photo by my Chandra
It’s Canada Day today. I’m home with a bothersome cold, which wouldn’t be nice to give to anyone so I’m alone, listening to the CBC and reading Richard Wagamese. Good, they’re talking about Canadian Literature. Since reading is one of my greatest pleasures, I’m interested. They haven’t mentioned any of our native writers yet, but they may.
Our book club has given me the gift of discovering,
Ojibway author Richard Wagamese, 1955-2017
often for the first time, many writers I didn’t know of before. The books we chose to read this month are ‘One Native Life’ and ‘Embers’, both by Richard Wagamese. We
Indian Horse by Wagamese (now a film)
had already read two other of his books, ‘Medicine Walk’, and ‘Indian Horse’, each of which were very worth reading. (Indian Horse was made into a movie, but I haven’t seen it. I don’t like to see films based on books I’ve read. I like to hold on to it in my own way.)
We lost a special Canadian when Wagamese passed away in 2017. He was an Ojibway journalist, radio and TV broadcaster, and producer. All of this in spite of an abusive childhood and little education. (His parents were Residential School survivors.) Wagamese was only 61 when he died and certainly had more books left in him. He did, however, leave us a rich legacy. I’m now reading his ‘Embers’. Here are a few quotes from this account of his journey in learning how to live.
An easy read, yet full of wisdom
‘I am a traveler on a sacred journey through this one shining day.
Walk gently on the earth and do each other no harm.
We live because everything else does.
A gift is not a gift until it is shared.
Keep what’s true in front of you.
Freedom is letting go of bounds and barriers, and hurling yourself into the adventure of living.
Let the mystery remain a mystery.
Be filled with wonder.
Take the first step and try to make it beyond.
Shout something.’
I hope this moves you to read ‘Embers’ and then more of Richard Wagamese’s books. Enjoy!
I may have a cold, but I’m enjoying my day doing one of my favorite things.
View from Over the Hill 
Hi Muriel. This is the first time I’ve heard of him. I’m always on the prowl for good books to read, so thanks!
Neil
Oh Neil: Do try to find something by him. Some of his books are short, so they’d fit in with your preferred reading and are well worth the time devoted to them. Muriel
Which one do you suggest that I read first, Muriel? Maybe “Embers”? I’ll reserve it at the VPL….
Hope you’re feeling better today. Enjoy the sun!
I’d suggest ‘Embers’ for you as a start because I know you deal with visual issues. It is short and wonderful and I know you’ll like it. Then, if you want to, ‘Indian Horse’, a terrific novel. After you read them, we’ll talk. Take care….
I’ve never heard of him Mur! I’ll have to read Embers when I’m back in Canada
You couldn’t read anything more worth the time Vinson. Come back soon. I miss you. Hugs…
Back to the old lady in the mirror, I took my first selfie last week, and I didn’t recognize me.
Do I really look that old? I prefer the lady in the mirror who is a bit farther away.
Yup Leonor: Seems like my friend Kafka has been getting around to a lot of my friends lately. Thanks for reading.