A small collection of books with a connection to Sooke or ones of interest to those in Sooke. Two of the books, The Gold Will Speak for Itself and Warrior Rising are written by local authors. Warrior Rising deals with PTSD.
The Gold Will Speak for Itself
Peter Leech and Leechtown
Victoria’s Goldrush
Author: Dr. Patrick Perry Lydon
110 pages, softcover
Lydon Shore Publishing
Fascinated with gold-panning and the men who toiled in the gold fields, author Patrick Perry Lydon has researched and put together a compilation of stories, images and old archival material on Leechtown.
Gold was found in what was to be named Leechtown in 1864, bringing Sooke into the gold rush, which was happening in remote and sometimes unaccessible places across what was to become the province of British Columbia.
Lydon says his purpose in writing this book was to illuminate and bring to light the facts about this great discovery. He spent his time in B.C. Archives delving into the life of the man called Peter Leech, whom the gold mining town was named after. He has mined the best information available. He introduces all of the major characters associated with the gold rush into his book leaving a fascinating trail for readers to follow.
The Gold Will Speak For Itself is a well-researched documentation of the times and the ensuing gold rush.
In July 2014, major events will celebrate the 150th anniversary of finding gold at Leechtown. The Gold Will Speak for Itself is available at the Sooke Region Museum.
Dr. Lydon has a placer claim on Loss Creek, not far from Leechtown and has held positions on various societies including the Victoria Lapidairy and Mineral Society.
Juan de Fuca’s Strait
Voyages in the Waterway of Forgotten Dream
Author: Barry Gough
287 pages, softcover
Harbour Publishing
Barry Gough states it clearly in the preface to his latest book, Juan de Fuca’s Strait, that it is a story about a man who believed that he had discovered the strait that carries his name, and it is an account of how mariners in the age of sail pursued rumors to make their discoveries.
Mariners were warned that the strait was “liable to all those sudden vicissitudes of weather common to high northern latitudes…” and caution and vigilance of the navigator was called for.
Gough offers a timeline starting in 1592 of Juan de Fuca’s voyage to the strait. Pirates, traders, Spaniards and links to China are all included in this well-written and informative book. It is not a history book but rather a fascinating story of ships, mariners, exploration and the people who lived and died on the oceans.
It brings the Spanish into our waters and paints a picture of life before borders and colonies in the Northwest. Juan de Fuca’s Strait is an in-depth look ay the catalyst for centuries of dreaming that inspired the hunt for the illusive and fabled Northwest Passage.
The cast of characters include James Cook, Martin Frobisher, Francis Drake, George Vancouver and Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, among others. It’s a sea venture tied up with piracy, political loyalty and betrayal — all the makings of a fine read.
Juan de Fuca’s Strait is available at most major bookstores.
Warrior Rising
A Soldier’s Journey to PTSD and Back
Author: L. Col. Chris Linford
Friesen Press
384 pages, softcover
L. Col. Chris Linford served 25 years in the Canadian Forces Health Services. His tours took him to the Gulf War, Rwanda and Afghanistan as a Nursing Officer where he witnessed many horrendous situations in cultures so different from his own.
What he saw and experienced in these war-torn countries sent him on a journey to his own personal hell. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a medical disorder often misunderstood and hidden. Much of what the military sees and experiences on tours is often put in a box and on a mental shelf and hidden until such a time as one can cope with the memories. Some boxes never leave the shelf. It is reported that 158,000 Vietnam War vets have committed suicide, which represents three times the number the U.S. recorded as killed in action from that war from 1965-1975.
Linford hid his rising discomfort and anxiety but it caught up with him when he wasn’t looking. It affected his sleep, relationships, concentration, self-confidence and honesty. There are a lot of other symptoms as well. PTSD threatened to destroy all he found important in his life and it would have if not for his own recognition that he needed help. Embarrassment and fear leads many to deny the fact that they are suffering from PTSD. He worked his way out of it with the help of professionals. He says that without the incredible care and attention from the CF Health Services Clinic (Pacific) in Victoria without them he does not feel he would have survived.
Linford considers himself a PTSD survivor but he still has to manage it from day to day. He learned a new “warrior mentality” which allows him to cope and move forward.
When he first considered writing a book his doctor said, “This book isn’t about you anymore Chris, it’s about who this book could help.”
Linford believes that being open about this injury would eventually help eradicate the stigma and misinformation about PTSD.
About the author:
Sooke resident L. Co. Chris Linford commanded medical units and sub units providing support to CF combat operations. Executive Officer to the US Navy led Role 3 Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar Afghanistan.
Linford is currently on a cross-Canada speaking tour. For more information contact: Chris@aWarriorRising.com.