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liseannew's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this book. A piece of Canadian history.
erikadawnbraham's review against another edition
5.0
5/5 Stars
I’ve said it before, I’m not really a memoire fan, but this story had my attention from start to finish. Jesse has a way of retelling his past with a storytelling quality. Unlike most memories, I didn’t find this story to be indulgent, or vain. At points I really felt his pain, anguish, anger, and love. I was angry at points both at him, his family, and at the system. This is an absolute must read by all.
I’ve said it before, I’m not really a memoire fan, but this story had my attention from start to finish. Jesse has a way of retelling his past with a storytelling quality. Unlike most memories, I didn’t find this story to be indulgent, or vain. At points I really felt his pain, anguish, anger, and love. I was angry at points both at him, his family, and at the system. This is an absolute must read by all.
thebookishlifeofnicole's review against another edition
5.0
It may not be fair to say this yet, given that I’ve only read 3/5 books from the CBC Canada Reads Shortlist, but this book should 100% win, no contest.
Jesse Thistle’s memoir is an incredible read. His life has not been easy from the get go, and Thistle writes honestly and unflinching of the effect of the intergenerational trauma that has carried though his childhood into his adult life. Separated from his parents at a young age with a father struggling with substance abuse, placed in foster care, and then with grandparents, Thistle’s memoir delves into his path into addiction, homelessness and incarceration and paints a nuanced and powerful picture of the challenge he faced as well as his path towards recovery
His story is one of true resilience and as a rising star in Indigenous Academia, his journey is beyond inspirational. I can’t imagine that anyone could come away from this story without greater empathy and kindness for all their fellow humans, not just those facing similar challenges to Jesses’. Aside from bringing vital awareness and consideration to many issues in Canada today, the writing is beautiful and poetic and just sucks you in to a story in a way many non-fiction books can’t. Everyone needs to read this book!!
Jesse Thistle’s memoir is an incredible read. His life has not been easy from the get go, and Thistle writes honestly and unflinching of the effect of the intergenerational trauma that has carried though his childhood into his adult life. Separated from his parents at a young age with a father struggling with substance abuse, placed in foster care, and then with grandparents, Thistle’s memoir delves into his path into addiction, homelessness and incarceration and paints a nuanced and powerful picture of the challenge he faced as well as his path towards recovery
His story is one of true resilience and as a rising star in Indigenous Academia, his journey is beyond inspirational. I can’t imagine that anyone could come away from this story without greater empathy and kindness for all their fellow humans, not just those facing similar challenges to Jesses’. Aside from bringing vital awareness and consideration to many issues in Canada today, the writing is beautiful and poetic and just sucks you in to a story in a way many non-fiction books can’t. Everyone needs to read this book!!
dawnsworldblog's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jesse Thistle’s memoir tells his story over an almost 40 year period. It starts at a traumatic time in his childhood and covers his challenging family life, growing up estranged from his parents. A large part of the book, very honestly, tackles Jesses’s drug and alcohol addiction, a decade that he spent homeless and a number of spells in prison. Jesse’s life then turns a complete full circle to rehab, marriage, rediscovering his Métis-Cree heritage, going to university and becoming a highly respected academic.
It is, at many points, not an easy read (not the writing, that flows effortlessly) but the subject matter. Though if it wasn’t easy to read then what the hell must it have been like to live it.
Of all the books I’ve read in 2020 this will most definitely be one of the ones that sticks with me the most. Jesse’s writing is honest, insightful and an absolute inspiration.
Memoirs are not typically my genre of choice but I’m so glad I gave this one a try as it was truly incredible and I won’t forget Jessie and his story anytime soon. I urge everyone to go and read this book!
Jesse Thistle’s memoir tells his story over an almost 40 year period. It starts at a traumatic time in his childhood and covers his challenging family life, growing up estranged from his parents. A large part of the book, very honestly, tackles Jesses’s drug and alcohol addiction, a decade that he spent homeless and a number of spells in prison. Jesse’s life then turns a complete full circle to rehab, marriage, rediscovering his Métis-Cree heritage, going to university and becoming a highly respected academic.
It is, at many points, not an easy read (not the writing, that flows effortlessly) but the subject matter. Though if it wasn’t easy to read then what the hell must it have been like to live it.
Of all the books I’ve read in 2020 this will most definitely be one of the ones that sticks with me the most. Jesse’s writing is honest, insightful and an absolute inspiration.
Memoirs are not typically my genre of choice but I’m so glad I gave this one a try as it was truly incredible and I won’t forget Jessie and his story anytime soon. I urge everyone to go and read this book!
lunabear33's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible. Thistle's memoir is heartbreaking. This is an important read for all Canadians
lelathecat's review against another edition
4.0
Brow-Furrower and Tear-Jerker
I wanted to know what the day to day of being homeless was like and this book gave me so so much more.
I wanted to know what the day to day of being homeless was like and this book gave me so so much more.
caitlyn_d's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This was an intense read. But I really enjoyed getting to know a detailed version of Jesse Thistles story. It had me audibly gasp many times and my emotions were on a wild rollercoaster. I feel like I know him personally with the way he writes. He truly did not hold back on life with addiction and it’s many consequences that domino with it.
themaritimereader14's review against another edition
4.0
This memoir from Jesse Thistle was profoundly interesting, inspiring, heart-wrenching. moving, and WOW. His story is unlike any I've ever read. My online book club, The Canadian Book Enablers group, had the privilege of meeting Jesse on Zoom and hearing more about his experience since the book was published. It was so fascinating and made me truly feel like this is a book that needs to be in the hands of many.