Canada Books

This book covers a period just prior to internet prevalence and the digitally connected world. This book is one that any adult on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) scale will readily identify with as it addresses issues people on the spectrum contended with prior to being able to find one another and understand living with "undefined differences."

Donna Williams' early life reads like a Dickensian classic. She survived poverty, prostitution, homelessness and the abuse that so often accompanies these societal obstacles in a person's life. She has traveled extensively from a geographical perspective as well as a diagnostic one. It was only when she had long reached adulthood that she was formerly diagnosed with autism.

Many people with autism born during the Baby Boom were misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and other unrelated conditions. Bad placements and inappropriate placements were very much the order of the day for many years. It is only in recent times, thanks to pioneer experts such as Donna Williams, Jerry Newman and Tony Attwood that these misperceptions about autism can hopefully be laid to rest.

Donna Williams, as with probably everybody on the a/A spectrum likens autism to sociology (learning about how humans behave and interact and what general expectations are) and feeling like an alien for not having this inborn, instictive and intuitive knowledge. People on the spectrum will certainly be able to identify with her experiences and how she describes them as well as her feelings regarding same. I like the way she describes her client-doctor relationship with her therapist, Dr. Marek. It sounded like a dance, of sorts where each was dancing timidly around the other, trying to figure out what step to take next.

Like the Bronte Sisters who created wonderfully creative, diversely populated fictional towns, Donna Williams sets out to create such an "Autistitopia" (Autistic Utopia).

Sheer luck and an unlikely friend come through like the Cavalry for her. Her first manuscript was left in England. A stranger found it and forwarded it to her. From there, an agent contacts her, expressing an avid interest in her work. That was the first quantum stride forward that transformed Donna Williams from a private citizen into a leading expert and scholar in matters relating to autism and treatments. This book is a shining beacon of hope and a ray of strong sunlight. WE NEED THIS BOOK!

It's 1994 in a world where most people don't yet have email or internet and the undiagnosed adults on the Autistic Spectrum born in the 1960s and earlier still don't know each other exist, often believing they are the only one's like themselves in the entire world.

After a life of abuse, domestic prostitution, homelessness and poverty Donna Williams has wandered her way back to Australia and finally found the answer to 'what kind of mad am I'. The words of her childhood like deaf, psychotic, disturbed now get swept aside with a formal diagnosis as Autistic as she stumbles upon and enters into therapy with an eccentric an innovative psychologist, Theo Marek and they try to understand each other with astoundingly different language, concepts, realities and 'normality', viewing each other as one might an alien.

Having finally discovered the population she has been kept from all her life, Donna develops a small town dream and determines with her IQ of under 70 to become a teacher and change and advance the world of Developmental Disabilities and how those with them are treated in Special Education and beyond.

But the manuscript of her first book remains in a tea chest in England, a copy of it left with a stranger who unknown to her has forwarded it on. And soon a fax arrives through the post from a literary agent with a copy of that book in his hands. The book she wrote only for herself, filled with darkness and shame and surreal idiosyncracy of her previously undiagnosed Autistic world is set to become an international bestseller and propel the woman terrified of being 'known' out of the shadows and straight into the limelight as one of the most famous people ever diagnosed with Autism in the world.

An incredible, uplifting book.

Donna Williams was diagnosed with autism as an adult, after many misdiagnosises. In her past, she faced child abuse, homelessness and prostitution. Now, that she began to realize her problems had a definite basis, she began to do something about them. Although her behavior was considered "antisocial" and eccentric, her insight into the human condition is remarkable. She has worked as a teacher of special needs children, and received awards for her "do-goodness." In this book, she casts aside the "characters" and poses that have made up her world, and begins to relate to people as herself, not as how she imagined they would want her to. Eventually, she began to publish memoir, which was picked up and published internationally. Her triumphs both in the professional and personal spheres will have you cheering, as she fights to master autism. "I will not let it control me" she writes, and she hasn't.

There are many books written about autism. While we can learn from researchers and professionals, we gain a whole new perspective when we listen to someone who has autism describe what it's like. Donna Williams is a bright, articulate young woman who freely shares insight into what it's like to live in the world of autism.

The first book was an amazing journey for me, and to read the second book was just as wonderful as the first. It left me wondering if there was a third book. A must read!

Nice book. But in this edition, there is no chapter title on each page, so it's a little difficult to track the chapters.

There is at least one author who may remind you of Stephen Leacock, namely Garrison Keillor of Lake Wobegon fame, but Leacock should be recognized as the ultimate master of quaint, bucolic humor. Leacock, who died in 1944, became arguably the most prominent Canadian humorist of his day (and probably of all time). What is ironic about that claim is that Leacock worked for most of his life as a professor of economics. We do not usually equate economics with humor, preferring to think of that profession as one of bow ties and supply and demand charts. Throw that presumption out the window and pick up a copy of "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town," Leacock's best known work available through the New Canadian Library series.

