REVIEWS OF
THOSE WERE THE DAYS OF MY LIFE
A mostly joyous memoir of one Canadian’s life.
Debut author Beaudoin was born in 1958 in Ottawa, Ontario, and in this remembrance, he traces his wandering spirit back to age 4 or 5, when he received a shiny new bicycle. It was “the first tool that allowed me to begin my lifelong adventures,” he writes. During his rambunctious teenage years, he spent time in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets; he followed this with farm work and a job as an airplane mechanic. In 1975, he met a woman named Kim, and they married in 1980. By this time, Beaudoin had a job in the currency division of the Bank of Canada, repairing machinery. In time, he fulfilled his dream to fly planes, obtaining his single-engine pilot’s license. Later, when he became discontented with his bank work, he quit and became a truck driver. This led to one of his greatest successes—the formation of his own transport company. Still, he kept trying new things: He became a volunteer firefighter; he and Kim opened an internet-provider company; and together with neighbors, they home-schooled their two daughters. Overall, a healthy mix of pride and self-deprecating humor permeates these pages. For example, Beaudoin recounts his shock and fear when his wife enthusiastically accepted his solution for birth control: “I kinda thought when I mentioned the word vasectomy she would stand firm and say no. The answer was a resounding ‘YES.’ ” He also refers often to the lyrics of the 1984 Bryan Adams song “Summer of ’69,” which serves as an organizing structure for the work. He offers breezy, conversational prose throughout, and although it tends to be a glass-half-full narrative, he does offer somber moments as well. For instance, when Beaudoin was 11 and his parents were separated, he once rejected his father’s offer to go for a ride, and a few days later, his dad committed suicide. Fifty years later, he writes, “Sometimes I wonder if I had anything to do with his suicide…I just wonder if it all was too much for him, and my running away may have caused him so much pain…I just wonder…I wonder.”
An engaging, quick read from a man who seems to always be up for a new adventure.
–Kirkus Reviews
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
As evening drew near I sat down to read: "Those were the days of my life" by P.R. Beaudoin. It was a delightful glimpse into his life flowing from childhood to the present. I loved his style. Just when you thought you had heard enough about that topic he was on to the next one. It seemed to suit his inherent desire for the ultimate adventure. His idea of ending most chapters with "But were those the best days of my life?" was intriguing and encouraged the reader to learn more. If you want something entertaining to read, this is definitely the book for you. I loved the fact that although he wrote the book in the first person, he spoke to the reader directly on several occasions thus making them feel part of his life story. He could have gone into more gruesome detail about how he was feeling at the time, but I think it would have detracted from the book's spontaneity. I'd certainly recommend this book to anyone.
–Rosie Grigaitis
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
I thoroughly enjoyed as it was very nostalgic for me growing up in the same era. It was an easy read and you wanted to read on. I liked the comparison to the Bryan Adam's song. I do think there is another book in there. Also, being a neighbour for 30 years, I remember a lot of the antidotes that Phil brought up! Keep writing.
–Cindy Saucier
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
An extremely interesting and fascinating read. We can all relate to Mr. Beaudoin's stories. I've had few adventures in my own life that Phil reminded me of. The farm, the sky and trying to stay out of trouble but always seemingly in it. Ya, my pants got warmed a number of times. Oh well, that's what being a kid is all about.
Fun times, serious times, school, dating, falling in love and raising two kids. All while I was going to university three nights a week and teaching full time days. Yep, those were the days.
–Rev. Ronald L. Koch PhD
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
I really enjoyed reading your book, what a lovely legacy to leave to you grandchildren.
–Paul Arnell
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminds me that everyone is on a journey and it isn't over until the last chapter is penned.
–Mary Covey
My Review of Those were the days of my life
Written by PRBEAUDOIN
Bryan Adams got his first six-string when Beaudoin got his first red bicycle, a toy of emancipation for the frontman and the young boy. Beaudoin takes us through the meanders of his personal and occupational adventures. The book transcends an individual experience into a collective one, that of the Canadian people: with its solidarity instinct to be felt during the 1998 winter ice storm, its entrepreneurship talents: Beaudoin was successively sailor, pilot, farmer, mechanic, bank employee, trucker; its community commitment as a fireman and a home teacher. It also enlightens us as a backdrop on the evolution of the Canadian society during the author's lifespan.
A must read for all those who want to grasp the genuine Canadian spirit.
-From Annick Virot
Comentario de Annick Virot
Bryan Adams consiguió sus primeras seis cuerdas cuando Beaudoin consiguió su primera bicicleta roja, un juguete de emancipación para el líder y el joven. Beaudoin nos lleva a través de los meandros de sus aventuras personales y laborales. El libro trasciende una experiencia individual en una colectiva, la del pueblo canadiense: con su instinto de solidaridad durante la tormenta de hielo invernal de 1998, su talento empresarial: Beaudoin fue sucesivamente navegante, piloto, agricultor, mecánico, empleado de banco, camionero ; Su compromiso con la comunidad como bombero y maestro de casa. También nos ilumina como telón de fondo sobre la evolución de la sociedad canadiense durante la vida del autor. Una lectura obligada para todos aquellos que quieran captar el genuino espíritu canadiense
-Annick Virot-Carrière, Marbella, Spain
Copyright © P.R. Beaudoin, 2018
