Jeff Godin explores foster homes and nature in new biography

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Lethbridge based writer, artist, dancer and musician Jeff Godin hopes people will identify with the story of his life.

Godin recently released the first half of his heartfelt biography “ Bears Falling From Trees with Erections: Diary of an Indigenous Dude:Book 1” through Eaglespeaker Publishing.


 It chronicles his life in Lethbridge’s arts scene from Feb. 26, 2016 to Aug. 7, 2017, while flashing back to his memories of days growing up as an indigenous youth being shuttled between foster homes and group homes in the ’70s and ’80s, while touching on his battles with addiction and abuse, run ins with police and adventures in nature with his friends. It also offers tantalizing hints about his experiences being in the military and other future adventures including performing with Calgary theatre groups like the Green Fools and performing at the Calgary Stampede.


 His adventures in the Lethbridge arts scene are particularly interesting, as while he rarely uses last names for his characters, people familiar with the scene will recognize some of the names.


The first book covers up to his age  18 or 19.
“I wrote my whole story but it was like 800 pages. So the publisher cut it in half. When it sells 150 copies, they’ll release book two,” he said, noting 40 copies have already sold on Amazon.


“I just wrote my story. I forgot some things, but most of the time I got the right stuff in it and touched on the most important things,” he said.
 It is heartfelt and honest, almost too honest in places, and a little rough.
“ It’s not for everyone,”’ Godin said.

“It’s just the story of my life. I thought people might enjoy hearing it,” he continued.

“ I didn’t go to school to learn how to write, I just write how I normally write,” he said.

“I think people will be able to identify with it,” he continued, adding he is pleased to join the ranks of numerous indigenous authors.

The book glosses over a few experiences of sexual abuse and petty crime. Godin noted he didn’t want to relive those experiences.


 Writing the book helped him remember a lot of his experiences, both good and bad.
“ It’s hard to remember all of these experiences. Some of it was cathartic,” he said.
 The book also touches on his journey to meeting his birth parents and people who knew them as well as learning to survive in nature while attending camp. The title of the book comes from  one of  the passages in the book about one of his hikes.

He also explores  growing up within the  foster care system.
“ I lived in a lot of foster homes. and experienced a lot, but it goes to show you can beat the system,” he said.
Godin’s book is available through Amazon or by contacting him  at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or through https://www.eaglespeaker.com/bears-falling-from-trees-with-erections

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
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