Hugh Kruzel and Jessica Watts
Ask Medicor Research proprietor Barb Ward, “Who are you and what do you do?” and you get this succinct answer: “I’m many things; an entrepreneur, business owner, mentor, nurse, mother.” And while she has a passion for many things, it is her love of learning that drives her forward.
What about her reading habits?
“I don’t have a list I read from as it is an organic process for me; my interests are vast and probably wouldn’t make sense to anyone else,” she said. Maybe there will be readers who also see the world the same way, and will discern a pattern. “I like the challenge of topics that are out of my wheelhouse. I think I’ve read everything the late Stephen Hawking wrote!”
Reading is season-driven for many of us. With winter, it is the big, long tomes, which can give way to spring, hope, and uplifting texts. And as the sun arcs higher, what does Barb read?
“Summer reading is the absolute best. On weekends, I love to work in the garden in the mornings or walk downtown to the open market, then spend the afternoons in the shade with a book and glass of wine,” Barb said. “My preferences for summer reading are books you can pick up and put down easily. I’m a little obsessed with Italy right now, so this summer I will re-read Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayes (the book being very different from the movie) and I want to read Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman. I enjoyed the movie and I’m hoping the book is even better.
“Another great summer read is any of the adventures of Dave and Morley of Stewart McLean’s Vinyl Café. I highly recommend Revenge of the Vinyl Café which is a compilation of short stories. I have passed the book around to countless people!”
Like most entrepreneurs, Barb has had a few businesses.
“I started my first business 30 years ago and over the years, I’ve read quite a few books on business,” she said. “Not so much on business concepts, but mostly around understanding and managing people … I do have a favorite business book, Why We Buy by Paco Underhill, as it gives an interesting perspective on the consumer from an anthropological standpoint.
“Surprisingly, the books I read these days are rarely to do directly with business, but rather books to give me a greater understanding of topics relevant to helping others. I’ll give you an example. I have a client at NORCAT I’m mentoring, he works closely with First Nations; in order for me to be an effective mentor to my client I felt I needed to better understand the nuances of communication, trust and tradition within Indigenous communities, so I’ve been reading books surrounding Indigenous culture.
“I just read a fantastic book The Reason You Walk by an Anishinabi man named Wab Kinew, who is the current NDP leader in Manitoba.”
When pressed for other recommendations, Barb adds and expands on two titles.
“I’d include Larry’s Party by Carol Shields, a book about a man who creates labyrinths. What I found compelling is the way the book was written … following the protagonist through his life’s journey, the author leads you through what feels like a labyrinth. The book also makes you introspective and you end up laughing at yourself, as we all go through similar things as we get older.
“Then there is Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie Macdonald. Again beautifully written. It takes you through four generations of a family. It’s set in Ontario, which is so fun to read. Maybe this one is a little heavy for summer because it’s not easy to put down.”
Barb doesn’t have a single beloved book; think hundreds.
“I can’t say I have a favorite author, either. This time of year, my personal book choices are the finalists from the Giller Prize Awards. Every year I read my way through four or five. So far I’ve read Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill and Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson, both excellent and very different from the other.
“I don’t have a preference between fiction and non-fiction as I read both equally. On my bedside table [right now] you’ll find Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (anthropology), Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig (which is a reread for me - philosophy) and Transit by Rachel Cusk (a Giller shortlist).”
Barb’s booklist is extensive and eclectic. And it makes us want to drop everything and hit a bookstore.
Off the Shelf explores the reading habits of Sudburians. Hugh Kruzel is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. Jessica Watts is the co-ordinator of outreach, programs and partnerships with Greater Sudbury Public Library.
