The We're Still Here Book Club. Volume One: Elbows Up!

by Jeff Richardson

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[Carolyn Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the times! Using current political events as his starting point, Jeff Richardson has written a topical, satirical story that engages the reader from the first page. The residents of a small Ontario town are unwittingly drawn into the MAGA movement and the consequences are dire. As the story unfolds the characters embroil themselves in a dilemma to which there seems no solution - until the final pages.
Richardson draws his characters with sensitivity and creates lively scenarios as they overcome their petty squabbles to present a united front for their country's very survival. The chuckles are many as the plot unfolds and the suspenseful ending packs a wallop. I look forward to Volume 2.

[Kathy McWilliam]

In ‘The We’re Still Here Book Club – Volume One: Elbows Up’, people of the Niagara Region of Canada, (and many other regions of the country) see themselves and can well imagine thinking and behaving almost exactly as these book club members do. In the face of the outlandish, irrational and offensive rhetoric from the country south of us, can it be a surprise that at least one old lady takes a stand – however innocuous?
It’s what ensues after Audrey takes a stand that takes this book from a light-hearted ironic romp (trad Canadian!) to a clear-eyed unromantic deep dive into one possible outcome – an outcome that only a few short years ago would have been too insane to even conceptualize.
Congrats to Jeff Richardson for managing both sides of this story with comedic skill, great story-telling and historical chops. He has a deft kindly touch with small-town characterizations and pretensions, and being a small-town girl by origin, I appreciated every bit of that! I can’t say I couldn’t put the book down, because that would be stretching the truth – I did have to make supper and do dishes and visit the loo.

[Sandra Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a timely and hilarious description of the current Canadian Zeitgeist! I was moved by the descriptions of aging friends dealing with decline and difficulties. I was laughing out loud at the small town politics and schenanigans. I was fascinated by the history lessons cleverly disquised as family legends. The We're Still Here Book Club. Volume One: Elbows Up!
As the title suggests - I'm hoping Volume Two is underway! Very well written, well plotted and very hilarious. Enjoy!

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in the UK with my grandkids and when I finished The We're Still Here Book Club, Volume One: Elbows Up! on one of those jet lag sleep deprived nights. Jeff Richardson is a great writer - fun and timely plot, clear writing, interesting characters, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s been a long time since I’ve read such a hilarious book. It was the book I needed to start my vacation. I hope he has already started on Volume Two. I can’t wait to see what antics Audrey and gang get up to next. Richardson deserves the Stephen Leacock award!

[Judith John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely, delightful novel that deals sympathetically with age and rage in these treacherous times. The author uses a lens on a small Ontario town as a springboard for a range of charming characters, accidental rebellion, and Canadian pride. His knowledge of our nation's history, his capture of what makes a community, his lovely language that brings a smile and applause all make this one pleasing book. A perfect sitting-on-your-porch welcoming spring read! It will make you smile, and pause.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Jeff. Just finished your book. Very Good. Just what the doctor ordered after a crazy 6 months. The book had the right ratio of absurdity and reality. Great character's. the storey reminded me of some of Alexander McCaul Smiths books in Scotland, with a touch of Douglas Adams "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" I hope many more people read it. Congratulations on a job well done.

[Melissa Bye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of satire, has snippet of Canadian history. Has a bunch of great characters. It’s shows how Canadians come together to show our elbow up. It’s a great Bookclub read, fun discussions on which characters you are in the book. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Frances M · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a fun ride through small town Ontario: great characters and a good mystery to be solved.
A welcome diversion from the political reality of our days to a spoof that leaves us laughing!

[Munirah MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that reminds us of everything we love about Canada through humor great characters and plotting. Looking forward to the sequel!