How does someone write a review on a memoir, especially Jesse Thistle's From the Ashes? While I was reading it, several times, I wished this story was just a fiction. But this story is real. As described by the author: "My story of being Métis, Homeless, and Finding my Way", this story is heartbreaking but hopeful. Jesse comes from a troubled family and was left to take care of himself from a very early age. His path was a difficult one. Life path where someone doesn't see any other choice but the path of the addiction, self-destruction, path on the streets. Jesse struggled and was unable many times to pull out, but he knew the right vs. wrong. On his difficult path, he had met and dealt with many kinds of people. People who gave him support and love, and those that didn't. In the end, he pulls through. Primarily, because he knew that it was the right thing to do, but also importantly he was given the love and care that he was always missing from his parents as he was growing up. His own desires and support he had from loved ones, helped him win the battle against himself. Today, Jesse is an assistant professor in Métis Studies at York University in Toronto. Even though it was very difficult and emotional to read this book, I was left with a feeling and belief that everything (most) in life is possible. I am really happy he did find his way!
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