Why Greg Johnson thinks Precious Cargo should win Canada Reads
The finalists for Canada Reads 2018 have been announced and now it's up to the defenders to make the case for why their selection should win CBC's annual battle of the books.
The debates, hosted by Ali Hassan, take place March 26-29, 2018.
Storm chaser Greg Johnson is defending Precious Cargo by Craig Davidson. On CBC Radio's q, he made a case for why this memoir should win Canada Reads.
"It's easy to read and it's funny and it's more important now than ever. Precious Cargo is about a man's journey driving a special-needs school bus — kids that are often invisible. This book made me open my eyes to the struggles and reality of living a different way. My four kids are healthy and happy and it's rare that I give that advantage much thought. After reading Precious Cargo, I understand that our lives can be very different. I'm going to reveal the last line of the book, 'My dearest wish is to have handled everything with honesty, tenderness and empathy.' That's the most perfect line ever written."
The Canada Reads 2018 contenders:
- Mozhdah Jamalzadah, defending The Boat People by Sharon Bala
- Tahmoh Penikett, defending American War by Omar El Akkad
- Greg Johnson, defending Precious Cargo by Craig Davidson
- Jeanne Beker, defending Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto
- Jully Black, defending The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline