Leaside high school graduate and former Glenvale Blvd. resident Nathaniel Moore returned to his old neighbourhood Dec. 3 to read excerpts of his newly published book Savage:1986-2011 to grade 11 and 12 English students. Moore’s book is his 25-year account growing up in a dysfunctional family who happened to live in Leaside for some of those years. Part autobiographical, part fiction, it has an interesting side story about his fascination with Randy “Macho Man” Savage, a pro wrestler.
Well written; readers looking for a different kind of coming-of-age story will enjoy it. Moore’s publicist says approximately half of the book’s 280 pages take place in Leaside. However, those seeking a novel that leans heavily on Leaside will be disappointed.
The strength of Savage is Moore’s struggle to understand those closest to him. He had a difficult family life growing up and is estranged from the family today; he was quick to point out his Leaside experience helped shape who he is as a person and as a writer. Published by Anvil Press, it’s available at Amazon.ca, Chapters.ca and independent bookstores everywhere.