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Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of Our Nation
From Peter Mansbridge, the beloved former anchor of CBC’s The National, and Mark Bulgutch, former CBC producer, comes a collection of first-person stories about remarkable Canadians who embody the values of our great nation—kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom—and inspire us to do the same.
In this timely and heartwarming volume of personal stories, Peter Mansbridge and former CBC producer Mark Bulgutch bring together inspiring Canadians from across the country, who in their own way, are making Canada a better place for all.
Hear Gitxsan activist Cindy Blackstock describe her childhood in northern British Columbia where she straddled two communities—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—and her subsequent fight for equitable health care for all children as the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. Meet Matt Devlin, the US broadcaster who found a new home in Canada when he got a job with the Toronto Raptors, and read how he helped calm the crowd when a gunman began shooting in Nathan Phillips Square after the team’s NBA championship win. From the young woman living with Crohn’s disease—and proudly modeling her ostomy bag—to the rabbi whose family fled Nazi Germany—and who now gives the benediction on Parliament Hill each Remembrance Day—Extraordinary Canadians celebrates the people who have overcome adversity and broken down barriers to champion the rights and freedoms of everyone who calls Canada home.
Featuring voices from all walks of life—advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more—this collection gets to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. These stories will change the way you see your country and make you fall in love with Canada all over again.
In this timely and heartwarming volume of personal stories, Peter Mansbridge and former CBC producer Mark Bulgutch bring together inspiring Canadians from across the country, who in their own way, are making Canada a better place for all.
Hear Gitxsan activist Cindy Blackstock describe her childhood in northern British Columbia where she straddled two communities—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—and her subsequent fight for equitable health care for all children as the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. Meet Matt Devlin, the US broadcaster who found a new home in Canada when he got a job with the Toronto Raptors, and read how he helped calm the crowd when a gunman began shooting in Nathan Phillips Square after the team’s NBA championship win. From the young woman living with Crohn’s disease—and proudly modeling her ostomy bag—to the rabbi whose family fled Nazi Germany—and who now gives the benediction on Parliament Hill each Remembrance Day—Extraordinary Canadians celebrates the people who have overcome adversity and broken down barriers to champion the rights and freedoms of everyone who calls Canada home.
Featuring voices from all walks of life—advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more—this collection gets to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. These stories will change the way you see your country and make you fall in love with Canada all over again.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
51 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Peter Mansbridge
14 books28 followersPeter Mansbridge, OC, a Canadian broadcaster and news anchor, is the CBC News Chief Correspondent and anchor of The National, CBC Television's flagship nightly newscast. In 1999, he launched a new program, Mansbridge One on One, in which he interviews newsmakers.
Mansbridge was born in London, England but raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Stratford, Ontario.
Mansbridge was born in London, England but raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Stratford, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 20, 2021
American heroes? They get movies made about them and appearances on prime-time TV. However, how much do you know about Canadian heroes? What do you know about the Canadian feminists pushing to break the glass ceiling or the human rights advocates working to build a more equitable Canada? We are blessed with so many extraordinary Canadians whose work we have unknowingly benefited from.
Every chapter of this book presents you with a unique journey in a different part of Canada. The stories are inspiring and their diversity brings to life the multicultural reality of what it means to be Canadian. This is an easy, feel-good read that will help get you through the Covid slump.
Every chapter of this book presents you with a unique journey in a different part of Canada. The stories are inspiring and their diversity brings to life the multicultural reality of what it means to be Canadian. This is an easy, feel-good read that will help get you through the Covid slump.
November 10, 2020
Peter Mansbridge is a well-known former CBC News anchor here in Canada and with television producer Mark Bulgutch, he has compiled this collection of first-person narratives from everyday Canadians who have made a positive impact on our country.
As Mansbridge states, the great heroes of a country aren't the politicians, the money makers or the celebrities - it is the everyday heroes who show what a country is made of. It's the frontline nurses, the soldiers, the immigrants. It's the advocates, the first Indigenous female surgeon and others who have broken down barriers and faced personal struggles, yet still found the strength, and compassion to give back to their communities to fight for inclusion, acceptance and freedom.
