Posted by ClearSkies on January 16, 2008, at 18:19:21
Struck as I was that I have now lived outside of Canada longer than I ever lived in it - yet fiercely Canadian (yes, Virginia, there is such a beast!), I was inspired by my visit home over the holidays to scour the book stores for some additions to my library.
My choices, and what I've thought of them:
"David Suzuki - the Autobiography" - this geneticist and environmentalist has been my hero for AGES. he surpassed Pierre Burton long ago as my all-time favourite Canadian. I really couldn't put this book down, and my admiration for this champion of so many important issues, such as the fragile relationship man has with the earth. So many of his radio and television programmes throughout the years have brought the intricacies of science and social topics onto a very easily understood format that even someone like me - who didn't go much beyond high school - can grasp and appreciate; well, I have enormous admiration for this man and his life's work. A really entertaining read.
A completely different, but no less engaging book, has been "Ghost Rider" written by none other than Neil Peart, lyricist and drummer for the band Rush, who suffered not one but two devastating family losses within a 10-month period. He took off on a solo, cross-continental journey on his BMW motorcycle, and kept a journal of the trip. I'm not quite finished with this book, and am loathe to read too quickly through it. His writing is just exquisite, as you can imagine if you're familiar with the legendary band's songs' lyrics. His sense of loss is palpable on every page, yet it's encouraging to see how he's able to engage a little more fully with his surroundings with each passing mile. It's an incredible tale of his journey through grief.
I didn't really mean to write a couple of book reviews here; more like a couple of appreciative bumps for just two of my fellow Canadians.
For anyone who wants to enjoy.
poster:ClearSkies
thread:807049
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080104/msgs/807049.html