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Mary Macfarlane
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Title: Candid Comments
Author: Mary MacFarlane
Genre: Humour
Formats Available: Mobi, Epub & Pdf
Time Frame: 3 Weeks
Copies Available: 5

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Reminiscent of Leacock's Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, this hilarious collection of essays from The Cobourg Daily Star and the Port Hope Evening Guide, circa 1995, will keep readers in stitches. Using parody and political satire, the author lampoons local politics, aging and retirement, and the challenges of adjusting to rural life after living in Toronto. Drawing on her degree in Sociology from York University, her Diploma in Gerontology, as well as her experience advocating for daycare centres in Etobicoke and writing in her youth for the Globe and Mail, Mary brings a jaundiced eye to local politics and the challenges of rural retirement. In this wide ranging collection, she moves from Strippers in Cobourg to Bats in the Bedroom, free roaming Cats and Dogs, and the challenges of navigating Cruise Ships and Downhill Skiing. With each calamitous attempt to adjust to the challenges of her new life in retirement, the hilarity grows, until the reader will feel like rolling on the floor with laughter.

Beautifully illustrated by Barry King, this book is a real gem. Originally self published in 1995 in hard copy, this slim volume is republished here in ebook format by her son in Mary's memory (1918 - 2018). Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Lindsay's Ross Memorial Hospital.

About the Author: Mary MacFarlane (1918 - 2018) was born in Toronto. Growing up during the depression years, like many of her peers, she had to leave school at age sixteen to help support her family. Despite this challenge, she was successful in a variety of careers. A graduate of Shaw's Business School, she initially worked as a reporter for Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper. Later in life she worked in the banking and insurance industries. In the 1970s she was active politically in Etobicoke advocating for licenced daycare and other social issues.

In her late 50s, Mary returned to school at York University as an adult student studying Sociology. After graduating she worked as a research assistant at York while completing a Certificate in Gerontology. On retirement, to Roseneath Landing, she was active on the editorial boards of the local community newspapers, and in the Stirling Concert Band where she played clarinet. She was a regular contributor to the Cobourg Star and the Port Hope Evening News, writing on local politics and aging issues. Her later years were spent in Lindsay, Ontario. She passed on at the age of 100 in 2018.

About the Illustrator: Barry King has been an illustrator for many years. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, his studio is now on Dunbar Rd in the Northumberland Hills, North of Cobourg, next to the Northumberland Forest, on a property owned by his great grandparents. In addition to the delightful pen and ink sketches featured in this book, Barry also works in oil paints.

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Formats available: Mobi, Epub & Pdf

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Copy in epub version sent July 3/18