THIN AIR streeter: Pam Stewart

When you first move to the neighbourhood, the grounds of the Winnipeg Legislature are as good as any place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For her first time visiting the area, Pam Stewart brought a notebook, pen, camera, lunch and Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins from the library.

What is the book about?

"I just started reading it, and right now it is about a stock market crash."

What made you choose this book?

"The author was recommended to me by a few people."

Would you recommend it?

"Even though I am not far into it yet, I would simply because of the absurd language."

What is your favourite genre to read?

Searching for the right word to describe it, Pam said her favourite genre of literature would be the equivalent to drama. She thoroughly enjoys books written by women, especially when female authors write about human relationships.

A shot of Pam enjoying her book.

"I usually stick to female writers because I want to read something I can relate to,” she explained. “I wouldn't normally read a book written by a dude, but this book has a female lead."

Why do you love to read?

"It gives me ideas as a writer," said Pam, who writes short fiction and has studied creative writing.

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!

- Laura Kunzelman

THIN AIR streeter: Jennesa Dyck

I saw Jennesa Dyck swing dancing with a bunch of friends at the outdoor stage in the Exchange District at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival earlier this summer. I approached her, we began talking, and our topic of conversation often circled around both books and reading.

What are you currently reading?

“Right now I'm reading four books. Well, I've started four books, at least. I'm not sure that I can claim to be currently reading all of them – it seems that I don't have as much free time for reading as I would like.

I'm halfway through Jean M. Auel's latest addition to the 'Earth's Children' series - The Land of Painted Caves. I didn't even know it had come out (or that she was working on it), but I happened to see it in McNally Robinson one day and so I bought it. I already own the rest of the books in the series, and the second one - Valley of Horses - is very probably my favourite book.

Auel should, however, have quit after Plains of Passage – the fourth book – because the one after that isn't very good and this one is even worse. I love these characters, but now the story line seems so dull and forced. It's as though she has taken too much interest in the history of the area, which is certainly fascinating, but it has completely overshadowed any semblance of a serviceable plot line or any interest in character development. Perhaps that's why I haven't gotten any further.

I'm also reading Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel, but I haven't yet made it past the prologue. This one came at the very strong recommendation of a friend. He swears it's brilliant, but I'm reserving judgment for a time when I've read more than twenty-two pages of it.

The last two are both by Joel Nickel: The Shadow in the Darkness and Ouroboros. I'm reading both of them not only out of interest in the stories but also because I was asked to edit them. So far, so good, but it's difficult to get into a story when you're watching for grammatical errors and taking time to write comments in the margins before jumping back in. I will once again reserve judgment until I've had a chance to read them all the way through (without having to edit as I go).”

What is your preferred genre? 

“I think that my favourite genre is probably fantasy (followed closely by historical fiction). This is most likely because I use reading as a means of escape from reality. I never read for pleasure during the school year (if I did, I'd never get any work done), so when I start reading in the summer I want it to be a relaxing experience.

I read when I want to wind down before bed, or when I want to spend an entire day just doing nothing – it's a way to turn my brain off and just enjoy existence without great effort.

With fantasy, I can just let the story take me away and let the characters do all of the work – it's effortless pleasure, and that's what I like best about it.”

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!

- Joel Nickel

THIN AIR streeter: Amanda Buchko

What better way to escape the drama of your everyday life than by taking a break from it and indulging in someone else's life story? You could read a biography, perhaps. Even better, pair that with a trip to the nearest park and you’re in for a treat...

That is where I found Amanda Buchko on a Monday evening, sitting under the shade of one of Munson Park’s old Elm trees. Munson Park is a popular place for many people living around Winnipeg’s beautiful River Heights area. While sipping a refreshing bottle of iced tea - one that would save her from the sizzling, hot day - she treated her wild side to a taste of I'm With the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres.

Interviewee Amanda Buchko enjoying a VERY warm Monday with a book.

What is the book about?
“Pamela Ann Miller (Des Barres) tells the story of her life as a groupie in the late 60's and early '70's. After graduating high school she moved from Reseda, California to the Los Angeles Sunset Strip. She was a member of the GTO's, an all girl group formed by Frank Zappa, who she later became a nanny for. She had "affairs" with Keith Moon, Chris Hillman, Jim Morrison, Waylon Jennings, Mick Jagger and many others. I'm currently reading about her time with Jimmy Page.”

Why did you choose this book?
“I was browsing through Coles on my lunch to pass the time and picked this up in the Biography section. It was the only copy, and I love reading anything to do with the music industry. It also had quotes on the back from Robert Plant and Gene Simmons raving about Pamela, how could I resist?”


What sparked your love of reading?
“My Dad used to read to me every night before bed, starting when I was really young. We went through all the Little House books and anything else I could get my hands on.

I started to realize that reading a book was way more interesting than the stuff I was watching on television. Books have a way of pulling you in. I'll get lost in a book and ignore anyone and everything around me.”


Is there anything you would like to add?
“TV has become such a necessity to people these days. They'll have 200 channels and still complain there's nothing on! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it as much as the next person, but pick up a damn book and exercise your mind!"

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!

- Nicole Dola

THIN AIR streeter: Lexsie Castro

Under the shade of Manitoba Hydro Place, Lexsie Castro sat at Second Cup sipping her coffee and enjoying A Piece of Cake.

This piece, however, was enjoyed not by a fork but by the eyes. It is a book titled A Piece of Cake: A Memoir, and it was written by Cupcake Brown.

What is your book about?

“It’s the autobiography of Cupcake Brown, a successful lawyer who shares her struggles as she was growing up,” said Castro. “Her mother passed away when she was young and she was sent to an abusive foster home, which eventually lead her to drugs, alcohol and prostitution.”

