Comments (34)

From the Ashes

My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way
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Jan 12, 2023InnisfilTeenReads rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
From the Ashes is a memoir that follows the journey of Jesse Thistle as he transforms from an incompetent drug addict to a respected individual who strives for success. Jesse and his two brothers were abandoned at a young age. The lack of…
Jan 08, 2023celiarheault rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This memoir reads so easily. It wasn't just a peek at what it means and looks like to be an addict and homeless...it was a full panoramic view. Such a great read! Highly recommended; will definitely resonate with those who have friends…
Dec 04, 2022jasnadzinic rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Blown away by this memoir! Heartbreaking and hopeful!
Jun 09, 2022WritingChick65 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A powerful memoir about abandonment, family, and addiction that will leave you looking at the homeless in a new light. At times horrifying and unbelievably sad, Thistle doesn't make any excuses about his addiction, homelessness or jail…
Apr 20, 2022KatTheGreat rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Given that this book was even published, you know that Jesse Thistle survives the various horrifying scenarios as described in the book; but it's hard to imagine when you're halfway through and reading about all the things that have…
Feb 28, 2022kwsmith rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Canadian university professor Jesse Thistle writes his own memoir about how he was abandoned as a child, became a drug addict, lived on the streets, and spent time in jails. This is a fascinating and very emotional story about someone who…
Jan 03, 2022Pennies_Thoughts rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Jesse Thistle's life story is the embodiment of the resiliency of the human spirit to overcome trauma and tragedy. It is a heart wrenching look into the lives of those who are powerless and invisible in modern society. Highly recommended.
Dec 25, 2021barb_w878 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Jesse Thistle writes the story as he lived it, not as an adult looking back. It gives insight into how children process their parents neglect and their families view of child protection and other systems that fail or fail to move promptly…
Sep 20, 2021JessicaGma rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I can see why this memoir has received all the accolades it has - it's so raw and upsetting, but also hopeful at the end. Jesse Thistle overcame neglect, abuse and drug addiction to become a professor and writer. His tales of being down…
Sep 17, 2021PetraL rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A raw, compelling read. The life Jesse lived is so much out of my realm of direct experience. This memoir helped me to understand how unresolved early trauma can lead to self-destructive behaviour, the importance of treatment centres, and…
Aug 21, 2021
On The Stolen Streets (1997-2008)
Jun 03, 2021VaughanPLDaniela rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A compelling, inspiring story of overcoming even the most brutal life circumstances. Thistle's early years of child neglect and exposure to alcohol and drugs lured him into a life on the fringes of society, stealing and self-destructing…
May 24, 2021trishlindstrom rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A harrowing keyhole into an extraordinary soul. A MUST READ for anyone interested in the first-hand-witnessed account of one man's heroic, horrifying, destructive, and ultimately redemptive experience.
Apr 13, 2021KS1110 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Powerful book: very descriptive and immersive. Jesse’s story is harrowing and I feel grateful that he shared it.
Apr 12, 2021WPL_Najeeba rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
From the Ashes is an intense and hard read but at the same time impossible to put down. It is a very well-written book that left a deep impact on me. I can not imagine how the author came back from the seemingly endless cycle of addiction…
Jan 18, 2021plattsla rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A heart-breaking, lyrical memoir that highlights the struggles Thistle overcame to become the man he is today. Provides some insight into historical issues for indigenous people without overgeneralizing.
Dec 29, 2020tinlou rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I truly enjoyed this debut novel by Jesse Thistle, a journey of trauma, addiction and life on the streets through to hope, survival and redemption. Abandoned by his parents as a toddler, along with his two older brothers, Jesse's memoir…
Dec 28, 2020marybellinger rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I love a book that changes me and the way that I see the world. Jesse helped me to understand the indigenous people and the challenges that they are facing to overcome generations of abuse and distrust. I could not put this one down. It…
Dec 16, 2020jenna_brost rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jesse’s story is one of both suffering and overcoming. It weaves together cultural and family wounds with the choices and outcomes that follow. It was gripping and hard to put down, but at the same time very difficult to read. It’s raw.…
Nov 19, 2020lovely777 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic and well written. Did not put it down til finished. Bravo to Jesse Thistle!
Oct 15, 2020mclarjh rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Ordinary writing, present tense makes for juvenile tone, short chapters easy to read, but too lengthy overall.
Aug 14, 2020dirtbag rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I wish it had won Canada Reads 2020.
Aug 13, 2020lyndasclater rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Book club July 2020
Jul 11, 2020
This book is an amazingly raw and honest depiction of the authors life and struggles. I believe his story deeply resingnates and represents the struggles that happens in the indigenous culture. Hopefully the readers come to this book with…
Jul 10, 2020RueK rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Incredible memoir of an individual's account on his journey through addiction and homelessness and struggles with family. I discovered it's a great companion read to Gabor Mate's book on addiction which I happened to read prior. If you…