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anaiira's review
4.0
Do not let my review be an indictment or support for JWR as a political leader. She is not my MP, and while I am inclined to believe in her integrity and her ability as an ethical leader, that is not the purpose of the review of this book.
I wished this book had more thorough details. I started reading it, hoping for more clarity and understanding of the SNC-Lavaughlin affair, which I had no particular understanding of, and came out of it not feeling like I've understood more of the case in question. I fully understand JWR's position and reasoning for not including further (potentially salacious) details, and I respect that decision, but the book comes off fairly repetitive and a little dull. Granted, it was clear that her specific role, and her duties in that situation, was actually quite limited, it was merely the fallout of the debacle in which she reacted to judiciously, but still, I would have wanted more context, more analysis, a richer understanding. As it is, it reads a bit like an awkward episode of Veep.
JWR is incredibly good at writing in ways that encourage people to read between the lines, to think critically about the subtext and implications to the holes in the story that she decided to not elucidate. There are a few excellent parts with pointed shady ommissions. I don't particularly like this style of making points with insinuations, although, again, I do understand the reason.
I wished this book had more thorough details. I started reading it, hoping for more clarity and understanding of the SNC-Lavaughlin affair, which I had no particular understanding of, and came out of it not feeling like I've understood more of the case in question. I fully understand JWR's position and reasoning for not including further (potentially salacious) details, and I respect that decision, but the book comes off fairly repetitive and a little dull. Granted, it was clear that her specific role, and her duties in that situation, was actually quite limited, it was merely the fallout of the debacle in which she reacted to judiciously, but still, I would have wanted more context, more analysis, a richer understanding. As it is, it reads a bit like an awkward episode of Veep.
JWR is incredibly good at writing in ways that encourage people to read between the lines, to think critically about the subtext and implications to the holes in the story that she decided to not elucidate. There are a few excellent parts with pointed shady ommissions. I don't particularly like this style of making points with insinuations, although, again, I do understand the reason.
smorrison4's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.0
I loved learning more about Jody's story and how she ended up running (and winning her seat) in federal politics. My husband and I followed the SNC gong show and thought the world of Jody, she was genuine, honest, and we were so glad when she ran and won her independent seat after leaving the liberal party.
reading_rainbows's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
whytered's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Very informative, gives a great run-down of SNC-Lavalin and Canadian politics that I found accessible as a recent immigrant. Well-written by a strong and clear voice.
suetrav's review
4.0
This was very interesting indeed! I listened to JWR narrate this in audio book format. She does not hold back on her thoughts about our Prime Minister and after listening to her story I don't blame her. She admits being swayed by his charm and believing in his platform and really thinking that he would follow through and that his Liberal government would make a real difference. Misogynic attitudes and racism abound in Ottawa and as an Indigenous woman she faced plenty of both.
She talks about legislation she worked on (legal marijuana, medically assisted dying etc) so there were some positive parts of the story. Once she gets into the SNC Lavalin story we know it is all going down hill from that point. I wish she could have REALLY told us what happened but what she does reveal is eye opening for sure.
I really enjoyed hearing about her time in Indigenous politics before she went to Ottawa and the stories of her grandma and dad.
Parts of the story were repetitive and it wandered all over the place but I still found it a fascinating listen. I really like her and she seems honest and kind and so very smart! We definitely need more of her and less of JT in Canada.
She talks about legislation she worked on (legal marijuana, medically assisted dying etc) so there were some positive parts of the story. Once she gets into the SNC Lavalin story we know it is all going down hill from that point. I wish she could have REALLY told us what happened but what she does reveal is eye opening for sure.
I really enjoyed hearing about her time in Indigenous politics before she went to Ottawa and the stories of her grandma and dad.
Parts of the story were repetitive and it wandered all over the place but I still found it a fascinating listen. I really like her and she seems honest and kind and so very smart! We definitely need more of her and less of JT in Canada.
laurenkimoto's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Shots were fired (at Trudeau, the liberal party, Canadian politics as a whole, and a lot more).
JWR is amazing and her commitment to her values is truly inspiring. After hearing about the SNC affair as it was happening and only half understanding (thanks high school social studies) this truly shined a light on the issues with in the government, liberal party, and Canadian politics.
JWR is amazing and her commitment to her values is truly inspiring. After hearing about the SNC affair as it was happening and only half understanding (thanks high school social studies) this truly shined a light on the issues with in the government, liberal party, and Canadian politics.