Cook County News Herald

Loon Laughter at Midnight, a book review



John Bragstad’s third book is out, and fans of the Northland will want to pick up a copy. Staff photo Brian Larsen

John Bragstad’s third book is out, and fans of the Northland will want to pick up a copy. Staff photo Brian Larsen

John Bragstad’s third book Loon Laughter at Midnight is another fun, joyful read. At 72 pages, it isn’t long, is paced well, and Bragstad covers many subjects and people. It is a kind of smorgasbord of ideas, a potpourri of thoughts, and a smidgeon of fascinating local history thrown into the mix, and the preparation is spot on.

I’m not sure you will find another work that mentions John Muir, Father (Frederic Barag) Baragas, Colonel William Colvill, Sigurd Olson, the mystery and wonder of Ross Lights, Seagull Lake, Americana, northern lights, the wisdom of elders, and places these often into a colorful tapestry of forest and sky, all woven together interspersed with intrepid quotes from dozens of well-known authors and deep thinkers.

After a long, arduous portage, John talks about the inability to prepare for the unknown but to make the best of a bad situation. “Fairness is only a concept. It is never part of nature’s calculus. Instead, it rests on us to solve our problems, to watch for danger, to complete our trip.”

A former canoe guide in the BWCAW and Saskatchewan, John knows the outdoors intimately well. In addition, he spent 25 years as a marriage counselor, and he offers some sage—safe—advice on relationships and how to maneuver through the currents of troubled waters.

But this isn’t a tome dedicated solely to therapy.

Instead, it’s a reflection acknowledging the bravery of the men who fought with Colonel William Colvill, the brilliance and dedication of Father Baragas, the wisdom of John Muir and Sigurd Olson, the wonder of nature all around us, and finding our place in it.

This collection would be fun to browse while sitting next to a campfire or lounging in a soft chair near the warm glow of a fireplace. But, if you don’t have access to those, it’s always a good read before bedtime. So that’s how I devoured it.

As John says, “This book is for moments when the silence, mystery, gratitude of such places as these can overtake us.”

Bragstad will make you think. Make you smile. And you will learn things you never knew. As for me, I can’t ask for more than that. It was a joy to read.

His book can be picked up at the Lake Superior Trading Post and Drury Lane Bookstore. Readers can also order through johnbragstad.com.

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