Salt Spring Has Issues: Musings from an Island you thought you knew.

by John Bateman, Arthur Black (Foreword)

The very mention of Salt Spring Island evokes images of stunning natural beauty, talented artists and an easier pace of life. Whatever your perception of this famous island are, cast them aside and immerse yourself into John Bateman's alternative, yet hilariously accurate appraisal of "Island Life". In Salt Spring Has Issues, John provides the ultimate insider's guide to the reality of living on this often visited, occasionally misunderstood, always entertaining island.

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2018

Reviews

[Poiboy · Rating 1 out of 5]

World-revered, talented and acclaimed artist Robert Bateman has a bunch of children. One of them is named John. John believes he is clever and witty. In reality he has not gained via genetics the talent of his father. John wrote a ‘book’. Its actually a series of short articles that people have suffered to read for a great many years. John thinks they are witty and clever. They are not. John maybe fancies himself a Canadian Dan Savage. He most definitely is not (see book excerpt examples below). Indeed a beautiful small island like Salt Spring has its charms and definitely its idiosyncrasies. John think’s he is above them with how he mocks other locals and island styles of living. Other locals didn’t have the benefit of growing up with rich daddy money. John’s privilege shows through more than his attempts at being clever.
When I visit Salt Spring frequently, I speak to many colourful and unique people (and not the dirty east coast hippies that live on questionable/derelict boats in the harbour). Some of the best of them do not like John. This book will show you why.

“Did you know that the burnout marks on Salt Spring roads are organic? They take half the time to disappear than mainland burnouts. I didn’t even know that, until I made it up.”

Yikes 🤦🏼‍♂️

Ultimately the real reason for this book was released by John clearly comes from the chapter “Think Local” where he writes.. “I remember the first time I was rejected as being a local.” I guess John hadn’t gotten over it. Perhaps he was ignored too many time at the downtown Ganges’ Salt Spring Island Coffee Café.

If Salt Spring has problems.. John is one of them.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had me laughing out loud many times. For those who call Salt Spring Island home and those of us who have only dreamed of it - here’s an insider’s hilarious take on everything Salt Spring.

[Elizabeth Bion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had me laughing so hard my tummy hurt. Anyone with connections to Gulf Island living and those who dream of it - will finish this in one sitting. I did!