Songcatcher

Songcatcher by Aline Perret-Vallée
Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Sharon Adam
$16.95 ISBN 978-894431-32-3

“Songcatcher” falls in a new genre that combines autobiography with poetry and essay. It is the story of an ordinary woman who enjoys her life and shares with her audience the blessings gathered over eight decades. A Saskatchewan girl, Aline tells us her story in a very entertaining and enjoyable format.

She begins with her mother’s family and the story of how they ended up in Duck Lake, where Aline’s mother meets her future husband and they begin their own family. The author shares the respect and joy her home-life provided in times that were hard on the prairies. We glimpse the farm life of a young girl and her brothers and sisters. Aline shares stories and poems of her school years and of leaving home in 1949 to become a nun at the Novitiate in St. Hyacinth, Quebec. She then begins a teaching career that sees her move to various locales, including Prince Albert, Spiritwood, The Pas, Laurier, Debden and Swift Current, ending in Wadena.

We learn of a love story that begins in Prince Albert and eventually ends happily with Aline leaving her vocation as a nun to become the wife of Orian Vallée. Aline’s writing is full of her appreciation of life and recounts all the things that enrich her memories. She tells us of her discovery of Toastmasters and how that organization helped her build confidence and make friends.

Visits to her ancestral homelands of Switzerland and France bring new family members into the story, and travels to Quebec and California add even more family branches to her tree. Now a widow, she lives in Saskatoon where she enjoys her family and friends. “Songcatcher” is an enjoyable read for anyone interested in our past—and the lives of the real people who lived it.

Published in:  on 10 March 2010 at 1:48 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Who’s That Man?

“Who’s That Man?”
by Marny Duncan-Cary and illustrated by Megan Mansbridge
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Karen Lawson
ISBN 978-1-894431-38-5 $24.95

Marny Duncan-Cary is a talented singer and songwriter from Lumsden, Saskatchewan. Her first book, “Linger”, was based on an emotional song that she wrote. Once again, Duncan-Cary has taken one of her songs and created a delightful children’s book, entitled “Who’s That Man?” Her story is based on a real event in the author’s own family history. When her grandfather returned home from fighting in World War II, he had never met his five year old son, Gerry, who was Duncan-Cary’s father.

The inspiration for her song and subsequent book happened after the events of 9-11. Duncan-Cary had never personally experienced the impact of war, and 9-11 triggered a new set of emotions and fears. When her father discussed with her how the impact of war had affected his own childhood and his family dynamics, she put pen to paper and created the song “Who’s that Man?”. It reveals the apprehension and uncertainty between father and son upon meeting for the first time.

This touching book comes complete with a special gift included – a DVD of her song which is tucked in the back cover. The words and musical score of “Who’s That Man?” are printed on the last pages of the book as an added bonus.

The pages are sprinkled with black and white photos of her father and grandfather taken from the family photo albums during the time that they were separate. These personal mementos add a realistic touch to the story. The illustrations are by talented artist, Megan Mansbridge. Mansbridge is not only a gifted artist but she is a personal friend of the author. Her bright and colourful pictures make the story come alive. She mixes simplicity with rich textures to create a three dimensional effect that seem to jump off the pages.

This personal story is a tribute to the many families that have been altered by war. Duncan-Cary leaves the reader with the message that although war is destructive and separates families, it cannot destroy the unconditional love and special bonds that exist between them.

Published in:  on 20 January 2010 at 1:11 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , ,

Richardson’s Ramblings

“Richardson’s Ramblings”
by E. George Richardson
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
review by Sharon Adam
$16.95 ISBN978-1-894431-12-5

This slim volume is a compendium of poetry, essays, editorials and reflections gathered from Mr. Richardson’s life. A native of Pelly, Saskatchewan, Richardson’s book covers his writing over the past 60 years and is comprised of topics that held significance to his life and imagination,

We learn that a young George lied about his age and joined the armed forces in an effort to follow his two brothers into combat during the Second World War. He was restricted to Canada because he was blind in one eye, the result of a childhood accident. He began writing about his experiences during this time and continued throughout his life. Imagination was also a source for his writing and we are invited to share his whimsy on such subjects as life’s journey, winning the lottery and what if?

His ramblings are diverse and include thoughts on such subjects as the Calgary Flames, politics, and the British Royal Family. Readers discover his passion for friendship and family as he explores his emotions through poetry and essay. George reveals his personality to his readers through his honesty and fearless approach to his subjects. This reflection of a lifestyle and a remembrance of George’s past is a pleasant reminder of our own past and perhaps mirrors some of our own recollections of what was. This is a good book to pick up and read bits and pieces or straight through.