For me, one of the funniest sections of the book was the introduction written by Leacock, where he gives you some background about himself and his profession. This short piece of writing quickly gives you an idea of the type of humor you will find in the actual sketches: a very sly, very quiet and clever type of humor that often takes a while to sink in. Leacock does not rely on rim shot jokes or manic posturing in his writings. Instead, he creates the fictional Canadian town of Mariposa and populates it with small town archetypes that are wonders to behold.

All of the characters are hilarious in their own way: Mr. Smith, the proprietor of the local hotel and bar, full of schemes to earn money while trying to get his liquor license back. Then there is Jefferson Thorpe, the barber involved in financial schemes that may put him on the level of the Morgans and the Rockefellers. The Reverend Mr. Drone presides over the local Church of England in Mariposa, a man who reads Greek as easy as can be but laments his lack of knowledge about logarithms and balancing the financial books of the church. Peter Pupkin, the teller at the local bank, has a secret he wants no one to know about, but which eventually comes out while he is courting the daughter of the town judge. All of these characters, and several others, interact throughout the sketches.

Leacock has the ability to turn a story, to make it take a crazy, unexpected twist even when you are looking for such a maneuver. That he accomplishes this in stories that rarely run longer than twenty pages is certainly a sign of great talent. By the time you reach the end of the book, you know these people as though you lived in the town yourself, and you know what makes them tick.

Despite all of the crazy antics in Mariposa, Leacock never lets the reader lose sight of the fact that these are basically good people living good lives. There seems to be a lot of feeling for the citizens of Mariposa on the part of Leacock, which comes to a head in the final sketch in the collection, "L'Envoi. The Train to Mariposa," where he recounts traveling back to the town after being away for years, with all of the attendant emotions that brings as recognizable landmarks come into view and the traveler realizes that his little town is the same as when he left it years before.

I suspect there is a historical importance to "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town." These writings first appeared in 1912, a time when many people living in the bigger Canadian cities still remembered life in a small town. In addition to the humorous aspects of the book, the author includes many descriptive passages concerning the atmosphere and layout of Mariposa, something instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in such a place. Nostalgia for the simpler life of the small town probably played a significant role in the book's success.

I look forward to reading more Stephen Leacock. While much of the humor in the book is not belly laugh funny, it does provide one with a deep satisfaction of reading clever humor from an author who knows how to tickle the funny bone. You do not need to be Canadian to enjoy this wonderful book.

no hype. i couldn't stop laughing as i was reading this. and i mean laughing out loud. in a cafe. with everyone staring at me. but i didn't care. and i couldn't help it if i did. it's just too hilarious.

Like the heading says, this is the funniest book I've ever read. Leacock was a comic genius and this is his best work. Buy it, read it, love it.

Perhaps the finest comment about Stephen Leacock in the last half century is that "he is a
Will Rogers for the 90's."

Rogers, of course, is one of the most beloved of American humorists -- he was killed in
1935 when his plane crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska. Leacock died on March 28, 1944.
Like Rogers, he had been Canada's favorite humorist for decades.

Sunshine Sketches is about Orillia, Ontario, Canada, where Leacock had his summer home
on Brewery Bay (he once wrote, "I have known that name, the old Brewery Bay, to make
people feel thirsty by correspondence as far away as Nevada.") His home is now maintained
as a historic site by the town of Orillia. I lived there for almost 30 years, and the people of Orillia are still much the same as Leacock portrayed them in 1912.

These stories about various personalities in town were printed in the local newspaper in the
1910 - 1912 era, before being compiled into this book which established Leacock's literary
fame. The people portrayed really lived, though some are composites; the events are of a
kindly humorist looking at the foibles of small town life. Once they came out in book form
and soared to national popularity, everyone in town figured the rest of the country was
laughing at them because of Leacock's book and he was royally hated in Orillia to the end
of his life.

Gradually, and this took decades, Orillians came to recognize that genius had walked
amongst them for several decades. (It's hard to recognize genius when your own ego is so
inflated.) Orillia now awards the annual "Leacock Medal for Humor" -- Canada's top literary
prize for the best book of humour for the preceding year.

Leacock died when I was six, but I did know his son, who still lived in town. I delivered
papers to the editor of the "Newspacket," Leacock's name for the Orillia Packet and Times
(where I worked) and the rival Newsletter. The Packet had the same editor in the 1940's as
when Leacock wrote about him in 1910.

But the book is more than Orillia; it is a wonderfully kind and humorous description of life in
many small towns. The American artist Norman Rockwell painted the same kinds of scenes;
it is the type of idyllic urban life so many of us keep longing to find again in our hectic
urban world.

Leacock realized the book was universal in its description of small towns, and in the preface
he wrote "Mariposa is not a real town. On the contrary, it is about seventy or eighty of
them. You may find them all the way from Lake Superior to the sea, with the same square
streets and the same maple trees and the same churches and hotels, and everywhere the
sunshine of the land of hope."

