I registered this book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12548984

I give Greenlaw loads of credit for stepping up to "rescue" a young woman who otherwise had no good place to go. Fifteen-year-old Mariah is staying with her uncle on a remote island off the coast of Maine when it becomes known that he has treated her, and others, badly. The islanders are a close-knit group, and they think maybe their local celebrity, Linda Greenlaw, can help. Perhaps she can let Mariah stay at her place for a short while as legal issues get cleared up. Greenlaw, who loves her solitude, reluctantly says yes.

The short time is extended. More than once. And as Greenlaw gets to know Mariah and her past better she becomes more invested in her. Thus she actually fights for her, and becomes "mom" to a brand-new teen.

Greenlaw was the star of the perfect storm immortalized by Sebastian Junger, so she is no stranger to difficult conditions. But this is a different kind of storm.

I'm all for real-life stories of hope, but I wasn't all that impressed with this one. Greenlaw's prose is pedantic and uninspired, and I couldn't help but get a sense of self-congratulation, perhaps some false modesty. It's hard to write a book about something you did that's selfless and life-affirming, without letting a bit of "yay me" in. Easier if it isn't about you. I also took away the message that these islanders are better than the rest of us, down-home just folks that they are. Obviously many others have loved this book. I hope it finds more enthusiastic readers than I was. ( )

Lifesaving Lessons Notes from an Accidental Mother by Linda Greelaw
Isle au Haut is 7 miles off the coast of Maine and Linda lives there, living off the land and sea and is also an author, making money at it.
I have a connection to a similar island and love getting over there as often as I can. Fitting in takes time. The book starts out when Linda meets Mariah and takes her on til school starts in the one room schoolhouse on the island.
Linda has her own boat and traps and hires Mariah to paint the buoys and after watching Linda do a chore she mimics it.
After the island sends her off island to school they go about their normal days of preparing for the winter. With other schemes up their sleeves they pursue them and when it fails due to unforeseen circumstances there is still some time to lobster.
Love hearing about all the plans and things done in timely fashion to get ready for the different seasons and how the island goes about its business.
With the return of summer and the people that come there are town meetings and the talk is of the parcel that is for sale. There is so much of it one could buy it and build condos.
Linda has made new friends during the winter that run their own cafe during the summer months and take orders for chocolates. Also the place to be for gossip and hot coffee and donuts freshly made.
In August things change and the islanders band together to help... Unimaginable things occur that leave Linda to even lock her door for the first time ever and to load her shotgun while Mariah is in her care til the authorities can do something.
Things heat up as the time gets closer but everything and then some all go wrong...
Now the tough part of being her guardian and all they endured...her parents were back for the summer and her sister lived on the mainland and along with the female population on the island there is support.
Love how all the pieces are brought to their end. I can truly relate living on an island 3 miles by 1 mile wide. ( )