28 Nov Review: Dangerous Memory: Coming of Age in the Decade of Greed
Dangerous Memory: Coming of Age in the Decade of Greed
Written by: Charlie Angus
House of Anansi Press, 2024
ISBN: 9781487012885 (paperback)
9781487012892 (EPUB)
$26.99 CAN (paperback)
$19.99 CAN (EPUB)
320 pages
Ages: 14 years and up
Review by: K. Joan Harrison
This important nonfiction title reads like a memoir but is infused with historical information and guided by an intimate understanding of the bigger picture. Charlie Angus, a former punk rock band member and current Member of Parliament, recounts his experiences as a young adult in 1980s Toronto. The stories are compelling and interesting, and connected to current topics of great public concern. Today’s situation is explained by decisions made in the 1980s (some of which are shocking in hindsight). There is hope, however, that the knowledge of these beginnings (Dangerous Memory) will arm current activists to take a stand and turn against the current tide. A must-read for any disillusioned Canadian, this book will resonate most with adults who have lived through the 1980s. Some mature teens may find relevant parallels, as well. Footnotes and a bibliography provide sources. Some historical photos are included.