Not Cancelled

by Heather Down, Catherine Kenwell

This heartwarming collection of 49 reflections and narratives paint a beautiful picture of Canadian kindness during an unsettling time. From a talking schnauzer to a dancing Sikh, this book makes people proud to be Canadian.

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2020

About the author

Heather Down has had numerous short stories and articles published in such magazines as Canadian Owl Family, Guide, and Canadian Living. With Wintertickle Press she has published a number of books, including The Reluctant Drama Teacher series and 10 Terrific Music Projects for Intermediate Students. For 15 years, Down was an award-winning schoolteacher. She lives in Barrie, Ontario.

Reviews

[Morrigan Coady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! As with most collections, there were definitely some stories that spoke to me more than others. Overall, I think this is a great concept. It really shows how people across Canada are dealing with COVID and highlights the happy moments along with the bittersweet ones. It is a good reminder to stay positive and look for the things that haven’t been cancelled!

[Joanne Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is a timely, optimistic look at our current pandemic times, filled with uplifting stories about acts of kindness that have taken place during COVID-19. Susan Cruikshank's contribution, "Laundry Love Letters and Groceries Not Cancelled" is a particularly warm story about her unexpected stay at her friends' parents' home because of the lockdown.

[Pascale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of heartwarming stories about things that were “not cancelled” because of Covid-19, all of which in Canada.

I am not usually a fan of “Chicken Soup” type of books, but I feel like I needed to read this! Thank you for sharing these stories!

[ATLANTIC BOOK REVIEWS · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOT CANCELLED, a beautiful collection of stories, reminded me that not everything becomes canceled even during a worldwide pandemic. Kindness, grace and humanity at its finest shine through in each and every one of these stories collected by and/or written by Heather Down and Catherine Kenwell and published through Wintertickle Press. This book was a labour of love in a time when love was needing to be shared. When so much was indeed cancelled when this pandemic began this book proved again and again that basic core values were never in question - not cancelled. Thank you letters - not cancelled. Weddings may have been cancelled but Wedding Stories were not cancelled. Children’s Art Projects were not cancelled! I can personally attest to this as I walked through my neighborhood marvelling at the beautiful rainbows and messages of hope taped to the windows of many many houses. Paying it Forward - not cancelled. Jokes - not cancelled. I can also personally attest to that. As we spent more and more time together at home, my husband’s jokes got cornier and cornier! Mark Shupe. Humanness of the best kind shines through in each one of these stories. It is my understanding that this book came about in a mere seven weeks! An astonishing feat at any time, but even more so in this time of Covid. Publishing wonderful books in Canada in the time of COVID-19 - NOT CANCELLED!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Cancelled is a collection of 49 stories from across Canada during the beginning of the pandemic. It's a reminder that certain things like kindness, creativity and love still remain, despite the uncertainty. The stories feature diverse voices and cover a wide variety of topics and personal experiences from connecting in new ways, finding moments of calm in the chaos and the kindness of strangers. There are art projects, people finding creative ways to be together while staying apart, an alternative wedding and even a couple of stories that gained viral attention like Pluto the "talking" dog. If you haven't seen it please google it!

I borrowed this book about 2 weeks ago from the library. I needed a reminder that there was still good in humanity, that people still cared about each other. While some stories resonated more, I really appreciated the way that none of them minimized the grief or sadness. Those parts were still there, but they coexisted with hope and heartfelt moments. There were 3 in particular that had me in tears. I'm so thankful for this book and I absolutely recommend it.

[Jessica Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I agree with other commenters that some touched me more than others. I will be looking up some of the contributors! Definitely recommend to all, Canadian or not.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Not Cancelled, I wanted to somehow get this book into the hands of everyone I know.
Thank you to Wintertickle Press for my gifted copy for review!
Not Cancelled: Canadian Kindness In The Face Of COVID-19 (the "kindness" is in the subtitle as of second printing, as the word "caremongering" has been since been trademarked) is a collection of stories by Canadian authors Heather Downs and Catherine Kenwell. And perfect for capturing some positivity of our collective experience in the pandemic.
The stories relayed are varied - distanced family relations, front porch photos and window art, Covid diagnoses, caregiving and healthcare challenges, alternate versions of special events and gatherings, essential services, the kindness of strangers. Life and death and existing six feet apart.
They are uplifting and eye-opening and heartbreaking, and make a reader feel seen.
And someday, after this crisis is behind us, I look forward to this volume as a glimpse back as what we went through together in this very specific time. Recommended as a most timely and needed read!

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

When much in need of uplifting thoughts and messages during COVID this book comes along. Many stories brought a smile, some tears along with the smile as they strike a more heartfelt chord.
In addition it makes me proud to be Canadian.

[Heather Down · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing the people who contributed to this book!

[Kaki Moko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really heartwarming stories about acts of kindness and care during the pandemic. Cape Breton's own, Mary Janet MacDonald is part of this movement of caring!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, inspiring, and looking for the positives that came during the pandemic.