Reviews & Interviews

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I received this review this week [June 5, 2023]

Hi Jerry.

I met you on the boardwalk in Halifax about three weeks ago when my friends and I were visiting that wonderful city. We chatted a bit and I, fortunately, ended up buying your book of tales featuring your boyhood in King’s Point, Newfoundland. You mentioned that you wrote it primarily for your three adult children so that they could appreciate the childhood you enjoyed, which differed so dramatically from theirs.

I can’t speak for them, but I spent a few very enjoyable evenings immersing myself in the adventures of the Rideout family kids and their friends recounted in your book.

I feel I have a much better understanding of life in an outport village in Newfoundland in the fifties and sixties, which brought back fond memories of my own childhood growing up in rural Ontario, along with my ten cousins and the various friends and family pets we managed to collect.

Keep writing….. we need more homespun tales like this.

Regards,
Donna

This might just be the funniest review I have ever received.

Jerry

A friend of mine directed me to your story on onions and demanded that I read it. I think it’s because she has been so frustrated with me over the years because I can never enjoy myself when the gang goes out to eat.

I’m the one who always has chicken or fish because any thing else “might” have an onion in it. I’m the one who couldn’t eat a tossed salad in a restaurant because they brought it to me with one small sliced onion on top. My friends, rather unsympathetically I might add, said, “Can’t you just pick ti off?” Pick it off? PICK IT OFF?????? Then the lettuce would still have the onion smell, not to mention the contamination of my fingers or whatever utensil I might use to pick it of with.

I almost cried when you spoke of eating toast that had been buttered with a knife that might previously have touched an onion. I have had to throw away a glass of ice water that was offered to me at a friend’s house because her ice cubes tasted like onions. Somehow, the onion stench managed to work its evil way from the vegetable crisper to the freezer. You can identify with that, can’t you?

Childhood was hell. “No dear, I didn’t put onions in this casserole,” my mother would innocently say. After one bite, and the recognition of betrayal by a loved one, I would protest, “There are too, onions in here!” My mom would say, “I didn’t put any in there—there must have been some in the sauce.” Or the favourite excuse, “Well I ground them up so small, I didn’t think you would notice.”

I have also been the victim of small acts of sabotage. Once, while drinking an iced tea, I noticed a small sliver of onion skin clinging to the inside of the glass. I rushed to the sink and spit out the contaminated liquid and dumped the rest down the drain. Another time, I was eating a homemade brownie, when I sensed that sickening taste in my mouth. After probing the contents of my mouth and the rest of my brownie, I found the culprit–one of those”white things with the lines in it.” I’m ashamed to say, I rather viciously accused my dear mother of purposely planting an onion in my brownie. She tried to deny it by saying, “It must have been lying on the counter when I was making the brownies and accidentally got into the mix.” Yeah sure, and out of the entire pan of brownies, I had to be the one to get the wayward onion. I don’t think so.

Thanks for capturing the feelings of us onion survivors so perfectly.

Randi S.
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I’ve read a lot of memoirs about going growing up in remote, coastal, Atlantic Canada. I count Rideout’s book among the best of them: for his telling details, the depth that he works between the lines, his sense of humour, and his sense of drama.

My Life in Short Form makes birthday and Christmas shopping a lot easier!

Emanuel J.
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I found Jerry Rideout’s stories to be both moving, rich in sentimental value, and a reawakening to a simpler, less encumbered time. Parents seemed to trust that we would survive all the many trials and tribulations we encountered, or they just knew that experience was the best teacher. I found his book to be a deeply personal recollection of a series of events and life happenings.

The book is written in language that emphasizes place, situation, plot, and feelings. Each chapter is a mini-adventure of one sort or the other. And even though it did not fall into the category of books I am usually interested in (romance or mystery), I found myself intrigued by the nostalgic bent of each one of the stories. I have seriously enjoyed reading each new story. Jerry certainly knows how to keep this reader interested!!

Reading “My Life In Short Form” has reacquainted me with lost memories of my youth. Life seemed to move slower then. Those were days of simpler times, and of hardships that we were unaware were hardships, because of the support we got. We often learned the hard way what to do, and what not to do. We had the freedom to play, to be risk-takers, and to learn from our mistakes. There were many funny anecdotes that made me chuckle. The lifestyle was so much more casual, yet meaningful.

