From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle

Posted on by Brenda~Traveling Sister

Lindsay’s review

Easily earned a spot on my 2020 Favourites List.

Raw. Eye-opening. Informative. Heart wrenching. Impactful.

I am forever changed after reading this. One of the toughest, most honest and powerful memoirs I have read. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jesse Thistle for being brave enough to put his story out in the world. This is heart wrenching, yet hopeful. Upsetting yet inspiring. Heavy yet freeing.

This extremely well written memoir gives the highly uncomfortable tragic personal details of living through the brutal darkness of addiction and homelessness. There are many shocking, cringe worthy scenes that had me on edge and wondering if I could stomach reading any further. As uncomfortable as this story can be, it is one I am so glad I read and has easily earned a spot on my Favourites Shelf.

I thought the way this story was written was brilliant and exceptional. Each chapter has a title that offers a glimpse into a certain memory or scene from Jesse’s past ranging from childhood to present day. The chapters are short, to the point and extremely powerful. Each one felt like a punch to the gut, leaving me feeling more sympathetic toward Jesse as his story progressed.

In all honesty, I don’t have any experience with addiction within my circle of family and friends. Before reading this, I am shameful to admit, I may have even been slightly judgemental of people in Jesse’s type of situation (why can’t they get a job?). I thank Jesse for sharing his story which has opened my heart to beginning to understand how dark, deep and uncontrollable addiction is. I have a whole new outlook after reading this. What an extremely powerful, unforgettable story that I insist you add to your reading list.

For Brenda’s review

Published by Brenda~Traveling Sister

7 thoughts on “From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle”

  1. I am definitely adding this one. I think we need to learn more about what our Native Canadians and Americans went through and what we can do. Great review Lindsay. I am sure this is heartbreaking to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am so glad to see you are adding this one, Carla! I have been reading a few lately and have a few more on my TBR list. I have a couple to review, but it takes me forever to my thoughts to words.

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  2. This sounds like a profound book. One to really get a sense of that world and have a respect for it. Sounds like I’d be crying. That’s a book I will keep on my mind.
    Awesome review!!

    Like

  3. This sounds like a profound book. One to really get a sense of that world and have a respect for it. Sounds like I’d be crying. That’s a book I will keep on my mind.
    Awesome review!!

    Liked by 1 person

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