I suppose, in truth, it was the wind, which picked up overnight as tropical storm Philippe started to blow by.

But it didn’t sound like any wind. What it sounded like was a somewhat aggrieved lamentation from my other books, those whose covers and pages were more than a little out of joint because of what I posted about my “three best” books.

How dare I, they asked, leave them out of any author’s “best” list?

They do have a point, because I love each of those books as much as I can. Each has certainly filled an important niche of some kind, and satisfied either a research need or a fictional inclination.

Moreover, “Ni’n na L’nu,” co-authored with Jesse Francis, has been wonderfully successful in terms of prizes won and number of copies sold. While “Ancient Land, New Land” explores aspects of PEI history that had to be told. So too, all my various Louisbourg books contribute to offering a comprehensive picture of one French colony’s complex 18th-century world. Meanwhile, the two books on Grand-Pré present interpretations of a vitally important national and international historic site. And then there are the three Thomas Pichon novels. Of course, they mean a lot to me. As does “Storied Shores,” which has been entirely rewritten but not yet published in a fresh edition.

Yes, other books, you are not forgotten.

So, there, is that better, you books who felt overlooked and under-loved? You too are very much in my thoughts.

There, are we ok again?

Whew.

This post is likely a bad idea. But what the heck, here goes.

Late afternoon the other day, it popped into my head: “What are your three best books?”

Of course, that’s a ridiculous question. It’s like asking “Who’s your favourite child?” There’s nothing to be gained by answering.

Nonetheless, I gave it a moment’s thought. And more or less instantly I came up with the three books below, nicely lit by the golden, setting sun.

Why those three? Two history books and a YA novel?

I’m guessing it’s because each one is a continuous tale. Once all three begin, they continue page after page until the reader gets to the end.

My other history books do not unfold quite as compellingly, and my other novels are not as simply told as “Into the Wind”.

So, there it is, one author’s late afternoon thoughts about his twenty plus books.

I would be delighted if anyone would like to chime in. Have I chosen wisely or am I sadly mistaken?

Here is a link to Jacinthe Laforest’s coverage of the plaque unveiling and release of new interpretive media at SPLJFA last week.

Une nouvelle plaque et de nouveaux médias d’interprétation sont inaugurés à Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort-Amherst – La Voix Acadienne

Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst NHSC

Here is the new English-language of a video that highlights aspects of the history of this site on Prince Edward Island (aka Epekwitk and Ile-du-Prince-Édouard). It is 18 minutes long. I make several appearances in it, as do Chief Darlene Bernard, Georges Arsenault and Julie Pelissier Lush.

On behalf of KidLit Cove, author Judith Graves recently interviewed me about my latest book, Into the Wind. Our conversation is about 20 minutes long.

Sure, it’s a wee sign of vanity. Nonetheless, it does make me smile to see how much of the floor my books can cover.

Here’s hoping there are more to come in the years ahead!