This book features Canadians from various backgrounds and reflects the diversity, humility, strength and perseverance of our population as these seventeen people share the contributions they've made to their communities and our country as a whole. They are an eclectic bunch and while their stories are all compelling, a few touched me more than others - in particular, Jessica Grossman, Frances Wright and Robb Nash. Jessica shares her struggle with Crohn's Disease and her goal to destigmatize ostomy bags. Frances is a tireless supporter of social justice who raised millions of dollars for the Famous Five statues in Ottawa in recognition of five prominent Canadian suffragists and musician Robb Nash is an inspiration for his on-going dedication to support teens dealing with bullying, self-harm, and suicide.
Inspiring, touching and a source of great pride, this group of Canadians show why Canada's diversity, humility and strength make this country an amazing place to call home and for the word 'Canadian' to mean so very much.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my complimentary digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
As Mansbridge states, the great heroes of a country aren't the politicians, the money makers or the celebrities - it is the everyday heroes who show what a country is made of. It's the frontline nurses, the soldiers, the immigrants. It's the advocates, the first Indigenous female surgeon and others who have broken down barriers and faced personal struggles, yet still found the strength, and compassion to give back to their communities to fight for inclusion, acceptance and freedom.
This book features Canadians from various backgrounds and reflects the diversity, humility, strength and perseverance of our population as these seventeen people share the contributions they've made to their communities and our country as a whole. They are an eclectic bunch and while their stories are all compelling, a few touched me more than others - in particular, Jessica Grossman, Frances Wright and Robb Nash. Jessica shares her struggle with Crohn's Disease and her goal to destigmatize ostomy bags. Frances is a tireless supporter of social justice who raised millions of dollars for the Famous Five statues in Ottawa in recognition of five prominent Canadian suffragists and musician Robb Nash is an inspiration for his on-going dedication to support teens dealing with bullying, self-harm, and suicide.
Inspiring, touching and a source of great pride, this group of Canadians show why Canada's diversity, humility and strength make this country an amazing place to call home and for the word 'Canadian' to mean so very much.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my complimentary digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book via netgalley!
A sweet book compiling stories of Canadians that are not necessary well know. Mansbridge takes the time to talk to them in length in order to adequately share their stories as told by them. The stories are genuinely human, multicultural and inspiring....truly Canadian!
A sweet book compiling stories of Canadians that are not necessary well know. Mansbridge takes the time to talk to them in length in order to adequately share their stories as told by them. The stories are genuinely human, multicultural and inspiring....truly Canadian!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2020
Alongside longtime television producer Mark Bulgutch, acclaimed broadcaster Peter Mansbridge brings together a collection of stories featuring extraordinary Canadians who embody the values we hold dear as a nation.
I had the pleasure of sitting in on a conversation last week between Peter Mansbridge and Sarah St. Pierre, senior editor at Simon and Schuster. When asked who his favorite subject was to interview, Mansbridge said it isn’t who you would think. Over his lengthy career, Peter had conducted over twenty thousand interviews – many of which were with greats like President Barack Obama, Beach Boys front man Brian Wilson and the beloved Gord Downie. However, it’s the lesser known people that he loves to chat with the most; the ones who have seldom or never been interviewed.
Following a conversation with noteworthy hockey journalist Bob McKenzie (who wrote his own book about everyday hockey heroes), Peter embarked on a project to spotlight Canadians whom you may never have heard of or who have had extraordinary lives flying under the radar of notoriety.
Given the diversity of our country, Peter made sure to cast as wide a net as possible with his selections. Peter met with Moses Li, a nurse who had spent time in a hospital overseas assisting in war-torn countries, now working in a Vancouver hospital on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spent time with Pat Danforth, an advocate for the rights of disabled Canadians. He also spoke with Nadine Caron, the first Canadian female surgeon of first nation’s descent and the opposition she faced in achieving her goals.
Throughout his career, Peter had been trying to interview a member of JTF2 (Joint Task Force 2); a special team within the Canadian armed forces that is used for highly specialized and dangerous missions. Peter came close in August of 2001, but of course 9/11 put that on hold. With this project, Peter finally had the opportunity to sit down with a member of the elite team. The story involved JTF-2 taking out a collection of Taliban bomb makers in 2008. It was presented with surprising detail and was action-packed to say the least.
