PHOTO CREDIT PETER POWER CBC
Local author Mark Sakamoto and celebrity Jeanne Beker stand with a copy of Sakamoto's book, "Forgiveness." The book won the Canada Reads campaign on March 29.
Medicine Hat native Mark Sakamoto is the winner of the 2018 edition of CBC’s Canada Reads.
Sakamoto’s book “Forgiveness” defeated “American War” in the finale this morning. Sakamoto’s book was defended by fashion icon and TV host Jeanne Beker, while Omar El Akkad’s “American War,” was defended by actor Tahmoh Pennikett.
Sakamoto’s book chronicles the lives of both sets of his grandparents during the Second World War.
“Being able to just tell the stories of my grandparents, now to so many people, is just such a blessing for me — I really am thankful and enjoying every minute of it,” Sakamoto told the News earlier this month.
Beker was an ardent defender of the book, which until the finale did not have a vote for elimination against it.
“‘Forgiveness’ sheds light on a shameful chapter in our history, but it also shows us that healing is possible with tolerance and compassion. The message for Canadians is a timely one: forgive in order to move forward but never, ever forget,” Beker said in her defense.
