The Co-op Revolution -

Reviews

Co-op Radio: I was nervous about being interviewed for Co-op Radio’s show Each for All, but it turned out just fine thanks to the easy manner of host Robin Puga. CCEC Credit Union and the BC Co-operative Association have also been supportive and have posted information on their websites and blogs. I’m happy with the feedback I’m getting from readers. Here’s a sample of selected quotes: “I could hardly put it down! Not often one says that about a non-fiction story, but I was drawn in to your co-op world. I didn’t feel like a reader, I felt like I was a part of the group – you wrote to me, with me, not at me.” -Vera Enshaw “I just finished reading your book, Jan, and enjoyed it very much. You have done a terrific job of a fascinating, messy time in our lives. …Thank you for making the effort to recapture that. -Alex Berland “Great job -- I really enjoyed it. You have done a strong combination of history and analysis. It is great to have both the thoughtful record and the even more thoughtful insights.” – Will Mitchell “This wasn’t an easy story to tell and I applaud Jan DeGrass for having the courage to tell it.” – Ormsby Review “DeGrass sketches in the history of co-ops in Canada and around the world and provides a charming memory piece about an important moment in Vancouver history. Buy this book… enjoy it and, in the best spirit of co-operative ventures, pass it along to the foodies and political activists in your circle. Bon appetit!” Tom Sandborn, Vancouver Sun “The book, including many photographs from the time, is as much a touching memoir as it is an informative historical text, and is well-told in the graceful style that DeGrass’s readers enjoyed during her 17 years as arts and entertainment writer for Coast Reporter. –Rik Jespersen, Coast Reporter 

Winter of Siege -

Reviews

Shared from Coast Reporter: Sunshine Coast Books: Hope glimmers in winter's tale of siege-bound city From the Miramichi Reader.  This link takes you to the comments section but if you scroll up you can see the review. -Jan  Click here. “I found it courageous of you to attempt to publish this subject matter at this time, as unfortunately it seems many publishers nowadays conflate the present Russian regime with the broader context of that country’s rich culture and history. So, you are to be commended. You mentioned wanting to honor the thousands of Russians who died during the siege. Having just finished the Winter of Siege and finding the story of Anna searching for her mother poignant and convincing, I feel you have done those Leningraders proud.”   -Rosanna Stall “My real reason for writing is to say how much I enjoyed the Winter of Siege.  I was engaged from beginning to end.  Anna was so real, and so human and you depicted the Leningrad winter so well, I was actually cold when I was reading.”  - Rosella Leslie   “It is a terrific read and I am so honoured to have the copy you autographed. You are a marvellous writer.” - Maureen Foss