About The Book
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DAD, GOD, AND ME
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Reviews
"This is a fascinating memoir that should interest a wide audience. Its focus is on a type of father-son relationship that is fairly common in its broad outlines. The author's father responds emotionally, sometimes sensually, in his writings about nature, his wife, and his being in the world. He’s shown more as a well-liked pastor in the community than a theologian. However, the irony comes out starkly that in many of the interactions with his family, it's the theologian (at least as a purveyor of formulaic words) that comes to the fore, not so much the attentive father.
But this memoir also deals sensitively with fundamentalism and adaptation to modernity in Canada and on the tensions and opportunities in our multiple religious, ethnic and other identities.
Overall, the author provides an empathetic and critical reading of his father's life and of his own development, while drawing in the wider historical and social context. A good read!"
- Lee Thiessen
But this memoir also deals sensitively with fundamentalism and adaptation to modernity in Canada and on the tensions and opportunities in our multiple religious, ethnic and other identities.
Overall, the author provides an empathetic and critical reading of his father's life and of his own development, while drawing in the wider historical and social context. A good read!"
- Lee Thiessen
"I bought the book last night in Steinbach and it's top on my To-Read list. I'd like to comment on Ralph's reading which I found to be particularly enjoyable.
Ralph's chosen passages were suitable and served as a sequential description of the book; first as an introduction, then becoming increasingly more personal and poignant. A fine taste of what's to come.
Ralph's humility, humour, candour, and humanity were on full display. I was transported to the tiny Steinbach of my childhood and the many fond memories I hold dear. Ralph also, without malice, it seemed to me, gave us some inkling of the challenges he faced. Challenges not singular to the author, I'd add.
But see (hear, feel) for yourself—Ralph has another at-bat scheduled for the 11th in the friendly confines of McNally Robinson, in the big smoke.
It will be almost like that time, back when the family was gathered together, "eating Platz and criticizing the Catholics..."
- Mitchell Toews
Ralph's chosen passages were suitable and served as a sequential description of the book; first as an introduction, then becoming increasingly more personal and poignant. A fine taste of what's to come.
Ralph's humility, humour, candour, and humanity were on full display. I was transported to the tiny Steinbach of my childhood and the many fond memories I hold dear. Ralph also, without malice, it seemed to me, gave us some inkling of the challenges he faced. Challenges not singular to the author, I'd add.
But see (hear, feel) for yourself—Ralph has another at-bat scheduled for the 11th in the friendly confines of McNally Robinson, in the big smoke.
It will be almost like that time, back when the family was gathered together, "eating Platz and criticizing the Catholics..."
- Mitchell Toews
News & Events
February 11, 2020
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Ralph Friesen -- Book Launch
Tuesday, Feb 11 2020 7:00 pm, Winnipeg, Grant Park in the Atrium, McNally Robinson Bookstore READ MORE Winnipeg launch of Dad, God, and Me: Remembering a Mennonite Pastor and His Wayward Son. |
February 6, 2020An Evening With The Authors
Monday, Feb 6 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum READ MORE "MHV/Village Books & Gifts are kicking off the new year with yet another great evening of literature and reflection. Please join us on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 7 pm, with special guests, Mayor Earl Funk, Authors Andrea Thiessen, Dennis Fast, Dr. Arden Thiessen, and Ralph Friesen. The Blumenort Children’s Choir will also make an appearance and children are welcome to join us between 7 pm and 8 pm for singing and storytelling. Admission is free. For more details call 204-326-9661 or www.mhv.ca." |
January 23, 2020
Nelson author to launch family memoir. Ralph Friesen presented Dad, God, and Me at Touchstones on Jan. 23
About The Author
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With degrees in English Literature and in Marriage and Family Therapy, Ralph Friesen is mindful of the transformative power of language and faith. Dad, God, and Me, his third book, deals partly with trauma—something he’s familiar with from personal experience and his career as a therapist. Now retired, he’s also an amateur historian, with a focus on Mennonite history. In 2009, he authored Between Earth & Sky: Steinbach, the First 50 Years, and in 2010, he received the Margaret McWilliams Award for excellence in the study and interpretation of the history of Manitoba, in the category of Local History. In 2004 he co-authored an inter-generational family history, Abraham S. Friesen, Steinbach Pioneer. Ralph lives in Nelson, British Columbia with his wife, Hannah.
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Contact
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