True enough, which gives this book continuing appeal nearly a century after it was written.
All great writing is about topics you know, and as a longtime resident Leacock knew Orillia
well. As for Leacock himself, he wrote, "I was born at Swanmoor, Hants., England, on Dec.
30, 1869. I am not aware that there was any particular conjunction of the planets at the
time, but should think it extremely likely."

He says of his education, "I survived until I took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
1903. The meaning of this degree is that the recipient of instruction is examined for the last
time in his life, and is pronounced completely full. After this, no new ideas can be imparted
to him."

In reviewing Charles Dickens' works in 1934, Leacock wrote what could well be his own
epitaph: "Transitory popularity is not proof of genius. But permanent popularity is." The fact
his writings are still current illustrates the nature of his writing.

In contrast to the sometimes sardonic humor of modern times, Sunshine Sketches reflects
Leacock's idea that "the essence of humor is human kindness." Or, in the same vein, "Humor
may be defined as the kindly contemplation of the incongruities of life, and the artistic
expression thereof."

Granted, this book is not what he recognized to have widespread appeal to modern readers.
In his own words, "There are only two subjects that appeal nowadays to the general public,
murder and sex; and, for people of culture, sex-murder." Yet, anyone reading this will
remember scenes from it for much longer than anything from a murder mystery.

In today's world, where newspapers almost daily track Prime Minister Tony Blair's dash to
the political right, Leacock wrote, "Socialism won't work except in Heaven where they don't
need it and in Hell where they already have it."

He described his own home as follows, "I have a large country house -- a sort of farm
which I carry on as a hobby . . . . Ten years ago the deficit on my farm was about a
hundred dollars; but by well-designed capital expenditure and by greater attention to
details, I have got it into the thousands." Sounds familiar to today's farm policies ?

It's what I mean by this being a timeless work.

Leacock himself noted, when talking about good literature, "Personally, I would sooner have
written 'Alice in Wonderland' than the whole of the 'Encyclopedia Britannica'." This is his
'Alice' and it well deserves to be favorably compared to Lewis Carroll's work.

By all measures, it is still the finest Canadian book ever written.

The book was such a surprise. I had met the author and was anxious to read her book; I was not disappointed. It was suspenseful, intriguing, mind boggling at times and worth every minute of reading. I could not put it down. I found it to be an unusual suspense story and not your every day ordinary material. The imagination put forth in the book is exceptional. I look forward to Fara's next book.
Clara Hunt

I had the distinct honor of knowing Ms. Spence while I attended military school at Thunderbird Youth Academy in Pryor, OK where she taught classes. During class we often heard her read a chapter to us and take our advice and input while she was writing the book. After the book was published I was able to read the entire book and fell in love with it. It really turned out to be a great book and I hope to see many more like it in the future. Best of luck Ms. Spence and keep writing books.

After reading That Hurt Thing, I cannot wait for Fara's next novel and it will take a lot for her to top this one. The book leaves you on the edge of your seat and its very hard to put down. I dont suggest reading this if you dont like murder, sex, and suspence. But I believe she's the next Edgar Allen Poe! I am proud to see an Oklahoman excelling!

I was moved by this work of art!! Fara Spence is the next great author of our generation. "That Hurt Thing" is the most thrilling work I have read in years. She brings so much life to Nick & Lyra, I felt as though I were watching this unfold before my very eyes. Thank you Fara for giving the world this wonderful book. I can't wait for your next one!!
Fara, I am your biggest fan!

This is the type of book that you don't want to admit that you loved. Reading it was a guilty pleasure. I knew I was going to enjoy reading Fara's book when I saw the quote from her mother: "I always worried about Fara, locking herself up in her room for hours, making up lies and writing them down. It's a bit shameful if you ask me. Hope something good comes of this." And it did! What a wonderfully inventive book!

THAT HURT THING is the story of a young man named Nick who finds a curious book in a used bookstore. He is immediately drawn to it's foil cover emblazoned with a scorpion and tulip and to it haunting prose inside. He becomes obsessed with the book and follows the directions within to procure a beautiful seductress and genie named Lyra. As with your average genie, Lyra sets out to fulfill three wishes for Nick. Unfortunately for Nick, Lyra is pure evil and fills his life with nothing but living nightmares.

Fara uses beautiful detail in her writing. It's just enough detail to make you feel like you're in the book, but not so much that you want to skip paragraphs. The book is very dark book and Lyra is the embodiment of evil. I did find myself having a weird nightmare after reading one of the strange, spacey dreams Nick has in the book under Lyra's influence. Regardless, I could not put the book down for long and found myself reading at speeds I've never before reached so that I could finish it before the sun peaked back up over the horizon. I can't wait to read Fara's next book.

Villa Fair is a wonderful collection of stories that have common universal themes integrated in a multicultural context. The themes of love, identity, tradition versus modern beliefs are woven well in stories such as Ackee Night in Canada, Segovia's Stories and Driving Through Red Lights. These three stories had characters of mixed heritage. Thus it was quite interesting to read how these themes were developed from a different cultural perspective. These stories were even more interesting because the endings were unpredictable, yet believable. Ms. Dyer writes very well. Her poetic and lyrical style engrossed me in her stories. I enjoyed the stories immensely and look forward to reading more from her.

