Book Description
Ed Smith has been writing "The View From Here" for more than twenty-three years. In that time, the humour column has been appearing in daily newspapers, weekly
community papers and monthly magazines. He has written for the Reader's Digest, the Toronto Star and several other publications. A series of radio broadcasts
presented on the national CBC network earned him and his producer a coveted international Gabriel Award for material that "uplifts the human spirit."
The columns in this book are deemed to be the best of his work from the early '90s. You Might As Well Laugh is his eighth book. His last, From the Ashes of My
Dreams, became a Canadian Best-Seller and won the Newfoundland and Labrador non-fiction award for 2002.
About the Author
Ed Smith has taught in schools all over Newfoundland, finally settling in Springdale where he and his wife, Marion, still live. He has been a high school principal, an assistant superintendent of education, and principal of a college campus in Springdale. Ed retired in 1996, just over two years before a car accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
He began writing a humour column for the local newspaper in 1980. Other papers soon began running the column, so that today “The View from Here” appears in six papers and magazines. He has been nominated for the Stephen Leacock Award for humour, and has written for the Toronto Star and Reader’s Digest.
In 2001, Ed prepared a series of short radio clips on life with quadriplegia which he wrote and presented on CBC radio. These earned him The Canadian Nurses’ Association award for excellence in broadcasting, and an international Gabriel award for writing that “upholds and uplifts the human spirit.” Ed has been recognized by the Atlantic Community Newspapers Association for “hilarious” material. Four collections of his columns have also been published.
His Canadian Best-Selling From the Ashes of My Dreams is the winner of the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award for non-fiction.
Ed Smith and his wife have four children and six grandchildren.
PRAISE FOR FROM THE ASHES OF MY DREAMS
In the nightmare of medical catastrophe, miracles are few. But after his own body-shattering experience, Ed Smith has created one. This book is at once painful and joyous, angry and tender; tremendously moving and uproariously funny.
Karen Levine
Producer, CBC, Toronto
Author of Hana’s Suitcase
This is a compelling story, told in a unique way from the perspective of the entire family. A worthwhile read, indeed.
Barbara Turnbull
Author of Looking in the Mirror
From the Ashes of My Dreams is about where we go for comfort when we are hurt. Ed Smith went to family, the tribe, religion, writing, friends, and a sense of humour. It is a hymn of hope, a song of family and love.
Tom Moore
Author of Angels Crying and Plains of Madness
Throughout this whole tragic story, Ed’s inimitable sense of humour comes shining through.
Ron Young
Publisher-Editor
Downhomer Magazine
MORE PRAISE FOR ED SMITH
Ed Smith’s column has been one of the most popular features of the Pen since he first started writing the column in 1985. His combination of razor-sharp wit, thoughtful commentary and humour laced with satire has generated a huge following among our readers. His longevity as a columnist is a marvel in itself, but his ability to bounce back from a serious injury and pick up where he left is even more incredible in the eyes of his readers.
Allan Bock, Editor
Northern Pen
Religion, politics, sex, pop culture, the fishery, family life, or politics—no matter the subject Ed Smith always serves a delicious gutful of social commentary flavoured with his unique blend of wit and humour to put a thought-provoking spin on our world.
Randy Edison, Editor
The Nor’Wester
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