David K. Leff Boeken

Imagine walls could actually talk as a New England factory community faces closure of its signature mill due to environmental contamination and foreign competition. This story of politics, family life, competing redevelopment schemes, gossiping locals, and a mother fiercely protecting her children is told in the voice of common objects—from the church steeple clock to a Bridgeport milling machine to an umbrella. They witness a bit of drinking, sex, a suicide, and the hopes and dreams of the human beings around them. How did these everyday things find their voice? Readers may never again look at the ordinary objects around them the same.

The narrative explores the author's deep connection to Collinsville, Connecticut, revealing how the town's rhythms and charm transformed his perception of his surroundings. Through this journey, he uncovers a profound sense of community that resonates with many Americans, highlighting the importance of belonging and shared experience in everyday life.

Explore the concept of deep travel, encouraging readers to find inspiration and beauty in everyday locations. The book emphasizes the allure of ordinary places, inviting individuals to connect with their surroundings and discover the hidden wonders that lie just beyond their doorstep.

Set against the backdrop of New England's waterways in 2004, the narrative intertwines the author’s journey with Thoreau's reflections from 1839. Embracing the concept of mindful deep travel, the author explores the connection between external adventures and internal growth. Through a personal lens, he emphasizes an ecological perspective, highlighting how meaningful exploration requires looking deeper into both nature and oneself. This journey becomes a meditation on the significance of place and self-discovery.

Experience the rugged wilderness of northern Maine alongside notable figures like Henry David Thoreau and Justice William O. Douglas. This journey captures the essence of outdoor adventure, highlighting a young couple's struggles with the challenges of wilderness travel, which tests their relationship and resilience. Vivid sensory details bring the landscape to life, from the sounds of roaring rapids and yodeling loons to the scents of spruce and swamps. Encounter majestic wildlife and breathtaking sunrises as you delve into the beauty and trials of nature.