'Tales from Misery Ridge' a joy to read By Katy England edge staff writer kengland@themaineedge.com Maine is a state for outdoorsmen, with a wilderness that still remains largely untamed. But not everyone has a chance to experience its natural grandeur and wild places. Paul Fournier weaves his experiences as a Maine Guide, bush pilot and public information officer for the Department of Maine Fish and Wildlife into charming tales of what Maine's out-of-the-way woods, streams and lakes has to offer in "Tales from Misery Ridge" (Islandport Press, $16.95). His stories evoke stunning images of Maine's outdoors and the fun, adventure, humor and danger of enjoying time in them. One of Fournier's greatest strengths, something that seems to carry over from his work as a guide, is his willingness to teach and share his understanding and love for the Maine wilderness. The book is broken into several essays. Not all of them take place at Misery Ridge, but they all take place or have their heart set in Maine. Readers get a serving of Fournier's warm sense of humor, admiration for the people who live and work (and some work very hard) out in the wilds, and his deep and abiding love and respect for Maine's natural resources. He takes the reader on salmon fishing trips, to an ice harvest at one of Maine's last working ice houses, flights with the warden service and on the great and ultimately doomed expedition to try to return caribou to Maine. Anyone with a fondness for this state would do well to read this book. If nothing else, it will make you yearn for the great outdoors and find a way to enjoy it and preserve it.