As different as these stories seem, they have one thing in common: the people who populate them want to improve the world. One reno, one joke, and one chocolate at a time.

The Blue Collar CEO by Mandy Rennehan (HarperCollins Canada)

Before I knew about Mandy’s book, my Dad told me about her show on TV and asked if I remembered her from school. I did – she was a year behind me and we ran in different circles, but I remember her well because of her dynamic personality. I don’t think I can even picture her without a big smile on her face, her personality taking up the entire hallway. But I hadn’t thought of her since high school and had no idea what she had been up to. Every time I think of her now, I’m amazed all over again by her story.

It’s not even her astounding success that amazes me (although, that’s pretty gosh-darn amazing) – it’s how she got there and everything she stands for. And her generosity. People call her Bear and it suits her – I picture her now as a Mama Bear to all the people who need a hug. Just line up and and she will somehow get to you. You can read about her story yourself – either in her book or the many articles and interviews you can find online – I just want to get sentimental here and write about how great she is. It’s truly an incredible–and inspiring–story.

Listening to the book was the way to go for me – I loved hearing Mandy narrate her own story, her Yarmouth accent so familiar to me. I learned a lot about her life that I hadn’t known before: her childhood, her dyslexia, and her fierce determination to make her family proud. She’s a strong advocate for women in the trades, for equality in the trades, and for the recognition the trades deserve as a valuable service. She likes to give back, and her book just bursts with the love she has for her family, her partner, her work, and her hometown.

We need more Mandys in the world.

Watch Mandy being interviewed about her book.

“Love is always the answer.“

Brit Happens by James Mullinger (Goose Lane Editions)

Not only do I not know James Mullinger at all but he’s not even from the Maritimes. However, after listening to his book and his story, it’s clear to me that he’s not only a Maritimer at heart, but he’s everything that’s best about being a Maritimer; he’s proud, he’s friendly, he’s generous, he’s made ‘small-world’ connections, he knows everyone, and he makes fun of himself.

James is a comedian; he’s funny. But the thing that makes him successful around here is that his jokes are about Maritimers and our curious ways. We love to laugh at ourselves. And, apparently, James loves to make fun of us. Lovingly, of course, because he considers himself one of us now. And, even if he didn’t, his wife is one of us, which is how he ended up in St. John, New Brunswick. We are lucky to have him. Not only is he funny, but he loves his new home and his actions prove it.

James has organized many events, raising thousands of dollars for local organizations and charities. He and his wife have started a magazine called Edit that features all things Maritime-y. And he’s sought out and supported many Maritime artists, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and other comedians just because he’s a nice guy. (And also he needs stuff to do with all that energy he has!)

Sometimes you need someone from away to help you see how great your home is.

“You learn a great many things travelling this beautiful country. I have performed hundreds of shows, driven thousands of kilometres and flown even farther over the last five years. I’ve seen it all, and what I have concluded is this: Canada is the greatest place in the world to live, work and travel.“

After listening to his book, my husband and I went to see him perform in Halifax. Go see him if you can! Until then, you can watch some videos on his website.

Peace by Chocolate by Jon Tattrie (Goose Lane Editions)

Who, in Canada, hasn’t heard of Peace by Chocolate by now? The chocolate and the Peace by Chocolate story has spread around the country like wildfire – there’s even a movie!

Maybe because I felt like I already knew the story, I was slow getting around to reading the book. I was wrong, though, I only knew a small part of the story – there was so much more to know. Listening to the book was like watching a movie; I didn’t want to stop until it was over. I laughed and cried and was so moved by the story I bought everyone boxes of Peace by Chocolate for Christmas. And I bought myself the book so I can revisit it whenever I want.

Read this book even if you think you already know the story. It will make you want to help make the world a better place.

“If you offer kindness, you will receive kindness.”

In this interview with Jon Tattrie at Atlantic Books Today, Tattrie says, “Peace by Chocolate shows us how we can endure hard times with dignity, suffering dehumanization without losing our own sense of humanity, and how we can rebuild a new life on the other side of suffering and tragedy.”

“It’s true: Isam is not making chocolate. He’s making happiness. Take a bite.”