Some Canada Day Long Weekend Reading

Over at ginkworld.net's postmodern theology discussion group we spent some time discussing some of the differences between Canada and our friends to the south. There are some excellent books that deal with some of the defining moments of Canada as a country. Here is my shortlist... you will notice they all come from Amazon.ca.
Vimy by Pierre Burton - one of the greatest books that bring back one of the defining moments of Canadian nationalism.
The Great Depression by Pierre Burton - this book explains much of the mentality of the older generations in the west. It gives an insightful view of the horrors of life across the west (where it was worse). It was really chilling to read of how hard it hit places like Saskatoon and the small surrounding towns. Many people who live in Spiritwood, went north during the depression to start a new life in the 1930's. A really cool book.
Trudeau and our Times by Stephen Clarkson - Pierre Trudeau's impact on Canada can not be underestimated. Much of the values that even the conservatives hold dear came to be a part of our culture during the Trudeau era. Well written and worthwhile book.
Kicking Ass in Canadian Politics by Warren Kinsella is a behind the scenes look at political campaigning in Canada. His is biased, obnoxious, and arrogant but we knew that about him before the book came out.
Lament For a Nation: The defeat of Canadian nationalism by George Grant. This is an extraordinary book dealing with the pervasiveness of U.S. culture in Canada, and how Canadians have seemingly allowed their own culture and politics to be subsumed into American versions. Written in the 1960s, this remarkable book is as relevant today as it was when it was published. A Canadian political classic.

Enjoy the long weekend!