This sometimes whimsical, sometimes mystical, sometimes nostalgic, and always poignant collection of short stories, is definately more than "fair". Bernadette Dyer skillfully navigates the immigrant experience, which is the common thread that weaves it's way through this great collection. It's colourful characters grab hold of your heart, and leave you wanting more. My personal favorites are "Driving Through Red Lights", and "Remebering Serge". Ms. Dyers voice is obviously steeped in memory, passion, and a rich and diverse family history, which act as jumping off points for her vivid imaginings, which she shares with us in brilliant detail. A definate must read for short story lovers.

Great book. The author took me through an adventurous travel too several different countries and cultures. One moment I felt I was on the beach with Roberta and the next I could see myself sitting on the porch at Villa Fair looking over the land. My favorites were Villa Fair and Blue Door. The author causes you to become emotional for these characters, so much so, it makes you want to reach out to them. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because I wanted more in the Blue Door and Villa Fair. I loved this book and have gotten similar responses from my book club following our review. We are looking foward to future publications from Ms. Dyer.

From the Library in Toronto where she works to the neighborhood in which she lives, Bernadette Dyer sees much go by representing Toronto's multicultural panoply. This clearly inspires many of the takes in "Villa Fair," her collection of short stories. Other tales in the book are the germinated seeds of her own multiracial, multiethnic Jamaican and Portuguese Jewish ancestry. The people in her stories mirror her own ancestors --emigrés from somewhere else, establishing roots in new lands, living through generational conflict fueled by the meeting of old with new, yet influencing the host country and/or culture which is richer for it, and will never be the same. For example, there's Kamla, the twenty-three-year-old Indian-Canadian narrator of "Driving Through Red Lights," in love with a young Canadian man, while promised to an arranged marriage with someone from India. A surprise ending has Kamla's parents and aunt facing cultural change on two continents. In "Segovia Nights," Carlos Fernandez captivates his listeners with legends, reinvented stories about a mythical family and past. The tall tales are indicative, however, of a far deeper problem. One senses that the author and librarian in the story are one. Jomo, from "An African Out in the Cold," is lost, then found again while visiting Toronto, as, unknown to him, his host has suffered a heart attack. His isolation and cultural shock are palpable. Then there are tales coming from the richness of the author's Jamaican memories. The story "Man Man" dances back and forth from spirit world to "reality," as the ghost of a drowned seven-year-old boy moves comfortably among the local people of a plantation, until a new anglo mistress comes to stay. Another from the Jamaican collection, "Ackee Night," show how a much aggrieved woman, whose man has threatened idly to leave for years, calls on a Jamaican culinary secret to keep him permanently from other women -- and herself. The ending takes the reader by surprise. The title story, "Villa Fair," also catches one off guard, yet this reader felt puzzled by its sharp, unredeeming ending. Is Thunder, the chief male character, destroyed as a punishment for straying from his promise? Does the exotic, the magical always win out over the more conventional path? "Leaving Faro," the final tale, is a paean to Dyer's Portuguese Jewish ancestors, who fled to Jamaica to escape persecution. The mythical and the magical touch many of the stories. "Close the Blue Door" tells of mermen who lure their chosen loves to disaster, while in "Six Little Sparrows," the same number of Pakistani children and their mother shape shift into the title. The author's Jamaica and Canada are pulsing, vibrant settings where her characters don't want racial barriers to exist. Her families are strong and loving, evidencing the blurred lines of racial identity. Several of the stories, such as "Man Man" and "Roberta on the Beach," satisfy in their present form, yet would benefit also as longer fictional works, with some of the characters developed further. "An African Out in the Cold" seems a fragment, and one wishes for more. "Villa Fair" is an entertaining collection of well-told tales. We await future works with interest.

(originally reviewed in Halapid, Vol. VIII Issue 2, Spring 2001)

Jamaica and Canada are the backdrop of the thirteen short stories contained in author Bernadette Dyer's "Villa Fair." The characters in the book are of various ethnic backgrounds and classes.

Of the thirteen stories in the book there were two that stood out in my opinion. These two stories are entitled "Driving Through Red Lights" and "Roberta on the Beach."

"Driving Through Red Lights is about Kamla, the child of Hindu Indians who have immigrated to Canada. Kamla was born and raised in Canada therefore she know more of the western culture than she does of her Hindu heritage. This is something that causes her parents great stress. Tradition states that women should marry fairly young, so at twenty-three Kamla is considered an embarassment and disappointment to her family. Tradition also states that the marriage must be arranged.

One day Kamla's aunt Rashna comes to visit from Bombay, India and she announces that she has found someone to marry Kamla. Kamla's husband-to-be, a future doctor, is named Lachman Ramsingh. He will come to Canada in two months to claim his bride and take her back to India. She does not want any of this, she wants to marry for love and live in Canada. The many twists, turns, and emotions make this a very enjoyable and touching story. As a reader I felt drawn into the story.

