Addie Colbourne stopped in my office one day and told me he was writing a book. He began to fill me in on some of the stuff that he had written in the book and also told me many other stories that he said he couldn't put in the book because it would hurt too many people. I recall when he was telling me all this stuff I said the word "really" a lot. The stories he told got my curiosity going and I told him to make sure he saved me a copy of his book.
The next thing you know Addie is in my office holding his one and only copy entitled The Black Sheep of Northern Newfoundland. The books weren't in yet but he said I could read his copy. I began to read it during the 25-minute drive home after work. I even read parts of it out loud to share. When we pulled in the driveway I was disappointed to be home because I wanted to continue reading. Even though I had other plans for that evening I could not put the book down. It kept me from doing anything else. I did not go to bed till I finished it.
Addie's autobiography tells a story of young boy being bullied and suffering from abuse. It's a story of Addie's life and how he endured hardships from youth to adulthood. There are many unbelievably sad moments but yet this book also made me laugh out loud so many times. Addie writes it as he sees it. I was surprised to read of stories of when he worked for Inco (now Vale Inco).
It's really interesting reading a book when you know so many of the characters in the book. I emceed his 25th wedding anniversary and know many members of his family. Whether you know Addie or not you will find this book an interesting read. When Addie asked me what I thought of the book I had to ask, "Is that all really true?" Addie replied, "Every last word and wait till you read the second book!" If it's as interesting as the first one my $20 is waiting.
Whether you like the style of his writing, what he has to say, or if you're wondering could all this stuff really happen to one person, I think it's important to support local authors and we do have some excellent writers in Thompson.
