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lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
Although it was obviously written prior to an election. I did appreciate his openness and general positive approach to politics. I felt that at the end although I politically I do not share all his view points - I definitely agree with his views on the role of politics and politicians - that being to serve the people and the country. In the past I have steered clear of biographies and autobiographies I am learning to enjoy reading the stories of different public/famous figures. It is also great to get a bit more of the current political picture.
jenrm's review against another edition
2.0
The parts about his actual life, his growing up years, were rather interesting, keeping in mind that a lot of what he experienced was due to the fact that he was from a privileged family. The arrogance and political double-speak, among other issues, I could do without. I had little use for JT before I read this, I have less use for him now.
rebecanunez's review against another edition
3.0
Fue muy informativo, sobre Trudeau y sobre Canada. No tenia claro si era anterior a que fuera primer ministro o no, y me decepciono un poco que fuera anterior, ya que es un poco propagandístico y de darse a conocer, desde el candidato, no del electo. De todas formas es interesante.
Merged review:
Fue muy informativo, sobre Trudeau y sobre Canada. No tenia claro si era anterior a que fuera primer ministro o no, y me decepciono un poco que fuera anterior, ya que es un poco propagandístico y de darse a conocer, desde el candidato, no del electo. De todas formas es interesante.
Merged review:
Fue muy informativo, sobre Trudeau y sobre Canada. No tenia claro si era anterior a que fuera primer ministro o no, y me decepciono un poco que fuera anterior, ya que es un poco propagandístico y de darse a conocer, desde el candidato, no del electo. De todas formas es interesante.
saraubs's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars.
I'll start by saying that I voted for PM Trudeau. I respected him during the campaign and I think that we share similar ideologies and have similar hopes for Canada. To me, he has always seemed easy-going, likeable, and approachable. After reading, I still think that these things are probably true, but I'm a little less generous with my admiration.
Though he does a lovely job of describing (in great - perhaps excessive? - detail) his idea of sharing common ground, I found that the candid look into Mr. Trudeau's early years destroyed any perception I had of the PM as, well, relatable. This wouldn't have been a big shock - or a big deal- if Trudeau didn't try so very hard in his opening chapters to prove that he was "just another ordinary Canadian". It made the expensive hobbies, private school mishaps, and multi-year trips around the Globe a little harder to swallow.
I also quickly grew tired of the "I really didn't want this to happen and then I honestly never expected it to happen, but *gasp* it happened with resounding success!" story. Perhaps Trudeau really never entertained a thought of public office and maybe he did spend the first few decades of his life trying to eschew his family's legacy, but I really only needed to follow this "finding my true calling" arc once to fully appreciate the journey. It didn't take long for his stories of personal success to transition from inspirational to self-congratulatory.
From a purely structural standpoint, I found the first few chapters to be poorly organized and difficult to read. The content was interesting - I quite enjoying hearing about his relationship with his father and how it differed from public perception, for example - but it needed a tight edit. Trudeau cited his fast pace several times throughout the work, and I'm sure it was difficult to find the time to write during such a tumultuous few years, but I think that this could have been much stronger debut if he had spent a little more time in the editing process.
Despite the criticism, I did enjoy much of Trudeau's story. As I said, I enjoyed the frank discussions of his family dynamics, and it was interesting to follow his journey from school teacher to Liberal Leader. Mr. Trudeau portrays himself as a fair, engaged, and compassionate leader - supported by anecdotes that highlight these very qualities - and I think that's exactly what our country needs right now.
I'll start by saying that I voted for PM Trudeau. I respected him during the campaign and I think that we share similar ideologies and have similar hopes for Canada. To me, he has always seemed easy-going, likeable, and approachable. After reading, I still think that these things are probably true, but I'm a little less generous with my admiration.
Though he does a lovely job of describing (in great - perhaps excessive? - detail) his idea of sharing common ground, I found that the candid look into Mr. Trudeau's early years destroyed any perception I had of the PM as, well, relatable. This wouldn't have been a big shock - or a big deal- if Trudeau didn't try so very hard in his opening chapters to prove that he was "just another ordinary Canadian". It made the expensive hobbies, private school mishaps, and multi-year trips around the Globe a little harder to swallow.
I also quickly grew tired of the "I really didn't want this to happen and then I honestly never expected it to happen, but *gasp* it happened with resounding success!" story. Perhaps Trudeau really never entertained a thought of public office and maybe he did spend the first few decades of his life trying to eschew his family's legacy, but I really only needed to follow this "finding my true calling" arc once to fully appreciate the journey. It didn't take long for his stories of personal success to transition from inspirational to self-congratulatory.
