John Diefenbaker

by Arthur Slade

At the age of nine, John Diefenbaker announced, "I'm going to be prime minister when I grow up." He never lost sight of his goal. Diefenbaker was prime minister of Canada from 1957-1963. He believed in social justice, opening up the North, and making things better for western farmers. Canadians responded to his campaign call to "Follow John." This compelling book recreates the tensions of the Diefenbaker era - the time of the Cold War, spy scandals, and the Cuban Missile Crisis - when the world seemed on the brink of nuclear war.

Genres: Canada

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!

Reviews

[Gabriel Maracle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting information, but very surface level biography. It also has a very abrupt ending.

[Mark Nenadov]

A "young adult" biography of Canada's 13th Prime Minister. I’m attempting to read a book by or about every Canadian Prime Minister (so far only 3/23).

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past year I have read all but one of Arthur Slade's books. This is the only non-fiction and it was a compelling read. I must admit, before reading this book, I knew very little about Diefenbaker, the man, the myths or the legend. This book explores all three aspects of the man's life and legacy. The book was very well written, it was compelling and I had a hard time putting it down. Though not a conservative myself, I found after reading this book that I had a much greater respect and appreciation for Diefenbaker.

Arthur Slade did an amazing job presenting a man, who is a legend in Canadian politics and history, in a way readers will appreciate and admire. The writing is excellent and the pace of the story great. It spans almost 85 years of history in less than 200 pages and yet you do not feel like there were major gaps. After reading this, as much as I love Slade's fiction, I can only hope he will try his hand at nonfiction again soon.

Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Arthur Slade and a visual bibliography.

[SeaShore · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one could forget his passionate nationalism. writes the author

The book includes photographs , including one of Diefenbaker at his desk in 1958.

The Chronology of John George Diefenbaker 1895-1979 is inclusive and informative; beginning with Gabriel Dumont, Metis leader: born Red River Colony, 1837 and in 1867, the British North American Act establishes the Dominion of Canada.... 1873, Canada's First Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald is defeated in the first general election since Confederation....

The timeline for the 1960s shown is very useful.
For this compilation, this book is a solid resource. A five star library resource.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well-written biography of one of Canada's most colourful Prime Ministers.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written.