Interesting Reads

In her recently published memoir Changing My Mind, “Margaret Trudeau speaks with candour and insight about the illness that silently shaped her life -- a life lived often in turbulence and in the public’s fascination. Plagued since childhood by extreme moods, Margaret was ill-prepared for the high-profile role into which she was cast at age twenty-two, as Canada’s youngest first lady. Captivated by her high spirits, youth and beauty, Canadians fell in love with Margaret, just as they had with her charismatic husband, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, three years earlier. When their first son, Justin, was born on Christmas Day and their second son, Sacha, on the same day two years later, this couple seemed almost enchanted. But away from the cameras and the public appearances, and increasingly isolated at 24 Sussex Drive, Margaret struggled with a growing depression offset by bouts of mania. Her behaviour seemed inexplicable to many -- including to herself -- and two years after the birth of their third son, Michel, the marriage broke down. Gradually, though, a fragile stability took hold, as Margaret found happiness in work as a photographer and in her marriage to Fried Kemper. But the tragic death of Michel Trudeau, closely followed by Pierre Trudeau’s own passing, caused her to spiral into suicidal depression. Finally accepting the diagnosis of bipolar, she sought medical treatment. Under intense international scrutiny, Margaret Trudeau has survived remarkable highs and devastating lows. Since regaining control of her life, she has brought her formidable passion to helping others, be they Canadians suffering from mental illness or families living without access to water half a world away. A recipient of the Society of Biological Psychiatry Humanitarian Award, she now offers her journey of recovery, acceptance and hope, and generously shares with us many previously unreleased photos, in one of the most important memoirs to come out of this country.” –book jacket.

If you are looking for a book that offers educational and entertaining diversions in short blocks then Jay Ingram’s Daily Planet; the ultimate book of everyday science is a great choice. Ingram has been the host of the popular show for fifteen years and in this, his latest book, we get to relive some of the greatest moments from the decade and a half of daily intriguing broadcasts.

For something a little ‘heavier’ Cynthia Enloe looks closely at the lives of eight ordinary women, four Iraqis and four Americans, during the Iraq War in Nimo’s War, Emma’s War. Among others, Enloe profiles a Baghdad beauty parlor owner, a teenage girl who survived a massacre, an elected member of Parliament, the young wife of an Army sergeant, and an African American woman soldier. Each chapter begins with a close-up look at one woman’s experiences and widens into an examination of war’s gendered elements. Bringing to light hidden and often unexpected aspects of war offering insight into the long-range consequences of war. This unique comparison of American and Iraqi women’s diverse and complex experiences sheds a powerful light on the different realities that we call “the Iraq war.”

Wednesday, December 8, 6:30-7:30p.m. all are invited to the Milford Bay Community Centre on Beaumaris Road for conversation regarding library membership opportunities in your community, electronic resources available, Service Ontario information, library hours survey, and much more. For more information call the Port Carling branch at 765-5650 or the Milford Bay branch at 764-0283 during open hours Wednesdays 6 to 8pm and Fridays 10 to noon.

Friday December 17 @Your Milford Bay Branch Library Storytime with Sandy Inkster 10:30-11:30am

The Saturday morning Creative Kids program has been a very successful venture. The Port Carling Lions Club has augmented the supplies with funds from Winterfest which has allowed the program to continue to be offered free to the community children. Thank you Port Carling Lions Club! There is limited space left for this year’s two remaining programs. Next week join Chef Julie to make something wonderful for Christmas. The following week artist Nancy Gray Ogle will guide participants through a watercolour class to make Christmas cards and tags. Phone 765-5650 if you want to register your child for either program. Watch the library Facebook and Twitter page or the library website www.muskoka.com/library to keep up to date for the return of the program in the new year.

Stay tuned for information on when Michele Meadows, owner of Muskoka Yarn Connections, comes to Kniterary at the Port Carling branch library in the new year. Anyone who has met Michele knows what a magician she is with wool so you won’t want to miss the opportunity!