This book is a truly charming look back at a lost time - the era of the self-contained, self-sufficient intimacy of small towns all across North America with their concentration on family, friends and community. A dip into its heartwarming tales is like plunging into that summer swimming hole you loved as a kid - one that will soon be impossible to find, ever again.

— Christine Foster

Sonny Poolroom is a heartfelt memoir, both wonderful and funny. To read it is to understand the great province of Saskatchewan at its roots.

— Holly Preston

Having grown up in small town Rhein, Saskatchewan, I loved reading Sonny Poolroom. On almost every page, I find myself saying, ‘Been there, done that.’ Lots of laughs.

— Doug Chepil

I very much enjoyed Sonny Poolroom and I know may others will as well, especially those who came of age in the mid-20th century, well in advance of the Internet era when not every house had a telephone, and indoor plumbing was a novelty, and neighbours pitched in to raise a barn, and you could get a haircut for $1, and one-room country schools dotted the province and everyone knew a guy who could provide some home-made moonshine. Seems like another world, and in many ways it was.

— Garth Pugh

First and foremost, I can say that the voice in your narrative is as honest and true as the face of that boy on the back cover. I would recognize both anywhere. Secondly, I am struck by the depth of your memories of growing up in Lac Vert. Sonny Poolroom takes me back to people and places I haven't thought about in many years.

What shines in these reminiscences is your interest in people as individuals, and as persons with beguiling lives who have their own ideas, talents, and foibles, no matter their stations or situations in life. Their characters live again in your words. And that's already a remarkable achievement, even if that were all you hoped to accomplish. But, by the time I came to the last page, I was ready to say that Lac Vert and its people have found their rightful place in a work of literature. It reminds me in many ways of Sherwood Anderson's American Classic, Winesburg, Ohio (1919).

— David L. Williams

I have just finished reading Sonny Poolroom and having grown up in the same era, it brought back many memories of what it was like to grow up in rural Saskatchewan in the 1950s-60s. Just when I thought I should put it down, I found myself saying, "Just one more story.” Seems I couldn't wait to find out what Sonny's next adventure was going to be and how that was going to turn out for him. Thanks for the wonderful read.

— Dennis Szafron

Through this absorbing autobiography one gets a warm experience of small-town Canadian life mid-century. Steve's character, as revealed through the humorous narration of his exploits growing up in rural Saskatchewan in the 50's suggests that the relative freedom of choice given to children in that age was, in being balanced by respect for age and authority, conducive to positive life outcomes, as proven by those of the grown-up Mr. Hawrishok. Not to deny the fact that I began to see a certain devilishness in him which might be suitable for a younger brother of Holden Caulfield.

— Stephen Scott

This is a must read for anyone who grew up in small town, or small farm, prairies in the 50's & 60's! It makes you laugh it makes you cry at the nostalgia of it all. Don't miss this great read!!

— Shari Beresford

I hope the news of Sonny Polroom will reach others of our generation so they too can enjoy tis wonderful, well-written book.—

— Geraldine Grovenstine (Meekins)

A real trip down memory lane and an eye-opener and awareness of just how much we didn’t know about our rural community. A real wealth of Saskatchewan history as well.

— Edith Sparks (Steep)

Loved Sonny Poolroom. Written as if it was a personal conversation with the reader.

— Selbu

I was a child of the 70s.  After reading Sonny Poolroom, I was amazed at how different life was, from just a generation before.  I also can't imagine my teenage boys today working as hard as children did back in the 50s, or being as independent as children had to be.

This book is a perfect balance of entertainment and history.  Some of Sonny's adventures had me laughing out loud, and I felt I was really learning about this small town, Lac Vert, Saskatchewan.  The book provided stories about the annual Christmas Concert, curling bonspiels, outdoor skating rink, country school dances, and even offered a glimpse in some unexpected stories in the community; the KKK Klavern in town, Silver Beach and some notable influencers from the area.  Some great history lessons!

This book is easy to read and would appeal to all readers, young and old.

- Amazon Customer