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Richard Wagamese's goals in his third book are as noble as they are simple: "If it teaches, that is grace. If it evokes empathy, that is blessing." As the title of this nakedly honest book implies, For Joshua is intended for one reader in particular: the author's young son. Their painful estrangement was caused by Wagamese's lifelong battle with alcohol addiction, and the writer describes how his penchant for self-destruction--despite his success as a television producer, columnist for the Calgary Herald, and novelist--was fuelled by deep-seated feelings of loneliness and unworthiness. After a troubled childhood spent in foster homes and on the streets, Wagamese attains self-knowledge at a variety of junctures in his life: during a singalong with fellow travellers at a hostel, at his first sweat lodge ceremony, and during a four-day vision quest on a mountain ledge near Calgary, where he meditates on the doctrine of the Medicine Wheel. The knowledge is hard-won, but gradually Wagamese comes to understand his connection to the world and to himself. And in his own pain, he recognizes the "grief and longing" he sees in so many other Native people. In a closing essay on being "a real Indian," he argues that "We can never re-create the buffalo hunt. The world has changed far too much. But if we recognize the loneliness we carry and own it, call it ours, then what we can do as a people is to re-create and carry the spirit of those things in our hearts." That's not to suggest Wagamese's message is particular to Native readers or, for that matter, the son he hopes to guide. "Everyone who has ever laid a loved one to rest within the breast of this earth," Wagamese writes, "has a spiritual tie to it that is as strong, as valid, as our own." Spare and deeply felt, For Joshua extends grace and blessing to all readers. --Jason Anderson
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
“[For Joshua] is revealing, open, and tragic. It is also a remarkably touching and well-written journey.” -- The Globe and Mail
“I hope that when Joshua does eventually read this book, he has the maturity to appreciate his father’s act of bravery, and to learn from it. For the rest of us, For Joshua is a fascinating and moving portrayal of one man’s search for his heritage, his true place in the world, and in the process, his discovery of himself.” -- Hamilton Spectator
“This well-written and perceptive book shows that it is possible for aboriginal people -- for any person -- to get back from there to here.” -- Quill & Quire
"Graceful and reverberating... A harrowing life story but also a ceremony, a gathering of traditional knowledge, and a love letter across the generations, For Joshua is a book we need, a book we can all treasure. Every page is infused with such tenderness and emotional intensity that I was shocked again and again with the thought: this is the true strength and reach and burden of love." -- Warren Cariou, author of Lake of the Prairies
“I hope that when Joshua does eventually read this book, he has the maturity to appreciate his father’s act of bravery, and to learn from it. For the rest of us, For Joshua is a fascinating and moving portrayal of one man’s search for his heritage, his true place in the world, and in the process, his discovery of himself.” -- Hamilton Spectator
“This well-written and perceptive book shows that it is possible for aboriginal people -- for any person -- to get back from there to here.” -- Quill & Quire
"Graceful and reverberating... A harrowing life story but also a ceremony, a gathering of traditional knowledge, and a love letter across the generations, For Joshua is a book we need, a book we can all treasure. Every page is infused with such tenderness and emotional intensity that I was shocked again and again with the thought: this is the true strength and reach and burden of love." -- Warren Cariou, author of Lake of the Prairies
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Most helpful customer reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
For those Lost and /or Seeking the Understanding,
By
This review is from: For Joshua: An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son (Hardcover)
One has to admire anyone who can expose their soul to the world. Wagamese gifts us this rare honesty which alone makes the book worthy of a read. At times painful and at times joyful - the journey we take thru Wagamese's life offers many lessons to the reader. A rare gem. Worth every penny and then some. I have put aside a few copies for my kids. One day, they will need to read it.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
For those Lost and /or Seeking the Understanding,
By John - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: For Joshua: An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son (Hardcover)
One has to admire anyone who can expose their soul to the world. Wagamese gifts us this rare honesty which alone makes the book worthy of a read. At times painful and at times joyful - the journey we take thru Wagamese's life offers many lessons to the reader. A rare gem. Worth every penny and then some. I have put aside a few copies for my kids. One day, they will need to read it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book a must read,
By Michael Grainge - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: For Joshua: An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son (Paperback)
This beautifully written book is a treat to read. Richard Wagamese writes an autobiography that is sincere and forthright. It contrasts the lessons he learns from elder's traditional teachings with his struggle with alcoholism. I bought several copies to give friends and highly recommend it for any First Nations person who loves someone who is alcoholic, or for any alcoholic who is also struggling to keep sober. Professionals who deal with substance abuse should not miss this one. Richard's love for his son, shines clearly throughout this sensitively written book.Meegwetch! |
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