"Roberta on the Beach" is the story of the Douglas family, a poor working class family from Montego Bay, Jamaica. They are a family of ten, with eight children: Slim, Caleb, Sheila, Georgina, Elaine, Lorraine, Maggie, and Roberta. Roberta is the oldest girl in the family. When she turns eighteen and graduates from high school Roberta is contemplating her future, when fate intervenes. Roberta's aunt Melanie, who is her mother's sister, has written a letter advising her sister that she would like to provide a college education for one of her children. Roberta's parents quickly decide to give Roberta the opportunity of a lifetime. Little do they know that this decision will alter the course of their family forever. "Roberta on the Beach" is a good lesson in family and the strength that families must have to survive.

"Villa Fair" was a good read. The stories were good but not great. "Driving Through Red Lights" and "Roberta on the Beach" were excellent and if these two stories were complete books I would definitely read them. On the RAW scale this book is a 3.5.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks

I recently learned about Andrew Murray. This is the second book I have read of his and I plan to read more. He has a gift to simply show God's teachings as they are written in the bible in a very simple way. In a way I can understand and apply to my everyday life. I have found my spiritual journey grow in leaps from his simple teachings.

If you desire a closer walk with God, this book will inspire you to accomplish that. I have been greatly blessed by the book. I like its short chapters and its daily-devotional style.

"My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning; yea, more than watchmen for the morning." JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh: Pocket Edition

If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be "RICH," for every page contains so much of God's truth that it has been difficult to select from among the pages and chapters to determine what to include in this review.

This pocket-sized book is arranged in a devotional format, in thirty-one short chapters, each about three pages long, each chapter covering a different facet of what it means to wait on God, which Murray sums thus, "What He asks of us, in the way of surrender, obedience, desire, and trust, is all comprised in this one word: waiting on Him, waiting for His salvation. It combines the deep sense of our entire helplessness and our perfect confidence that our God will work all in His divine power" (p. 16). Waiting on God, in turn, comprises both the active and passive elements of entering His blessed rest, the state into which He desires to bring all His children, not just in the hereafter, but in the here-and-now.

Throughout the book, from a variety of perspectives, Murray draws the reader to consider and embrace the truth of just how good God is, how we are in Him, and He is in us. In Chapter 28, "For the Coming of His Son," Murray writes, "Waiting on God in heaven, and waiting for His Son from heaven, these two God has joined together and no man may put them asunder" (p. 119). Murray goes on to describe the waiting of the Bride for the Bridegroom, not for expectation of the position or privilege she will gain, but because she loves the Bridegroom, the ecstasy of God's own love being a certain, inextricable part of that. And this is the sweet pleasure of waiting on Him, in tender love toward Him and toward each other, in true bridal spirit, even as He works in us to perfect His love toward, in and through us.

In the spirit of love, Murray anguishes over the "tens of thousands of professing Christians, who live on in carelessness, and who, if no change come, must perish under God's hand" (for God is a righteous judge of all, deliverer, and faithful avenger of His chosen ones) and he implores that we who wait on God warn them, plead with and for them, for God's mercy (p.85).

Every chapter ends with the refrain, "My soul, wait thou only upon God!" for waiting on God is never in vain, for He promises that "...they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" Isaiah 49:23.

Sadly, only a few of Andrew Murray's books are available in our local library. Murray's works are now in the public domain, and Whitaker House is one of the publishing companies that produces this work. This company utilizes the proceeds from these sales to sustain the company and to invest in exclusively Christian charitable works, including missionary works (I took the time to contact the company and ask the question). They offer many such works at up to a seventy-five percent discount. There is a publisher's note in the front of this edition letting the reader know that "The text of this book... has been edited for the modern reader." The full text (I assume of the original, unedited version) is available online, free, but possibly is not as convenient as a pocket book to carry around or as economical to give as a gift or use in group study.

I read my first Andrew Murray book Abide in Christ some thirty-six years ago, when I was a teenager and new believer. There was sound reason that book was required reading in the youth group I was involved with then, for Murray's exposition of what it means to abide in Christ had a profound impact on my walk from that time forward. Waiting on God has at least as much if not more potential to impact what remains of my life, for waiting on God is my rest and abiding joy, it is Christ in me, the hope of glory.

Murray is one of those authors I always wish I were reading at the computer, so I could file the inspiring quotes that pop off the page. For years I have turned to Andrew Murray for instructional revelation on deep matters of the Kingdom. "Waiting on God" is, of course, a classic. As a daily devotional or revisited old friend, this compact text is essential reading in any Christian library. How often are we taught to wait, much less to wait on God? Providing a definition and practical insights into methods of waiting, Murray offers invaluable help to seekers of serenity. This Whitaker House edition is pocketsize and portable. I give it as a gift to treasured friends. You will read it again and again.

