Miss Nude Canada's Shoes (And Other Fiascos)

A Memoir (Act I * Greenhorn)

Non-Fiction - Memoir
197 Pages
Reviewed on 01/20/2020
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Author Biography

Jeff Pearson was born in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, in 1963, and attended Carleton and Lakehead Universities where he mostly majored in Maximum Intoxication / Fiasco Production. Then he went vagabond—rambling / exploring / travelling / working—for years, all over Canada and beyond. For the past twenty years, he has been honing his writing skills while manning various fire towers deep in the Canadian wilderness. Mr. Pearson's memoir, Miss Nude Canada's Shoes (And Other Fiascos) - Act I * Greenhorn, was a 2020 Readers' Favorite book-award winner.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is the first in a collection of memoir stories and recollections penned by author Jeff Pearson. In this first act of tales, entitled Greenhorn, we meet our author as he makes his way through the murky waters of late adolescence and young adulthood, through nine chapters which recount some of the most bizarre and chaotic experiences that happened to him in that time. Self-described as a fiasco-magnet, Pearson fumbles his way into many charming learning experiences with all different types of people in this crazy world and invites readers to look back on the nostalgia with him and learn its many life lessons together.

Author Jeff Pearson has a totally charming, witty and intelligent presence that runs through the narration of this book, making readers feel that they are in safe hands despite the crazy goings-on in the plot. The stories are genuinely larger than life and often ridiculous, but they’re just the kind of crazy that makes you relate to totally mad things which have happened in your own life, and so they’re relatable and fun in that way too. I particularly liked chapter 6, A Scientologist Cycles in the City, which was so hilarious I read it over twice. Pearson spins a yarn like a really entertaining friend would in a cozy bar, and each tale leaves you wanting more, but also adds to his journey and formation as a person overall. Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is a highly recommended read for those who love a good comedic memoir.

Erin Nicole Cochran

Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) by Jeff Pearson is a non-fiction memoir that dips in and out of the author’s thrilling, if somewhat nerve-wracking, life. A modern-day narration style similar to that of the beloved Christmas movie, A Christmas Story, only with even more adventures that bring about a chuckle and a gasp along the way. The language in Pearson’s memoir is quite charming, he is a born storyteller or life-describer for sure. One favorite line on page 12 reads: “His tight, well-oiled ship was capsized by a single, solitary, lonesome, karmic wave washing in from a distant shore he never knew existed.” This is only a small perfect sampling of what is offered in Jeff Pearson’s Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes.

Jeff Pearson’s Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes had me reliving my own younger days, although his younger days are much more entertaining. He has a way of molding life and moments, some perfect and others that are at times very scary, into a whirlpool of words that the reader is able to step into and experience for themselves. Each story is unexpected and brings to light a new facet that has yet to be disclosed in the author's life, but is ultimately captivating and makes you want to take a closer look into his life. Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes is the most brought to life memoir I’ve read, and I have read a few in my day. You will find yourself thinking back to your own often misguided days and remember fondly how they shaped you forever.

Lesley Jones

Miss Nude Canada's Shoes by Jeff Pearson is a collection of hysterical and heartwarming tales of a boy through adolescence and into adulthood. Everyone at some time or another finds themselves in strange or embarrassing situations, but Jeff seems to experience more than the average person. From dealing with a psychotic, bullying teacher and ending up in court for stealing a crossing guard hut to joining the Church of Scientology, Jeff seems to attract fiascos wherever he goes. His experiences are not limited to Ontario either. Jeff finds himself in bizarre situations as far-flung as Mexico and Nepal. Jeff is a self-confessed introvert and has struggled with low self-worth, but when he discovers alcohol, trouble descends, causing havoc and mayhem.

From the first paragraph where Jeff discovers a love for Pink Floyd, I knew I was going to relate to Jeff's view of the world. However, even I didn't expect such insanely funny stories with topics vastly different but each very touching. His experiences with the vile teacher, Barry Bray, were shocking but really relatable. I loved the letter to Siggy and Carl, and although the subject matter was moving, I did laugh out loud. Miss Nude Canada's Shoes by Jeff Pearson is really witty and compelling as you are just waiting for the next embarrassing calamity. However, this is not just a collection of funny stories. There are sections that are quite moving as well as Jeff tries to overcome his feelings of low self-worth. This is a great nostalgic read and took me back to my childhood and adolescence, although my adolescence was a little calmer. The book has depth and poignancy but will make your sides hurt with laughter too.

Rabia Tanveer

Miss Nude Canada's Shoes (And Other Fiascos) by Jeff Pearson is the story of the author as he navigates life and enjoys one adventure after another. This is a coming-of-age story where the author experiences life at its peak and rolls with the punches in his own style. From experiencing new things to starting adulthood, Pearson shares his experiences with transparency. It seems like trouble seeks him out, just to give him a hint of what life could be like, but Pearson takes it all like a champ. He has wit, charm and an impeccable sense of humor to help him through the events that make him realize how strong and capable he is. If life is crazy, Pearson is ready to show it that he is crazier and he isn’t afraid to show who is the boss.

Comedic and exceptionally well-crafted, Miss Nude Canada's Shoes (And Other Fiascos) by Jeff Pearson is a really entertaining memoir that will have you laughing out loud and begging for more. This is like a sit-com but better, so much better. Mr. Pearson has a very no holds barred kind of approach and it takes the reading experience to the next level. He takes you on a journey and makes sure you are up close and personal so that you can enjoy the ride that he called life. The narrative is hilarious and exceptionally maintained throughout the story. Certain scenes had me laughing out loud and then there were literally pages upon pages that I wanted to revisit and experience once again. This is an incredible story, an epic tale of a young man growing up and encountering life at its best or worst, depending upon how you look at it. This book is filled with action, comedy and the unfiltered emotions of a young man who is slowly realizing what adulthood is all about. I will be revisiting this book multiple times in the future.