A Lakeside Companion

Rulseh (On the Pond: Lake Michigan Reflections), author of the local Wisconsin newspaper column “The Lake Where You Live,” presents a comprehensive and accessible guide to lake life. He introduces readers to the fundamentals: how these bodies of water came to exist (generally, via glaciers), the different ways that they are categorized (such as the distinction between drainage and seepage lakes), and the chemical compositions crucial to their continued existence. After going over the basics, the guidebook then delves into the amazing biological diversity present in lakes. Readers learn of the variety of fish that flourish there, from minnows to largemouth bass. Rulseh succinctly explains the features that they share, such as the lateral lines of their bodies used to “pick up vibrations in the water,” and the features that make each different, like the walleyes’ excellent vision, attained through “a layer of reflective crystals behind the retina,” which makes them “deadly predators at night or in murky waters.” Rulseh also thoroughly discusses the insects, plants, birds, and other kinds of life that inhabit lakes, along with the effects of changing seasons, the multitude of recreational activities available, and how the reader can help to protect these unique habitats. This concise primer will make an excellent addition to any nature lover’s collection. (Sept.)