Ernie's Ark

Monica Wood's story is set in a small town which is affected by the closure of a local paper mill. Wood follows several characters, each with a unique and touching perspective. I cherished this book and often give it as a gift to other readers.

I *discovered* this writer when I read "My Only Story" which I absolutely loved. I then followed up with "The Secret Language", an entirely different but equally rewarding read. So when I heard about "Ernie's Ark" there was no doubt that I would read it! And it was a joy.I always enjoy reading books of connected stories and this was one of the best. Wood created a foundation with the first story and proceeded to build on it... Read Full Review

This work compares very favorably with Richard Russo's Pulitzer-winning EMPIRE FALLS and covers much of the same territory. Like Russo, Wood is intimately and intricately familiar with the people she characterizes so well. Some of these stories could happen anywhere; some only in smalltown Maine. The stories are loosely connected and characters overlap in what in the hands of a lesser writer, might seem a contrived structure,... Read Full Review

I LOVE this book! If you have never read anything by Monica Wood, make this your first! You will fall in love with her after reading this book! What a touching and inspiring story (collection of stories) of a small town in Maine and the residents' response to it's economic crisis. The characters are so real and the events of their lives so familiar. . . makes you think Ms. Wood must've not only written about it, but LIVED... Read Full Review