: My Marquette: Explore the Queen City of the North-Its History, People, and Places With Native Son

by Tyler R. Tichelaar

"This book is written for the visitor who wants to know more about Marquette, for the longtime Marquette resident who loves its history, for people who want a tour guide as they walk around Marquette, for readers of my novels who want to know more about the people and places that inspired my characters and stories, and finally, to preserve some oral history and memories of myself and others before they are lost" -- author's note.

447 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Tyler R. Tichelaar's books and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. He is truly a master storyteller with the ability to create believable and unforgettable characters. All of his books are set in Marquette, Michigan, from its humble beginnings to its present day. After reading Tichelaar's books I wanted to visit Marquette—and so did many of his readers, which is one of the reasons he wrote the non-fiction book My Marquette. It is an insider look into the author's personal love of his city as he explores its history and in particular how it relates to his family and to his novels.

Truly what appealed to me most about this book is how Tichelaar ties all the true historical details, landmarks and events from Marquette to his books and writes about how they inspired him. His research is extensive, but not dry or boring, and shows the work behind his literature. Actually, with each historical landmark Tichelaar highlights in this book, he quotes a paragraph or page from one of his previous novels where that very landmark was significant. And although I read his books a year ago, I remember the setting and characters clearly. That's how real his characters were to me and how this author has the gift of bringing history to life. It wouldn't surprise me if his novels became classic books in Marquette because, frankly, they should.

Speaking of characters, Tichelaar writes about the family members and ancestors that inspired his characters. He included his family tree and in some ways has immortalized and honoured his ancestors and those of Marquette through this book. His ability to take his childhood memories and the rich heritage from his ancestors and spin them into an unforgettable saga spanning over 150 years and five novels attests to the brilliant work of this author. Reading My Marquette gave me the desire to re-read these novels.

I highly recommend this book to all readers of Tichelaar's books, to all Marquette and Upper Peninsula residents and to history buffs looking to know more about The Queen City of the North through a personalized tour. Marquette residents can be proud that a gifted author—a seventh generation Marquette resident has put their city on a map.

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating study of a small town in Michigan where the author lovingly relates his family's roots and connection to the town. Tyler Tichelaar writes of his ancestors move West, the marriages, hardships,and successes of his melting pot family. He describes where they came from, touches on their lives interrupted with the civil war, and then World War One. He describes the growth of the town, various landmarks and takes a wonderful and thorough trip down memory lane. At times, a lot of information to digest- it will serve as slice of Americana, the birth and growth of an American family twined in the family tree of an American town.