Book Review by Tash Hughes

Who Says I can’t? by Catherine DeVrye
Bantam Books, 2005, Australia

A mix of motivation and autobiography rolled into one, this book will inspire to you follow your own path for a satisfying life. And is a very positive gift for anyone you care about.

Adopted out for reasons that were never clear to her, Catherine was raised in Canada by a loving family. A curious child, Catherine dreamed of being a missionary so she could travel the world.

Catherine’s parents died of cancer when she was in her early twenties and her grief sent her to Australia to work for three months. Since then, Australia has become her home.

The book is a clear account of Catherine’s journey to discover herself and her biological family, without being sentimental or self-promoting. The book itself is written at the encouragement of others but there is also a sense of catharsis for Catherine as she relives some of her memories.
As a student PE teacher back in Canada, Catherine would never have imagined the experiences she would later enjoy or the wonderful people she would meet. Her story introduces many of these experiences and people with a sense of awe and appreciation.

With a career including the public service and thirty years at IBM, Catherine had the opportunity to travel the world many times, including a hike up Kilimanjaro, bike riding across the Andes, learning to surf, living in Japan and whitewater rafting in Africa.

Eventually, Catherine left IBM and began her business as a motivational speaker and writer. Like all small businesses, Catherine’s had periods of low activity and others where she was overwhelmed with work. Watching Catherine learn about herself and running a business will inspire other women in business that they can achieve their dreams, too, if they really believe in them.

Although her life may appear glamorous with all of the traveling, Catherine often felt vulnerable and alone. With excerpts from her personal diary, she doesn’t avoid these feelings or talking about disastrous relationships. Instead, Catherine gives a matter of fact account of the events and feelings that is more touching for its simplicity.

Catherine survives an avalanche, broken vertebrae, an exposed kneecap, a bizarre viral infection, parasitic infection and a hairline hip fracture, but the threat of cancer hangs over and frightens her. More than twenty years after her mother’s death, Catherine is finally able to support someone else facing loss to cancer, although her own fears don’t subside.

Named as Australian Executive Woman of the Year 2005, Catherine DeVrye shares her story so that other women, Australian or otherwise, see the possibilities for themselves. Business women everywhere could do no worse than use Catherine DeVrye as a role model and inspiration, starting with reading her memoir.

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