A collection of wide-ranging stories from 14 Maine writers, edited by Maine literary don Wesley McNair. Some of the authors are well-known, such as Richard Russo, Richard Ford, Stephen King and Cathie Pelletier. The others are Carolyn Chute, Ellen Cooney, Eliane Ford, Susan Kenney, Lily King, Jim Nichols, Lewis Robinson, Bill Rorbach, Debra Spark, and Monica Wood. Not all of the stories take place in Maine, but all show the influence of the Maine spirit - tight knit communities, respect for the individual, and a respect for the inevitable. A good dose of Maine humor has been sprinkled throughout the collection. Favorite stories are Monica Wood's "Ernie's Ark," Stephen King's "The Reach," and Elaine Ford's "Elwood's Last Job." ( )