1 comments about Fireworks and Folly: How We Killed Minnie Sutherland.

1. She was related to my wife and this book gives an accurate account of just how crewl people can be. She never stood a chance even though some others tried to help her. Justice was never done.

No comments about First Man West: Alexander Mackenzie's Journal of His Voyage to the Pacific Coast of Canada in 1793.

No comments about Rollercoaster: My Hectic Years as Jean Chretien's Diplomatic Advisor, 1994-1998.

No comments about Buckskin & Broadcloth: A Celebration of E. Pauline Johnson - Tekahionwake, 1861-1913.

1 comments about Opposite Contraries: The Unknown Journals of Emily Carr and Other Writings.

1. Award-winning author and cultural critic Susan Crean gathers previously unpublished writings from Emily Carr's journals, notebooks, and epistles, as well as 42,000 words from Carr's previously published journals for inclusion into Opposite Contraries: The Unknown Journals Of Emily Carr And Other Writings. An absorbing and eclectic collection of discourse, the entries range from Carr's father's no-nonsense rendition of the facts of life, to the complete text of Carr's 1913 "Lecture on Totems" concerning Native imagery and Native people, Opposite Contraries is highly recommended -- especially for students of the life and work of Emily Carr, who although best known as an extraordinary painter, was also the author of seven quite popular and critically praised books.

3 comments about Grey Owl: The Many Faces of Archie Belaney.

1. It has been said, "one cannot judge a book by it's cover", however, we must also keep in mind that there are no absolutes as this book is a story which is depicted, in large measure, by the cover. Sensitive, warm, and poetic presentation of the life and contributions of Grey Owl. The photos exceptional in quality, and accurate as to life and times of the era. These are real people, places, and times that were a part of North American history. The manner in which sayings and aspects of Grey Owl are available as the story unfolds are done in such a manner I think you get two books for the price of one. I read the book from cover to cover the first time then re-read the white pages only, and then followed by reading the tan colored pages. Either way it is easy, fast, and enjoyable. I think the author did an excellent job in demonstrating the efforts of Grey Owl. He was an interesting fellow who had a vision and purpose in life which is so unique that a major moving picture has been make about him as well as four documantaries. Jane Billinghurst has created a work which makes possible an interpretation of the content, by the reader, as it is a factual and well documented treatise. There have been several books published about Grey Owl, in my opinion this is, like the Land of Shadows (Don Smith), is a must read for a deeper appreciation of this most remarkable fellow, Grey Owl.



2. This is a wonderful book. Well researched and balanced. Jane Billinghurst tells the story of Archie B. and I could not put it down. Other's have borrowed it and have praised it also. I am off to check out what else Billinghurst has written!



3. Beautifully -- in places lyrically -- written, this small volume makes a compelling case for preservation of the natural beauty that once prevailed throughout North America, and which now has become all too rare. Never straying far from her main theme (the life of Grey Owl), Jane Billinghurst draws us into the passion and dedication of her subject, leading us reflect on environmental questions not as dry policy issues, but as ones that can relate to an almost spiritual connection between the individual and his natural surroundings. Must reading for historians, environmentalists, and those with an interest in Canada, this insightful book is thoroughly rewarding for the general reader as well. Very highly recommended.

No comments about Raisin Wine: A Boyhood in a Different Muskoka.

No comments about Quiet leader supportive and inspiring.(Doug Golosky)(Golosky Group)(Fort McMurray, Alberta)(Biography) : An article from: Wind Speaker.

No comments about Bill Reid: Beyond the Essential Form (Museum Note, No 19).

5 comments about Ordeal by Fire: A memoir.

1. This is a true story of love, abuse, suffering, tragedy, forgiveness, redemption and closure. When I began reading this book, I was not able to put it down until I had finished it.

   This is a memoir. If you are living through, or have lived through, family violence, or simply know someone in that situation, then this book may be very helpful. It grew out of Rita's own need to come to terms with these horrific events in her life. She has since also become active in providing support and counseling to others who are suffering or have suffered domestic abuse.

   Be warned: the violence that the author and her family endured is graphically described. But it is not gratuitous violence. The violence was real, personal and even fatal for some members of Rita's family. That it occurred in a middle class family in a middle class neighborhood in a major North American city provides a hint of the pain that may be only one friend or family away from each of us.




2. Rita's book is about her journey; an idyillic child hood living in
   exotic locations, her horrific first few months of marriage, her attempt
   to escape, her immigration to Canada, her constant quest to placate her
   violent and unstable husband, her carrer success, her wonderful children
   and the most unimaginable tragedy anyone can ever experience.

   Her story has a universal appeal which crosses cultural and economic
   boundaries. My admiration for her has no bounds, because she has
   survived and is willing to share her story to celebrate her son and to
   reach out to women.




3. Hi! I am Rita Nayar.
   I am writing a message here to provide an email address to those of you who wish to get in touch with me!
   It is rita_nayar@hotmail.com
   Please do write as I would love to get your thoughts, comments, feedback or simply an acknowledgement of my book.



4. Wow! An amazing story of survival and sacrifice. This extraordinarily personal story is written in a simple yet eloquent style that provides a window directly into the heart of a woman dealing with unbearable emotional confines in her life.

   It is both an awful story of an oppressive and controlling man and awesome story of a woman's struggle for emotional and spiritual freedom for herself and her children. And it is the story of an Indian woman's struggle to reconcile her own identity within traditional Indian culture and with family expectations about her role in marriage and in life.

   Read this book if you want to be astounded...and then inspired!




5. Rita has shared a true life story. It is a brave revelation of the many twists of life. There are many lesson one picks up througout the book. To look at life with a broad, unselfish view while valuing every drop in the ocean of time is one. Every life event has a purpose, and one must have faith in the way life unfolds itself. Her presentation is truly pictureque --from Rajasthan in India to Africa and multi-cultural Canada.