Reviews

Extraordinary Canadians by Peter Mansbridge

kelly_e's review

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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.

magsisreadingagain's review

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4.0

In a year of chaos and uncertainty, a book about strength, resilience, empathy and compassion was exactly what I needed. Retired journalist and news anchor Peter Mansbridge and television producer Mark Bulgutch have compiled the stories of 17 individuals who are making a difference in the daily lives of millions of Canadians. From entrepreneurs to advocates, politicians to parents, these first-person accounts provided me with a stronger connection than if they had been written from a journalistic outsider perspective. The emotions and motivations that have propelled these people forward are universal truths, and offered a reminder of the importance of community and vision. A refreshing take on the people who keep this country real.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing an advanced reading copy for my honest review.

leighsnerdlife's review

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this lovely book. 

With the grim craziness that is 2020, I really needed an escape from the news. Thankfully, this book delivered, showcasing 17 profiles of Canadians who are trying to make the world a better place. Each ‘chapter’ features first person accounts put together by Mansbridge and Bulgutch, all based on hours of interviews. I really like that they were written that way - I found myself connecting with each person more than I think I would have if it had been written from an outsider’s perspective. 

The Canadians featured come from all walks of life, and you probably won’t recognize many of their names. But you will remember them afterwards - these stories stick with you. Pick up a copy and see for yourself. 

scseward's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.25

This is another nonfiction for #nonfictionnovember and I just loved the personal stories. I’m not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes for a few of these stories. Makes me even more proud to be Canadian.  Description:
In this timely and heartwarming volume of personal stories, Peter Mansbridge and former CBC producer Mark Bulgutch bring together inspiring Canadians from across the country, who in their own way, are making Canada a better place for all.

Featuring voices from all walks of life—advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more—this collection gets to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. These stories will change the way you see your country and make you fall in love with Canada all over again.
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