Canada Books

As a big fan of DOA since the late seventies, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Joe gives you a great amount of background about one of the hardest working bands ever.
If you love punk music and the DIY attitude, this book is must read.

Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, who is interested in the west coast punk scene needs to read this book. Keithley gives a fantastic first hand account of how he formed his band and all of the tests they endured going from relative nobodies to one of the biggest and best known punk bands in North America.

The book is also a mini how-to manual for anyone interested in starting up their own punk band. Keithley talks about the business side of the music industry, what it's like to play gigs to crowds of different sizes and interests, and above all, he gives a great first hand account of just what it takes to make it in the music business.

Finally, Keithley's writing style is very easy to digest. The book is written like the lyrics to many of his songs; straight ahead without and BS! What's more, the book contains many pictures and personal anecdotes about Vancouver and places beyond. In reading the book it easy to see yourself sitting at a bar with Keithley as he tells a couple tales over a couple of beers.

If you're a punk, or even think about calling yourself a punk, then you owe it to yourself to give this book a read.

Sit down at a kitchen table with Joe Keithley. Open a few beers, and hand him one, or two... Ask him to give you a crash course on himself and his legendary punk band, D.O.A., making sure not to gloss over the interesting bits.

If you can't arrange to do this with Joe, picking up a copy of this book would be your only alternative. It's 200+ pages of compelling reading, written by a man who helped define punk music both in and out of Canada, and who certainly put Canada at the roots of the punk historical tree.

Unlike a lot of books about punk bands, this is first-person stuff of the first order.

I will start by claiming 100% bias as I've known the author for well over 20 years and have greatly enjoyed his contributions to punk rock for over 25 years. DOA taught a lot of us how to go out and get it done, with "it" being spreading the music and message to the less than masses spread out among the world. Joe's book is simple, straightforward blast of history that will interest anyone into the punk rock way of existence. Essential reading, so get it and enjoy!

Read a few Ice-Climbing books, but found this to be the best of the lot in that it touches all the aspects of Ice-climbing- Equipment, Technique, Attitude, Ratings, all illustrated with good photos & tables. The order of presentation could be changed though, IMHO i.e technical stuff first

Jeff Lowe did a wonderfull job explaining the climbing techniques and reasons behind the technique. The knowledge in the book range from basic crampon technique to desparate overhanging dry tooling. All that is completed by excellent story of the frozen world

Jeff Lowe's Ice World is a must have for any ice climber. His in depth descriptions of classic techniques as well as insight into skills that helped him put up incredible mixed routes are all detailed in easy to read language.

The vivid photography really brings Lowe's instruction to life. This book is one of the best climbing reads out there.

Jeff Lowe's earlier book, the Ice Experience, was a companion text to Yvon Choinard's Climbing Ice, and those two formed the vast majority of the printed information on technical ice climbing for several decades. Now his new book eclipses everything else on the market for its scope, practicality, and good looks (the photos are one of the highlights of the book).
Buy this one if you have any serious or casual interest in the subject; the others pale in comparison.

Catherine Diodati's book on Vaccines and their ethics is a must read for all parents harnessed with the difficult task of navigating through the maze of "Vaccine Controversy". This book provides much needed insight into the essential pillars of medical and legal ethics. Her meticulous work greatly helps in the final analysis of the dilemma facing all potential recipients of Vaccines. If a medical procedure like vaccines can't even pass basic medico/legal ethical standards, should we be so quick to have our children or ourselves repeatedly exposed or injected with the stuff? Thank you Catherine for your most timely book.

Dr. Gerry Bohemier D.C. Founder and President of the EAGLE FOUNDATION INC. http://www.eaglefoundation.org

The author presents a well researched up to date guide on all aspects of vaccines and vaccination with important historical, ethical and legal considerations as the book title implies. Catherine Diodati gives cogent arguments for both sides of the controversial issues that surround current mass immunization policies. A superlative source for anyone interested in making informed risk-to-benefit decisions before vaccinating.

