John IbbitsonReseñas

This is a wonderful volume that covers the biographies of two of Canada's most memorable prime ministers. Ibbitson, one of Canada's most important journalists presents the biographies in separate chapters that cover roughly the same time periods which illustrates how what was happening in Canada & the world influenced the development of the two men's beliefs and attitudes.

Having developed my political beliefs and attitudes during the 1960's when these two men dominated Canada's government, this book was a nostalgic visit to my youth. Even though I lived through the period and have read biographies of both men, Ibbitson reveal some stories and issues I had not seen before. Great fun for the political and history junkie.

An outlier. No one talking about population DEcline. Social scientists making the argument for a variety of reasons. I felt hopeful that perhaps they have some solid ground to stand on and the population will not careen to disaster. pop-up selection; good conversation.

Interesting thesis of declining population due to decline fertility rates as a consequence of urbanisation and education of women.
Chapters sometimes repetitive

very, very interesting. lots of info I had no idea about. Lots of praise for Canadian immigration policy

This coming-of-age story really captures (I think) life in a small, cottage town. While some people settle quite happily into a life of seasonal work where everyone knows you and your family, others (like our protagonist) struggle to realize their dreams or ambitions. Mr. Ibbitson has given us an intriguing look at how a summer cottages influences the life of a young man.

I'd read this book before it was assigned in class and associated that with the reason why I enjoyed it when my classmates hated it. The running theory was (and is to some extent true) that books are fun as long as you don't have to read them. Again, it strikes me as so important for young Canadians to have Canadian stories available to them. It was also important to know that "batman" meant something other than a caped comic-book vigilante.

The weird thing was that I could never tell if I had a crush on Jeremy or on General Brock.

John Ibbitson has written a book that tries to explain how Stephen Harper got to be the man he is; how his life experiences shaped his views. And, how those views have shaped Canada during his 10 years as Prime Minister. Highly readable, as unbiased and objective as any political book can be. Well-researched. A must for any fan of Canadian politics.½

This book is well written and provides insight into recent elections. I fear it may become out-of-date rather quickly, so read it now if you are so inclined!

The authors argue that a new coalition of immigrant and western Canadian voters has emerged -- a coalition they believe will be very long-lasting (if not permanent). Stephen Harper and his Conservative party understand this shift and have used it to reframe the turf on which elections are fought. The Liberal party hasn't caught up with the new reality yet.

The book has many flaws:

1. A "seismic" shift. Really? What about other major shifts such as the 1992 election that saw the Conservatives reduced to two seats? The NDP as Official Opposition? Shifts aren't unusual in a democracy -- legislation and policy choices are always subject to change.

2. An irreversible change. Really? I think Governments are more often voted out of office than into it. After several years in power, any party becomes victim of a perceived need for a change.

3. Lack of definition or context. Poll results are presented without data on how the polls were structured, sample size, etc. The old "Laurentian elite" shifted out of power by the new coalition isn't defined.

In spite of these criticisms, I enjoyed the book because it is topical and written in an engaging style. It certainly provided lots of fodder for great conversations with others who've read it.

John Ibbitson is a journalist who wrote this book in the style of the "pamphlets" that were written and published in the past. The idea is to advance an argument fairly succinctly and have the work published in a timely manner so that it could be discussed at the coffee houses of the day. In this modern age, the Internet has replaced the coffee house and the book ends with an invitation to continue the discussion on line.

So, why do Americans have Barack Obama -- described as a positive force for change -- while Canadians have Stephen Harper and a system that is stagnating? The author suggests that the American system is more open: every registered party member (and you must register to vote) has a say in choosing the President. In Canada, the system is far less open, with only card-carrying members choosing the leader. He suggests that the public service is much more open in the U.S. than in Canada, with Cabinet members chosen from the general population rather than from among elected Members of Parliament (or the occasional Senator). The U.S. system allows for the emergence of a popular leader with a true mandate for change in a way the Canadian system does not.

Mr. Ibbitson discusses eductation, urban infrastructure, elected judges, trade and other topics to advance his argument that Canada would beneft from creating an more open political system.

