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Petra Books

78 George Street, Suite 204, Ottawa ON Canada K1N 5W1tel: 1 (613) 294-2205 | | info@petrabooks.ca | petrabooks.caPay with credit or debit card with or without PayPal membership. or cheque or money order by mail.

"A devastatingly truthful work of ecology-based fiction, and a gripping story of coming-of-age of a group of post-carbon millennials. Much more than an ecological dystopia, Late-K Lunacy is a splendid evocation of the world going into – and eventually coming out of – an ecological crisis, as Holling’s ecological cycles are characterized by both collapse and recovery, like a never- ending Möbius strip".-- Fikret Berkes, author of Sacred Ecology.

Cover: Emily Apgar

by Ted BernardProfessor Emeritus of Geography and Environmental studies, Ohio University.LINKSlateklunacy.comThe Ohio ForumYoutubeKirus Reviews

5.5" x 8.5" / 426 pages

$24 softcover978-1-927032-83-1 $36 hardcover clothwith dust jacket978-1-927032-84-8
plus $ 5 shipping

Occupation Child: WWII GreeceYoung Tasouli tells us stories about his cat the Resistance hero, the intricate relationships between a young Jewish physician, German officers, Greek partisan communists and their British captives. A strange character appears in his dreams, either supportive or terrifying, and they develop a strong bond. Ultimately about hunger, language, politics and love.

Cover: Author's collection.

Tassos Anastassiades grew up in Athens during WW II and came to Canada with his parents in 1950. He is an Emeritus Professor at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. T. Styppas is his nom de plume.
Review: The Queen's Journal

Softcover 5.5" x 8.5"454 pages9781985017757, 9781927032718
$24 softcoverplus $5 shipping

Stripped to the BonePortraits of Syrian Women

Set between war-torn Syria and the West, Stripped to the Bone explores issues of identity, love, strife, courage and resilience in seven fictional portraits of Syrian women.Al Atrash

Ghada Alatrash - Stripped to the Bone, cover

cover photo David Salas

by Ghada AlatrashSyrian-Canadian author and translator Ghada Alatrash is a Doctoral Student at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. She has an MA in English Literature from the University of Oklahoma.

Softcover 5.5" x 8.25"173 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-46-6WATCH:Calgary TEDxLISTEN:CBC Radio IDEASCBC Radio Cross Country CheckupCBC radio interviewPBS Newshour 2016 in January and March

$22 softcover$28 hardcover
plus $ 5 shipping

Grace and WisdomChief JusticePatrick G. Kerwin1889 - 1963Patrick Kerwin was born in 1889 in Sarnia, Ontario. He studied law at Osgoode Hall in Toronto, was called to the bar of Ontario in 1911, became King’s Counsel in 1928, and became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ontario in 1932. In 1935, he became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and in 1954 he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

. “Mr. Kerwin is well equipped by training and temperament for his new office. He never gets ruffled in court, is always courteous to counsel … Those who disagree with him will declare without hesitation that Mr. Kerwin is fair-minded, absolutely without bias or prejudice.” — Globe & Mail, 1954.

Stephen McKenna is an author, musician and producer living in Ottawa, Ontario; his numerous interests include the arts, research and travel. This book is a tribute to his Kerwin's life and work,. 978-1-927032-68-8978-1-927032-97-8

Biography, social and civil history, Speeches, Sound Advice. Illustrated with archival photographs.6" x 9" 336p

9781927032688 (softcover) $24 9781927032978 (hardcover) $36

plus $ 5 shipping

The Other Side of Reason: A journal on PTSDA journal in recognition of the passengers whose lives were changed forever in a tragic bus-train collision and in memory of those who died.“David Gibson’s reality was altered in a moment on September 18, 2013. His eloquent and poignant requiem chronicles his efforts to re-orient himself to a world whose boundaries and reference points abruptly disappeared…he chronicles his experiences in a way that helps us understand the hidden struggle of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.” — Dr. Larry Cebulski, clinical psychologist.

by David B. Gibson

Softcover 5 3/4" x 8 1/4"234 pages
978-1-927032-51-0 print978-1-927032-52-7 digital9781927032510$22 softcover$28 hardcover
plus $ 5 shipping
ebooks atSmashwordsandGoogle Books9781927032510

Community and the Human Spirit: Oral Histories from Montreal's Point St. Charles,Griffintown and Goose Village

REVIEWS

The Montreal TimesThe Metropolitain (Montreal)

Oral History Review (Oxford)

The author lived in Montreal, Quebec Canada for many years and graduated in sociology from McGill University. He now lives in Ottawa having retired after a lifelong and rewarding career in public service. Dave enjoys photography and plans to continue visiting Montreal regularly to help record the evolution of the historic and rapidly changing area at the east end of the Lachine Canal. Cover: Dave Flavell

Dave Flavell

A solid contribution to social and urban studies. With an introduction, bibliography, and illustrated throughout with historical family photos and with current and archival images.7.5" X 9.25" 372pISBN978-1-927032-13-89781927032138$28 softcover$36 hardcover
plus $ 5 shipping

KINDLEPreview Introduction on Google Books

Normal

Molloy had to leave home. He felt compelled to get a tattoo he feared may curse him forever. Were The People For a Better World really who they said they were? Could he survive on his own? Have a normal life?

