My Stories, My Times, Volume 2

by Jean Chrétien, Sheila Fischman (Translation), Donald Winkler (Translation)

Following on the heels of his bestselling collection of political reminiscences, former Canadian prime minister Jean Chr�tien still has a few more stories to tell. With anecdotes and reflections both serious and light-hearted, My Stories, My Times, Volume 2 is a unique window on our country from one of its greatest statesmen and patriots.


With a career that spanned decades and an active retirement after that, it should come as no surprise that Jean Chr�tien's illuminating, perceptive and often humorous stories could not be contained in just one book.

This collection of essays features his trademark candour and ever-sharp political acumen, with plenty of wit to accompany the wisdom. With a delightful randomness, he remembers events and personalities that shaped our nation in a multitude of ways, and offers his views on international current events, including Canada-China relations, Brexit, and interprovincial dealings. Jean Chr�tien's stories serve to remind us that there is more to unite than divide us as a country, and that we have institutions we can take enormous pride in and values we must strive to maintain and keep building upon. Above all, these stories illustrate Jean Chr�tien's firm belief that we must never cease searching for common ground despite our differences.

Genres: Canada, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien, C.C., c.p., O.M., C.R., premier ministre du Canada de 1993 à 2003, avocat, auteur et homme politique, est né le 11 janvier 1934 à Shawinigan, au Québec. Avocat et membre du Parlement, Jean Chrétien a été le 20e premier ministre du Canada. Dans les débuts de sa carrière politique, il prend part aux négociations sur le rapatriement de la Constitution canadienne de même que sur la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés. En tant que premier ministre, il a mené le gouvernement fédéral à ses premiers excédents en près de 30 ans. Récipiendaire de nombreux prix et distinctions, il s’est joint à plusieurs organisations internationales qui visent la paix, la démocratie et d’autres questions d’intérêt mondial.

Reviews

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the wake of his published memoirs My Stories, My Times in 2019, followed by its general success and positive reception, Jean Chrétien published My Stories, My Times Vol 2 late in 2021, which I was quick to get my hands on after thoroughly enjoying the former book. In the image of the 2019 edition, the follow up was more of the same style, providing a “written as spoke” type narrative of different stories from throughout the former prime minister’s time in Canadian politics.

Once again, Chrétien serves up an interesting mix of stories pertaining to the domestic and international domains, recounting moments varying from tense standoffs to laughable scenes amongst some of the great world leaders of the past several decades. Personally, I firmly believe that such insight is instrumental in understanding some of the background to decisions that get made at the political level. The fact is that politics isn’t limited to what we see in front of the cameras or via the news on a daily basis. Accordingly, it is stories like these that give you the look into what boils down to human relations and planning for a better future.

Although still written as would be spoken and highly enjoyable, I did find this sequel to be a bit more brash, further demarcating party lines, and much more deprecating of subsequent governments (Liberal and Conservative alike). Nevertheless, the book hits the mark and once more delivers the candour one would expect from the elder statesman, giving readers that inside look into politics within Canada over the past-half century that some of us crave. I highly recommend it as a follow up to the first volume from 2019!

Happy Reading!

[Don Bennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good little anecdotes and insights into the real and personal aspects of politics.

Surprisingly, the book pulls no punches on Canada's handling of extradition issues with China. A definite highlight.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite political book, having really liked the first book in "My Stories". The stories this time around fell a little flat for me, they were less humorous and interesting.

[Bob Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book is better

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man can certainly tell a good story!

[Kristina Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting to see how things were just a few years ago to how the country is being run now.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read volume 1 five years ago. This is a good follow up. Chrétien spent many decades in Canadian politics. Great stories- some humorous, others a serious reflection on past and present politics.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I preferred the 1st book as there appeared to be more humor and some lighthearted tales but I still enjoyed this book.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the format of the book - Chrétien offers us the feeling of hearing one’s grandfather share the stories of his life. Less formal and more human. However, the quality of the stores are certainly not as good as the first volume (naturally, the greatest hits went into the first book).