Catherine Diodati, M.S. has presented a well documented account of the dangers of vaccination with an unique ethical perspective. Yes parents do have rights. They can now arm themselves with this seminal information to protect their children and the inalienable right to decline any or all immunizations. I urge all interested in our childrens' health to obtain this definitive effort.

Catherine Diodati's work is the best that I have read to date regarding the issue of immunization. It is written in a style that is easy to read, with some acidic wit thrown in at just the appropriate place to keep the topic semi-lighthearted. The book is well researched, well referenced, and well documented with just enough politics of health care to help the reader reach the only conclusion that can be reached. BRAVO!

A valuable book for those who wish to remind their children - and themselves - of the utter horrors of a brutal war. While not for very young children, it would be a great way to get one's family to think about war and its violence and, sometimes, its absolute necessity.

I read this book while resting my feet at Book Expo 2000. At least three people stopped to ask me about it because they were so taken by the illustrations. This picture book for young people intersperses breathtaking illustrations for the poem "In Flanders Field" with background on World War I and the story of the writing of this poem. A deeply affecting and touching book, it will give young people a personal view of war, particularly this war. Unfortunately, many children as well as adults know nothing about World War I. This book is a fine introduction and a good war to broach a painful topic. By any standard, it is well-well written and thoughtful.

This lovely book is a perfect introduction to Veteran's Day or Remembrance Day or World War I. The story of John McCrea and WWI flows through the book, interspersed with lines from the poem, "In Flanders fields." It discusses the significance of the date, November 11 and supplies interesting details from the period. Over two page spreads Wilson also interprets lines from the poem with lovely paintings that fill in more information about soldier life.

This book is very popular with kids who like nonfiction "war" books.

Cultural references to this poem abound. The poem is a classic that should be shared with young people today.

Growing up in Canada, I and every other child knew this poem inside and out. Every Rememberence Day[Nov.11th], we recited it, wore our poppies and then walked down to the cemetery to commemorate all the soldiers who died during the different wars. We talked about it in class for a few weeks.I gave it to my children after I found the book at a Canadian bookstore the week of it's release. They in turn took it school and their teachers read it to their classes. As a education major, I will use it in my studies and then as a teacher for my class to learn about the World Wars. The art work is beautiful and the story enclosed is lovely too, if ever can be of a book about war. It's too bad this isn't used over here in the States.

A real heart warming memoir. I don't want to give to much of the book away..but I would recommend this book--if you want a memoir that brings thoughts of growing up and growing old to your mind and also your heart.

From BlueJeanOnline.com
by Amruta Gadgil

J.R.R Tolkien's acclaimed trilogy Lord of the Rings places New Zealand at the center of action, but the summer of '63 Western Ontario became a playground of fairies, kingdoms, fantasy, and a budding friendship for one five-year old girl. Author Susan Coyne relives and reflects on her magical summer In the Kingdom of Fairies.

While on an excursion at the family cottage, Susan stumbles onto a fireplace wedged between her house and the next-door neighbors. Her father's rationale is that the fireplace was built by elves. Intrigued, Susan leaves small gifts and flowers. The kind gestures prompt a correspondence from character, Princess Nootsie Tah through Queen Mab and Susan.

Susan strikes up a friendship with her neighbor Mr. Moir and shares her secret correspondence. Moir a good-natured old man is knowledgeable about the princess fairy Nootsie Tah and revels in Susan's curiosity and merriment in fairies and all things magical.

Nootsie Tah and Susan continue their exchange of letters and drawings while Susan's friendship with Mr. Moir blossoms, until it is time for her to go back to school in Toronto. After that summer, Susan's foray with elves and fairies stop. Nevertheless, her relationship with Mr. Moir never wanes even with the daily distractions of school and friends.

Ten years later when Susan's father sends her the old letters and cards that were exchanged, she discovers that the fairies and elves she communicated with were actually Mr. Moir.

