The other day I took a literal stroll down memory lane—aka Toronto’s Yonge Street between College Street and Dundas. From 1965 until 1971 I lived downtown, first at Yonge and Gerrard in Willard Hall (a working girls’ residence run by The Women’s Christian Temperance Union) and after a couple of moves, to Alexander Street just north of Maple Leaf Gardens. My first stop was meeting…
Those of us who have never struggled with addiction may have trouble understanding the problem. If my doctor told me I would die if I had another drink of wine, I would have no problem quitting and would absolutely not miss it. For alcoholics or drug addicts, however, it would be like cutting off their air supply. They would turn to whatever action was required…
There are many reasons I would recommend reading The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards by Jessica Waite. Despite the tongue-in-cheek catchy title, it’s a true story that includes love, deception, mental illness, and redemption. It is also an example of excellent writing by a Canadian author from Calgary, Alberta with elements of the paranormal and spiritualism tossed in for your added pleasure. How would you…
When I finished reading I’m Mostly Here To Enjoy Myself, One Woman’s Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris by Glynnis MacNicol I originally did not intend to write a review of the book because I really didn’t enjoy it all that much. Then, after reading a full-page review by Joanna Rakoff in The New York Times’ Sunday Books section, I decided perhaps it did deserve a comment or…
Every so often we stumble across a book that offers total escapism. Jamie Catt Callan’s Ooh La La! French Women’s Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day offers exactly that experience. At less than two hundred pages the book is a quick read and transported me on a mini excursion to Paris and Normandy. Callan’s intentions when she wrote the book were noble. Seeking to enlighten…
I don’t usually post two book reviews in a row, but I enjoyed this book so much, I wanted to share. When I started reading I Hope This Finds You Well by Calgary author Natalie Sue I was immediately thankful I am no longer working. A few more pages in and my mood shifted into I wish I was still working so I could harvest…
