The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era

by Aaron Williams

A third-generation British Columbia logger returns to the forests of Haida Gwaii, to witness a way of life in the grip of change. By the time Aaron Williams began learning how to fall a tree, his family had been making clear cuts on BC hillsides for nearly a century. During his father’s generation, the industry started to crumble, and by the time Williams arrived, he knew his future lay elsewhere. But his father continued in the trade, his work taking him into the forests of Haida Gwaii. There, Williams follows him into a season at Collison Point, where the loggers are increasingly unwelcome visitors to the ancient forests. The Last Logging Show captures the spectacular setting of Haida Gwaii and the people who call it home. It unravels the lives and dreams of those who log the forests for a living, who have coexisted with the Haida for generations―but while one way of life is in the twilight of existence, the other is being reborn. Thoughtful and compelling, this is a story of connection, community, and the force of fundamental change.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Aaron Williams is a cartoonist, illustrator, and author residing in Kansas City.

Reviews

[Earla Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello from BC, Canada; I am reading Arron’s book now…, and enjoying it! I am only on page 26, though I already know this book is a great story! As a young adult, I moved to British Columbia and have lived in areas Aaron describes well. Cut blocks that we see from the highways where logging trucks lumber along, living in communities with loggers - I am getting a personal, in-depth glimpse into the forest industry and its workers' way of life. I am learning a lot. The book's set primarily in Haida Gwaii, which makes the story a bit of a walk down memory lane. I've met Aaron, a family friend, and I can hear his enthusiasm for telling the story through each page I've read so far. It is a compelling read, I can't wait to recommend this book - hence, this review before The Last Logging Show is finished.

[Kelsey Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone that grew up with Aaron in the PNW I really loved this insight to one of the major industries in that area. It had a great balance of facts and opinions, showing the side of the logging industry most people won’t see, or even care to hear. Really enjoyed this, and will be reading Chasing Smoke soon.

[Mike Heenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great encapsulation of the history of logging on the coast of BC. A great read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent glimpse into the landscape of the Pacific Northwest both politically and geographically. Aaron is a born story teller, easy to read and understand what life is like in the PNW