Sonny Poolroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sonny Poolroom, a memoir by Steve Hawrishok, chronicles rural life in 1950s & 1960s Saskatchewan New third edition, available in hard copy and digital e-book, features 30 new stories and additional insights into life in Lac Vert REGINA, SK | Oct. 8, 2024 – Sonny Poolroom, the heartfelt memoir by Steve Hawrishok, hasbeen re-released in a third edition, and is available now in hardcopy and digital e-book from amazon.ca. The book offers a vivid glimpse into life in Lac Vert, a small town about 200 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, during the 1950s and 1960s. With a mix of nostalgia, humour and poignancy, Hawrishok recalls his formative years growing up in a large family and spending much of his time in the local poolroom – the family business that was a hub for community life. Born in Carrot River, Saskatchewan in 1946, Hawrishok was the third eldest of six children. His childhood was marked by adventures collecting beer bottles and being farmed out, but the poolroom remained a central part of his early years. In Sonny Poolroom, Hawrishok shares these memories, inviting readers to step back in time to a simpler yet challenging era on the prairies. “Sonny Poolroom is a collection of memories and emotions tied to them,” says Hawrishok from his home in Regina. “I never intended to write a memoir, but during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family encouraged me to put these stories down on paper.” Written during the isolation of the pandemic, Sonny Poolroom reflects on the enduring themes of family, community and resilience. Hawrishok captures the spirit of a bygone era making it relatable for anyone who has ever lived in or known the charm – and the struggle – of a small prairie town. “When Sonny Poolroom first came out last year, I was amazed at how many people said they could relate to my stories, even if they grew up in a different prairie town or era,” Hawrishok adds. “It shows that no matter where we come from, there are shared memories that bind us together. It’s been an incredible experience hearing from readers who’ve seen themselves in these pages.” To give back to the community that shaped him, Hawrishok donated the initial proceeds of the book’s release to the Lac Vert Community Centre, ensuring future generations could continue to gather and create their own memories. For more about Steve Hawrishok and Sonny Poolroom, visit www.sonnypoolroom.ca. — 30 — Contact: Shelley Patel; sonnypoolroom@gmail.com; 778-884-5323