The book was written in 2008, but I think it remains topical (I'm writing this in October, 2011). It's short, easy to read and definitely thought-provoking.½

The first thing about The Landing that caught my attention was its pricing. This is the only book that I’ve noticed costs the same in US dollars as it does in Canadian. Whether this is due to my not paying enough attention to the pricing of previous reads, or if this is just something obscure, I don’t know, but it was definitely cause for a little shock.

My introduction to this young-adult novel was through The Toronto Star, announcing that it had won the 2008 Governor General's Award for children's literature. I was often reminded about it at work, as it was included on one of our showcase tables for some months, but I hadn’t had the occasion to hear any personal reviews for it. None the less, as I am a fan of all things Canadian, I put a hold on it at the library, and picked it up.

The first quarter of the book, I must admit, did seem a little slow to start, and I found myself wondering how it could possibly keep a teenager interested, if I was struggling. As it continued I started to become a victim of its charms, and grew fond of the young Ben and his determination towards learning the violin. As I often do, I played all of the referenced music on my computer whilst reading the passages, to try and obtain the true essence of the character's situation. This proved to be helpful in determing the tone of various scenes, and I would recommend other readers do the same if they have that option.

Set in the years following the depression, Ibbitson descriptively illustrates the hardships associated with those harsh times. The relationship that Ben forges with a neighbouring socialite is both painful and inspiring, as he dreams of one day leaving The Landing in Muskoka. As is often the case with growing up in a rural area, he is torn between his obligation to his struggling family and persuring his dreams. The last few chapters will have you on the edge of your seat, as the novel takes an unexpected turn at its climax. Slow start and all, I am hopeful that Ibbitson will have a vision for a sequel.

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The first thing about The Landing that caught my attention was its pricing. This is the only book that I’ve noticed costs the same in US dollars as it does in Canadian. Whether this is due to my not paying enough attention to the pricing of previous reads, or if this is just something obscure, I don’t know, but it was definitely cause for a little shock.

My introduction to this young-adult novel was through The Toronto Star, announcing that it had won the 2008 Governor General's Award for children's literature. I was often reminded about it at work, as it was included on one of our showcase tables for some months, but I hadn’t had the occasion to hear any personal reviews for it. None the less, as I am a fan of all things Canadian, I put a hold on it at the library, and picked it up.

The first quarter of the book, I must admit, did seem a little slow to start, and I found myself wondering how it could possibly keep a teenager interested, if I was struggling. As it continued I started to become a victim of its charms, and grew fond of the young Ben and his determination towards learning the violin. As I often do, I played all of the referenced music on my computer whilst reading the passages, to try and obtain the true essence of the character's situation. This proved to be helpful in determing the tone of various scenes, and I would recommend other readers do the same if they have that option.

Set in the years following the depression, Ibbitson descriptively illustrates the hardships associated with those harsh times. The relationship that Ben forges with a neighbouring socialite is both painful and inspiring, as he dreams of one day leaving The Landing in Muskoka. As is often the case with growing up in a rural area, he is torn between his obligation to his struggling family and persuring his dreams. The last few chapters will have you on the edge of your seat, as the novel takes an unexpected turn at its climax. Slow start and all, I am hopeful that Ibbitson will have a vision for a sequel.

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A good overview of Ontario's political history, particularly it's relationship with the Federal government. Ibbitson argues that from Confederation (well, the premiership of Oliver Mowat) to the Second World War, the biggest advocate of "provincial rights" was Ontario. It was only with the advent of the postwar welfare state that the province really started to allow federal intrusions onto provincial jurisdictions. He suggest furthermore that the retreat of the state in the 80's and 90's could see the return of the province's traditional role. It's not an argument I completely buy, but it's still and interesting one nonetheless.½

I felt the author could have taken a slightly more critical look at the polite revolution. For example, the constant hostile takeovers of Candian companies by foreign companies says to me that we are too polite. Ibbitson didn't go into this negative side in much depth.