MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY: PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES ON LITERACY Foreword by Knowlton Nash. Toronto, ON: McClelland & Stewart, 1990. 149pp., paper, $9.95. ISBN 0-7710-2166-6. CIP. Subject Headings: Literacy. Canadian literature (English)-20th century. Grades 10 and up / Ages 15 and up Reviewed by Louise Reirner. Volume 18 Number 4 1990 July The reality of illiteracy is a horrifying one. Nowhere does it hit home with more wrenching truth than in June Callwood's account of a woman who, unable to read, almost swallowed Drano, mistaking it for Bromo. Callwood is one of twenty-two prominent Canadian literary figures who have contributed a piece of their work to More Than Words Can Say, a collection of personal writings on the theme of literacy. The pieces are diverse in style, content and approach, encompassing the fiery polemic of Callwood, Tony German's touching story of the pleasure of sharing a book with his son, Robertson Davies' instructive dialogue between writer and student, germane cartoons by Aislin and Ben Wicks, and Neil Bissoondath's reflective essay on the importance of books in his youth. The efforts of Canada's literary and publishing communities in producing this volume are to be commended. Originally conceived by the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE), the idea became a published actuality with the assistance of McClelland & Stewart, the Canadian Booksellers' Association, and, of course, the contributing authors. In addition to spreading the word about literacy, More Than Words Can Say makes a tangible financial contribution to the literacy movement: proceeds from the sale will be used to support literacy endeavours in developing countries. All readers committed to literacy and the value of literature will find their thoughts shaped and challenged by the selections in this book. Highly recommended for public and secondary school libraries. Louise Reirner, Edmonton Public Library, Edmonton, AB.