Wow! I bought this book way back in the 90's. But my Christian life wasn't yet mature, (still isn't), so I couldn't grasp what Waiting on the Lord is all about. We have been trained to "do" things, to take on "action items", to "Just do it".
I recently attended a winter conference by Forerunner Christian Church in Fremont, CA. They are a church that focuses on "waiting on the Lord" and to have an "inner life" with our Lord.
After the conference, I picked up this book again on my bookshelves, and what a new revelation it is.
In Isaiah 40:31, they that "hope or wait" on the Lord, shall renew their strength.... The Hebrew word of "hope or wait" also means to be bound together. After reading this book, I can better understand what it means to "wait on the Lord". It doesn't mean that we just Don't do it, but that we let God do thing His Way. If He along is the author of our salvation, could He not also master everything that we encounter in our lives?
The insights offered in this book are so valuable one hardly hears this kind of teaching in sermons nowadays.
Highly recommended.

Thank you Varda Burstyn for taking the time and using your gifted talents to help awaken people to our water crisis via the genre of fiction.
Or, shall I say "faction," for much of your information is based on water statistics and facts that define today's water reality.
Water, Inc. is a page-turning book that weaves a scenario that with little doubt reflects today's water challenges. A reality whereby our governments have become transparent pawns of the ever-growing and powerful transnational corporations. Corporations who often pay homage to the alter of short-term gain regardless of the long-term deadly consequence to our beleaguered world of life.
I have researched and written about water for over thirty years - and am impressed by how Water, Inc. provides accurate and sometimes frightening information, while at the same giving the reader a sense of today's culture. From the homes and board rooms of the rich and powerful, to the soul-searching choices as to what is important in one's Earthly passage - Burstyn provides us with insights that touch all walks of life.
In my mind, Water, Inc. is a true reflection of the current water crisis - and is a book that reinforces and educates us as to how water is the mysterious by yet common denominator that connects all people of all walks of life and beliefs.

Like millions of women in North America, I am never happier than when I'm reading a book with amazing women characters at the heart of the action. For me a good women's read has to be a great read, with well drawn characters who I can identify with. Varda Burstun's Water Inc is this kind of really inteligent, aborbing thriller that I just wanted to read and read. For the first fifty pages I was delighted with the political intrigue, then once the plot thickened I literally couldn't put the book down becuase I wanted to know how my favourite characters were doing-- which is always the point for me of reading a novel in the first place. And the writing was great throughout -- clean, funny, smart. I loved the understanding of Quebec and the detailed environmental and scientific research, all intergraded into a fast paced novel that meets my requirements for vacation reading because it was so pleasurable!"

With her latest novel Water, Inc, Varda Burstyn attempts both to entertain and illuminate the reader, by examining a hypothetical scenario involving a vital North American resource (water); powerful profiteers and politicians whose principal aim is to control and abuse the resources; and a handful of dutiful protectorates and concerned citizens who become embroiled in a case of geo-political ecological and economic intrigue - quite a mouthful, i agree, but that is the virtue of this book; its ability to demonstrate how fully integrated are lives really are, and by tackling issues so oft overlooked, resists dilution to mollify the quick fix, or simplify the broader context.

Though weighty matters abound, Water, Inc, is highly plot driven (indeed, it is a page turner with substance); filled with characters whose decisions and actions force questions of life and death, personal security and selflessness; exacting ethical and moral judgements about their personal/ political contracts and what such values really entail.

After reading Burstyn's book, perhaps (like me) your summer, if not weather in general, might be viewed or experienced very differently in the future. Such is the effect of this compelling read; and proof too, that intelligent and interesting alternative perspectives can exist, thrive and contribute to the round table discussion of our modern plight.

I commend the author's bravery.

What a fabulous book! Such a great read- a real page turner, couldn't put it down. Great characters, terrific plot, suspense, overwhelming information. It has it all!!

This threat to a continental resource has been eyed by the United States for many years. The NAFTA arrangement opened every resource to outside control through its Chapter 11 terms. If interested parties could once gain permission to extract the resource, then the demand and profit would be the only limitations. And demand for water in the USA is rising beyond calculation. In this racing novel of finance, chicanery, corruption and political power, Varda Burstyn demonstrates how the right connections and influence manipulate people for profit. She posits a viable threat to Canada's most precious natural resource.

Bill Greele is a financier well versed in Canada's water resources. He also has no illusions about his country's increasing demand for this rapidly diminishing resource. Water has been drained from the watercourses of the United States. What water remains in streams is highly polluted. The underground aquifer is being pumped dry for irrigation, industry and - golf courses? This demand is exceeding supply and Greele wants to provide for the market. He also wants to pocket the profits providing new water can bring. With sheer force of will, Greele assembles a consortium of investors to create an extraction and pipeline project. His field agents have decided Quebec, with its "nationalist" aspirations is highly vulnerable to Greele's ambitious plan. All he needs is an agreement in principle to begin operations.

