The Reason You Walk: A Memoir
The Reason You Walk: A Memoir is Wab Kinew’s account of reconnecting with his father during the year of his terminal cancer diagnosis. It brings family reconciliation together with reflections on Anishinaabe identity, residential school history, and the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada.
At a glance
- Centres on Wab Kinew’s effort to rebuild his relationship with his father over the year 2012.
- Connects family history with the father’s experience at residential school and broader Indigenous history.
- Described as both lighthearted and solemn, with attention to healing, identity, and reconciliation.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a personal father-son story with reflections on Anishinaabe identity and residential school history.
- The listed 288-page length gives buyers a clear indication of the book’s scope.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Penguin Canada |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 30 2017 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0143193554 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0143193555 |
| Weight listed | 272 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 2 x 20.3 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing presents this as a personal memoir and cultural reflection, not as a reference-only account. Its focus includes painful family history and residential school abuse.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a personal memoir about family reconciliation and a father-son relationship.
- Readers interested in Anishinaabe identity, residential school history, and Indigenous perspectives in Canada.
Less suited to
- Readers looking only for a short, detached overview of Indigenous history rather than a personal memoir.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the memoir as moving, interesting, and educational, with positive remarks about its readability and writing. For readers drawn to its family and Indigenous-history themes, those reported strengths suggest an accessible personal approach. The overall rating distribution is largely in the higher star categories, but ratings alone do not show which themes or passages readers valued.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the story as moving and the memoir as interesting and informative.
- Feedback praises the writing as well-written and compassionate.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Reason You Walk about?
It follows Wab Kinew’s attempt to reconnect with his father after a terminal cancer diagnosis, while reflecting on family history, Anishinaabe identity, and residential school experiences.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 288 pages.
What format and language are listed?
The product details identify a reprint in English. The listing does not specify a binding format.
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