Quiet Magic

by Sam Cook

Step outside and marvel at the grand experience of the North -- the power of a storm building on the greatest of the Great Lakes, the glory of Northern Lights in the shimmering night sky, the embracing, absolute silence of a snowhouse. Or stay inside with Quiet Magic and savor Sam Cook's unique blend of sensitive portrayals and gentle humor. Starting with his description of one of nature's wondes -- the simplicity of a stand of reeds against a wide-open sunset -- and ending with a deep appreciation for the never-ending surprises of the outdoors, Cook weaves a tapestry of enchanting images of the North Woods and keeps you smiling and chuckling all the way. In this long-awaited paperback edition, Sam Cook invites you to look outward to discover the North Country and look inward to discover yourself.

Genres: Outdoors

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1992

Reviews

[Eric Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comfort food reading. I've tabbed my seven favorite pieces and go back to them again and again. If you have been to the Boundary Waters, Quetico, Gunflint Trail, or Northern Shore of Lake Superior and unfortunately had to leave, then this book will help take you back.

[Ponyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Short stories that are quick to read and well written. Even the ones about fishing & hunting are fun and interesting to read.

Written by a Minnesotan about the North country of MN.

The way San Cook writes it really took me up North, snow camping (which I would not ever do), canoeing on Lake Superior, Sauna's (you betcha!) seeing the Northern Lights.

Actually made me want to spend time outside again!

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are beautiful essays written about the Minnesota North Shore. These are presented as stories from his life, and I am sure they are, but they are nice little vignettes from small hiking, hunting, kayaking, and camping adventures in northeast Minnesota and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. Having spent enough time on the North Shore, I can visualize many of these places in my mind, but he gives apt descriptions to form your own, beautiful picture.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

No idea why it took so long to read this book. But once I started I could not put it down. Cook's writings of the North Woods are as fresh today as when he first penned them. Going forward I will make rereading his telling of the Christmas City of the North Parade an annual tradition. Damn funny and all true.

[David Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. Sam Cook perfectly captures why Northeast Minnesota, truly, is a magical place. This is one of those “warm blanket” books that I will pick up over and over again when I need a comforting reminder of my favorite place on Earth.

[Tony Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book of short stories.