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  • From the Ashes

  • My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way
  • Written by: Jesse Thistle
  • Narrated by: Jesse Thistle
  • Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,374 ratings)

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From the Ashes cover art

From the Ashes

Written by: Jesse Thistle
Narrated by: Jesse Thistle
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Publisher's Summary

  • Winner, Kobo Emerging Writer Prize Nonfiction
  • Winner, Indigenous Voices Awards
  • Winner, High Plains Book Awards
  • Finalist, CBC Canada Reads
  • A Globe and Mail Book of the Year
  • An Indigo Book of the Year
  • A CBC Best Canadian Nonfiction Book of the Year  

In this extraordinary and inspiring debut memoir, Jesse Thistle, once a high-school dropout and now a rising Indigenous scholar, chronicles his life on the streets and how he overcame trauma and addiction to discover the truth about who he is.

If I can just make it to the next minute...then I might have a chance to live; I might have a chance to be something more than just a struggling crackhead.

From the Ashes is a remarkable memoir about hope and resilience and a revelatory look into the life of a Métis Cree man who refused to give up.

Abandoned by his parents as a toddler, Jesse Thistle briefly found himself in the foster-care system with his two brothers, cut off from all they had known. Eventually, the children landed in the home of their paternal grandparents, whose tough-love attitudes quickly resulted in conflicts. Throughout it all, the ghost of Jesse’s drug-addicted father haunted the halls of the house and the memories of every family member. Struggling with all that had happened, Jesse succumbed to a self-destructive cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and petty crime, spending more than a decade on and off the streets, often homeless. Finally, he realized he would die unless he turned his life around.

In this heart-warming and heart-wrenching memoir, Jesse Thistle writes honestly and fearlessly about his painful past, the abuse he endured, and how he uncovered the truth about his parents. Through sheer perseverance and education - and newfound love - he found his way back into the circle of his Indigenous culture and family.

An eloquent exploration of the impact of prejudice and racism, From the Ashes is, in the end, about how love and support can help us find happiness despite the odds.

©2019 Jesse Thistle (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

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What listeners say about From the Ashes

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    4 out of 5 stars

Real, Raw and so encouraging

I saw Jesse speak on Dr Jody Carrington I was so moved by him that I downloaded his book that night. An author that narrates his own work , in a real, raw, truthful way. This book is an inspiration for anyone to rise above any and all situations.
Be proud of yourself Jesse and I know your grandparents are so so proud of what you have overcome and the man that you are today

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4 people found this helpful

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My take on Jesse Thistle,s book

I didn’t enjoy this book at all in fact I was ready to stop reading it several times. His drunkenness and drug use were utterly appalling.He had many chances to get sober and he blew them He talked like it was a joke to rob from stores and even his family and friends.The language was also revolting and did not add anything to the story . I t took him far too long to get sober..I also grew up without a father and o money and I didn’t take it out on society at large.

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3 people found this helpful

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Fantastic

You really feel for Jesse as you follow his journey. I loved the fact that he read it out himself. You can hear the emotion throughout the whole thing. The way this was written was very real.

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3 people found this helpful

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Eye-opening and riveting

A must-read for anybody who thinks they’ve been stuck with a hopeless lot in life — From the Ashes is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, a harrowing journey from start to finish that’s impossible to put down. Jesse’s life is one we all can learn something from,

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3 people found this helpful

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Tragic, beautiful, vulnerable, engaging, and so very redemptive.

This powerful story (and beautiful reading) captures and gives language to the deep and residual effects of trauma, both implicit and explicit. Skipping past the politics of foster care, First Nations peoples, drugs, addiction, homelessness, crime, and justice, this work dives headlong into the humanity of these topics.

Jesse’s openness allows the reader the opportunity to attend to the complexities of street life and addiction; even as one hopes for victory, a realization dawns that in many ways, daily survival is already victory for many.

Thank you Jesse for choosing to share your journey, you have not only survived, but continue to rise!

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1 person found this helpful

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Heartbreaking. Hilarious. Hopeful.

Hearing this book in the author’s voice feels like sitting around a fire while he tells stories. It’s a remarkable story of tragedy, discrimination and resilience. Completely compelling.

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from the heart

really liked the genuine tone of sincerity. put together well and very easy to follow. thank you for sharing so fully

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Resilience

What an incredible story of resilience. Very moving and impactful. Thanks for sharing your story. Highly recommended reading.

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An Inspiration

Jesse story has touched my soul and I am so grateful for his bravery. Thank you for sharing your story in all its truth. The good and the bad decisions we make that lead is on our path. I’m so happy that yours turned out the way it did.

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One of the most beautiful books I’ve read

I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to listen to this beautiful story. Thistle captures the complexity of a life on the run from inner and outer demons so stunningly. I am already planning when I will listen to the book again…

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