Scan barcode
A review by christinam
From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
CW: drug use, assault, child abandonment
From The Ashes was a contender in Canada Reads 2020 and the 2nd best selling Canadian Book of 2020. Like most of the books I've read as of late, I don't think I would have read this on my own. We had the opportunity to virtually meet with Jesse and it was one of the highlights of 2020 for me. He was so open and honest with us as we asked questions about the book and his life. I can't thank him enough for taking the time to meet with us.
Over the last few weeks, I've struggled to find the words that'll do this book justice. And I've yet to find them. This book manages to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. No one should have any of the experiences Jesse outlines in this book. But in reality, some of the ordeals he went through are common for many individuals experiencing homelessness, struggling with substance abuse and battling their own inner demons. I've thought about this book at least once a week since I've finished it. About the ineffective policies, harmful myths and misconceptions, the moral superiority and stigma, that reinforce and act against folks who want to break cycles and forge a different path.
This book showed me how easy it is to reduce the multifacetedness of people who face some of the struggles Jesse details in his book to labels. It is necessary to understand they are complete people who are worthy of self-determination, respect and assistance on their terms without paternalism and contempt. When you find yourself ready to pass judgement, as you read this book or engage with initiatives for marginalized folks in your community, I ask that you introspect on those feelings. And then consider them from the perspectives of Jesse and others who have faced similar struggles as whole people and not labels.
From The Ashes was a contender in Canada Reads 2020 and the 2nd best selling Canadian Book of 2020. Like most of the books I've read as of late, I don't think I would have read this on my own. We had the opportunity to virtually meet with Jesse and it was one of the highlights of 2020 for me. He was so open and honest with us as we asked questions about the book and his life. I can't thank him enough for taking the time to meet with us.
Over the last few weeks, I've struggled to find the words that'll do this book justice. And I've yet to find them. This book manages to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. No one should have any of the experiences Jesse outlines in this book. But in reality, some of the ordeals he went through are common for many individuals experiencing homelessness, struggling with substance abuse and battling their own inner demons. I've thought about this book at least once a week since I've finished it. About the ineffective policies, harmful myths and misconceptions, the moral superiority and stigma, that reinforce and act against folks who want to break cycles and forge a different path.
This book showed me how easy it is to reduce the multifacetedness of people who face some of the struggles Jesse details in his book to labels. It is necessary to understand they are complete people who are worthy of self-determination, respect and assistance on their terms without paternalism and contempt. When you find yourself ready to pass judgement, as you read this book or engage with initiatives for marginalized folks in your community, I ask that you introspect on those feelings. And then consider them from the perspectives of Jesse and others who have faced similar struggles as whole people and not labels.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual assault