A branch on a wire fell down, --- The wire that powers the town. That branch from a tree Indeed did break free And started this story renown. This story, I feel, I must tell While still I remember it well. It was all in the papers, The tricks and the capers. In turbulent times did folks dwell...

ABOUT THE BOOK A significant segment of the world's literate population prefers their reading material in short, zippy, punchy sections. This collection of literary tidbits is deliberately disorganized in an effort to hold the reader's attention. Should the reader find a particular story devoid of interest, he will soon come to the end of it and stumble on something that might appeal to him or her. No serious effort has been made to be scientifically, historically or grammatically correct.

These are the early years of the twentieth century. Immigrants from many parts of the world take up the Canadian Government's offer of free land on the prairies. Among them are the Dustlanders and Kumbacks from Oklahoma and the Londoners from England. This is a tale of their struggles, deceptions, discoveries and triumphs. Romantic entanglements are unavoidable.

The question was: What to do with all this money? It was a substantial sum and its source had been rather unexpected. Carole had a suggestion...A group of young graduates, unsuccessful in finding meaningful work in their chosen fields, strike out together to make their way in the world. This is the story of their doubts, struggles, romances and eventual success.

The Second World War brought destruction, suffering and insecurity to millions. Much has been written about this period in history. This book looks at that time from the viewpoint of a growing boy. It is an account of his observations and feelings, joys and sorrows, his adventures and mis-adventures, his hopes and aspirations. Caught in a war between powerful nations, and missing out on much of normal schooling, his early life was nonetheless an adventure-filled and informative learning experience.

The time is late nineteenth century. The place is a Nova Scotia coal mining community in Canada. A visionary young man inherits the mine and takes daring steps in breaking with the long-accepted confrontational management-labour relations traditions. Despite becoming the target of censure by his contemporary mine owners, he presses ahead with daring innovations and enlists the help of talented individuals from among the miners. The result is an improvement in the lives of coal miners, an establishment of a new manufacturing community and an assured future for all. It is the pre-World War world of youthful optimism, of hope, of great expectations, of experimentation and limitless possibilities. It is a tale of romance, adventure and discovery.