From a purely structural standpoint, I found the first few chapters to be poorly organized and difficult to read. The content was interesting - I quite enjoying hearing about his relationship with his father and how it differed from public perception, for example - but it needed a tight edit. Trudeau cited his fast pace several times throughout the work, and I'm sure it was difficult to find the time to write during such a tumultuous few years, but I think that this could have been much stronger debut if he had spent a little more time in the editing process.
Despite the criticism, I did enjoy much of Trudeau's story. As I said, I enjoyed the frank discussions of his family dynamics, and it was interesting to follow his journey from school teacher to Liberal Leader. Mr. Trudeau portrays himself as a fair, engaged, and compassionate leader - supported by anecdotes that highlight these very qualities - and I think that's exactly what our country needs right now.
gingerreader99's review
5.0
The chance to read this could not have come at a better time for me. It has helped me reaffirm what it means to me to be a Liberal. In my opinion this autobiography set out do to exactly what Justin said it would. He detailed his life and how it has influenced his ideals heading into leadership and later shortly after this books publishing , the 2015 Federal election. I identify with a lot of things Justin points out about how he sees Canada and politics. Between the influence of his Father, Laurier, Pearson and now Justin. The realization of my own beliefs are becoming ever clearer.
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed getting to know Justin Trudeau better.
atlantic_reader_wannabe's review against another edition
4.0
I know as far as memoirs go, this can be considered an introductory level volume and the end-of-career volume will likely come later (which I will probably read at some point because I want to) and it is very easy to read. Not too in-depth and, given the context of today, it does leave things out which have since come to light, it can still be read enjoyably if one keeps the context in mind that this was written years ago after Justin's first election to the post of Prime Minister.
candlelips_75's review against another edition
4.0
I sure wish we had a leader like Mr. Trudeau. He clearly understands how his government works, and cares about the Canadian people. He's put in the hard work and experience to lead his country, and is truly a compassionate progressive man. I think maybe the people working in American government need to take some lessons from Trudeau on how to engage citizens and change how the parties work and think (and open it up to where a politician other than Republican or Democrat have a chance at winning anything).
sephipiderwitch's review against another edition
4.0
I must say that I am even more in respect of Mr. Trudeau after reading his autobiography. The first half of the book is about his family, childhood and how all of that shaped him into the man that he is. He speaks of his mother and her struggle with bi-polar disease, how she has become a spokesperson for it and his immense respect and love for her. His father, former PM of Canada and strict in many ways, but also a very loving father. He took time every day to spend quality time with his children. And raised them to never believe themselves ,to be better than others, with some very interesting examples. He speaks of the loss of his brother and the crushing impact it had on the family. He speaks of his wife, Sofie, how they had known each other through his brother, the depth of the love and respect he holds for her and the family they have made.
The respect he shows for all people shows as a part of his core makeup as is evidenced by his words. His belief in women's rights, the rights of immigrants, the rights of the poor and displaced. The theme that is repeated throughout the book is, We are stronger not in spite of, but because of our diversity. We, as Americans, can learn much from his lessons.
I have probably somewhat unfairly given it only four stars because I was far less enraptured with the second half of the book as he spoke at much length about his rise through the political system. Though I realize its importance, I found it rather tedious at many points. I did appreciate the things he had to say about equality and a more equal distribution of wealth, which most economists state as a necessity for a healthy economy and society. And though the US holds the gauntlet on the extremes on this, it has become an issue in many, if not most countries. He also spoke much about the inclusion of all people in Canada and how they came close to becoming two Canadas and the steps taken that prevented that. He ends the book with an absolutely beautiful First Nation's poem.
Its worth reading to learn more about this amazing man and its also full of pictures of him! :)
http://sephipiderwitch.com/common-ground-justin-trudeau-book-review/
SephiPiderWitch
05/02/2017
The respect he shows for all people shows as a part of his core makeup as is evidenced by his words. His belief in women's rights, the rights of immigrants, the rights of the poor and displaced. The theme that is repeated throughout the book is, We are stronger not in spite of, but because of our diversity. We, as Americans, can learn much from his lessons.
I have probably somewhat unfairly given it only four stars because I was far less enraptured with the second half of the book as he spoke at much length about his rise through the political system. Though I realize its importance, I found it rather tedious at many points. I did appreciate the things he had to say about equality and a more equal distribution of wealth, which most economists state as a necessity for a healthy economy and society. And though the US holds the gauntlet on the extremes on this, it has become an issue in many, if not most countries. He also spoke much about the inclusion of all people in Canada and how they came close to becoming two Canadas and the steps taken that prevented that. He ends the book with an absolutely beautiful First Nation's poem.
Its worth reading to learn more about this amazing man and its also full of pictures of him! :)
http://sephipiderwitch.com/common-ground-justin-trudeau-book-review/
SephiPiderWitch
05/02/2017