Photo: Barbara Godin, award-winning author and columnist, whose memoirs and poetry inspire readers to reflect, heal, and embrace resilience through life’s challenges.
Navigating Life’s Depths through Words,
Wisdom, and Resilience
PHOTO: Barbara Godin: Crafting Wisdom Through Words, One Page at a Time
Barbara Godin reflects on her life experiences, shares her creative writing process, discusses her books, and reveals the authors and genres that inspire her as a storyteller.
Barbara Godin is a remarkable voice in contemporary literature, a woman whose words resonate with raw honesty, profound wisdom, and a genuine compassion for human experiences. From her inspiring beginnings in Windsor, Ontario, to her celebrated writing career spanning decades, Barbara’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and immense creativity. Her dedication to addressing life’s complexities through her popular column “Dear Barb” and her literary works has made her a cherished guide for readers seeking advice, comfort, and understanding.
Barbara’s accolades are as impressive as they are well-deserved. A first-place award from the Professional Writers Association of Canada, five insightful books, and a bestselling memoir that touches the hearts of many are just a few highlights of her illustrious career. Whether sharing personal memoirs, heartfelt poetry, or practical life advice, Barbara’s writing shines with authenticity and grace. Her work resonates not only because of her masterful storytelling but because of her ability to give voice to the struggles and triumphs that shape the human spirit.
As someone who began writing as an act of solace amidst hardship, Barbara has transformed her pain into purpose, creating a body of work that invites reflection, growth, and healing. She is an outspoken advocate for meaningful conversations—be it about abuse, neglect, or life’s ordinary challenges—and her memoir, Can I Come HOME Now?, stands as a beacon of hope and courage for those navigating similar waters.
In this interview, Barbara offers glimpses into the mind of a compassionate writer. Her passion for autobiographies, her admiration for writers such as Maya Angelou and Tara Westover, and her meticulous approach to writing remind us of her commitment to understanding and exploring the intricacies of the human condition. Barbara Godin not only inspires us as a writer but as a profound thinker, a creative force, and a champion of authentic human connection. It is an absolute privilege to share her insights and celebrate her extraordinary contributions to the literary world in this issue of Reader’s House.
Barbara Godin is a compassionate and compelling author whose writing navigates life’s challenges with wisdom, authenticity, and heart.
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.
Highlights From The Interview:
- Barbara’s memoir, Can I Come HOME Now?, as a tool for families to address abuse and difficult conversations.
- Her thoughts on the impact of The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking by Paul H. Boge.
- Exclusive insight into her writing process, including reading similar genres while working on a book.
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
- web: https://barbgodin.com
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Godin/author/B08BY1Q66H?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20365964.Barbara_Godin?from_search=true&from_srp=true
- X : https://twitter.com/barbgod
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbGod
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbgodin
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-godin-18630730/
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.
