| BOOK REVIEWS The Weekend Guy (A Survival Guide) Written and Illustrated by Vince Grittani Publisher – Key Porter Books (Reviewed by Eleanor Kidd for the Huntsville Forester )
Vince Grittani’s book, written in a light-hearted, amusing format, is an excellent guide for everyone who vacations in Muskoka or any areas outside of big cities. Those of you who have moved here or who have always called Muskoka home will also appreciate his useful tips. It’s not only fun to read but offers practical advice about most issues involving life away from urban centres. Grittani focuses his attention on those people, not just "guys", who head out each weekend or on a holiday for cottage country. He examines all of the traps or problems they may confront and how to prevent them. His mixture of helpful suggestions with humour makes the reading easy and pleasurable. We are all familiar with weekend guests. Along with ideas such as telling them ahead that you will provide Friday and Sunday dinners and they are responsible for Saturday’s, he states, "Your next move is to get guests to bring non-perishables that you need and are sure they’ll leave behind. Remember, if it wasn’t for forgetful guests, how else would you stock up on linen?" He then lists other items that could end up with you forever such as suntan lotion, novels, tupperware, and CDs. Permanent residents will also reminisce about some of their early disasters on venturing into Muskoka. His tips on the avoidance of these would have been almost like having Dr. Spock’s baby book on hand. Think of preventing catastrophes with opening up the seasonal cottage, wells running dry, pesky insects, septic tank back-ups, and chimney clogs. I can recall my husband on a winter weekend underneath our cottage with my hair dryer trying to defrost frozen pipes or when, with a house full of guests, the water ran out. Included are landscaping ideas so that you are not mowing lawns all weekend, how to find "neat stuff" at garage sales and suggestions on purchasing a boat. His recipes are unique and intriguing such as his "All-In One Sandwich" or one that involves a turkey called "Drunken King Tut". The barbeque, centrepiece for many of his meal ideas, is most popular for summer cooking. He includes great hints for perfect steaks, chicken and other assorted delights. Throughout this book, his humorous cartoons, with which all readers can identify, provide many chuckles. Vince Grittani who lives in Muskoka is a producer/director, playwright and television personality. Among other numerous credits, he appeared often as "The Weekend Guy" on the Life Network’s "Real Life" producing more than 100 segments. This worthwhile, enjoyable guide is available at all book outlets in Muskoka.
(Review by Eric Marks The New Brunswick Reader )
The Weekend Guy: A Survivial Guide...is an easily packable owner's manual for cottages. cabins and camps. In light but informative prose that reflects his background as a TV commentator, Grittani offers sound advice on choosing and maintaining a cabin, hosting guests, sports (biking & boating), and cooking (barbecue everything, even pizza). The result is an excellent starter's guide for anyone wonder whether they can afford a weekend retreat, and a good all-in-one maintenance and safety checklist for those who already have one planned. |
