Bernard Walter

Category: In Review

  • Book Review | Reproduction by Ian Williams

    Book Review | Reproduction by Ian Williams

    I recently finished reading Reproduction by Ian Williams, the most recent Scotiabank Giller Prize winner. It was a little too experimental for me. While reading the book, I didn’t find myself feeling emotionally invested in the characters, but more like an indifferent witness to their lives. Williams’ use of language was, at times, distracting. If you’re looking for a book that tells you a story about people’s lives and challenges the traditional notion of family, this might be a great book for you.

    You can pick up a copy of Reproduction by Ian Williams here.

  • The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

    The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

    The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates was a great read.

    What I enjoyed most was gaining insight into the thinking behind a large philanthropic organization. The work that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation does is phenomenal and Melinda Gates does a nice job of informing the reader of thinking behind some of the decisions that are made. What’s most amazing to me is how an organization with such wealth and power needs to remain flexible in order to respond appropriately to the needs of the communities they serve; a lesson we can all learn.

    If you have any interest in gender equality issues, I suggest giving this book a read. It’s easy enough and the stories that Gates shares, while heartwrenching at times, are succinct and a valuable addition to any conversation around the need to raise women up.

  • I Have Read The Brothers Karamazov

    I Have Read The Brothers Karamazov

    After about a dozen failed attempts over about ten years, I have finally managed to read The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It took me just over a month to read it but it was worth it. It’s a great book.

    (more…)
  • Welcome to Mariposa

    Welcome to Mariposa

    Last week was a bit busy, but I’m now stationed in Mariposa. I still have to make my way down to Toronto every so often, but that’s not much of a bother.

    Here is what happened last week. (more…)