In thrillers, seemingly minor events may have unexpected impact, bringing together unlikely people and leading to barely feasible results. In this book, a former Air Force officer sees his proposal for a fuel-efficient aircraft summarily dumped, diverting the funds to the water plan. Although not well versed in Canadian issues, Malcolm Macpherson's environmentally aware - the proposed aircraft would have been both cost-effective and less polluting of the atmosphere. When he learns of the Quebec pipeline project, Malcolm wants to scupper it. He's clearly out of his depth. Bill Greele has a long reach and will use whatever means necessary to achieve his goals.

Macpherson encounters environmentalist Claire Davidowicz. She's not the granny-glasses shirtwaist dress sort of activist. Claire's a hard-bitten businesswoman with good contacts and knowledge of the paths of power. Macpherson has inadvertantly selected well, but neither are prepared to face the challenges arising before them. Greele's long reach extends into many places. He doesn't influence politicians, he owns them. They are able to do his bidding and in the current US administration with its "cochon" of a President, more than willing. Out of their ken, pressure, great pressure is applied to the Quebec Separatiste government to approve the proposal quickly. Greele and his cohorts have no qualms about using whatever is needed to complete the project. Murder isn't beyond their ethics.

Privatising water has been in the works here for some time. Once the hydro system was "off-loaded" from government control, little stood in the way of other proposals. One, a super pipeline from the North was forwarded, but it was costly. Costly, too, in terms of envronmental conditions. The oil pipeline remains an enduring example of the kind of impact such a construction can have. Greele is aware of these things, couching his scheme in terms of limited withdrawal. Others, knowing how climate change has already affected Canada's water supplies, are sceptical. Snow cover has dropped, and water supplies with it. The Great Lakes are at reduced levels and the major river systems suffering accordingly. Aware of these trends, Canadian environmentalists are suspicious of water highjacking proposals. Although the rest of Canada appears uninterested in what is transpiring in "La Belle Province", Quebec environmentalists are quick and vocal in their response to the proposal. For Greele, things are getting out of hand and he must move quickly and forcefully himself. Popular opinion translates into votes and a change in government would gain him little or nothing.

Burstyn writes well in the best thriller tradition. She engages a large cast to implement her story of intrigue, deception and manipulation. Her characters develop well for a first-time novelist. Burstyn maintains good control over them. If they represent some extremes of type, that is only to be expected in such a narrative. Even the minor characters are portrayed well. None are extraneous to the story, with each individual depicted and placed expertly. Except for the pace of events, there's little false or hollow here as the persona struggle for success and, sometimes, survival. With events moving so rapidly, there's little cause for the reader to feel bogged down in technicalities. She understands the "business ethic". We are given enough information to see why she's concerned over a resource grab in Canada. Her long career in environmental issues has served her well in that regard. She builds the plot effectively, without meaningless side events to distract the reader. It's a highly readable adventure, with a strong, serious message to take away from the account. Water is precious. Burstyn wants you to be aware of that and be prepared to take your own steps to keep it available. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

My seven-year-old and I are both pleased with the ideas of things to do in this book. O'Sullivan has selected 101 outstanding ideas of places to go to enrich a child's (or adult's) life. From visiting a lighthouse, to checking out a forest canopy to eating at a quirky restaurant (such as South Carolina's South of the Border restaurant), they are all easy-to-do and worth doing, and they create experiences your child won't forget. The stickers are great fun--my son has already posted what he has accomplished already and is ready-to-go on the next adventure. A++++ book.

I bought this book so my 10 year old son and I could look through it for ideas on places to visit. It comes with stickers that you place on the pages - for example "Been There," "No Way," "Top 20," and "Awesome Adventure." We had such a fun time going through the book and remembering things we've done and talking about things we would like to do, for example visit a "Big Cave." The ideas are broad so you can find them in almost any area of the country, like "A Working Farm" or "The Home Your Parents Grew Up In" or a "Marvel of Engineering." I left a pretty poor review of "500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up," but this is exactly the type of book I was hoping to find. There are pages in the back for notes on your travels, and we plan to go back and write in where we visited. Very well done book, BRAVO!!

I bought this book for a 9 year old girl for Christmas. She LOVES it!!! She spent quite a bit of time looking at it and placing the included stickers on the places she wants to go. Then, she and her mother sat together and talked about places to visit. It was a great gift and I highly recommend this book!

This is a great book for a person of any age provided that they are interested in getting off the couch. This is the second time I have purchased this book but probably not the last. This purchase is for a Christmas gift for a nephew. The last purchase was for a birthday gift for a different nephew. I'm not sure if the recipients love it as much as I do. I wish someone had given me a book like this when I was younger. Two big thumbs up!

Books that encourage one to aspire to see all the world great sites are inspiring, but it not realistic for everyone to see the Taj Mahal and Patagonia.

This book brings adventure closer to home, and is wonderfully flexible and practical. Everyone can and should see a Migration Path, a Fort, a Working Farm, a Street Market and the House Where Their Parents Grew Up.

Besides, who doesn't want to recapture those elementary years?

