening your eyes to fascinating places where ever you are. More places at www.lostinMichigan.net

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a Christmas gift, I've already read it from cover to cover, and visited my first place. It is so nice to have a book which shows places which otherwise go unnoticed. My only wish is that a map would have been included to show exactly where each place is. Very quick and easy read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like learning about the state that I live in and now there are some more things that I can check out when traveling in Michigan. I will most likely purchase the next volume to learn some more about Michigan.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of excellent information about little-known but interesting places in Michigan, combined with incredibly awful editing and proofreading. I keep it in the car with maps and other travel-related information.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have mentioned, the grammer mistakes and typos in this book are numerous. I stumbled my way through it and found a couple of places I'd like to visit. Hopefully, books 2-5 improve in writing quality, as I already bought them while living states away from my beloved Michigan.

[Susan Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading about these interesting places in my home state. Can't wait to go traveling now.

[Michelle Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved how Mike Sonnenberg put all this wonderful information about the state I was born in and lived in all my life now to book two

[Steve Kingsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book with a lot of information about Michigan that I didn't know and some depth about some places that I did know about.

[Angie Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5* places to go, things to see & explore

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting places off the beaten path, some I knew some I didn't -- can't wait to take a road trip

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting thumbnail stories about the history of locations in Michigan. I wish they had published the pictures of these locations in color. The black and white pictures are dark and lack detail.

[J. Mark Tuthill · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

Especially if you live in Michigan you’re going to have fun with this. And places to go! Thanks Mike! Great book.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book with pictures of a variety of places in Michigan most of us have never heard of. The story behind each location is brief and informative. It makes you want to hop in the car and travel from site to site. I was surprised to realize that I have actually been within a few miles of several places, not realizing what was just around the corner. So, if you want to learn more about Michigan history get a copy of this book to take along on your next road trip.

[David Britten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read and some great photos.

[Maddiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing too in depth, but just enough to get you interested. There are definitely a few places I plan on visiting this summer!

[Kristen Sturgis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and wanting to go visit the places listed