📖 Overview
Wab Kinew is a Canadian politician, journalist, musician, and author of Anishinaabe descent who has written both adult and children's literature focused on Indigenous themes and reconciliation. As an author, he is best known for his 2015 memoir "The Reason You Walk," which chronicles his relationship with his father and explores themes of intergenerational trauma, healing, and Indigenous identity.
Prior to his writing career, Kinew worked as a journalist and broadcaster for CBC Television, hosting documentary series and serving as a correspondent on national news programs. His work in media often centered on Indigenous issues and cultural storytelling, which later influenced his approach to writing.
In children's literature, Kinew has published "Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes" (2018), an illustrated book highlighting the achievements of Indigenous leaders and role models. His writing style combines personal narrative with historical context, making complex themes accessible to diverse audiences.
Beyond his literary work, Kinew currently serves as the Leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party and has been active in Indigenous advocacy and education. His background in multiple disciplines informs his writing, which often bridges traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary social issues.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with Kinew's personal storytelling and cultural insights. Reviews frequently mention his ability to balance difficult topics with moments of hope and humor.
What readers liked:
- Clear, conversational writing style
- Educational value for non-Indigenous readers
- Balance of personal narrative with historical context
- Authentic portrayal of father-son relationships in "The Reason You Walk"
- Accessibility of complex themes for young readers in "Go Show the World"
What readers disliked:
- Some found pacing uneven in memoir sections
- A few noted desire for more historical background
- Children's book text described as "sometimes awkward" for reading aloud
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: "The Reason You Walk" - 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- Amazon: "Go Show the World" - 4.7/5 (150+ ratings)
- Goodreads: "Go Show the World" - 4.4/5 (500+ ratings)
Direct reader quote: "Kinew doesn't shy away from hard truths but maintains an underlying message of reconciliation and understanding" - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Books by Wab Kinew
Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes (2018)
Picture book highlighting achievements of Indigenous leaders and change-makers throughout history, written in rhyming verse.
The Reason You Walk (2015) Memoir chronicling Kinew's journey to reconnect with his father during his father's terminal cancer diagnosis, exploring themes of reconciliation and Indigenous identity.
Walking in Two Worlds (2021) Young adult novel about an Indigenous teen who navigates between her traditional Anishinaabe life and her role as a rising esports competitor.
The Reason You Walk (2015) Memoir chronicling Kinew's journey to reconnect with his father during his father's terminal cancer diagnosis, exploring themes of reconciliation and Indigenous identity.
Walking in Two Worlds (2021) Young adult novel about an Indigenous teen who navigates between her traditional Anishinaabe life and her role as a rising esports competitor.
👥 Similar authors
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Thomas King combines Indigenous storytelling traditions with contemporary narratives in his fiction and non-fiction works. His books address colonialism and Indigenous experiences in North America while incorporating elements of humor and oral tradition.
Eden Robinson creates stories that blend Indigenous mythology with modern settings in British Columbia. Her work explores family relationships and coming-of-age themes within Haisla and Heiltsuk contexts.
Lee Maracle writes about Indigenous women's experiences and decolonization through poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Her work examines the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities while incorporating traditional storytelling methods.
David Treuer combines historical research with personal narrative in his examinations of contemporary Native American life. His writing challenges stereotypes about Indigenous peoples while documenting modern Indigenous experiences in the United States.