Published in:  on 19 November 2009 at 2:47 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Return of the Fearsome Critters

“Return of the Fearsome Critters”
By Warren S. James
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Shanna Mann
$12.95 ISBN 978-1-894431-26-2

Have you heard of the horrible Hodag? Do you know what an Agropelter is? Regina storyteller Warren James has parlayed his interest in cryptozoology into this creative and original book of poems featuring some of the nearly lost creatures of North American folklore.

Each silly poem is preceded by a short encyclopedic entry (complete with pseudo-scientific name!) of the fearsome critter in question. The handsome facing illustrations by Susan Hopkins McQuarrie are reminiscent of Edward Gorey or Maurice Sendak. The whole family will enjoy the spooky illustrations and the amusing and inventive poems.

The poems are clearly meant to be read out loud, the same way that many years ago these stories were told by lamplight. Though the stories began as eerie tales told to frighten unwary greenhorns and travelers, the regrettable lack of gullible greenhorns (and the resultant lack of sightings) meant that these weird and terrifying creatures would have been almost forgotten, if not for the author and his delightful poems.

Take this book camping with you, or read it around the fireplace for an authentic feel. Try not to let yourself wonder… are the fearsome critters really just a story? Or do they only want us to think that?

Published in:  on 14 October 2009 at 6:11 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

A Rose Grows

“A Rose Grows: Fighting Cancer, Finding Me”
By Olga Stefaniuk
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Andréa Ledding
$16.95 ISBN 978-1-894431-33-0

This memoir starts off by bringing the reader to small town prairie life in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Growing up in the village of Hubbard, the author lives and works at the general store with her parents and siblings. The reader has an enjoyable look into her childhood and family life in a then-bustling railroad village – a glimpse into a bygone era where ‘fast food’ was the barrel of pickled herrings in the front of the general store, and Christmas oranges were mainly prized because their wrappings meant softer paper in the outhouse. After this introduction, the story follows her journey to Saskatoon, career, marriage, two children – and cancer. When Stefaniuk finds a lump in her breast at the age of 42, the reader shares her journey of survival, loss, perseverance, and determination to reach out to others in the midst of her own struggle to not only survive – but thrive.

Along the way, Stefaniuk starts local cancer support groups, brings cancer retreats to the province, and makes friends wherever she goes. She carries the reader on an intimate journey into what living with cancer for 23 years is like – and the attitude which has doubtless helped her come this far. Always positive but gentle and honest, she doesn’t gloss over difficulties – attending a wedding after her mastectomy, she and her husband try everything including fishing weights wrapped in tissue to keep the lighter prosthetic from riding up, and joke about hollowing out a coconut shell. Stefaniuk also shares regrets – reconstructive surgery might have made things easier. She wonders if the decision not to breast-feed her infant daughters when formula was so in vogue might have contributed to the invasive breast cancer.

Beyond breast cancer, Stefaniuk goes through other cancers, but never stops sharing what she’s learned along the way. Despite her shyness of public speaking, she addresses WestJet employees, a class of university medical students, large gatherings, or other cancer patients. As one friend told her, “Cancer was the change that made the real Olga stand up.”

The book is broken into short sections – usually two to five pages – making it easy to read. Stefaniuk’s journey inspires while giving both other cancer patients and their loved ones a clear picture of the experience. She shares not only procedures, but her own emotions and thoughts. At one point she writes, “Although many cancer patients do not want to talk about their experiences, I do. I feel I have to.” This sense of obligation and care is the driving force behind her book, and her personality is on each page – the reader leaves feeling he or she has made a new and intimate friend.

This book is available at your local bookstore, or visit www.skbooks.com

Published in:  on 23 September 2009 at 11:30 am Leave a Comment
Tags: , , ,

Canadian Shield Alphabet

“The Canadian Shield Alphabet”
By Myrna Guymer
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Marie Powell Mendenhall
Price: $ 24.95 CDN ISBN: 978-1-894431-23-1

If you thought you knew every word that could be used to illustrate the alphabet in a child’s picture book, you haven’t seen this alpha-book.

Kookum and kinnikinnik, qiviut and ungulates are among its illustrated concepts. What’s a qasgiq, or an ulu? “The Canadian Shield Alphabet has the answers.” More familiar terms like northern lights (“Aurora Borealis”) and meteorites connect school-aged readers to a variety of subjects, as they learn about the land, people, and culture important in several Canadian provinces crossing Shield country.

Taiga and tundra are among its landscapes, as are rivers, lakes, swamps, forests. Animals like voles, pelicans, seals, otters, and polar bears help tell the story of this northern environment. As well, birds like the peregrine falcon, snowy owl, ptarmigan, and Canada Goose make an appearance.