A candid shot of Castro enjoying her book.

Why did you decide to sit here and read?

As Castro neared the end of A Piece of Cake, she told a friend working nearby she would wait for him at the Second Cup on Edmonton Street and read until he was finished work. 

“I just miss sitting here and reading,” she said. “I used to come here all the time when I was in school about six years ago.”

Do you recommend this book?

“I would definitely recommend A Piece of Cake to people. I mean, it’s not for everyone, but I would recommend it to anyone who has struggled in life in general,” said Castro. “I can’t relate to her life myself, but it was amazing to read how someone can change and come out of a bad situation.”

Castro – who is more into reading fiction – had A Piece of Cake recommended to her by a friend.

“I thought it would be interesting and different from what I am used to reading because my friend said it was all about sex, drugs and alcohol.”

For Castro, A Piece of Cake has been one of the most inspiring books she has read.

“Reading her book made me realize that no matter what situation you’re in, or how old you are, or how hard you’ve hit rock bottom, it’s never too late.”

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!

- Brian Bulos

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THIN AIR streeter: Mallory Richard

Mallory Richard was sitting at the Second Cup in Osborne Village when I saw her reading. For future reference, the cool, air-conditioned solace of the coffee shop is a wonderful place to isolate oneself from the summer heat, especially when paired with a good book and caffeine.

She was reading Canadian Labour in Crisis by David Camfield. I was immediately intrigued and wanted to learn more.

What is your favourite genre to read?

“I love reading books that offer insights and perspectives that can change the way I understand and experience the world. For non-fiction, that usually means history, politics, and cultural studies – books that try to explain why things are the way they are. For fiction, it means seeing the world through the eyes of characters whose lives differ from mine, but still resonate.”

Why did you choose that particular book?

“I'd heard about this book because Mondragon was hosting its launch, and I thought I'd give it a try. I really like how Camfield describes the workers' movement in a way that's critical but not defeatist.”

The cover of the book Richard was reading.

Why do you enjoy reading?

“For me, reading means discovery: new ideas, information, pleasures, possibilities. Reading as an "escape" can be wonderful, but my life and experiences affect the reading I do, and I like the reading I do to affect my life and experiences.”

Do you have any final thoughts?

“This book has been especially interesting because its topic is so relevant. During the recent federal election, parties and candidates worked hard to appeal to middle-class Canadian "families,” but Camfield makes the point that even though many Canadians self-identify as middle class, they are members of the working class.

There were also two high-profile strikes very recently, and it's fascinating to hear what Camfield has to say about strikes and other activities meant to advance workers' interests.”

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!   

THIN AIR streeter: Ashley Goodfellow

I met Ashley Goodfellow on the set of a film being shot in Winnipeg.

We were both extras and, as many extras can attest to, there was plenty of downtime. While waiting for her next scene, Ashley was reading Echkart Tolles’ A New Earth. For my first THIN AIR streeter I decided to come back to Ashley to ask her a few questions about her current book selection.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,” she said. “I love insightful books; books that make you think.”

Why did you choose that particular book?

“[It] was recommended to me by my previous employer. I actually didn't have any interest in reading it - sounded kinda lame to me and I almost didn't get it. But now that I've gotten into it I feel bad having judged it because it's honestly one of the best books I've ever read. It’s my second favourite book next to Tolles' A New Earth. It's a life-changing book for sure! It's helped me as much personally as it has professionally and has taught me some amazing insights that I can apply to all areas of my life. It's amazing! So glad I decided to read it!”

Why do you enjoy reading?

“I hated reading as a kid and then one day, I just woke up in my teen years and had to read everything in sight!  

The first novel I ever read was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It was assigned reading by my high school teacher. I loved that book! 

Then I read The Thief of Always by Clive Barker and I was off to the races! I love how reading stories can transport you to other times and other places. I started reading self-help type of books, insightful books, and loved how they challenged my beliefs/opinions and really made me think and question why I believe what I believe.

I suppose I love to read now because I love to learn! I believe words have great power and we need to respect them and use them wisely. For example, with words alone you can tear someone down or build them up. Words are powerful, and so is the knowledge they convey. I also believe knowledge is power, and I crave knowledge/learning.

I also read books about controversial topics such as "How Porn has hijacked our Sexuality" and "Saving Jesus from the Church."

Do you have any final thoughts?

“I feel sad for people that don't like to read. I feel like they're missing out on some of the richness of life. Reading is enriching and empowering. If there's something you want to learn, then there's a book that will teach you. It blows my mind that we have access to bookstores, libraries and online media where we can essentially learn anything we want. Books really are open doors to anywhere we want to go…”

A new THIN AIR streeter takes place right on the streets of Winnipeg every week. Next time, we could be walking up to YOU and asking questions about your book selections. Be ready!

-        Joel Nickel

THIN AIR hits the streets of Winnipeg

Have you ever sat down outside on a bench during lunch to read? It’s relaxing, isn’t it? Nothing can make that hour of freedom more enjoyable than becoming lost and immersed in the pages of an intriguing book.

At THIN AIR, we’re interested in what you’re reading. We also believe that other people are interested in what you’re reading too. Therefore, a section of this new and attractive-looking blog will be dedicated to you and your book selections.

Each week, a member of the THIN AIR team will interview a complete stranger on the street about the book he or she is currently reading. The results of the interview will be posted on this blog, and links will also be available on both Facebook and Twitter.

One moment, you’re sitting in a park sipping a cappuccino reading a book. The next, you’re famous. Who knew it could be so easy?

The first interview will be up within the next few days, and a new one will follow every week.

Stay tuned, and keep reading. It’s going to be an exciting summer…