In Welcome to Kamini, Don Engebretson introduces John Dogrib along with a bit of Ojibwe language and humor. Readers who have yet to meet an Ojibwe guide in the Northwoods will learn about the land, the language and the diversity within the culture. Those who know the culture well will appreciate the humor and individuality of Gribber who goes through a few changes of his own as he teaches others about life and laughter. It was an honor to help Don get the Ojibwe language right and to know an author who took time to make the right connections and give readers a window into a world beyond his own … It was a pleasure helping Don get the Ojibwe language and culture right … Ingikendaan wii-minwendaman gaa-ozhibiiged. (I know you will like what he wrote.)

Don has penned a jewel of the north. His debut novel is utterly charming, with a pitch-perfect ear for the brisk wit and easy rhythms of a northern Ontario resort community. The entertaining characters are warm and welcoming, even while they’re poking fun at you. This book—this place—is the soul-renewing vacation you need right now. Take it.

Who wouldn’t want to visit Kamini? In this delightful debut novel, Don Engebretson evokes the quiet peace of the sunrise over water or a musky trailing a lure with the best of them. Come for the engaging people and plot, stay for some of the best nature writing you’ll read this year.