One of the stories that hit me the hardest was Jessica Grossman’s. Jessica had a harrowing experience with Crohn’s Disease as a child. I found this one the most difficult to read based on the graphic details and the fact that this was happening to a child. I cannot imagine the pain and hardship. Her work to destigmatize living with an ostomy bag should be commended given that she had to go through this in her formative years.
Obviously I can’t mention every single person interviewed in this book in my review, but I believe it is very much worth your time to check this one out. The book is structured in such a way that you could pick up and read each entry one at a time or you could fly through it in only a few short sittings (took me about two days). I expect this will be a big hit come the holiday season.
Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of our Nation is set for release on November 10th, 2020
I had the pleasure of sitting in on a conversation last week between Peter Mansbridge and Sarah St. Pierre, senior editor at Simon and Schuster. When asked who his favorite subject was to interview, Mansbridge said it isn’t who you would think. Over his lengthy career, Peter had conducted over twenty thousand interviews – many of which were with greats like President Barack Obama, Beach Boys front man Brian Wilson and the beloved Gord Downie. However, it’s the lesser known people that he loves to chat with the most; the ones who have seldom or never been interviewed.
Following a conversation with noteworthy hockey journalist Bob McKenzie (who wrote his own book about everyday hockey heroes), Peter embarked on a project to spotlight Canadians whom you may never have heard of or who have had extraordinary lives flying under the radar of notoriety.
Given the diversity of our country, Peter made sure to cast as wide a net as possible with his selections. Peter met with Moses Li, a nurse who had spent time in a hospital overseas assisting in war-torn countries, now working in a Vancouver hospital on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spent time with Pat Danforth, an advocate for the rights of disabled Canadians. He also spoke with Nadine Caron, the first Canadian female surgeon of first nation’s descent and the opposition she faced in achieving her goals.
Throughout his career, Peter had been trying to interview a member of JTF2 (Joint Task Force 2); a special team within the Canadian armed forces that is used for highly specialized and dangerous missions. Peter came close in August of 2001, but of course 9/11 put that on hold. With this project, Peter finally had the opportunity to sit down with a member of the elite team. The story involved JTF-2 taking out a collection of Taliban bomb makers in 2008. It was presented with surprising detail and was action-packed to say the least.
One of the stories that hit me the hardest was Jessica Grossman’s. Jessica had a harrowing experience with Crohn’s Disease as a child. I found this one the most difficult to read based on the graphic details and the fact that this was happening to a child. I cannot imagine the pain and hardship. Her work to destigmatize living with an ostomy bag should be commended given that she had to go through this in her formative years.
Obviously I can’t mention every single person interviewed in this book in my review, but I believe it is very much worth your time to check this one out. The book is structured in such a way that you could pick up and read each entry one at a time or you could fly through it in only a few short sittings (took me about two days). I expect this will be a big hit come the holiday season.
Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of our Nation is set for release on November 10th, 2020
January 11, 2021
Every chapter was compelling and interesting in a different way. To name a few, Mansbridge and Bulgutch managed to capture race, LGBTQ+, environmental, international relations, farming, and generational issues, successes, and barriers (old and ever-present) that shape Canada. I was just as interested in the chapter about Hope for Wildlife as I was the war in Afghanistan. The authors do not shy away from speaking to the systemic issues Canada still possesses, but highlights the patchwork of diverse folk that make Canada, Canada. A joy to read.
November 27, 2020
Confession... I bought this book for my husband who is a Peter Mansbridge fan but ended up reading it first! I really enjoyed it. it was a positive book which is just what Canada needs right now!
Extraordinary Canadians was full of inspiring Canadians... these were remarkable individuals who we may not have been aware of but have served their communities and made a positive difference to many!
Kudos to all the contributors and to Peter Mansbridge for coordinating this wonderful collection!
Extraordinary Canadians was full of inspiring Canadians... these were remarkable individuals who we may not have been aware of but have served their communities and made a positive difference to many!
Kudos to all the contributors and to Peter Mansbridge for coordinating this wonderful collection!
