KAMCACK — A Saskatchewan writer who co-authored award-winning charity cookbooks and has released her first solo book in August, will be talking about her work at the Kamsack Seniors’ Centre on Sept. 17.
Patricia Hack, who lives at Madge Lake and Foam Lake, is a retired teacher, administrator and longtime community volunteer, who has published What Old Broads Know, which is “a collection of essays about life, loss, resilience and humour found in everyday moments.”
“Written with candour and warmth, the book covers themes from family traditions and travel adventures to widowhood and rediscovering joy,” says a review of the book. “Patricia's storytelling is conversational and relatable: readers say it feels like sitting down for a good visit with a wise and funny friend.
“The book has already struck a chord with Saskatchewan readers, praised for its blend of laughter, honesty, and heart,” it says. “With stories ranging from running a small-town ice cream shop with her family, to travels through Europe, to reflections on grief and gratitude, What Old Broads Know offers both comfort and entertainment.”
Hack is known as one of the "Breast Friends," a group of prairie women who co-authored six bestselling charity cookbooks, raising millions for cancer initiatives and winning the Gourmand Award for Best Charity Cookbook in North America.
“Patricia has spent a lifetime balancing roles as an educator, entrepreneur, wife, mother, grandmother, and community builder,” the review says. “Now, she is embracing a new chapter as a solo author and speaker.”
The daughter of Jack and Gertie Emmond of the Thunder Hill district, Hack said that she has not missed a summer at Madge Lake in 70 years. She and her late husband Jim, who had served as the chair of the Madge Lake Cottage Owners’ Association, had taken over her parents’ cottage.
“We loved the lake,” Hack said.
"I didn't set out to write a book of lessons,” she said. “Goodness knows that I am still trying to figure it out.
“I set out to write a book of stories looking back on my life.
“Some will make you laugh, some might make you tear up, but mostly, I hope women will see themselves in the pages and simply enjoy the read. It's the kind of book you can pick up with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and feel like you're spending time with an old friend.”
“From small town Saskatchewan to Moroccan hammams, the ache of grief to the joy of chocolate melting in your mouth, this collection offers connection, comfort and the occasional nudge to say what needs saying,” says an excerpt from the book’s back cover.
“Written with humour and heart, this collection is a love letter to life – messy, tender, brave and beautiful,” says a review of the book.
“Each page feels like a conversation with someone who gets it,” says another review. “Raw, witty and full of grace, this is a book I’ll be gifting to every woman I love.”
The book is dedicated to her children, Heather (Brad), Erin (Dean) and Brennan (Celise); grandchildren, Myra, Reid, Jacey, Ty, James and Nick; and her late husband, Jim, her “soulmate, who made me promise that if this book ever came to completion, it would be published.
“You gave me the nudge I needed to do this; otherwise it would have sat on the computer forever,” she says, addressing Jim.
“Patti’s word craftsmanship draws you into the story and makes topics relatable to your own experience,” said Jacquie Klebeck, a co-author of the Breast Friends cookbooks. “As I read the book, I laughed out loud, I had tears of joy and sorrow and perhaps more importantly to the reader, I literally couldn’t put it down.
“The stories touch your heart and stimulate your mind as memories flood in,” Klebeck said. “The author blends realism, wit, humour, nostalgia and common behaviour into beautifully crafted themed stories that are interesting and entertaining.”
“The beauty of Patti’s writing style is that it is personal, written by a woman who loves her family, friendships and adventures,” said Paddy Meredith, a writer. “Her writing is easy and wonderful to read. She takes her readers along life’s journeys, sharing her stories, conjuring up memories, feelings and emotions in awe and in the sisterhood of shared experiences, thoughts and feelings.
“Her ability to share the laughter of life’s moments reminds the reader not to take everything so seriously, that everything will be okay,” Meredith said. “The only weakness I found is that her writings ended. I wanted more.”
Hack had been invited to speak by the Kamsack Public Library, but because of space restrictions, it was decided to hold the event at the Kamsack Seniors’ Centre next door, where she will be talking about the making of the book and will read selections from it.
Open to all, the session will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m., said Nicole Larson, librarian. Coffee and dainties will be available.
Copies of the book, which are on sale at Buck’s Dollar Store in Kamsack, will also be available at the seniors’ centre on Sept. 17.
