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  • For Joshua

  • An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son
  • Written by: Richard Wagamese
  • Narrated by: Craig Lauzon
  • Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (83 ratings)

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For Joshua

Written by: Richard Wagamese
Narrated by: Craig Lauzon
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Publisher's Summary

The heartfelt memoir from one of Canada's most beloved writers.

Staring the modern world in the eye, Richard Wagamese confronts its snares and perils. He sees people coveting without knowing why, looking for roots without understanding what constitutes home, searching for acceptance without extending reciprocal respect, and longing for love without knowing how to offer it.

He sees this because he lived it.

For Joshua is Wagamese's love letter to his estranged son. Ojibway tradition calls for fathers to walk their children through the world and teach them their place in it. To teach them they belong. In this intimate memoir, Wagamese describes his own tumultuous journey - though childhood trauma, racism, and substance abuse - and his fight to emerge stronger. His road to self-knowledge has been long and treacherous, but this has furnished him, if not with a complete set of answers, then at least with a profound understanding of the questions. Hoping to impart his newfound understanding of the world onto his beloved son, Wagamese shares his search for happiness and the choices he has made to open himself up to it.

©2003 Richard Wagamese (P)2019 Anchor Canada

What the critics say

“[For Joshua] is revealing, open, and tragic. It is also a remarkably touching and well-written journey.” (The Globe and Mail)

“I hope that when Joshua does eventually read this book, he has the maturity to appreciate his father’s act of bravery, and to learn from it. For the rest of us, For Joshua is a fascinating and moving portrayal of one man’s search for his heritage, his true place in the world, and in the process, his discovery of himself.” (Hamilton Spectator)

"Graceful and reverberating... A harrowing life story but also a ceremony, a gathering of traditional knowledge, and a love letter across the generations, For Joshua is a book we need, a book we can all treasure. Every page is infused with such tenderness and emotional intensity that I was shocked again and again with the thought: this is the true strength and reach and burden of love." (Warren Cariou, author of Lake of the Prairies)

What listeners say about For Joshua

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The perfect Voice for an amazing story

I loved this book. Even though it hit close to home, it was perfectly told and gave me a different perspective. I loved the teachings and to hear creation story and other traditional stories told with in it.
I got lost in it and loved it from start to finish

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I enjoyed the whole book from cover to cover

I loved how he went so low in life and how he found his way to a wonderful journey within his own spirit and the natural world.

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a lovey presentation of ideas - all can benefit

I am a fan of Richard Wagamese since I first read some poetry of his. Since then I've read a couple of his books. They are engaging and enlightening on a number of levels apart from a better awareness of indigenous culture. The principles presented in the context of the story have universal application of great value.
john

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A Canadian classic

This is a story of Canada. Of history and how it weaves our intertwined lives today. it is a story of confusion and sorting out, a careful unpacking of the effects of colonization. It is anger. it is regret. It is hope. It is a story Canadians need to read so they now who they are.

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An insightful journey

A beautiful truth for all Canadians to appreciate. A magnificent introduction to the culture and wisdom of our First Nations.

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Highly recommended

A must listen. I thought it would be hard to top Indian Horse by same author but this book is so beautifully written and narrated that it did just that for me.

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Beautiful! May your soul rest easy Richard.

This book is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing your failures and your triumphs. So much heart!

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