Blog
Bryan Davies
Bryan is an award-winning writer and commentator based in Sault Ste. Marie, where he is a United Front Entertainment, and UFE Tagona Press (Sault Millworks) founding partner. UFE is a multidimensional Canadian and international creative works enterprise. Bryan also has a lifelong passion for sport. He has coached with high school, elite junior women’s (U19), and Canadian college basketball teams since 1985.
Whispering Duke Schiller – Tom Douglas
Price range: $9.95 through $29.95The book “Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation” by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.
Douglas’s book is structured to highlight Schiller’s life and aviation exploits through detailed chapters, each focusing on pivotal moments of his career and personal life. These include his contributions to the Royal Air Force Ferry Command during World War II, his innovative work as a bush pilot, and his various brushes with death, including confrontations with rumrunners and rescues at sea. The foreword, written by a family member, adds a personal touch, emphasizing the familial pride in Schiller’s legacy.
The book does not merely recount Schiller’s life; it also explores why his name has faded from public memory despite his considerable contributions to aviation and heroism during both world wars. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Douglas aims to rectify this historical oversight, presenting Schiller’s story as not just a series of daring feats, but as a testament to the spirit of early aviation pioneers whose bravery and innovations laid the groundwork for modern air travel.
Peggy was Right By Patricia Zehr
Price range: $9.95 through $24.95Some books provide readers with insights into contemporary social issues through the author’s expert command of the subject matter. Others are equally engaging because the narrative strikes every right note universally associated with great, timeless writing: compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, provocative plot twists – and a message that helps readers make better sense of the world around them.
In Peggy was Right, Patricia Zehr artfully demonstrates how a combination of hard won, high level professional knowledge and writing ability can elevate a novel to great heights. Zehr’s 43 year Canadian healthcare career (first as a registered nurse, and then practicing as an obstetrics – gynecology specialist) provides Peggy was Right with its medical science rigor. Zehr draws on her personal experience working in one of the most challenging of all modern healthcare disciplines to tell the story of Peggy, a young, idealistic Ontario nurse who deliberately chooses to seek employment in Texas – a state with one of the highest US maternal mortality rates. Texas is also a reproductive rights battleground. Conservative state legislators immediately embraced the US Supreme Court’s 2022 reversal of Roe v Wade. Texas abortion bans and other restrictive reproductive health measures soon followed.
Peggy’s decision and her story opens with a harrowing prologue set in Texas, August 2023. Delilah, a Black, working class single woman supports her granddaughter, Becky, through a crisis that sets the stage for Zehr’s broader exploration of healthcare issues, personal struggles, and often profound racial inequality. Peggy was Right places ethically and politically conflicted American society in its crosshairs, where Zehr illustrates how the so-called North American ‘abortion debate’ is unfolding in ways where hope, human rights, physical and emotional pain, personal dignity, and (ultimately) resilience continually reshape the story.
Peggy was Right is a must-read for anyone who has navigated the turbulent waters of healthcare, felt the sting of systemic indifference, or fought for the right to make choices about their own body. It speaks to healthcare professionals and advocates, women’s rights activists, and general readers alike, offering a narrative rich with empathy, insight, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths.
Tagona Press is honoured to bring this important work to a wider audience. We believe in the power of stories to ignite conversations, challenge preconceptions, and drive meaningful change. Peggy was Right does just that, inviting readers to look beyond headlines and political rhetoric to see the human stories at the heart of our collective experience.
Read Peggy was Right and become part of a conversation that should matter to everyone, no matter where you may stand on the social, cultural, and medical ethics issues that Patricia Zehr explores with such nuanced skill. This novel is not just a reflection of our times. It is also a powerful call to action.
Beyond the Stars: The Adventures of Ethan and Apollo
Price range: $9.95 through $12.95“Beyond the Stars: The Adventures of Ethan and Apollo” is a captivating and heartwarming tale of an astronaut and his dog’s extraordinary journey to the moon and back. Set in the near future, the book delves into the profound bond between a man and his dog that transcends the boundaries of Earth and extends into the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Ethan, an accomplished astronaut, is chosen for a groundbreaking lunar mission. His loyal Golden Retriever, Apollo, ends up accompanying him, albeit inadvertently, setting the stage for an unexpected lunar adventure. On the moon, Apollo’s presence becomes more than just a comfort to Ethan; it evolves into a vital part of the lunar base’s ecosystem.
However, their lunar life is not without trials. The pair face unique challenges and unforeseen difficulties. Apollo falls ill, and in a riveting sequence of events, the astronauts are forced to use Apollo’s unique abilities to save their lunar base. The narrative explores the bond between Ethan and Apollo during these challenges, showcasing their resilience and the power of companionship.
The book also highlights the impact of their journey on Earth. Apollo becomes a global sensation, his courage and resilience touching millions of hearts. This connection between Earth and its lunar explorers adds a profound layer to the narrative, underlining the power of shared experiences and unity.
The return to Earth marks the climax of the story, filled with anticipation, excitement, and emotion. “Beyond the Stars” manages to weave an enthralling narrative of adventure and scientific discovery while focusing on the emotional journey of its characters.
Throughout the story, readers witness the evolution of Ethan and Apollo’s relationship. From being just a man and his dog, they transform into lunar heroes, their bond becoming a symbol of hope and resilience. Their journey, filled with moments of joy, despair, courage, and discovery, highlights the indomitable spirit of exploration, the power of companionship, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog.
“Beyond the Stars: The Adventures of Ethan and Apollo” is more than just an adventure story. It is a testament to the spirit of exploration, the power of friendship, and the limitless bond between humans and their pets. It’s a tale that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest adventures can unfold in the most unexpected places with the most unlikely companions. This book is a heartwarming read for those who love animals, space, adventure, and a good dose of human and canine courage.