Thank you, Jerry, for writing in a style that conjures up comic relief one moment, and admiration the next. You presented a clear vision of the past that makes the reader appreciate a little more what our lives should be. Also, thank you for emphatically pointing out the need for our society to be more tolerant, more generous, more forgiving, and more welcoming.

This book is written in a style that is visual, that is real, and draws the reader in. I do hope that Jerry has much success in all his future writings. I look forward to reading more from him.

Marlen H.
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“Reading Jerry Rideout’s book is like having a conversation with him.
I can hear his voice as I read it.”

Kathy P-G
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Jerry…

I’m not a reader but recently took your book on a plane trip west from NS. I could not put it down. We didn’t live in a small outport but back in the 50s, we had our own little King’s Point in our section of town. I can relate to 99% of your stories and still laugh when I recall them from your book. This is a must-read for baby boomers. Thanks for sharing this with us. Well done!

Bob L
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Hi Jerry

I grew up in Halifax in the 70-80s, and in a family with 11 children. I can relate to some of your stories, but what I enjoyed the most was your story-telling ability. I was captivated by your description of each adventure. I felt like I was in the story-line! Congratulations on this accomplishment! You’ve inspired me to begin dabbling in writing, maybe someday you’ll read my book! Thanks for the book, thoroughly enjoyed it!

Margaret
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Hello Jerry,

I was born in Little Bay Islands NL on Dec. 21, 1936. I just completed reading your book, MY LIFE IN SHORT FORM about growing up in Kings Point. It was so interesting I could hardly put it down. It mirrored my childhood days growing up on Little Bay Islands. Other than the cars and motorbikes, we both enjoyed the pleasures of being free as the birds.

Thanks,
Moody M
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THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

Remember the days when your youth was an uncanny replica of The Andy Griffith Show? When you and your friends were doing things that little Opie did on the small screen? Well, Newfoundland native, Jerry Rideout has penned his rich childhood experience on paper so that you, too, can reminisce about your lost youth. So come with Jerry as he takes you down memory lane to the age of innocence.

Singapore Press
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Dear Jerry,

I finished reading your book this morning and wanted to tell you I enjoyed it very much! I grew up in Grand Falls in the 40s and 50s when our road went to Badger in one direction and Botwood in the other. Buchan’s and Millertown Jct. were familiar to me as I visited them by train as a teen.

My father told me stories of fishing at Rattling Brook and my late husband worked on the Halls Bay Line as an engineer in the 60’s. As a young girl, I traveled from Port aux Basques to North Sydney on several seasick journeys. So, it was like a trip back home reading your story. We moved from St. John’s to Nova Scotia in 1973.

I found your book heartwarming and funny, reminding me of events in my own life. A friend of mine met you at the Farmers’ Market last September when he bought me a copy of your book as he thought I would like to read it. Thank you for signing it. Both he and I have done a little writing and I have some sense of what must have been involved for you in your project. I have wondered about the process of self-publishing but haven’t checked it out. I bake a lot of my own bread including a recipe of NFLD Molasses Raisin Bread and plan to use your mother’s method of greasing the pans the next time I make a batch.

Just after I was given a copy of your book I had family visiting from England and took them to Pier 21 and the Market hoping to find you there…no luck. Then Christmas preparations intervened and I didn’t finish reading it until this morning. I wonder if you still sell copies of your book at the market or if any of the local book stores have copies. A neighbour in my village of Ship Harbour is having a birthday in February and I would like to get a copy for him. At 85 he is still working cutting and junking firewood and I think there was a sawmill in his past! And he has a fondness for Newfoundland! And I know he would enjoy your book. Hoping to hear from you and my thanks for a great read.

Sincerely Kay B
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HELLO EVERYONE

Well, the wait ended today for Jerry Rideout’s book, My Life In Short Form, Stories From the early years growing up in King’s Point. We have been so anxious to receive it, we’ve gone to the mailbox every day for two weeks. Hubby, Norm Strong (Jr) immediately started reading it. He’s loving all the stories, especially the one of his brother… Walter Strong’s haircut. First time I’ve heard him laugh out loud in a long time. Thanks for the memories. This book is definitely a keeper.

