Written on Water

Characters and Mysteries from Maine's Back of Beyond

By: Randy Spencer

Narrated by: Randy Spencer

Fishing guide and award-winning author Randy Spencer weaves a spell with quirky, colorful residents, fish-out-of-water tourists, native traditions, and a large helping of absolute wonder.

Written on Water is an extraordinary collection of tales about the part of Maine that truly is, as those who reside there call it, "back of the beyond". With its assemblage of quirky characters who live far off the beaten path and consider fishing to be a sacred art, the beautiful, watery, down-east Grand Lake Stream (pop. 132) has been hallowed ground since the 1800s. Written on Water takes us to a place where very old ways of life have persisted and, against all odds, the velocity of modern life has not yet invaded its shores and lakes, pines, canoes, and most importantly, its citizens. The unlikely survival of such a place in the 21st century is remarkable, as is the oral history that has survived with it.

Award-winning author and master Maine guide, Randy Spencer, shares this insightful collection of colorful oral histories, teeming with drama, mysteries, and laugh-out-loud moments about eccentric and lovable individuals.

In poignant and frequently hilarious prose, Spencer brings us "fish stories" - tales of the author's experience guiding "sports" on fishing excursions - as well as stories about many of the quirky and eccentric local residents.

©2021 Randy Spencer (P)2021 Rivercliff Books & Media

Critic reviews

"These dispatches from a remote corner of Maine are a delight to read. Randy Spencer's characters-fishing guides, junk dealers, small-town sheriffs, pot growers, boat builders and trappers, to name just a few-are as pungent as spruce sap. But Written on Water is more than a gallery of memorable Mainers-it's a celebration of a passing way of life." (Lou Ureneck, author, professor and winner of National Outdoor Book Award and Yankee Quill Award)

Inspired trip to Maine!!

I thoroughly enjoy reading books on fishing, hunting & hiking which lead me to Randy's first two books Where Cool Waters Flow and Wide and Deep. Both books took me to Grand Lake Stream, Maine without leaving the comforts of my easy chair. I so enjoyed his description of the places in and around GLS and his well developed characters that I organized a trip there to check it out, and i was not disappointed. After visiting GLS and meeting Randy I wanted more and Written on Water certainly delivers. Randy continues his unique ability to pull you into the wonders and mystery of this special place and the local characters he writes about. I especially enjoyed listening to Randy read his book on Audible and hope he has plans to issue his first two books on Audible as well some day!

The Voice Behind the Stories

I am a high school English/Language Arts teacher. I often have my students read along to books while an audiobook plays for them. I do this so they are able to hear the tone the author wishes for them to hear. We listen to no less than 10 books a year and this has been by far, our favorite. The stories in Written on Water perfectly portray lives that my students not only understand, but connect to through their own heritage. My students, each day, grab the book and run to their seats. They are excited to listen to it, excited to read it, and their questions that follow each story are so rich and thoughtful.

The author's tone throughout the entire book is perfect and paints the pictures beautifully.

From Woodland High School's grade 9 ELA class, we thank you!