Timeless, classic children's literature. In a time where plastic people like Hannah Montana and Brittany Spears reign, Dennis Lee is refreshing. He is witty, he is Canadian and he is cool. I read this to a grade two class, and they learned their favourite verses by heart on their own initiative. It's also intelligent enough to appeal to adults -up there with Rocky and Bullwinkle! Love this book!

I still have my copy of this book from when I was a kid (copywrite 1974). This book rocked, and I had to dig it up to start reading to my nephews. best ever = on tuesdays I polish my uncle. I still remembered 90% of the words, and I probably hadn't heard it since 1981 or 2!

This was actually my sister's book when we were growing up - but I remember absolutely loving it back then. Now that I have a son, I bought it to read with him. Although he is only 2, he loves the rhythm of the poems and the wacky pictures. His favourite is "Windshield Wipers". A fabulous book for parents to share with their children!

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is fun and fantastic, the illustrations are terrific, and the poems resonate well with children and adults.

The Alligator Pie series filled my childhood with fun and whimsy. I'm pregnant now and I want to buy a whole new collection so that my child will remember "Peter was a pilot, who flew a jumbo jet, who crashed in Lake Ontario and got his bottom wet." Silly and fun.

The Alpine Path by L M Montgomery is interesting but only superficial. She was asked by a magazine to write the story of her career but she was not at all willing to tell things about her private life to the magazine readers so she wrote this book - it was originally published in a magazine. The facts are correct but there is so much left out by her. To really understand her life and find out all the interesting bits she left out of The Alpine Path you need to read her Journals (1 to 5) as these are quite fascinating and really tell her story. At the time she wrote the Alpine Path it would have caused a scandal if she had told the whole truth. I recommend the Journals to anyone interested in the real life of Maud Montgomery. They are wonderful.
Marjorie Lockwood

People don't usually write autobiographies if their career has only just started. Maud was asked to do so and she did write it. What she came up with, is a bunch of memories gathered in a nice little book, a perfect read for one evening if you love LMM. You will find some of her memories familiar, if you know LMM's books well, too. That's a nice and easy read, and a must for a LMM fan.

If you're not a fan of L. M. Montgomery's work, you might not find this book very interesting - for me, most of the interest came from parallels between her own life and that of various characters in her books, and her explanations of things like how she started writing her first book, why she didn't borrow her characters too closely from real life, etc. I'd have liked to read more of her accounts of how she wrote this story or that.

The book is mostly about her childhood and various anecdotes and events from it, along with accounts of how she came to be a published writer. It's fairly short; you can read it in less than an hour, so if you want a good, meaty book, this is not for you. But it's nice to read about her from her own point of view - her journals make good reading but this is more of a summary of info she considered interesting or relevant.

L.M. Montgomery's life is a life story of conquoring adversity and making one's dream come true. Although taken care of in the material sense as a child, she was not nurtured in the emotional sense and this created a need to escape into a fairyland of her imagination where she was accepted and loved and had friends, including "window friends."

This book is a collection of autobiographical articles written by L.M. Montgomery in 1917 in response to an editor's request for her to write the story of her literary career. Montgomery speaks a lot about her early childhood and her later struggles to make it as a writer, alone, without encouragement, support, or understanding from others. In fact, her literary ambitions and attempts were often scoffed at or criticized. But Maud kept keepin' on, confident that she would "arrive" some day. And she did, in an enormous way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of inspiration or encouragement to make their dream come true, and especially to any aspiring writer whose dream is to climb the alpine path and reach that far-off goal of true and honoured fame.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

Maud, as Montgomery liked to be called, wrote this book on the request for a serial story appearing in a Canadian woman's magazine. At first Montgomery had doubts that her "long, upward struggle" could actually be called a career, but she worked on the story anyways and the result is a humurous, enjoyable, and information-packed book about the work and perseverance by one of the world's favorite children's author. As a professional writer, I have written articles upon Montgomery and still consider this book the best source for reliable information as well as beng enjoyable to read, which is a rare and refreshing break from most biographies. I highly recommend this book, along with her journals, as a worthwhile addition to any Montgomery fan, researcher, or fan of biographies'library.

Our two daughters LOVE the Alfie books. This big storybook is just perfect. Our girls are 3 & 5 and just adore this book-along with Hughes others too. Great illustrations and charming text.

This book was an all-time favorite with my sons when they were ages 3-7. From unexpected adventures to everyday routine, Alfie meets life with good-natured friendliness, honesty, and quick thinking. The stories emphasize the multi-dimensioned personality of every human, no matter his/her age! I wish there were more books like Hughes writes.

All the Alfie and Annie Rose books are excellent! My son and I read them over and over, without getting bored. Gentle little stories about everyday life, with likeable characters and lovely illustrations. Often humorous. My favorite children's author.

We raised all 3 of our children on Shirley Hughes's books ("Dogger" was the all-time favorite) and now I'm giving them to my first grandchild. Absolutely first-rate stories with the most exquisite, fascinating illustrations. Do your children/grandchildren a favor and get them hooked on this series!

My son, 3, loves this book. The stories have humor, tenderness, and the children are always treated with dignity. I love Shirley Hughes!