Old Country Surprises: Book 1 of 2

Written by Ken Saik

Narrated by Michael Courtneay

How important is family to you? Mike, in Old Country Surprises, thinks he highly values family until his grandfather shows him that his job is more important. Determined to correct that impression, Mike agrees to his grandfather’s request. Go to Ukraine, and I find his grandfather’s birthplace.  

Mike’s research leads him to experience the rich Ukrainian culture. Like a tourist he appreciates the various historical achievements and memorable artistic expressions of the Ukrainian people. An unanticipated plus was witnessing and experiencing the close caring community social interactions. Mike’s uncle’s business connections treated Mike and his siblings as personal guests. For Mike feeling as part of the Ukrainian family is a bonus.

Where was his great grandfather’s birthplace? That was the reason Mike’s grandfather asked him to travel to Ukraine. His present Ukrainian connections failed to help him. Who else could he turn to? His only possible prospect was a long shot, but he had to try.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harper House
• Release date: Jun 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798822612303

Ken Saik

              Ken Saik, retired social studies teacher with the Edmonton Public School Board, was once a member of the executive of the Alberta Teacher’s Association. During that time, he became a member of the Greater Edmonton Association, a local pressure group working to improve housing for the poor. He enrolled in their training on “engaging people for political action.” In his latest book, The Caretaker, Ken Saik uses the lessons he learned to arm Steve, the story’s protagonist, to stop Walter Kohlberg, a developer, from converting a public park into a housing development for the rich.