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lillanaa's review
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most general books I've read this year, and that's not a bad thing. Mansbridge goes out of his way to ensure that there's a wide variety of topics that would be important to the public, and it shows through the essays how important these people are. Definitely a good coffee table book, both interesting and heartwarming. The topics and people chosen definitely fit the Canadian identity, and I'd agree that they are heroes. They're doing great work, and their stories need to be shown.
This is one of the most general books I've read this year, and that's not a bad thing. Mansbridge goes out of his way to ensure that there's a wide variety of topics that would be important to the public, and it shows through the essays how important these people are. Definitely a good coffee table book, both interesting and heartwarming. The topics and people chosen definitely fit the Canadian identity, and I'd agree that they are heroes. They're doing great work, and their stories need to be shown.
prairie_meg's review against another edition
4.0
Some stories were absolutely fascinating (the first female Indigenous surgeon, the teacher who worked to improve the school experience for LGBTQ youth, the women working to improve education access to Afghanistan Women) other stories not so much (the guy who was the announcer at Raptor’s games or the story about the soldiers infiltrating the group who was building bombs in Afghanistan which was sort of about a dog?).
Overall enjoyable.
Overall enjoyable.
sphtnt's review against another edition
5.0
Every chapter was compelling and interesting in a different way. To name a few, Mansbridge and Bulgutch managed to capture race, LGBTQ+, environmental, international relations, farming, and generational issues, successes, and barriers (old and ever-present) that shape Canada. I was just as interested in the chapter about Hope for Wildlife as I was the war in Afghanistan. The authors do not shy away from speaking to the systemic issues Canada still possesses, but highlights the patchwork of diverse folk that make Canada, Canada. A joy to read.
emilysamsharrisreads's review against another edition
4.0
A relatively quick read jam packed with numerous intriguing stories of diverse Canadians
thebookborrower's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. It was an ok book, but I really felt the stories being told could have been shortened by a lot.
kelly_e's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 stars
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Extraordinary Canadians is a collection of first-person stories about remarkable, everyday Canadians who embody the core values of our nations - kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom - and inspire us to do the same.
As a proud Canadian myself, I immediately knew this would be a book I needed to read. These stories spotlight seventeen remarkable Canadians, each one offering a compelling glimpse into the everyday heroes who have worked to overcome adversity, and break down barriers for themselves and their communities. All of these people truly make Canada a better place. One of my favourite aspects is how the book brings together voices from different walks of life - including advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more. It manages to capture the diversity and multicultural identity of Canada. It's easy to pick up, and read one story at a time, or simply allow yourself to immerse yourself in the entire book. These stories certainly exemplify the reasons this country is an amazing place to call home.
Extraordinary Canadians is definitely worth your time! It's inspiring, touching, humbling, and educational. It will provide an uplifting experience (which we could all use right about now), and certainly left me with an overwhelming sense of pride in being Canadian. I recommend this to my fellow Canadians, and it would make a fantastic gift this holiday season, one sure to delight.
Favourite Quotes
"Am I used to death? In a way, I am. But I'm always affected by it. Nursing has forced me to recognize mortality. We have a limited amount of time on this earth, but I believe each life is valued and sacred. I don't know much about each person's life before they come into my care, but I am part of their journey, sometimes at the end. I appreciate that that is a privilege.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Extraordinary Canadians is a collection of first-person stories about remarkable, everyday Canadians who embody the core values of our nations - kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom - and inspire us to do the same.
As a proud Canadian myself, I immediately knew this would be a book I needed to read. These stories spotlight seventeen remarkable Canadians, each one offering a compelling glimpse into the everyday heroes who have worked to overcome adversity, and break down barriers for themselves and their communities. All of these people truly make Canada a better place. One of my favourite aspects is how the book brings together voices from different walks of life - including advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more. It manages to capture the diversity and multicultural identity of Canada. It's easy to pick up, and read one story at a time, or simply allow yourself to immerse yourself in the entire book. These stories certainly exemplify the reasons this country is an amazing place to call home.
Extraordinary Canadians is definitely worth your time! It's inspiring, touching, humbling, and educational. It will provide an uplifting experience (which we could all use right about now), and certainly left me with an overwhelming sense of pride in being Canadian. I recommend this to my fellow Canadians, and it would make a fantastic gift this holiday season, one sure to delight.
Favourite Quotes
"Am I used to death? In a way, I am. But I'm always affected by it. Nursing has forced me to recognize mortality. We have a limited amount of time on this earth, but I believe each life is valued and sacred. I don't know much about each person's life before they come into my care, but I am part of their journey, sometimes at the end. I appreciate that that is a privilege.