January 10, 2021
An okay book which may be needed at this time. But I found that in many ways, each person portrayed is similar to each other. It's a Canadian Chicken Soup book for the pandemic. It's positive and uplifting with the successes.
April 26, 2021
3.5 stars - I enjoyed reading about these truly extraordinary Canadians, none of whom I'd ever heard of before. There was a good diversity of people represented - about half male and half female, some Canadian-born and some immigrants. The people profiled were all humanitarians in some way or another, and they all believed 100% in the power of education to make a good life, and pursued it with vigour. Mansbridge's writing was good but not great (hence the 3.5) but it was good enough to make me want to read his earlier book called "One on One". I will add it to my list!
April 18, 2021
‘Extraordinary Canadians’ is filled with the stories of ordinary people who have made exceptional contributions to their communities, country and beyond. It is a fast, easy and inspiring read. This series of short, first-person narratives provided me with a much-needed diversion from the current COVID-centred news. (Spoiler Alert - COVID is mentioned in one of the stories — but even there, it is seen through the eyes of optimism and determination for better days to come).
Extraordinary Canadians is a brilliant reminder of the incredible diversity of our country. It also speaks loudly to the remarkable power that each of us possesses to turn vision into reality. I highly recommend this book to Canadians and non-Canadians alike.
Extraordinary Canadians is a brilliant reminder of the incredible diversity of our country. It also speaks loudly to the remarkable power that each of us possesses to turn vision into reality. I highly recommend this book to Canadians and non-Canadians alike.
December 3, 2020
While I expected to be inspired by this book, I didn’t expect to learn so much about Canada. I admittedly shed some tears, and it speaks to the resilience, accomplishments and passion demonstrated by the heroes profiled in this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Canada and the incredible people who have made and make this country so amazing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Canada and the incredible people who have made and make this country so amazing.
July 30, 2021
Not what I expected. Excellent reading the stories of these extraordinary Canadians in their own words.
May 12, 2021
So well put together! This book made me very proud to say I am Canadian!🇨🇦
July 5, 2021
An exceptional book. First, because stories about people are told in the first person. Each of the Extraordinary Canadians tells their own story about what got them to where they are in about 10 or so pages. They express what is most memorable, meaningful and important to them. The same stories written in the third person would never come close to presenting the “realness” of the lives documented here. Second, the idea of highlighting these Extraordinary Canadians by documenting relatable ordinary activities and events shows the reader that parts of these stories could come from any Canadian. I’m sure most Canadians will be able to relate to these people as if they were friends or neighbours. The fact that ordinary Canadians can and have risen to the heights of citizens with extraordinary accomplishments is an expression of the strength of Canada. And third, Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgutch have produced a masterful collection that spans Canada, is a testament to the fabric of Canadian lives and presents Canadians as Canadians know themselves.
April 12, 2023
An impressive collection of inspiring life stories from a wide range of backgrounds.
December 6, 2020
4.5 stars
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Extraordinary Canadians is a collection of first-person stories about remarkable, everyday Canadians who embody the core values of our nations - kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom - and inspire us to do the same.
As a proud Canadian myself, I immediately knew this would be a book I needed to read. These stories spotlight seventeen remarkable Canadians, each one offering a compelling glimpse into the everyday heroes who have worked to overcome adversity, and break down barriers for themselves and their communities. All of these people truly make Canada a better place. One of my favourite aspects is how the book brings together voices from different walks of life - including advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more. It manages to capture the diversity and multicultural identity of Canada. It's easy to pick up, and read one story at a time, or simply allow yourself to immerse yourself in the entire book. These stories certainly exemplify the reasons this country is an amazing place to call home.
Extraordinary Canadians is definitely worth your time! It's inspiring, touching, humbling, and educational. It will provide an uplifting experience (which we could all use right about now), and certainly left me with an overwhelming sense of pride in being Canadian. I recommend this to my fellow Canadians, and it would make a fantastic gift this holiday season, one sure to delight.
