Jack Burger autographed copies of his book ‘You Don’t Know Jack.’
Jack Burger has a reputation as a gifted and colourful storyteller.
At the urging of his wife, Burger filled a book with some of those stories.
“It’s a snapshot of my life,” Burger said.
Burger, known to friends as Crafty Jack, was a guest speaker Thursday at Fort Macleod Library as part of a series of author visits.
Twenty-six people turned out to hear the author of You Don’t Know Jack talk about writing the book and share a few stories he hasn’t yet put down on paper.
“There’s a book in everybody, and I think you should all write one,” Burger said. “It was a fabulous way to spend a year.”
Jack’s wife Deb, who died three years ago after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was impressed with the zest and flavour with which he told his stories.
Deb encouraged Jack to put those stories in a book. He wasn’t sure anyone would be interested, but since his wife was right about most things he got to work.
Burger had written songs and poetry, but had never considered writing a book.
The stories began to flow and Burger soon had filled more than 450 pages.
The stories come from Burger’s life and escapades, beginning with his early years in Monarch and Fort Macleod and continuing through his working life.
The topics range from motorcycles to Lethbridge College, and from travels to his beloved wife.
Burger was careful to choose stories that showed people in a positive light, not wanting to disparage the reputation of others.
“If anyone was going to look foolish, it was me,” Burger said.
Burger told his audience at the library that early in the writing of the book his friend Fred Ehrensvrend, who lives in California, asked what he was going to call the book. Burger suggested he would leave that detail until the writing was finished.
Ehrensvrend suggested since the stories were all about Burger, he should call it You Don’t Know Jack.
The next day Ehrensvrend phoned back and suggested adding the subtitle But You Might If You Buy This Book.
Burger said he wanted writing the book to be a fun experience, and it was. It also helped him deal with the death of his wife.
The book’s cover is filled with 353 images, with Crafty Jack and Little Debbie’s faces figuring prominently.
As Thursday’s session at the library turned into a story-swapping session with friends in the audience, it became apparent Jack Burger has more stories in the tank.
“There will be another book,” Burger said with a laugh. “It was a colourful past.”
You Don’t Know Jack is available at The Macleod Gazette office.
Jack Burger autographed copies of his book ‘You Don’t Know Jack.’
Jack Burger laughs along with his audience during his appearance Thursday at Fort Macleod Library.
