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

4.0

A well-written memoir, in which Jesse Thistle shares his unique experience of trauma; how it set him on a self-destructive trajectory; and what it took to overcome it. I do wish he had spent a bit more time sharing his life experience in the last few years in terms of staying well. He so descriptively portrays the neglect, trauma, and destructive lifestyle of his past--those leave a mark, and I would have loved to hear more about how he overcomes the micro-struggles he must face internally on a daily basis to stay sober and healthy. He alludes very briefly and casually to a couple facets that seem to keep him on a healthy trajectory, but I feel it's more work than he narrates. Otherwise, it's an engaging read, and sheds light on how childhood experiences and relationships can pave the way for the choices and decisions we make--for better or worse.