Favourite Quotes
"Am I used to death? In a way, I am. But I'm always affected by it. Nursing has forced me to recognize mortality. We have a limited amount of time on this earth, but I believe each life is valued and sacred. I don't know much about each person's life before they come into my care, but I am part of their journey, sometimes at the end. I appreciate that that is a privilege.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Extraordinary Canadians is a collection of first-person stories about remarkable, everyday Canadians who embody the core values of our nations - kindness, compassion, courage, and freedom - and inspire us to do the same.
As a proud Canadian myself, I immediately knew this would be a book I needed to read. These stories spotlight seventeen remarkable Canadians, each one offering a compelling glimpse into the everyday heroes who have worked to overcome adversity, and break down barriers for themselves and their communities. All of these people truly make Canada a better place. One of my favourite aspects is how the book brings together voices from different walks of life - including advocates, politicians, doctors, veterans, immigrants, business leaders, and more. It manages to capture the diversity and multicultural identity of Canada. It's easy to pick up, and read one story at a time, or simply allow yourself to immerse yourself in the entire book. These stories certainly exemplify the reasons this country is an amazing place to call home.
Extraordinary Canadians is definitely worth your time! It's inspiring, touching, humbling, and educational. It will provide an uplifting experience (which we could all use right about now), and certainly left me with an overwhelming sense of pride in being Canadian. I recommend this to my fellow Canadians, and it would make a fantastic gift this holiday season, one sure to delight.
Favourite Quotes
"Am I used to death? In a way, I am. But I'm always affected by it. Nursing has forced me to recognize mortality. We have a limited amount of time on this earth, but I believe each life is valued and sacred. I don't know much about each person's life before they come into my care, but I am part of their journey, sometimes at the end. I appreciate that that is a privilege.
November 12, 2020
Recently, I had the privilege to read Extraordinary Canadians by Peter Mansbridge with Mark Bulgutch that was published yesterday, November 10th. I’m so thankful to Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted copy. This book is compiled with inspiring and motivational stories that represent incredible Canadians from coast to coast. Whether they are standing up for equality, caring for animals, defying the odds, leaving an impact on their communities, or serving our country. As I sat on my couch and got lost in these stories, I was humbled — humbled that these people live in my country and that they are making a difference for the world in which we live. I cried, I smiled, I laughed — I simply felt the stories before me and it was a remarkable experience. I strongly recommend you to take a moment to read this book, I promise you will not regret it.
May 7, 2021
4.5/5 stars. This book was unexpected but in a great way! I was fully ready to recognize many names of the people highlighted but it was actually a compilation of "ordinary" canadians and the extraordinary things they have accomplished. Each story was so interesting and engaging and covered a smattering of issues from women's rights, LGBTQ, war, farming and indigenous rights. I felt very proud reading about fellow Canadians. The pace of the stories was also great, a compilation of short autobiographical stories. The stories felt super personable, I felt like I got to really know the person. I really enjoyed reading about Nadine Caron, the first female indigenous surgeon in Canada, and Manny Kohli, the founder of Matt & Nat who immigrated from India. A great read for inspiring hope and change.
November 12, 2020
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this lovely book.
With the grim craziness that is 2020, I really needed an escape from the news. Thankfully, this book delivered, showcasing 17 profiles of Canadians who are trying to make the world a better place. Each ‘chapter’ features first person accounts put together by Mansbridge and Bulgutch, all based on hours of interviews. I really like that they were written that way - I found myself connecting with each person more than I think I would have if it had been written from an outsider’s perspective.
The Canadians featured come from all walks of life, and you probably won’t recognize many of their names. But you will remember them afterwards - these stories stick with you. Pick up a copy and see for yourself.
With the grim craziness that is 2020, I really needed an escape from the news. Thankfully, this book delivered, showcasing 17 profiles of Canadians who are trying to make the world a better place. Each ‘chapter’ features first person accounts put together by Mansbridge and Bulgutch, all based on hours of interviews. I really like that they were written that way - I found myself connecting with each person more than I think I would have if it had been written from an outsider’s perspective.
The Canadians featured come from all walks of life, and you probably won’t recognize many of their names. But you will remember them afterwards - these stories stick with you. Pick up a copy and see for yourself.
