Unsolicited from: Professor Emeritus Robin H. Farquhar (MA, English Literature; PhD, Educational Administration), Former President of Carleton University and Former President of The University of Winnipeg.
Sent to Patrick McLaren on Jan.1, 2023.
Copied with permission
Dear Patrick,
Susan was kind enough to provide us with a copy of your Magic Travels, which I planned to browse through in the interest of getting to know you better. I have just finished, and it was no browse – I became totally and enchantedly immersed in it, and I learned a lot more about you than I had anticipated:
o    I learned what a varied, intensive and productive life you experienced during that period – through which you developed a wide range of specialized talents, most of which some of us can perhaps dream about but would not dare to seek out as you did (diamond hitches, horse-shoeing, camp construction, and your ubiquitous facility with magic to mention just a few in your cowboy phase alone), and from which you were able to draw memorable life lessons along with the specific forms of expertise that you explicate so clearly.
o    I learned what an excellent story-teller you are, with a remarkable capacity to recall descriptive and narrative details about people, places and events; to capture the feelings (humour, fear, pain, elation, serenity, wonder, etc.) that invest what you're reporting with life and authenticity; and to animate your tales by the artful use of tantalizing foreshadowing, riveting suspense and appealing humility.
o    And I learned what an articulate and lucid writer you are – choosing the appropriate word or phrase, respecting your readers by not dumbing-down the vocabulary, constructing your chapters to best dramatize the stories they tell, resisting urges to elaborate unnecessarily and opting for succinctness (thereby giving the reader's imagination room to roam).
More generally, you have produced a book that is very difficult to put down before one has completed reading it.
The Unlikely Adventures of a Geologist is a masterful accomplishment, and I felt privileged being able to enjoy it so thoroughly and thus to learn so much about your courageously fascinating life. Thank you for writing it, a stunning achievement of which I suspect Digby would be justifiably proud. I also loved Susan's introductory sketches, and it was certainly pleasant to revisit Whitby.           
 
Robin

Reviews 

"A geologist looks back on magic tricks, Arctic ordeals, and many encounters with feisty animals in this rollicking memoir. McLaren, a Canadian geologist and consultant, recalls unusual pursuits, occupations, and journeys undertaken in his childhood and young adulthood...The result is an engaging coming-of-age story full of ...charm."
- Kirkus Reviews

"It would be an understatement to say that I enjoyed your book immensely. You’re a cowboy an explorer a guide a technician a handyman a scientist and a writer plus much more."
- Roy Middleton, Management consultant and entrepreneur

"You are a very good writer and story teller - and obviously magician!"
- Monika Simon, Retired Association Executive

"Your recall of details is astounding and your gentle humour comes through everywhere. I am looking forward to reading more."
- Terrence Stitt, Former English teacher
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"Impressive and very well written. You have a great memory or took great diary notes, and spin a good yarn. Farley Mowat move over."
- Guy Sprung, Author, film and theatre director

"To say I liked your book is an understatement. I savoured every word. You have a wonderful voice and such a rich life! I loved the humour throughout." 
Di Madill, Retired teacher