Downeast: Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America

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By Gigi Georges ’96

Published July 21, 2021

In her new book, Georges explores the far-reaching impact of urban-rural divide and offers an optimistic view of rural America. Challenging stereotypes about rural “hopelessness,” Downeast documents the lives of five resilient young women who not only survive their challenging upbringings, but thrive — and choose to stay, building their hometowns towards a brighter future.

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The February 2026 cover of PAW, featuring a photo of Joseph Nye.
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February 2026

Lives Lived & Lost in 2025, Saying ’yes’ to more housing; AI startup stars