Cover: Kumi Matsukawa

“I saw the bench that had been almost like a home, or at least a refuge, to me for several hours last night. I had the urge to sit there and get my thoughts together. I tried to do so, but the moment I sat down I was immediately compelled to do something else even more strongly. It was as if while I slept my subconscious had come up with a plan to improve the odds of my survival and decided to act upon the plan before letting me in on it...”

Luke O’Grady was born and raised in Ontario. He is a pharmacist, and enjoys reading, writing and cycling.Softcover 5.5" x 8.25"264 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-63-397819781927032633

$22plus $ 5 shipping

Dorothea GutzeitBe True and Serve
Autobiography A fascinating view of the “other side” in World War II, on the domestic front. Born in Berlin, Dorothea spent her formative years in Nazi Germany and in her war-torn city. She then forged a new life in Canada.

Cover photo: Dorothea age 21,Berlin, 1943

by Dorothea Gutzeit.1921 -2005
“An amazing family story of courage and immigration."— Siegfried Hansch (German-Canadian Business Association)
“An authentic and absorbing account of one woman's courage, tracing her life from early 20th century Germany to a new and challenging life in Canada, drawing on diaries, certificates and various documents, along with memories shared."— H. Zobl (Professor Emeritus, Carleton University)

Softcover 6.14" x 9.21"236 pages
978-1-927032-49-7 print978-1-927032-50-3 digital$24plus $ 5 shipping
Review by Deutsch-Kanadische Gesellschaft e.V. (in German)

Gay Soulmate Wanted

“For two people to get along and love each other over a long period of time, there must be a healthy connection on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.”

Fearing that at the age of 39 (or 78 in gay years), his chances of finding a soulmate are decreasing every day, Richard is confronted by a good-looking man ten years his junior, who claims to be his partner without ever having met him. When finally the two are introduced, sparks fly.

by Charles Seems, teacher, trainer, writer, HR consultant and interior decorator. Born in the atlantic town of Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Canada, he now lives in Ottawa with his spouse Robert.

5.83" x 8.27"210 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-59-69781927032596

$22plus $ 5 shippingCover painting:Claude Chapdelaine

Running Beyond Empty
Fun and entertaining, this young adult novel explores the many challenges faced by Dinah who is forced to move in order to provide for herself and her daughter Selah. Their emotions are stretched by new people and events. Both learn to stand up to obnoxious folks and find that hard work and play help them stay focused on their goals. The empowerment of caring relationships carries them through heartbreak as hey discover that running starts with believing in yourself.

Ultimately their resiliency opens up new hopes and dreams — shared with Bill and Norm, the two special men in their lives. Enriched by many colorful characters, the story of these two feisty women will capture your imagination.

by Ben Kruser Ben is a university staff member and has been a wildlife biologist, long-time outdoor enthusiast and an endurance runner, completing many 12- and 24-hour runs.

Softcover 5.5" x 8.25"388 pages print 978-1-927032-53-4digital 978-1-927032-54-1978-1-927032-55-8 9781927032534

$24plus $ 5 shipping

Alexandre Vachon

the scholars’ clericand theclerics’ scholar1885 – 1953“…a rich chronicle of one of the greatest leaders of this diocese.” —M-A Gervais, Archbishop Emeritus of Ottawa

“…the opportunity to get to know a great figure of the Canadian Episcopate.”—Luigi Ventura, former Apostolic Nuncio to CanadaREVIEWSProject MuseThe Canadian Catholic Historical Association

Alexandre completed his studies for Priesthood with distinction. He became a science teacher and pursued studies at Harvard and MIT and became Director of the Advanced School of Chemistry and then Dean of the Faculty of Science, and finally as Rector at Laval University. The Church recognized his talents and, in 1939, turned to him to lead the Ottawa diocese. He is entrusted with new responsibilities which extend to the Catholic Church at large.

André N. Vachon, a distant relation, was born in the same small rural community as Alexandre, Chute Panet, Québec. He learned of the important contribution this cleric made to society, and with much enthusiasm embarked on the biography.

Softcover 6" x 9"410 pagesISBN978-1-927032-39-89780968578469 $ 28plus $ 5 shippingCanada * History * Catholic * Archbishop9781927032398

Westsiders

"...”Tom Finn’s stories demonstrate consistently controlled use of language, and the author’s sense of dialogue is keen. It is tuned to the way people speak, and the way his characters speak and think. At times comic, it harmonizes well with Finn’s often wry, omniscient third-person narration. Finn writes well, and these stories are good ... some real gems."- Darrell Squires, Library Resources Board, NewfoundlandThe Western Star, 16/10/10.View 20% of this book on

“Well-crafted ... character-driven. An impressive book of short stories about people going about their lives, experiencing change, facing hardships. Finn writes skillfully and his style is particularly suited to the short story."- Keith Collier, reviewerNewfoundland Quarterly, Spring 2011read review"...like a deluxe spa treatment for your soul". 2012 http://thebookinstinct.comReader reviews at librarything.com

Tom Finn at workThe author of Malpeque Bay: A State Of Mind, and Princes was bred and buttered in the old town of Corner Brook West, Newfoundland, Canada. After working in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and California, he took up residence in Ottawa. A retired federal public servant, he has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his island homeland, especially the transformation of the former British colony following the American 'invasion' of the 1940s, and the union with Canada in 1949.

