The greatest thing that life has given us is the gift of friendship. Whether in our families, colleagues at work, children, or even among siblings, genuine friendships allow us to experience the purest form of love with people and make memories that we cherish for the rest of our lives. Leyda. Friends, Adventures and Campfire Stories by Leyda Campbell details her experiences with her friends, whose companionship impacted her life in wonderful ways. Right from bailing her out financially to saving her life when in danger, Leyda proves that the world is full of good people who are always willing to do good for others. Leyda’s relationships with her friends were mutually beneficial, as she was not always on the receiving end of their friendships. For instance, she describes an incident where she helped Jim, a man her schoolmates frequently picked on. She also narrates when she met a frustrated couple at the airport who could not reach their hosts. Leyda hosted this couple despite being strangers and went out of her way to ensure they were comfortable. This book is not just about friendships but also about Leyda’s transformations and her friends’ role in her career development. She vividly traces her career path, serving as a waitress, chef, house cleaner, bus driver and truck driver, among many other temporary jobs that she did. She amazingly transitioned between these jobs while still sticking to her craft, painting. I loved the inclusion of Leyda’s artwork on several pages of this book. They add to the aesthetic beauty of this text and allow readers to experience her painting. I always looked forward to her artwork, as though I were at an exhibition going through different stands of authentic art. Besides the paintings she had done, Leyda inserted several pictures of her friends in the sections where she described them. I also liked Leyda’s genuineness in her narration. She did not exaggerate her experiences by painting her friendships as all too perfect. She also included experiences she did not cherish because of how they made her feel, such as her Ecuador trip. This authenticity proved that not all friendships end well, as people may not act as we always expect them to. However, this experience does not overshadow the numerous friendships that Leyda cherished, with both adults and children alike. I especially loved the bond established by Leyda and Rick, her brother, once they met after a very long time. It reminded me that it is not just enough to have blood ties in family relationships if one cannot be friends with one’s siblings. This is an excellent book for readers who enjoy adventure books. It will especially appeal to readers who enjoy art, as Leyda’s passion for art inspired her adventurous spirit. I wholeheartedly award this book five stars. ~Sparrow

I have read Leyda's book and I could really relate to most of the stories. It is as if Leyda's friends were MY friends. It could have been me in so many of the stories. And when Leyda refers to places in Vancouver, well, I have been to most of these places as well at about the same time!!! It was like a travel in the past. A very entertaining and interesting voyage! I liked very much the humanity that transpired throughout the stories and adventures. A great read that I recommend. Catou from Ocean Park, South Surrey.

I remember Leyda from when I was in the Arctic. She had the fortune to fly with me and a lot of other people, pilots, and engineers in everything from Jet Rangers to Twin Otters, etc. The photographs in the book are legitimate, as much as her paintings are. It is a great book which pulls me back to the past. The short, entertaining stories are well worth reading. Her subjects constantly change making for a versatile life full of adventure, fun, and compassion. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. A real page-turner. Chopper Chuck

The book reads like we remember, the stories told are entertaining and some very sad. She has had an amazing life and what an adventure it has been. It makes you feel like you are there right along with her on her journeys around the globe and Canada. Heart ache, love, companionship, travel and adventure, what more could you ask for in a great book! Definitely recommend that you get this book!

Leyda Campbell has recounted many lively and engaging anecdotes in this memoir. Her memorable characters come vividly alive in these pages. Leyda has taken many risks in her lifetime, but has managed to stay afloat through her courage and resourceful nature. Although she has had some close calls, she has managed to remain positive, retaining her infectious sense of humour and expressing her gratitude towards those who have helped her along the way. This is a book to be devoured in one sitting or to be savoured over several evenings by the campfire.

A very entertaining collection of experiences and adventures from an Artist, famous for her wilderness paintings. Since I love her artwork, thought it was a "must read" and I was not disappointed. It is an assortment of life experiences / adventures that I am sure helped create her inspiration to capture the Canadian landscape in such a mesmerizing style. The book provides an insight into Leyda on a more personal level.

A life time of funny moments in Leyda's world. Funny, emotional, and creative. A good read for the adventurer.

Thoroughly enjoyed Leyda's reminiscing.

Full of adventures. This was a fun read learning about the life of this Canadian Artist. Reading this book was like Leyda was across from the table drinking coffee with me, telling the stories of her life. Recommend this book and recommend to check out Leyda’s artwork also!

Thanks to Leyda's great word choice, this book sounded more like a conversation than a written narrative. Her genuine conversational style did not limit her to overuse of euphemism terms, which would have made her statements less original. She used dialogue in this novel, which helped to break up the monotony of endless narrative. She used humour in her stories as well, such as when she relates the horrible diarrhoea they had with Bill and his colleagues after eating camp food. There was nothing in this book that I disliked. It has been carefully edited and contains no grammatical mistakes. For its great organization and plot development, I am confident that it deserves a maximum rating of five out of five stars. It's a book I recommend to those who enjoy friendship stories and autobiographies that focus on people's pals. Reign Goddess

I have just finished reading Leyda's book. Wow!! I have known her for many years and am very happy she wrote it. What a shame it would have been if her memories, adventures and mishaps had not been saved to bring enjoyment to so many people, both those who know her personally and to those to whom she is a bright new discovery. I think it is her personality (and she has the greatest genuine laugh) that has made her the success she is. Good on you girl! I am sure there are a lot more stories for the next one! I am still trying to figure out how you did all this in your high heels and one-inch nails. Had I not known you, I really would have missed out on having a wonderful friend who is a fantastic artist and who now can add author to her many accomplishments.  In my opinion this book deserves a 5-star review. For anyone who has not read this book, you are missing out on a great read by a very brave and adventurous female who has more grit than anyone else I know. Ann Munro

Stories of a life well lived. Thoroughly enjoyed reading each anecdote. Made me reminisce about my own "story" and the lives that have shaped it. What an amazing woman who seizes each moment!