R Strong
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Hi Jerry,

I am really enjoying your book and, as I was reading it, I keep thinking that Dad would enjoy this… but he has read nothing but obits in the paper for the last five years. His physical health has not been good, and he has probably not read a book for 10-15 years.

He came to the cottage with my sister and me this weekend. I mentioned the book, explained what it was, and how it reminded me of his stories. Low and behold, I found him out in the sun porch reading the book and laughing. He had the book in his hands and shared many of his own stories all weekend long. It certainly put many smiles on my sister’s face, and mine.

Thank you for the great weekend and the memories. I will get to finish the book on my next cottage trip.

Cathy (Parrsboro, Nova Scotia)
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Hi Jerry,

I was talking with my friend recently, and again he was saying how much he enjoys your book. His wife is reading it now and when she’s finished, he plans to read it again. He said you wrote the story of his life!I’m reading it again now as well and enjoying it all over again!

Thanks
Katy
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A visit back home!

I was given this book as a gift and now I’m going to give it to others! Reading Jerry’s tales of growing up in King’s Point brings me back to my own early life in rural Newfoundland. There are a rich familiarity and truth in his stories which fills me with delight and echoes my own experiences. His writing is clear and funny and I resonate with his need to leave and then go back. Thank you, Jerry, for a heartwarming read and a memorable visit.

Ron B
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This is Friggin’ amazing! Maybe my best book review yet!

Hello my name is Luke. I’m 9 years old and I LOVE your book (One of my favourites). My mom and dad went to Halifax in the autumn of 2018 and bought me this book.

I live on a farm that sounds like yours. I like your toy gun and Button, Button Who’s Got The Button. Your haircut story was awesome too.I live in southeastern Manitoba. I love writing books and I want to be an author. Can you write more books? Are there any other funny stories I could read?

Have a great day!
Luke
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I’m enjoying sneaking a read of Jerry Rideout’s new book, MY LIFE IN SHORT FORM, Stories from my early life in Kings Point, Nfld… a purchase for Judy’s stocking. Judy grew up in King’s Point and wanted a copy of this book. I’m sure she will enjoy reading it. I encourage everyone to pick up a copy. Even those of us that did not grow up in King’s Point can relate to most of Jerry’s stories.

Brian Warr, Springdale, NL
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My own experience…

I attended a family function at a church this weekend. After the ceremony, I learned that the deacon was from Newfoundland. I enquired about his history and found out he left the island in 1971. I told him that I left Newfoundland in 1972. He asked me where I grew up and I said I was from King’s Point. He remarked on the coincidence because he was currently reading a book of short stories by a guy from King’s Point.

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My first Chapters Review ?☆☆☆☆ 4 out of 5 stars.
GWillyz

A walk back to a simpler time.

I will admit I am not a reader but these stories resonated with me as many reminded me of my own childhood times. The stories are well written to paint a clear picture of growing up in a rural setting. I could clearly imagine the many walks and antics and also could put me in those same situations. I found the stories a great way to unwind at the end of a day from the high tech world we live in.✔ 

Yes, I recommend this product.
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Hello Mr. Rideout,

My name Greg Neville and I just read your story from your book in the Downhome Magazine. You spoke of a blind man named Patrick who came to your parents’ home in King Point, NL. That man was my uncle Pat Neville. I traveled with him a lot back in early to the late fifties. At the time I would have been between 15 and 18 years of age. He also sold pencils. Uncle Pat died when he was 86 years old. He was first-mate in the merchant navy. He signed up in 1941.

I really like your story. It brought back a lot of memories.

Gregory Neville,
Sudbury, ON
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Hi Jerry

I can’t imagine how any boy who grew up in KP would not have a copy of your book! I read it and was truly enthralled. Your time was a little later than mine but many of your adventures were the same. Your writing style sure brought many of those adventures alive. Thank you so much for a great walk down memory lane! 

We also used to play cowboys and Indians on the back of your uncle Jack’s house.?