In the Kingdom of Fairies is a true tale mingled with fantasy and friendship. Susan and Mr. Moir's friendship is uncomplicated in a complicated world making that summer one that will be etched in her mind forever.

Copyright 2003 BlueJeanOnline.com

Lately I've been having the worst time trying to find something truly worthwhile to read. Countless titles have been started and then quickly set aside (since I am of an age where I no longer feel compelled to waste time reading boring books). Not only did this book not bore me, it brought me joy. Been a looooooong time since a book did that for me! If you sometimes (or oftentimes) feel as if the world has gone mostly mad, set aside a few hours for this book.

Bravo and thanks to Ms. Coyne (and Mr. Moir)!

This one-year in the life of biography describes how in 1963 then five-year old Susan Coyne spends a summer at the family cottage in Western Ontario. Susan discovered an abandoned fireplace in the hedge between her family house and that of the next door neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Moir. Her dad explained to Susan that the elves built the fireplace. Feeling some form of kinship, Susan leaves small presents for the elves that are gone by the next day. One day Princess Nootsie Tah on behalf of Queen Mab writes a thank you note. With the help of her nanny, little Susan responds. Soon an elf and a human child become pen pals even while Susan spent plenty of time with the retired Mr. Noir listening to his stories.

This true story is a great book that shows how one caring person can make a difference. Princess Nootsie Tah obviously cherished the classics and sprinkled much of that love into the letters (the allusions are brilliant) that fired the imagination of a child. The letters are incredibly written as Mr. Moir treats his young friend with respect and intelligence. Perhaps starting with that one summer provided the foundation to the dream of becoming an actress that Susan Coyne later fulfilled. IN THE KINGDOM OF FAIRIES is a strong bio of a child and an adult sharing meaningful social values.

Harriet Klausner

Carney is a former journalist who has worked in various aspects of communications for more than 20 years. His book is packed with information on approaching the media, developing and maintaining a relationship with it, handling interviews, analyzing the success of message delivery, lodging complaints and a whole lot more in between.

This is a book designed for people in the public,private and voluntary sector who know very little about the news media but need to know more if they are going to do their jobs properly. It contains lots of practical advice about how to approach reporters, turn events into a news story,navigate difficult interviews,and write grabby press releases.

Although Carney, a former journalist and now an experienced political staffer in the premier's office in Saskatchewan,he manages to avoid casting news media as puppets to be manipulated. Instead, he urges public relations practitioners to help the news media do their job rather than hinder them. Journalists wanting to
know more about the tricks of the trade used in the PR business will also find this interesting. G.S..

Recommendation: Definitely worth owning for all but the very experienced. The two chapters on handling interviews are touchstones to be read over and over, as are the concluding thoughts on professional development. Total beginners will want to supplement this volume with additional case studies showing the principles in action and material on the how-to of activities such as setting up a news conference venue or conducting a media drop.

In The News: The Practice Of Media Relations In Canada by experienced journalist and lecturer William Wray Carney is a solidly informative treatise about public relations with the media - in particular the Canadian media, but the vital advice and sound information, such as the principle of "Good Communications Cannot Override Bad Judgement" apply directly to public relations workers everywhere. Grounded solidly in research and personal experience, yet written in a straightforward, direct style particularly suitable for introducing novices to public relations while offering new tips, tricks, and techniques for veteran PR workers, In The News is a first-rate and highly recommended guidebook to the art, craft and science of media relations.