The land abounds with history as well, and these pages also mention such explorers as Alexander Mackenzie, David Thompson, and Alexander Henry from the late 1700s.

Myrna Guymer of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan uses the knowledge she’s gained on her travels by canoe and airplane, to share the adventure of the Canadian Shield with young readers. Trains, tundra buggies, York boats, dog sleds, and whitewater rafts also appear on the pages of her book. Paintings by RoseMarie Condon of Fenelon Falls, Ontario, aptly illustrate the unique world of the Canadian Shield.

Readers also learn about the region and its natural resources through a brief introduction and map. As well, a matching game and glossary appear at the back of the book.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

Published in:  on 14 January 2009 at 11:38 am Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Prairie West School Division: A Rural Legacy

“Prairie West School Division: A Rural Legacy”
by Jeanne Caswell
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Elizabeth McGill
ISBN 10 1-894431-07-3

History buffs will be delighted. Young people, accustomed to Ipods and cell phones as their constant companions, will be incredulous. Everyone in between will be entertained by Jeanne Caswell’s book “Prairie West School Division: A Rural Legacy.” Her book chronicles the early days of the education system in the Swift Current area through to the contemporary schools of today. In 1905 when Saskatchewan became a province, there were no rural schools around Swift Current. By 1925, more than 100 schools had been opened.

Seven chapters and five appendices give the reader an insider’s perspective. The “Teaching Experience” chapter outlines the responsibilities of a teacher in a one-room school. The work load was tremendous. Aside from providing direct instruction for Grade 1-8 students, the teacher marked assignments for Grade 9 and 10 students taking correspondence courses. Ratepayers in Beaver Flat School District #4021 complained that teachers expected far too much money for teaching. In the depression years of the 1930’s, ratepayers could not afford salaries of $10 per month.

Computer technology was not invented. Most schools did not even have a telephone. Looking after the children’s physical welfare was part of the job description. In a blizzard, students spent the night at the school rather than relying on their horses to get them home safely. Teachers hauled coal and got the stove going before classes. One teacher, standing too close to the Quebec heater, burnt a hole in the back of her skirt.

In spite of no technology or teaching aids other than a blackboard (chalk allotment was one piece per day), students and staff have fond recollections. The school became the hub of the farming community. Dances, church services, recruiting meetings during World War 1, fowl suppers, Christmas concerts, and summer picnics took place at the school. Many teachers were young women teaching on permit. Some left after a short time, being unable to manage the responsibility and isolation of their teaching positions. Neighbourhood bachelors, eager to change their marital status, anticipated the arrival of the new teacher. Blumenhof School #4089 added a second classroom in the 1940’s. As the new foundation was being poured, the students threw the school strap into the cement. At King’s County School #4428, students used thistles to build forts. Part of the entertainment was setting fire to your rivals’ fort! Caswell’s book, full of humorous anecdotes, celebrates the past paying homage to visionaries who believed that education is the passport to the future.

Published in:  on 29 October 2008 at 1:38 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , , ,

Wild Justice

Book TitleWild Justice
By Les Langager
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Reviewed by Tim Tokaryk
$19.95 ISBN 978-1-894431-11-8

Les Langager’s first book, “Wild Justice” betrays its prairie, western title with espionage and international intrigue. In a series of intertwining characters from Israel, Alberta, and Saskatchewan’s north, the patterns don’t seem clear at first. But as the tale unfolds the connections made in the past come back to haunt and bless us at the same time. For we know not what fate has in store for us until we see it for what it is.

Rookie Constable Al Stava, ex-hockey jock and all-round good guy, is fast tracked through the early part of RCMP career, with stalwart character and aptitude. His first major case, dealing with a vengeful psychotic who captures youthful news photographer Jill Monroe, ends with a shoot-’em-up chase across the prairies. The chance meeting would alter Stava’s life forever. Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away a plot is hatched to steal something more tangible, more dangerous from an inconspicuous northern prairie community, a place the Canadian government doesn’t want anyone to know about. And even in the apparent ghost town, it isn’t “[a]nother typical day at Canada’s secret military installation.”

Amazingly, all these stories verge on a single, potential catastrophic event that can turn civilization into barbaric stone-agers. Langager’s ability to hold the weave apart until the exact moment is excruciatingly rewarding. With a rich set up and quick dialogue, the weave captures how tied we are together, whether in a small community, or in countries around the world. “Wild Justice” is a surprise, right until the end.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

Published in:  on 8 July 2008 at 1:14 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,