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A review by thebookishlifeofnicole
From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
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!!