Book Talk Tuesday: Canadian History for Dummies

Canadian History for Dummies, written by Will Ferguson was an enjoyable read. I'm trying to brush up on my non-existent knowledge of Canadian history (since I do live in Canada and should probably learn more about the place!) and this was a good way to start.

Starting at the beginning - with the people of the First Nations and the first viking settlement and ending with former PM Chrétien, this book covers many topics in between. I knew a few small facts - it's hard not to when you live so close to the Capital - but I learned so many interesting things. It was especially enlightening to read about the War of 1812 from a perspective decidedly *not* pro-American. :)

This had to be my favorite part:

An international conference is held on a certain subject. Let's say, "elephants." France submits a report entitled "The Love Life of the African Elephant." The English hand in "Elephants and the Empire." The Americans: "Building Bigger and Better Elephants." And the Canadians? They submit a report entitled: "Elephants: A Federal or Provincial Responsibility?"

Ferguson was able to make this sweeping overview of Canadian history entertaining with jokes like the one above that fit with the subject matter at hand (and the subject being the tug of war over control between the federal and provincial governments). It also helped to lighten some otherwise depressing points in the narrative (war and politics do tend to get a bit boring).

Overall I give it two thumbs up. Now I've got to find another book about Canadian history to add to my list. Any suggestions?