Note: this post is for the adults in my life, kids...I’ll have something for you next time.
A year ago I received this book in the mail from a friend. A note accompanied the book that said she hoped this would be a good read and that she thought of me as she browsed through it. Knowing me as well as she does, she also mentioned a ‘language warning.’
“Little Yellow House : Finding Community in a Changing Neighbourhood” captivated me from the front cover to the final paragraph. Author, Carissa Haltin captures the essence of what it means to be a community and particular, a diverse community. After reading through the first few pages I thought ‘this could be me writing this book!’ I sent the following text to my friend:
“Ma’am, you sound like a very reasonable person. Can I advise you to just move?”
“Carissa Halton and her young family move into a neighbourhood with a tough reputation. As they make their home in one of the oldest parts of the city (Edmonton), she reflects on the revitalization that is slowly changing the view from her little yellow house. While others worry about the area’s bad reputation, she heads out to meet her neighbours, and through them discovers the innate beauty of her community. Halton introduces us to a cast of diverse characters in her Alberta Avenue neighbourhood—including cat rescuers, tragic teens, art evangelists, and crime fighters—and invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shape and reshape our cities.” (Goodreads description).
This book is a reminder that there are many stories within our community and neighbourhood. Who will tell them and who will listen?
(A note from my neighbour/friend after reading the book)