Thanks again.
DC
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Hi Jerry,

I have just finished reading your book. I am impressed with your descriptions of events and observations eg. making the snowshoes and your walk to the store with your grocery list on Saturday morning. I had never heard of using a piece of bread dough to grease the bread pans. A piece of butter paper was the method I was familiar with. I was surprised you were allowed to leave school at Grade 9 but really admire you for going to St. John’s to complete your high school, followed by further education and a successful career. I would recommend a copy of your book be in all Newfoundland school libraries.

Congratulations!
Geneva
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Another satisfied reader ?

I love this book. Thank you for the gift, Kristen. Having grown up in Windsor, only an hour away from King’s Point, this book took me back to my own childhood. Those were simple, carefree, and fun times. I recommend the book and even if you’re not from NL, you’ll enjoy Jerry’s stories.

JB Wells
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Hi Jerry,

I am really enjoying your book very much. I do like your style of writing, you are witty and I love your humor about the games you used to play, and carrying out acts and games your parents were not always in favour of, etc. I found it amusing to read about some of the toy games you and your friends created in order to have some fun.

They seem to have been international because I (I am Dutch) have been playing with the same stuff (the string with the button and then turning it around fast which started to make a funny buzzing sound). We were sometimes holding it against a window but we had to be careful because that could have had some repercussions. The hopscotch game on the pavement (we had paved areas then), writing numbers, and then pushing a flat stone from one number to the other until 10 and then back, was quite a challenging activity.

The cod liver oil and the iodine/Mercurochrome treatments are exactly the same as what I experienced. Indeed, we did not have the toys and games kids are playing with right now. I think we have to praise ourselves because we were actually quite creative and that is beneficial for youngsters.

I visited Newfoundland last year August and I must say I fell in love with that province. I definitely would like to return in the not too distant future.

Anyway, those were a few points I wanted to share with you. This is a wonderful storybook. I continue reading…

Cheers
Annemarie R
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Thank you for sharing! You’ve made me cry! I loved reading your memories.

Dale,
St. John’s, NL
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Great yarns. I too can remember my first six-shooter cap gun and to boot, a pair of Spurs came with it.

Anthony
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec
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Beautiful stories. I’m sure most Newfoundland children can relate. It was so exciting to get an apple, a few candies, and sometimes a few pennies in a little change purse… and yes, one year I did get a doll. It really was magical.

Stella
Cambridge, Ontario
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What wonderful stories. Thank you. My most favourite present was a little piano with numbers on the keys and a sheet showing how to play real songs. And, of course, there was always a doll. Magical days in Newfoundland at Christmas.

Anne Marie
Alberta
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Wonderful stories… brings me back to my childhood. I Fondly remember Dad cutting the Christmas tree one year… the special apples we only got at Christmas (a.k.a red delicious). Too bad kids today don’t appreciate the simpler things in life.

Trish
Nova Scotia
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Thank you for generously sharing a part of yourself… hand-knit stories?

R.J.
Newfoundland
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Love to hear more of your wonderful childhood stories. When the whole family is around for the holiday that is the most valuable time one can have. Your Christmas story reminds me of my own childhood in the Netherlands when my sister and I got mitts and scarves for the winter. But then we also got wooden skates which were the Dutch fashion during the ’40s and the ’50s.

Annemarie
Ottawa
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Hi Jerry,

For me, your Christmas story brought back fond memories of our growing up in Main Brook on the great northern peninsula. Very much the same, wonderful memories.

Mae
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Thanks for taking me back to my childhood. Growing up in St. John’s in the 50’s we never received a lot but I remember getting skates when I was 10. My favourite gift to date.

Calgary, Alberta
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Hi Jerry,

I finished reading your super book two days ago and what fun it was. More often than not I was chuckling to myself at some of the mischiefs you got into. I’m a few years older than you and I remember the 1940s as well as the 50s, 60s, and beyond.

I’ve been meaning to sit down and start putting anecdotes on paper, and your memories have jogged mine and many of them are parallel. I told my son he couldn’t have his Christmas present until I finished reading it. I hope you have managed to sell many books because it’s one of the most entertaining reads I’ve had in a long time.

I’m so pleased I stopped by your table that weekend at the market. Best of luck and Happy New Year. Let me be the first to know when you write the long version!

