Author overcomes the odds to launch new book

West Island author Barbara Young takes a nostalgic look back at growing up in Pointe Claire village in the 1950s in Tapestry, a compilation of writings that sketches the Roberston family history. “It’s sort of an anthology I pulled together of different stories of how we lived back then. It was a small-town milieu. We’d buy our bread from the baker and our meat from the butcher, and we’d get our ice from the ice house. We’d spend our summers on the lake learning the craft of sailing. “Our friends were French and English and we all got along – we threw snowballs at one another and had a grand time,” reminisced Young, whose first book, Chasing Grandma, was published in 2001. Her latest memoir will be launched by Shoreline Press this Sunday at the Pointe Claire Curling Club. Tapestry includes recollections by one of her brothers about village life as a young boy during the Second World War, and reflections by her father about cruising on the St. Lawrence River in wooden boats. All were avid and accomplished sailors; the Pointe Claire Yacht Club was like a second home, she mused. But there is a poignant aspect to her project. Young suffers from a debilitating hereditary disease which largely confines her to bed. “I never dreamed I would finish this book. It’s a triumph. It was a tremendous challenge, but it was something to wake up for every morning.” Her health will prevent her from being present at the weekend launch, but moral support will be in abundance. “Twenty-two authors from Shoreline will be attending, as well as a gang of about 14 friends of mine, in a show of solidarity,” Young said. The launch, which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., is also unique in that it has evolved into a mini book fair, where the local writers will be promoting their own diverse works. The club is located at 250 Lanthier Ave. For more information, call 514-457-5733 or visit www.shorelinepress.ca.