From the Ashes

This is a hard book to read. Life on the street in the throes of addiction is never an easy story and Thistle does a good job of pulling us through the depths with him. I held onto the knowledge that he would be okay in the end since I was holding the proof and he is - more than just okay. I genuinely cheered for him in the end and for the exceptional life he has made.

The writing is consistent with the exception of a few parts that impart important life lessons, when Thistle's narrative fades away in favour of the need to communicate key points. It's a difficult balance to maintain and perhaps that shift signals a spotlight in the need to pay more attention even if handled a little awkwardly.

I would have liked more depth on his discovery of his Métis heritage and on the parts of his journey connected to that. Although promised in the title and in some of the early setup, much of this book is similar to other stories of homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction. Thistle has a unique story to tell and I would have liked more of it to come through.