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teacupsandfirereads's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book was on my list long before he became Premier, but it pushed it to the top of my list. At first, I had to recheck memoir and the description when it started, as I didn't understand that the first part was about his father as a child. I do believe it set the book up beautifully for the rest as it gave background and context. I was really engaged with the story and his way of storytelling it. It looked at numerous generations and the impacts events had on each. It was multifaceted in a way that flowed nicely. It never felt jumpy or as if a specific storyline never got finished. Definitely a great read. I would love to see more from him one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, and Addiction
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, and Genocide
koalateagirl's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
doritobabe's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
I love this book and definitely think it is one of my favorite books of 2016.
(Why did I give it a 4.5/5 then, you ask? Well, I will get to that...)
Wab Kinew's [b:The Reason You Walk|24876654|The Reason You Walk|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426691135s/24876654.jpg|44524801] is a biographical account and moving tribute to his late father. Tobasonakwut's story is one that most Canadians (or historians) are familiar with: that of a residential school survivor. However, [a:Wab Kinew|13479348|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426796283p2/13479348.jpg] writes this memoir with so much optimism and hope that one feels differently about this book than one may with other aboriginal accounts, for instance, my most recently read [b:The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America|15797509|The Inconvenient Indian A Curious Account of Native People in North America|Thomas King|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357136064s/15797509.jpg|21520410].
This book's strength also lies within the narrative. The beginning chapters that detail Tobasonakwut's life read almost like a story rather than the pragmatic writing often associated with biographies. This is carried out through the text beautifully. Alas, where [a:Wab Kinew|13479348|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426796283p2/13479348.jpg] begins to fail is through his moments of advice to the reader regarding reconciliation. Additionally, there are a few instances in the text where the chapters and story prove pointless and unnecessary to the large vision of the text.
Overall, this was a lovely account of a relationship between father and son. One that details the beauty of human relationships and the strength of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
I love this book and definitely think it is one of my favorite books of 2016.
(Why did I give it a 4.5/5 then, you ask? Well, I will get to that...)
Wab Kinew's [b:The Reason You Walk|24876654|The Reason You Walk|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426691135s/24876654.jpg|44524801] is a biographical account and moving tribute to his late father. Tobasonakwut's story is one that most Canadians (or historians) are familiar with: that of a residential school survivor. However, [a:Wab Kinew|13479348|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426796283p2/13479348.jpg] writes this memoir with so much optimism and hope that one feels differently about this book than one may with other aboriginal accounts, for instance, my most recently read [b:The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America|15797509|The Inconvenient Indian A Curious Account of Native People in North America|Thomas King|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357136064s/15797509.jpg|21520410].
This book's strength also lies within the narrative. The beginning chapters that detail Tobasonakwut's life read almost like a story rather than the pragmatic writing often associated with biographies. This is carried out through the text beautifully. Alas, where [a:Wab Kinew|13479348|Wab Kinew|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1426796283p2/13479348.jpg] begins to fail is through his moments of advice to the reader regarding reconciliation. Additionally, there are a few instances in the text where the chapters and story prove pointless and unnecessary to the large vision of the text.
Overall, this was a lovely account of a relationship between father and son. One that details the beauty of human relationships and the strength of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
When I picked up this book for a class, I wasn't sure what I was in for; more focused on if it would fit the topic than the actual content. But the moment I actually began, I fell in love. The story of a boy and his father reconciling, through the parallels with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission happening throughout the country, is impactful in ways that I did not expect. Every moment of the book is impactful, and the message is clear, this is one that actually made me cry towards the end. 100% recommend, this is going to be a staple in my stable of nonfiction.
gianm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
selinayoung's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read. An accessible and important read on how to walk in a good way on the path to reconciliation. Also importance of self healing, family and community.
jessicatempleton's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book! I connected with this book emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. I would love for all Canadians and anyone seeking reconciliation to read this book. It teaches the road we must travel to find forgiveness on a deeply emotional level. Wab, also, captures some of the most important moments in Canadian and Aboriginal history.
ncrozier's review against another edition
4.0
Well written, entertaining read that simultaneously teaches about Aboriginal culture and our country's history.
kimcheel's review against another edition
4.0
As I read more memoirs and books by Indigenous authors, especially Canadian, I become even more aware of the need for Reconciliation. I appreciate the emotional labour done by these authors so people like me can be better informed.
In this book, I especially appreciated the detail about sundance - something I knew next to nothing about. Thank you for sharing those experiences.
In this book, I especially appreciated the detail about sundance - something I knew next to nothing about. Thank you for sharing those experiences.