Now "Short's Long Day" is being presented on stage as part of Corner Brook's 60th:The Western StarJune 2, 2016Sketches from the social fabric, with subtle references to the American presence in Newfoundland during WWII: drama, relationships, desire and delusion.

Old Corner Brook and beyond in the '40s and '50s. Like a ship in the mist, there emerges from these ardent, tragicomic lives, a recognition of ourselves.

Paperback pocketbookISBN 978-0-9685784-6-95" x 8" 191 p.2010
9780968578469$22plus $ 5 shipping

Footpaths and Fishing BoatsGrowing up in Nipper’s Harbour
See Google Maps to locate the villageNippers Harbor

Short memoirs“... the budding consciousness of a young girl in a small Newfoundland fishing community during the final years of its prosperous isolation.”— Dr. Harold Paddock, Retired Professor of Linguistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

nipper's harbour cover back harbour sunset

Cover painting: Back Harbour Sunset by Ted Stuckless

Audrey Starkes MSW is a retired psychiatric social worker. She was fortunate to have grown up in Nipper’s Harbour on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada while it was still an isolated outport. Audrey has published stories in the Ottawa Story Spinners’ Black Lake Chronicles.

autobiographySoftcover 5" x 8"146 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-42-8 9781927032428 2015SOFTCOVER$ 22plus $ 5 shippingHARDCOVER$28plus $ 5 shipping

Viva / V!vaTools for Well-beingSelf-realization tools that individuals, social workers, care-givers and psychologists can use in times of need and transition. 40 "cards" in three sections.

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Cover image: Chauvet caves, France. (Jean Clottes)

Katarina Gaborovapsychologistinthehague.comPlease see Review in the Netherland journal Access

withnature photographsof animalsby Vikram Vyawahare& Conny MagesSoftcover 4" x 7"130 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-37-497819270323742015$ 18plus $ 5 shipping

See Amazon Kindle and Smashwords for ebooks

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Now available as a deck of 56 playing cards

$ 12plus $ 5 shipping

Our Own Devices:Stories of the Machine AgeMid-century speculative retro fiction. The Second World War. Nuclear Power. Space Exploration. These powerful forces forever changed the course of history. In these nine new stories and three essays Messier explores our intimate and often fickle relationship with science and technology in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, and how it came to define our past, present and future. Winnipeg Free Press reveiwWinnipeg Metro reviewReader reviews at librarything.comAmy Marshall's review and interview

Gilles Messier. b. 1989 Winnipeg, Manitoba, studies aerospace engineering at Carleton University, Ottawa. As well as writing, he designs and develops mechanical devices and innovations, and enjoys painting inter-war-period travel posters, and studying history and philosophy.

Science + Fiction based on 20th-century history, with 27 archival photographs.5``x 8` x 0.6"`paperback244 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-06-02012

$ 22

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Order the individual ebook stories from Smashwords

The Road to DalhousieMemories from the North Shore“Although I felt relieved that things were now in the open, it took both my mother and I a bit of time before we were comfortable being around each other … she may not have understood that it wasn’t a choice I was making but rather an acceptance of what I couldn’t change.”View this book on

Review in the Campbellton Tribune

Charles Seems was born in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Canada. In addition to writing, he has travelled the world. His skills include teaching, human resources management and interior decoration. He lives in Ottawa with his spouse Robert. Review in the Daily Xtra

Travelogue, family and social relationships. GLB5``x 8` x 0.5"`paperback156 pagesISBN 978-1-927032-09-120139781927032091$ 22plus $ 5 shipping

Into The WavesPoems and Other Writings "Is life just about struggle and work? Isn’t there only one Earth that connects us all regardless of our nationality, religion or culture? These poems came about through a search for meaning. When I look at the waves on the ocean, I view them as being separate. But it seems to me that the waves are...

(continued) part of the whole ocean and there is no separation. Being part of the ocean provides me with a source of strength, confidence and happiness. Although we are all connected, we are also each unique. I offer these writings and drawings to you as my viewpoint."- bdb 2011

Beverly Diana Blanchard is a First Nations Ojibway from Northern Ontario. She holds a degree in Economics from Laurentian University.

"A window onto our search for meaning..."Spirituality, empowerment and well-being emerge from her views on the impact of society on individual choice.

Paper back5.5" x 8.5", 144p+ ebook formatsISBN978-1-927032-02-2
$ 26 colour
$ 18 black & white
plus $ 5 shipping

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