Unveiling Truths:
The Journey of Barbara Godin

Navigating Life's Depths through Words,
Wisdom, and Resilience

PHOTO: Barbara Godin: Crafting Wisdom Through Words, One Page at a Time

Barbara Godin received her B.A. from Athabasca University, Edmonton, Alberta Canada. She began writing her popular “Dear Barb” column in 2003. In 2019 Barbara won the first-place award in a short article contest from the prestigious Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) for “Mary’s Story.”

Barbara is the author of five books.  “Dear Barb: Answers to Your Everyday Questions” “Glimpses in Time: A Collection of Memoirs and More” also  “Dear Barb 2: Advice for Daily Life” and her bestselling memoir “Can I Come HOME Now?” Barbara's latest book "Seasons of the Heart" is a collection of poetry. 

Barbara was born in Windsor Ontario Canada. She now resides in Chatham Ontario Canada with her husband and their ginger cat aptly named “Prince Harry.

What is the last great book you read?

The last book I read was “The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking” by Paul H. Boge. It was a difficult read, but a story that needed to be told. I had no idea this was going on in Canada to the extent that it is. The author was very thorough and included all sides of the issue.

If you organising a party, who would you invite?

If I were organizing a party I would invite Tara Westover and Maya Angelou. I enjoyed Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” and Maya Angelou has written seven autobiographies. I believe her most famous memoir is “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Which writers working today do you admire the most?

I admire Ryan Green’s ability to write true crime and I truly enjoyed “The Midwife of Auschwitz”  by Anna Stuart, although it was a difficult book to absorb.

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid?

When I am working on a book I read books that are similar to the genre I am writing. I avoid books that will be too engulfing and distract me from writing.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I enjoy reading autobiographies, memoirs, and poetry.

What kind of books do your family and friends read?

My family and friends read mostly nonfiction, true crime, and memoirs. My husband reads strictly fiction.

What first piqued your interest in reading when you were a child?

As a child, I spent one year living with my father and he often took me out on Friday nights and bought me two or three books. I always made sure I read the books before I got new ones.

When did you begin writing?

My life was very difficult and keeping a journal helped me to cope with some of the abuse and neglect I experienced while growing up.

Which book is your most popular book and why?

My most popular book is my memoir “Can I Come HOME Now?” It is most popular because of the horrific abuse I experienced. My book is a tool for many families to discuss abuse that may have occurred within their own family but have never been able to discuss.

Which book do you wish was more popular?

I wish my “Dear Barb” series was more popular. I feel it contains a lot of interesting advice about everyday issues, that everyone can benefit from.

Follow Barbara Godin

This "Editor's Choice, Award of Excellence"
is presented to Ms. Barbara Godin 
and a select group of exceptional authors
by The Reader's House magazine

This interview is showcased in the magazine's 40th issue.
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