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I picked up this book expecting to hopefully find more things that are "distinctly Albertan" when it comes to the province's culture. While that is not something I found in this book, what did I find was incredible insight as to why that is, as well as learn of an era in Alberta's history where if anything, the province was amongst the forefront of culture in Canada.

Fil Fraser lends an amazing first-hand account of Alberta's cultural scene in the 1970's and early 1980's. Immediately from the first chapter one is presented with how Lougheed's Progressive Conservatives were in stark contrast to the previous Social Credit government, which had reigned for a solid 35 years. From then on, one learns of the incredible people involved with Alberta's cultural revolution under Peter Lougheed, including Horst Schmid, Joe Shoctor, Mel Hurtig, Fil Fraser himself, and more.

This book does an incredible job of dismantling the stereotypes that face Alberta and Albertans that persist even twenty-two years after this book was published. It showcases the province as the complex landscape it is, and despite avoiding a political tone, displays how proper mindsets combined with effective government policies and programs can not only support the arts and culture, but also how to invigorate the private sector to do the same while also adding value to the economy. It equates proper funding of the arts and culture to making an investment with a guaranteed return, and brings the evidence to back the claim.

Fil Fraser sadly passed in 2017, but this book, as well the personal work he writes about, leave a lasting legacy that will likely inspire Albertans and others for generations to come.

When I picked up this book, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I knew Layton was leader of the NDP when it was the official opposition in 2011, and I was aware that, as a result, he is seen as one of the best leaders the NDP has had to offer. However the details of how he became leader and the circumstances that lead the NDP to become the official opposition were unknown to me, and I went into this book, the first book I've finished reading in years, expecting it to simply be one that answered those questions with basic summaries.

What I found instead was a book that radically transformed my outlook on people, the world, politics, and how to approach and tackle issues at hand. Multiple times I found myself pausing after reading a quote or statement, letting the full meaning and impact of the words sit with me, and reflecting on how to apply certain values and qualities to my own life.

Through these memoirs, not only did I learn extensively about who Jack Layton was, but I also learned a fair bit about myself. One reads the stories of Jack compiled in this book, and is often left with the traits and qualities of his character resonating to their very core.

While I have had the desire to become more connected to my community, as well as the desire to help shape my community for the better, Love, Hope, Optimism has done nothing less than fully invigorate me to take initiative, and to do it now.

One discovers new perspectives about the concept of work ethic, respect for your fellow man, expression of one's beliefs, respect for the beliefs of others (especially those that contrast with your own), separating people from politics, positive thinking and it's results, and finally as a summarisation of all the previous points, what makes both a good person, and a good leader.

I borrowed this book from the library, and admittedly, I struck gold. I hope to purchase my own copy for my bookshelf so that I can have constant reminders about the hope that lives in all of us, how to view politics and people in a positive light, how to dream big, and the importance of taking immediate action towards making said dreams a reality.

For Canadians who wish to become more active in politics, regardless of political affiliation, this book isn't just a must-read, it borders on being a necessity. Without question, a 5/5.