As an avid reader of non-fiction, I am always looking for that book that makes me laugh, get a catch in my throat; teaches me things I did not know, or wished I had known.
Marion McKinnon Crook has a way of writing that had me thinking to myself … “gee I wish I could think that quickly in a tight spot.” She has a mind that can switch from talking to a new mother, to helping her children figure out what should have been done in a certain instance, then aiding in the delivery of a litter of pigs.
Knowing how to handle racist, ignorant people with the decorum of a mediator is a skill that many people do not have. Marion does not suffer fools, and lets them know where they stand in her outlook on life.
Whenever she had a problem that could extend farther than what she wanted it to, she always had a trump card: “you know my husband is a lawyer and I’ll get back to you tomorrow.” That short sentence always ended the tense conversation to her advantage.
The woman had a firm hand, but if she held it out to you it held a warmth that would melt your heart.
Sensible, educated, worldly problem solving was her forte.
Marion’s descriptions of her co-workers made me smile. She has a way of giving the reader a complete description of the character – and morals of each of them — in a line or two.
When she talked about her husband Carl you could not help reading between the lines of the love and respect that flowed between them.
Her daughter Janice, I found her to be a ten year old phenom who could talk to animals with the compassion of an old soul. Janice had life already figured out at this young age.
Glen the eight year old son had his foibles, but Marion taught him to work with his boyish behaviours, to think things through.
David, the Indigenous son — now that is where I was cheering all the way through the book. Marion was his protector and guide through this child’s journey, protecting him from ignorance and racism.
Marion has a way of writing that kept me turning pages until midnight every night.
There is only one thing I wished she had included in the book: how did her family turn out as adults?
If you only read one book this year. Read this one.
Marion McKinnon Crook is a nurse, an educator, and the author of more than fifteen books, including the bestselling Always Pack a Candle, which won the BC Historical Federation;s Community History Book Award. In addition to her nursing degree, McKinnon Crook holds a master’s in liberal studies and a PhD in education. Now a full-time writer, she lives on BC’s Sunshine Coast with her dog and cat, who hate each other. For more information, visit marioncrookauthor.com.
Publisher: Heritage House Publishing (April 2, 2024)
Paperback 6″ x 9″ | 272 pages
ISBN: 9781772034691
Rick Revelle is the author of five novels. I Am Algonquin, Algonquin Spring, Algonquin Sunset, Algonquin Legacy, and The Elk Whistle Warrior Society.
