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Review: Some Great Idea by Edward Keenan

Review: Some Great Idea by Edward Keenan

Book Review

Read this book if you live in Toronto. City politics reporter Edward Keenan has unveiled his analysis of Toronto since amalgamation, examining how neighbourhoods have grown and how they respond to different policies and developments based on their unique circumstances. Framed by this primer on urban development comes Keenan’s analysis of the three mayors since amalgamation: Mel Lastman, David Miller and Rob Ford.

While Keenan is no fan of Rob Ford, he gives what I see as a fair, almost magnanimous, analysis of Ford’s strengths and weaknesses as mayor. If you want to understand Rob Ford, and why he was elected, read this book!

Fun stuff!

Take the quiz. (Hint: only take this after you’ve read this book unless you think you’re a real Toronto trivia smartypants!)

— Some Great Idea: Good Neighbourhoods, Crazy Politics and the Invention of Toronto by Edward Keenan is published by Coach House (book page) in 2013.

My Journey by Olivia Chow – book review by Kendra Martin

My Journey by Olivia Chow – book review by Kendra Martin

Book Review

My Journey by Olivia ChowI’ve read some critical reviews of Olivia Chow’s memoir, basically saying that Olivia has an agenda in writing it or that she doesn’t construct a good narrative. I would have to disagree with the negative response and say I really liked reading this memoir. It met my expectations for a memoir of a politician — it’s not going to win any literary prizes and it does have a clear political slant, but that’s what you’re expecting when you pick up this book, right?

For me, it was inspiring to read about the initiatives that Olivia has been involved in during her years as a politician and learn more about her causes. She talks a lot about Toronto. It fired me up to see the potential of our city and made me want to get more involved! One of the key messages that came out of this memoir was the deep passion that Olivia has for the city of Toronto and its residents. I’m glad she shared her story.

— My Journey by Olivia Chow | HarperCollins Canada, 2014