Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Judith Thompson

as published in the Ontarion

Dear Editor,
Thank you for the recent article in the Ontarion that made the University Library sound like a wonderful resource. Although it didn't clarify who qualifies for access -- I have since learned that if I take an Open Learning On-Line course from Equine Guelph, I can get a card, and check out items and log in to the wireless internet. I am also delighted to share the news that even non-students can VISIT the library and enjoy the resources, in the building, which is of great importance to me!

One of the faculty members at U of GUELPH has won the Governor General's award TWICE, and been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among other prestigious awards. Yet, would you believe that the entire Guelph Public Library system has not one single copy of any of her works???? They have acted on my "purchase suggestion" and will soon stock a collection of Monologues she has edited, but in the meantime, I want to do my homework! You will find me at the University Library, reading of works like: The Crackwalker 1980, White Biting Dog 1984, I Am Yours 1987, Lion in the Streets 1990, Sled 1997, Perfect Pie 2000, Habitat 2001, Lost and Delirious 2001, Capture Me 2004, Enoch Arden, by Alfred Lord Jabber and his catatonic songstress 2005...

Thanks again for the article. I'm learning before I've even enrolled!

* * *
The Child's Play Collection
(sound recording) features stories by authors from Jack Hodgins to Sandra Birdsell. The stand-out selection is the Yellow Canaries by Judith Thomspon. An impending twin birth announcement, as part of a bedtime story as told to two existing children that is so wonderful it makes me wonder if she has really had twins. In the mother's tale the human race is living underground, inside the earth having destroyed it all above with war and pollution, which is optimistically inspirational even in its depressive fictional realism. And then there is the uplifting nature of PLOT of the work itself, which ends happily. Her creativity heals other people.
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as i recall judith directed the play that sarah did sets for and that ellie acted in.what a great idea to have the kids SHARE the roles eh? brilliant. and well executed!
Wed Jun 22, 2005
Toronto Star
front page A&E
Shakespeare is Elementary

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