Cheers
Anne M
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Good Morning

Jerry, I just want to let you know how much I am enjoying your book, many times it brings a smile to my face and more often a laugh out loud……..a testament to that was this morning. I take the bus from Fall River into Halifax and we’ve all gotten to know one another. A friend said to me “Lisa, you read every day but this is the first time I’ve seen you smile so much and laugh”. Whatever you are reading must be great!!! I’m recommending your book to all my family and friends.

Have a great day dear.

Lisa
Halifax
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Last week, as we left Rattling Brook heading out for a few weeks in Ontario, we stopped at the Pottery Shop in King’s Point. I bought a copy of a book entitled “MY LIFE IN SHORT FORM” by Jerry Rideout, whom we know only through his writings and Facebook. My husband, Julian read the book over the next two days while en route to our destination. After he completed reading the book, I asked him, “What do you think? You enjoyed it?”. This basically was HIS reply as he responded to me through smiles and tears and, I quote…

“I didn’t know Jerry while growing up AND I don’t know why. He is only a year older than I am, and we walked the same roads, hung out at the same pool hall, bought candies at the same stores, shared a common first cousin, shared hundreds of common friends, most definitely was attracted to the same girls AND then spent the majority of our career in the Halifax/Dartmouth area.”

Jerry’s book is excellent, easy reading and a must for anyone who grew up in any rural setting in Atlantic Canada. His writing skills will take you back to your first days of school, your first haircuts, your mentors, your delinquent teenage idols, the games you played, and the toys you made. He will force you to walk beside him as he “makes his way” through Bully’s Cove, over Turncoat Hill, down past both Corner and Rattling Brooks, stopping at the government wharf and on to get groceries at Toms’s Store. He then ventures farther afield to cast capelin at Nickey’s Nose Cove or maybe a trip over The Devil’s Drop to Springdale.

As teenage years move on to adulthood and a real career he’ll take you to St. John’s (the big scary city and intimidation from being a bayman who dropped and added the letter “H” unknowingly). A career “without a plan” – he didn’t need a plan because he had what so many young Newfoundlanders had as they left home in the early 60’s and 70’s. He had both passion, ambition, and determination, all-the-while being guided by a strong moral compass. A compass that responded to his mother’s prayers, his father’s advice and somewhat subtle hints, the help from his siblings, and the wisdom from peers and friends back home in King’s Point… just as a magnetic compass responds to the earth’s magnetic field.

So, do yourself a favour… become familiar with this book and re-live yesteryear in outport Newfoundland, and be prepared to think back, wipe tears from your eyes and Laugh Out Loud. Thanks, Jerry, for a stroll down memory lane!

Julian (& Gail)
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Hi Jerry,

I finished the book!!! Last night. It was truly a wonderful, fun read. I so enjoyed the wit, charm, and details of all your stories except the ones with engines details, I had to get my husband to translate the jargon. Just teasing! What I found fascinating is the parallel between our lives… all those miles apart. I remember making our own toys, forts, etc. with used lumber from Dad’s garage. I also learned how precious your Mom and family are to you.Take care, enjoy the summer and thanks for sharing your life with me.

Sharon (Etobicoke, Ontario)
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Hello Mr. Rideout

I am writing on behalf of my husband. He wanted me to pass along that he really enjoyed your book. He grew up in rural Prince Edward Island in the 50s and 60s. The topography would have been quite different but many of the storylines rang true to his childhood. I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you 
M. L. Snowie
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Hi Jerry,

I just finished your book. I was visiting Halifax in December and found you at a market selling My Life… I found it odd that a NL’er would be selling a book in Halifax, about growing up in a small NL town so I bought the book and put it away for future reading. I often buy local Newfoundland books to support local writers and often, well, let’s just say I don’t get my money’s worth.

Your book was amazing. It was professionally written, witty  (you have a great command of the English language), and very entertaining. I’m not usually a fan of short stories but you hit a home run with this style and I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single story.

BUT certainly, a key attraction was that I’m close to your age and also grew up in a small NL town (Hr. Grace). Your stories brought back many memories, even a few tears. How can anyone possibly remember so many details from so many years ago? So many times I had to pause, recall, smile, and return to reading and wait for the next happy memory to be thrown at me. You are indeed blessed to have such a memory. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing it with us in such a magnificent way. 

Congratulations on an excellent book.

Cheers,
Brian M
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