October 8, 2021
This book was well-written, and easy to read but as a Black Canadian I found it hugely disappointing. There was not one story about a Black Canadian despite the large number of easily identifiable and available Black Canadians. I found it puzzling that the authors elected to profile an American citizen who gained Canadian citizenship in 2018 and whose “contribution “ is being a sports announcer for the Raptors. While the Raptors NBA title won was a huge deal for Canada, why would that equate to the game’s US citizen announcer warranting an extraordinary Canadian designation. The clear effort the authors made to disenfranchise Black Canadian stories seems both deliberate and intended.
March 15, 2021
A solid read. Mansbridge goes to great lengths to highlight many diverse voices of incredible individuals in their attempts to define the future/present of what it means to be Canadian. What's interesting is that most of these people have made major contributions to our country, but are still not very well known in the public sphere. This was a very educational and impactful read at a turning point for our nation.
January 23, 2021
Love Peter Mansbridge and his idea to write a book about everyday Canadians telling their own stories! Very inspiring.
March 11, 2024
Peter Mansbridge, former CBC anchor, puts together a bunch of short profiles of people who have made Canada a better place. Each story is told be the individual themselves. At the end of their story is a short profile of who they are. I would have preferred that profile come first so that I would know who I was reading about BEFORE reading their story but it is what it is.
It’s really nice to read about people who are doing their part to make Canada stronger. At this time where we are bombarded by negative news and politics it is great to hear that there are people who genuinely care about holding Canadians accountable and improving the country we are so proud of.
I was surprised to find that a friend of mine was one of the profiles shared. Robb Nash was in a horrific accident when he was a teenager which almost took his life. In the following years he has taken it upon himself to use his musical talents to help school children learn about his struggles and, essentially, showing them that they are worthy and shouldn’t consider suicide. He has helped numerous kids. I’ve been to one of his shows and they are remarkably powerful. He has been given all kinds of awards for his work.
All kinds of stories are told from different walks of life and points of view. It’s an uplifting book full of hope for the future of our precious country.
It’s really nice to read about people who are doing their part to make Canada stronger. At this time where we are bombarded by negative news and politics it is great to hear that there are people who genuinely care about holding Canadians accountable and improving the country we are so proud of.
I was surprised to find that a friend of mine was one of the profiles shared. Robb Nash was in a horrific accident when he was a teenager which almost took his life. In the following years he has taken it upon himself to use his musical talents to help school children learn about his struggles and, essentially, showing them that they are worthy and shouldn’t consider suicide. He has helped numerous kids. I’ve been to one of his shows and they are remarkably powerful. He has been given all kinds of awards for his work.
All kinds of stories are told from different walks of life and points of view. It’s an uplifting book full of hope for the future of our precious country.
April 11, 2021
My 11 year old son picked out this book for me, all by himself, for Christmas! 😊 I’ve been taking my time reading it, being sure to pay attention to each chapter individually in an attempt to really soak up the information.
I will admit that when I first heard of this book I made a mistake in assuming that ‘extraordinary’ means famous. I was expecting a book where we would be getting to know a more normal or relatable side of a bunch of people whose names we have already heard 100s of times, but I couldn’t have been more wrong, and happily so! This book details the lives, accomplishments, hardships, and triumphs of everyday, but truly extraordinary Canadians. These people are just a few of the many unsung heroes of our country, and their stories deserve to be heard. This is a diverse, inclusive, inspiring collection that represents the whole of Canada and I believe it is a book that all Canadians should take the time to read.
It would be a great resource/study material for high school social studies classes!
I will admit that when I first heard of this book I made a mistake in assuming that ‘extraordinary’ means famous. I was expecting a book where we would be getting to know a more normal or relatable side of a bunch of people whose names we have already heard 100s of times, but I couldn’t have been more wrong, and happily so! This book details the lives, accomplishments, hardships, and triumphs of everyday, but truly extraordinary Canadians. These people are just a few of the many unsung heroes of our country, and their stories deserve to be heard. This is a diverse, inclusive, inspiring collection that represents the whole of Canada and I believe it is a book that all Canadians should take the time to read.
It would be a great resource/study material for high school social studies classes!
April 6, 2022
Educational. Motivational. Inspiring. Made me feel like I should get off my couch and start making a difference in the world!
