The Friends of Guelph Public Library held an event last night: Guelph Reads.
The books that were defended were:
Life In the Backwoods by Suzanna Moodie, defended by Lloyd Longfield
Take the High Road by Terry Fallis, defended by Mayor Farbridge
Cigar Box Banjo by Paul Quarrington, defended by James Gordon
and the winner was..... Life in the Backwoods. The book all of Guelph should be reading. Written in 1830's by Suzanna Moodie - her reflections on settling into Canada living in the backwoods for four years before moving into the city. She went into the backwoods as an English immigrant, and came out a Canadian. There is a great discussion piece in which a tornado going through Guelph in 1829 is mentioned - barely missing John Galt's house after crossing the Speed River and heading up Eramosa Road making it impassible by twisted trees blocking the way.
Apart from that a great perspective on the emerging Canadian personality of collaboration, surviving and thriving regardless of the challenges faced. It is a free download for Kobo, and is also available at the Guelph Public Library.
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