The Secrets of the Jack Pines is the amusing yet riveting true story of a Finnish-Canadian girl growing up on the outskirts of a small Northern Ontario town in the 1950's and 60's. Light-hearted, honest and forthcoming, the author recounts her adventures and the antics of her sister, brothers and colorful neighborhood characters. She will make you laugh and cry, and leave you in awe at the resilience of children as she draws you into the struggles of living and triumphing in spite of family mental illness and alcohol abuse.