Title: Never leave your wingman
Author: Deana Driver
Sometimes we want a hopeful story. Correction: Sometimes we need a hopeful story.
Life’s little stresses – a new job to prepare for, the gradual decline of one’s property over the passing months, the want of cuddles from a new pet who enjoys biting a lot more, or the accidental deletion of a once-perfect book review – these are the things that make it hard to battle on sometimes.
Dionne and Graham Warner’s story in Never Leave your Wingman, written by Deana Driver, shows us that the little things in life are worth every battles.
Dionne in particular is an amazing lady.
Her biography begins with her battles as a black girl in middle school, where she was tormented as an outsider. Her situation at home was also difficult, as her mother’s chronic depression pulled her family apart. Dionne also went through a divorce during her biggest hardship: multiple diagnosis of cancer in her breast, brain, and liver.
Get daily National news
That last one makes me shiver, as I write this review for the second time while my significant other enjoys the company of our new puppy, Watson. And suddenly, with that thought, life feels spectacular. That isn’t to say that Dionne’s journey is bleak by comparison; that’s the exact opposite of the woman depicted in Never Leave Your Wingman. Dionne is positive, strong willed, and loves a good laugh no matter what pain she endures.
I think that’s what makes this book so impressionable. Impressionable is a good word to describe this one. This is the first local book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing (twice) where people on the street have come up to me to share their favourable thoughts on Dionne’s story. People told me about how they cried, laughed, and felt the hope throughout the pages between the very pink book cover of Never Leave Your Wingman.
And if this one sounds too feminine for you, there’s a second half, the wingman half.
Graham Warner’s story conveys a man who is as persistent as Dionne. He began a trucking company, Warner Industries, which made him a success in his own right. His philosophies on business are inspiring. He also went through a divorce. He has a pilot’s licence and is one hell of a practical joker. The shenanigans he pulls off are legendary and often involve epic coordination. One practical joke in particular involves parking a van on top of a building using a crane. That’s the kind of man Graham is, which makes him the perfect match for Dionne.
The history we’re given proves life’s battles are best fought together, as a team and a family.
Driver’s writes in simple pros, as she doesn’t need to dazzle us with flowery or overly poetic language. Dionne and Graham’s candid story is enough to inspire. Nor are we treated to a sob-story. Dionne is a real woman, who likes Whoopers, angel trinkets, worries about her sex life, is concerned for others, and wears elaborate costumes to chemo treatment. And Graham is there for her.
Never Leave Your Wingman is the hopeful story we all need.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.