"Irish Chain" centers on Rose Dunlea, a 13 year old girl living in Halifax in the 1700's. Rose lives a content life with her family, yet still has a few problems of her own. Her major struggle is her dyslexia-in those days, dyslexia was unknown so people who had trouble with reading and writing were labelled "dumb" and "slow." Rose dreads school and has already been held back twice,and is threatened to be held back yet again. Rose is friendless and picked on severely by most of her teachers. During troublesome times like these, she turns to her Irish Chain quilt, made by her grandmother, and the stories of its patches give her comfort. One day Rose prays to God that she should not have to go to school anymore. Her prayers were answered on December 6, 1917, when two ships, one loaded with explosives, crash in Halifax's harbour. The crash destroys nearly the entire North part of Halifax, and resulted in the greatest human tragedy Canada had ever seen. Throughout the turmoil,grief-stricken Rose must find her remaining family members, face the pain of loss, and gain inner strength and courage from the stories of the quilt patches to piece her life back together. A wonderful story!

Barbara managed to "weave" together a very well written story of the largest man-made explosion outside of Hiroshima. Rose Dunlea is a girl living in Halifax struggling with reading skills. She prays to god that she won't have to go to school ever after being humiliated in front of the class. But when two ships collide in the harbour, an earth-shaking disaster strikes, and Rose Dunlea does not have to go to school. While plagued with grief, Rose sets out trying desperately to find the courage of her great -grandmother Rose: the creator of the Irish Chain quilt, and the missing members of her family.

When you read the first few chapters of this book you seem to think that Rose`s life isn`t too bad a little ruff aroung the edges mabye but still liveable. When tragedy strikes you become part of the story unable to put it down. I would definetly recommend this book to everyone although it might be a bit much for younger readers.

When my mom got me this book for Christmas, I must admit I was reluctant to read it. I had never heard of that horrible halifax explosion, so I put it aside till Febuary. And I got right into it, believe it or not. It even got me to watch the recent documentry on the halifax explosion.

The book starts off in the winter or 1917, and the main character Rose Dunlea is worrying about her problems, and wishing she was perfect. Don't we all? But her problems wasn't her wishing that she was a supermodel, like other books. True she did mention once or twice that she wished she could be a little prettier. Her problem was that she was dyslexia, and in 1917 a person with dyslexia was slow and dumb! Dyslexia for those don't know is a difference in the brain. They are as intelligent as the average person, they just have trouble with what is seen or heard. For Rose, she was the seeing problem. Numbers and letters seem to jump and move when she writes them. Her da won't let her drop out of school because he wants his kids to have the education he never had. Rose has already been held back twice and has absolutely no friends. In these times she turned to the irish chain quilt. Each patch has a story of her ancestors. These stories are told throughout the book.

She wishes she never has to go to school again, or so she told God. Then on December 9, 1917, two ships crash in Halifax harbour, one of them was carrying explosives. And they explode destroying buildings and kill and wound so many. This would go down as the worst Canadian disaster perhaps ever to happen. Rose convinced that it is her fault (remember her praying to god wishing she doesn't have to go school anymore) is grief-striken. She goes around and tries to find all her family and friends. Many of her loved ones are dead, or seirously injured...but still there are some who alive. This story is a heart warming story that shows that the human spirit still endures through all catrosphes(sorry about that misspelling).

If this book had any major faults, I failed to catch them. The characters were all vividly delinated(drawn)in words. It makes you cry, wonder, cheer and wish that you could shake hands with Rose Dunlea. Then again I'm canadian, so maybe this book meant more to me then it will to others from different countries.

Also at the end of this book is a lovely worthwhile author's note by Barbara Haworth-Attard, photos of the halifax explosion and a step by step instructions on how to make your own irish chain quilt. Enjoy!

This book is the best Japanese reference book you can own! It identifies swords, dirks, tassels, belt buckles, civilian swords, and pretty much anything else you can think of. This book is a must have for any Japanese sword collector! In fact this book itself is very hard to find and is skyrocking in value. Whatever you have to pay for this book it is worth it, I know I made up for the price with the first purchase I made.

Excellent book for the new or advanced collector. lots of good photos never published info. Clear and concise info on anything you may find at estate sales flea markets or antique shops

This book is very comprehensive and has more information than most books of a similar topic. Great reference material as well as some nice closeup details of rare swords. A MUST HAVE item for anybody that wants to collect Military swords and such. Information of the type included within this book will assist newcomers to buy swords with confidence. Well worth $50 price!!