I must say I connected with some stories more than others. My favorites: Robb Nash, Dr. Nadine Caron, and Hope Swinimer. (The Robb Nash story had me in tears). Unlike a novel, switching to a new story every chapter was not my favorite, but after learning about these incredible individuals, how can I complain?
I am thankful for all that these extraordinary Canadians have done for our country, and to be from a country like Canada. Everyone should read this book at a time in their lives. Perhaps it is not a sit on the beach and immerse yourself in a story type of book, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.
I must say I connected with some stories more than others. My favorites: Robb Nash, Dr. Nadine Caron, and Hope Swinimer. (The Robb Nash story had me in tears). Unlike a novel, switching to a new story every chapter was not my favorite, but after learning about these incredible individuals, how can I complain?
I am thankful for all that these extraordinary Canadians have done for our country, and to be from a country like Canada. Everyone should read this book at a time in their lives. Perhaps it is not a sit on the beach and immerse yourself in a story type of book, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.
December 11, 2020
Peter Mansbridge is a former anchor of CBC’s The National and Mark Bulgutch is a former CBC producer. They have put together a collection of stories of extraordinary Canadians which have been written by the Canadian themselves (so it's in first person perspective).
The stories are varied and interesting. There is a bio of the person at the end of their story ... I would have moved them to the beginning of the story as I didn't know who these people are as they aren't household names. I started reading the bio before I read their story to get an idea of who they were and what had made them so special.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/12...
The stories are varied and interesting. There is a bio of the person at the end of their story ... I would have moved them to the beginning of the story as I didn't know who these people are as they aren't household names. I started reading the bio before I read their story to get an idea of who they were and what had made them so special.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/12...
April 2, 2021
During this time in the world, it’s uplifting to read this collection and know there are so many wonderful people doing so much for my country. Every single person is really interesting as well.
I especially liked the format, whereby each chapter reads like a personal essay; the authors are nowhere to be seen and their voices never intrude into the narrative.
I needed a book like this right now.
I especially liked the format, whereby each chapter reads like a personal essay; the authors are nowhere to be seen and their voices never intrude into the narrative.
I needed a book like this right now.
July 2, 2021
Peter Mansbridge delivers great interviews with people who matter on a good-citizen level. These are all ordinary people who have done things that were ordinary to them, but extraordinary to the rest of us. I can't imagine taking on some of the amazing challenges that these people have simply walked into as a matter of course in their lives, whether it be a necessary challenge or an organic one. It's nice to be reminded that there are everyday amazing people around us everywhere we go.
January 10, 2022
Some stories were absolutely fascinating (the first female Indigenous surgeon, the teacher who worked to improve the school experience for LGBTQ youth, the women working to improve education access to Afghanistan Women) other stories not so much (the guy who was the announcer at Raptor’s games or the story about the soldiers infiltrating the group who was building bombs in Afghanistan which was sort of about a dog?).
Overall enjoyable.
Overall enjoyable.
November 25, 2022
Extraordinary book that’s interesting to read
This book is so good, so Canadian, and all about extraordinary ordinary people like:
👩🔧 woman engineer, 👨⚕️pandemic and war nurse, 👩🌾 farmer politician, 👳🏾♂️vegan businessman, musician 👨🎤 rockstar, social activists 👩🏻🚒 and wildlife rescuer. Their stories are fascinating so it’s no wonder that I read this 300 page book, after a 3 months break (due to war news), in less than a month
This book is so good, so Canadian, and all about extraordinary ordinary people like:
👩🔧 woman engineer, 👨⚕️pandemic and war nurse, 👩🌾 farmer politician, 👳🏾♂️vegan businessman, musician 👨🎤 rockstar, social activists 👩🏻🚒 and wildlife rescuer. Their stories are fascinating so it’s no wonder that I read this 300 page book, after a 3 months break (due to war news), in less than a month
September 1, 2024
Mansbridge has chosen what he considers some extraordinary Canadians. While it is true, there are some extraordinary stories here, others are chosen seemingly because they tick DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) boxes that must include indigenous, woman, and other minorities. The first story had me almost put the book down, being so outrageously woke and out of touch with reality. Fortunately the second chapter was much improved and generally the stories that followed were interesting.
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