Journeywoman: Reader Reviews

I picked up Journeywoman and pretty much sat down till I got to the last page. It cracked me up – like when you changed your outfit twice before your first day of work – and made me weep and kept me riveted… The personal story, the ‘70s flashbacks, the harrowing saga of gender, the union history, the immersion into what it is to work in the trades as a woman, but also for any non-trades reader, a virtual, 3-D tour of what the work entails… Loved it all. Bravo!

female family therapist

What a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t want the story to end. Thank you for writing this important book. It should be required reading for young women who take their rights for granted.

female painter

I couldn’t put it down. I too worked in non-traditional jobs in the 1980s in Toronto. I was a single mother and being paid “men’s wages” enabled me to buy a decent home where I could raise my sons… While reading your book I started to put check marks beside the sentences and paragraphs that were similar to my own experiences and the whole book is now full of check marks!!

female stationary engineer, labourer, truck driver, electrical technologist, union executive

Journeywoman is a great read, well paced, thoroughly interesting and inspiring.

editor

You’ve heard about books that are difficult to put down – well, your new book is one of them. Reading the darn thing compulsively, as I did, got in the way of ever so many other important activities. Today I was driving behind a flatbed truck loaded with trusses. I now have a much fuller appreciation of the knowledge and skill that go into building one of these on the job.

writer, university creative writing instructor

This book is marvellous. It is such a dance to hang on to yourself in the midst of the hero-heroine’s journey, especially when you are receiving multiple messages that whoever you are doesn’t belong here. I particularly liked her self-soothing and positive self-talk. Because you love something doesn’t make it easy to learn; perhaps harder because you care so much?

I found so many reminders of my own time growing up as a strong and feisty young feminist woman. I was mesmerized by your stories, the challenges you had to deal with and your strong spirit. Many thanks for the gift of this book.

I’m going to work on my pecs!

female legal librarian

I not only liked this book, I loved it! I lost sleep for three nights in a row, reading. I didn’t want it to end!

male union excutive

I am a woman who has worked in “non-traditional fields” for over 20 years. Kate… has given a voice to the thoughts and feelings I have experienced over the years often being the only woman on the job. Her ability to tell her story with humor, and a no-frills, get-to-the-heart-of-the-story style, is refreshing. Thank you Kate. You have not only told your story but many women’s stories.

Tyee, reader review

As a non-English speaking immigrant, I experienced some of the same attitudes as you. Your book clearly spells out how a construction worker thinks, talks, feels and acts. Did I mention that I love the book! Good job, sister!

male carpenter, union executive member

I devoured Journeywoman. I think it should be required reading for young women now in their twenties. They need to know what our world was like a short time ago.

retired male judge

This is a courageous book. A lot of what you have described [of the social era of the ‘70s and ‘80s] had its effects on my wife and I but somehow you have taken that experience and made it simultaneously your inner personal life and the universal public life we all shared. This is a great book.

University English professor

Don’t underestimate this book; it is much more than an exploration of “women’s non-traditional work.” It is a chance to begin to reflect on the profound scars that gender training leaves on every one of us. I have worked as a welder … in heavy industry since I was 17. The power of this story frankly knocks my socks off.

Tyee

I found myself laughing, crying and sometimes gasping in amazement. Thank you for this gutsy, compelling account.

Tyee

Your carpentry poetry book was a reflection of my feelings. You were able to explain the aloneness and the pride of being a “carpentress.” You gave me solace that through sinew and sawdust, the brilliance of building was an addiction not lost to all women. I am in the middle of devouring Journeywoman. Thank you for the honesty. Morning comes quick when you can’t put a book down.

female carpenter

Your book is the best read since the adventures of Tom Sawyer. Wonder-ful.

male carpenter, member of union executive