Cover Image: Symbols of Canada

Symbols of Canada

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Member Reviews

I picked up this book from Netgalley more out of curiosity than anything else. I genuinely wanted to see what methods the authors would use to attempt to tear down cultural symbols of Canada because I was certain that was the purpose of this book. I was not wrong.

This book provides some historical context to some of the symbols, but the main thrust of each chapter is how bad the symbol is in one way or another. The "bad" aspects range from the absurd - "We can't have the beaver as a national symbol because it can be used as a euphemism for female genitalia!" to the willfully obtuse - "Vimy Ridge was all but denounced after the war!" during a time when pacifism and denunciations of the war were all you heard from the Allies.

In some cases, symbols discussed are quite obscure - not even all Canadians are aware of them. I asked! Some symbols of Canada were completely ignored. I know, so hard to find something bad to say about hockey or curling. But we can find something bad to say about lacrosse. The uneven application of this was apparent as part of the general thrust of the book - how to tear down Canadian symbols.

In one case, I was actually impressed. They managed to find something bad to say about their healthcare system. In fairness, their criticism was accurate. I knew in the 1990s that the system was overwhelmed because healthcare providers told me so. It has only gotten worse since then.

In short, if you want to read the worst possible spin on cherrypicked symbols of Canada? Then this book is for you. I mean, seriously, they even manage to take a go at Anne of Green Gables! My recommendation? If you want to know the true history of these symbols, do some research on your own. Are all their criticisms foolish? No. Some are quite valid. Unfortunately, they package the valid with the vapid and package it like they are all equal.

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When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a photographic representation of Canadian Symbols and some description and historical information about them. I was mistaken. This book was full of essays that were a lot wordier than I had expected. The photos and illustrations were great as as the publisher said, they symbols were varied, Timbits, totem totem poles, maple syrup, red-uniformed Mountie, the maple leaf, and the beaver—to concepts—like free healthcare, peacekeeping, and saying “eh?”. Overall, with many different authors, some of the selections were interesting and held my attention, some were rambling and went on and on. I especially enjoyed the information about the history of The Mounties and thought it was great that Laura Secord was included (she didn't make chocolate). Overall, this was an okay book. Being Canadian I enjoyed the information, and loved the images. I would probably not use this with elementary students like I had hoped as it is too long winded and can be dry in many of the entries. For anyone wanting to learn more about the things that many Canadians identify with, this would be a great place to start.

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To be perfectly frank, when I requested Symbols of Canada, I was expecting an arty "coffee table" type book that would allow me to stoke my delicate Canadian ego by flipping through pages filled with Canadian patriotism. Instead, though, this book is a collection of essays on various motifs that are famously used to represent Canada.

As with any anthology with multiple contributors, the style and quality of writing ranges significantly, and some of the essays would certainly benefit from an editor's hand to clarify and tighten up the prose. That said, I learned something new from each of the essays, and I was pleased to see that each of the authors was careful to include the negative aspects and history associated with each of the symbols.

3.5 stars rounded up for this collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Between the Lines for providing me with a DRC of this book.

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First off: A disclaimer. I am not Canadian. That is the number one reason I wanted to read this book. Me, as an American, found it fascinating. It was a bit long winded at points, but I saw that as passion on the author's part to really get across what they wanted to and show the pride they have in their country, so it was endearing to me. That said, I did have a hard time slugging through some of the chapters. Overall though, this was an informative book about all things Canadian. I learned a LOT and I would recommend this book.

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I was excited to read this book. Initially I thought I would definitely make my kids read this. However, after reading this book, I'm not so sure. I have mixed feelings. Of course, with any collection of essays written by various authors, some will be hits and others will be misses. I was excited to read the article about "Tim Hortons", for example, but the essay was one of many that fell flat to me. Other articles, like the one on the canoe, were confusing. Often authors' conclusions failed to take into the big picture.

Despite these problems, the essays included here would serve as a possible springboard to teaching historical interpretation and national symbols.

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As a Canadian, I was really excited to read this book. It features so many symbols that are commonly seen in Canada and talk about their importance and history. I think this is a great book to read to learn more about Canadian culture and more. There are many intricate photos and lots of explanation and references. Would recommend as a book in a classroom or living room.

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