This is an excellent reference for anyone interested in Japanese swords. The authors have made not only a great handbook, but also one that is easily readable. It is an excellent buying guide in terms of identification, authentication, and evaluation. It also provides great information on sword knots, sword belts, and hangers as well as collecting tips and period photos. Don't go to a show without it! It gives you a knowledge advantage over 90% of the folks selling Japanese military swords. Easily pays for itself with your first treasure find.

After reading "The Diviners" by Margaret Laurence, I found "A Jest of God" more entertaining and true-to-life. The female protagonist Rachel was more believable and down to earth. The plot of homosexuality was realistic and daring.

Although I find Margaret Lawrence to be an incredible author, all her books tend to be the same. Different people but always the same place, type of character, style. . . this is at least the case with all her books in the Manawaka Series. Stone Angel was my favorite, A jest of God was pretty good though.

At first I thought of Rachel as paranoid and on the edge of sanity; however, by the end of the novel she has found her self and her voice. Her thoughts and feelings towards her mother and sister are so realistic, even if they seem unsettling at times. It was enlightening to be a part of her journey towards self-discovery and strength.

A Jest of God epitomises Margaret Laurence's focus on characters whose stories are usually never told. The protagonist, Rachel, is a spinster school-teacher in small town Manitoba. She is stifled both by her closed community and by internalising their pettiness. Rachel's inner-dialogue sets the claustophobic atmosphere, while also being funny, frustrating and moving. Laurence's portrait of an ordinairy woman coming to terms with herself and with surroundings is flawless and highly readable.

The devotionals in this book cover almost every topic you could think of concerning your Christian walk, which others have detailed. This book, split into one to two page devotionals--a hundred of them, has somewhere within its pages, a specific message to speak to almost any issue you are struggling with. I found all the stories and conclusions to be Biblically based with references to scripture. The power of the author's faith is evident, and when you realize that Mr. Mitchener is severely disabled, his faith is all the more powerful and encouraging. A number of churches have had him as a speaker, no doubt to the great edification of the people there.

If you want a powerful, Bible-based, devotional book that tackles many issues, then this is the one. For more information, the author's website is his name as one word, then the dot com. I highly recommend this book.

In Just Passing Through, Jason Mitchener offers one hundred well-written devotionals on selected Bible verses to uplift and encourage his fellow travelers on the road of life. Although Jason is confined to a wheelchair, his spirit soars free and his view of the world is sharp and God-centered.

These devotionals include subjects such as love, contentment, anger, and knowing God. Mitchener's comments on Scripture come from his experience and observation, and are both refreshing and challenging.

Although I've been a Christian for many years, Mitchener's devotionals have inspired me to seek a closer walk with Jesus and reach out to others on my journey with Him.

This is a book I will read again and again for comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. I highly recommend it to Christians and to anyone seeking a better understanding of God and life. This book would make an excellent gift and would be a welcome addition to any church library.

The title is deceptively simple, and so is the cover illustration. These aren't leisurely, isn't-the-world-great devotionals, the kind that make no more impression than a passing traveler might. These are devotionals straight from the heart of a sufferer, not someone who looks back from a safe distance on a time of anguish, but one who wakes each day to face his trials anew. They reflect sadness that yet sparkles with joy, realism into which has dawned optimism, pain in a wash of sunlight. Here the reader can glimpse a soul struggling against the odds--and winning with God. This book would have special meaning to anyone, like the author and unlike the man on the cover, who can explore the world only from his own small room.

Jason Mitchener's honesty and poignant viewpoint come wrapped in the solid good writing of a storyteller. I received a double blessing, as well as a triple whammy, when I realized Jason writes from the perspective of a man with more than the usual challenges of life. You can't read this book and not be changed!