Reflections from Crumbly Acres: Book Review: On Isabella Street

I have been buying books directly from the publishers, not billionaires on Amazon! (Then I donate them to the library!) I was ordering one book, and saw On Isabella Street. (Free shipping for orders above $49.)

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This historical fiction is set in 1967, and incorporates the issues of the time, with an interesting story about two strong women, and examining the PTSD of the Vietnam War. I walked past the Hippies, and street people to get to school. I remember sometimes people who would ask for money as I walked home from the subway. If I had money, I'd take them to the corner restaurant for a coffee and sandwich. There were people sleeping rough in inner city Toronto.

I knew about the de-institutionalism of the 60s and 70s. It had a horrible impact on society, as much as individuals. My takeaway is that there are some people who need help and institutionalization doesn't help many. Others simply need help, properly accessed by healthcare professionals. It boils down to a housing issue for many.

It was an excellent read. Genevieve Graham is a prolific 🇨🇦 Canadian author! I've read: Death Dealer, Unhallowed Ground, as well.

Isabella is a street in Toronto, right downtown, where I lived. I would walk to Jarvis Collegiate H.S. I'd heard of 999 Queen Street (1848 - 1998), where people with mental health issues were housed. There are horror stories, of course, but we know many homeless people are facing mental health issues that precludes them from finding housing or holding a job.

You can end up in hospital or jail, you lose your housing.

On Isabella Street

105 isabella st: google maps

There are lots of documents Graham accessed. Also, there is a YouTube video of a doctor that worked at the Ontario Hospital, referred to as '999.' Youtube Doctor memories.

This is from the Canadian Encyclopedia: 999 Queen Street West: The Toronto Asylum Scandal.

999 Queen Street West

On March 9, 1998 the Queen Street Mental Health Centre was privatized. It was merged with the Clarke Institute, the Donwood Institute and the Addiction Research Foundation to form the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.