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Description
“Through the story of facing her fears, Abdou shows us that we are much stronger than we think.” — Jowita Bydlowska, author of Drunk Mom
This personal memoir of self-discovery tackles the problems of modern parenting in a digital age
Disillusioned with overly competitive organized sports and concerned about her lively daughter’s growing shyness, author Angie Abdou sets herself a challenge: to hike a peak a week over the summer holidays with Katie. They will bond in nature and discover the glories of outdoor activity. What could go wrong? Well, among other things, it turns out that Angie loves hiking but Katie doesn’t.
Hilarious, poignant, and deeply felt, This One Wild Life explores parenting and marriage in a summer of unexpected outcomes and growth for both mother and daughter.
About the Author
Angie Abdou has a PhD from the University of Calgary and is a Professor of Creative Writing at Athabasca University. Her first novel, The Bone Cage (NeWest Press), was a finalist in CBC's Canada Reads competition. She is also the author of Between and In Case I Go (both from Arsenal Pulp Press), The Canterbury Trail (Brindle & Glass), Anything Boys Can Do (Thistledown Press), and the memoir Home Ice (ECW Press). She lives in Fernie, BC.
Contributor Notes
Angie Abdou is the author of five novels and a memoir of hockey parenting, Home Ice. Her first novel, The Bone Cage, was a CBC Canada Reads finalist and was awarded the 2011–12 MacEwan Book of the Year. Angie is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Athabasca University. She lives in Fernie, B.C., with her family and two beloved but unruly dogs.
Editorial Review
“This memoir is unlike any other; through the story of facing her fears, Abdou shows us that we are much stronger than we think.” — Jowita Bydlowska, author of Drunk Mom
“Reading this memoir about a mother and daughter forging connections with the wilderness — and each other — is like going forest bathing: it will leave you feeling refreshed and restored, with a big smile on your face. This One Wild Life is written with great honesty, insight, and love. Nature needs more friends (and mothers) like Angie Abdou!” — Marni Jackson, author of The Mother Zone
“In this brave and intimate 21st century memoir, Abdou negotiates the whipsawing tensions between motherhood, selfhood, marriage, and public life in an age when secrets have never been harder to keep, social media can be a truth-teller’s harshest critic, and not even Nature can be counted on for sanctuary.” — John Valliant
“Anyone who has ever been pushed to do something outdoorsy because it was good for them — or who has been the parent doing the pushing — will find this sweet tale on the growing and changing parental relationship all too familiar.” — ELLE Canada
“To be worth reading, a successful memoir must offer readers more than a focused look at a slice of the author’s life … Abdou is a complex, multi-talented person with her share of quirks and hang-ups. But, more importantly, she is a thoughtful person, and a time spent with her will certainly offer much to ponder for equally thoughtful readers.” — Sport Literature Association
