Books
Paul Kennedy Blackburn’s works are more than just books — they are windows into a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and raw emotional truth. Through his storytelling, Paul invites readers into a world that is often harsh, sometimes tender, but always deeply real.
Fast Lane In A 97 Street…Pool Hall
2 Be…or…Not 2 Be
His debut book, Fast Lane in a 97 Street…pool hall: Scars…scabs…and all, Sex, drugs and Rock n’ Roll…Lies lies, lies is an unflinching memoir of a childhood spent on the hard streets of Edmonton, Alberta. Growing up amid poverty, violence, and abandonment, Paul paints a vivid portrait of life in a broken home, where survival was a daily fight and love often had to be fought for. At the center of the story is the devastating loss of his beloved brother Ray, a wound that left permanent scars but also shaped Paul’s understanding of loyalty, grief, and strength. Through tragedy, he weaves hope — showing how, even in the face of betrayal and hardship, the human spirit can endure. Fast Lane in a 97 Street…pool hall: Scars…scabs…and all, Sex, drugs and Rock n’ Roll…Lies lies, lies is a raw, emotional journey that resonates with anyone who has ever had to find light in the darkest places.
Building on the foundation of his first book, Paul’s second release expands into two powerful parts: Faster Lane on a 97 Street… 2 Be… or Not 2 Be and Dead Poets vs Still Alive & Well. Together, they form a dynamic exploration of how the world — and our place in it — has changed over the decades.
Dead Poets vs Still Alive & Well
Dead Poets vs Still Alive & Well takes readers even deeper into Paul’s creative mind. Here, he celebrates the importance of individuality, passion, and fearless self-expression. Inspired by the rebellious spirit of the Dead Poets Society, Paul encourages readers to reject conformity and rediscover the power of their own voice. Through personal reflections, original poetry, and collaborations, he reminds us that art doesn’t require permission — it only requires honesty. This part of his second book is both a love letter to creativity and a battle cry for living authentically in a world that often values appearance over truth.
Together, Paul Kennedy Blackburn’s books offer a brutally honest, deeply moving, and fiercely human journey. They challenge readers to reflect, to remember, and most importantly — to live loudly, love fiercely, and never apologize for their truth. Whether he’s recounting the raw edges of his youth, questioning the chaos of modern life, or inspiring new poets to find their voices, Paul’s writing is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Fast Lane in a 97 Street…pool hall:
Scars…scabs…and all, Sex, drugs and Rock n’ Roll…Lies, lies, lies.
In Faster Lane on 97 Street…, Paul reflects on the dizzying acceleration of modern life. He contrasts the slow, meaningful pace of the 1960s and 70s — when long summer days, face-to-face conversations, and patience were the norm — with the frenetic, disconnected culture of today. With vivid storytelling, humor, and pointed social commentary, he explores how society’s hunger for speed and instant gratification has eroded real human connection. Yet beneath the critique, there is a deep nostalgia and longing for a time when life wasn’t measured by likes, notifications, or overnight deliveries but by relationships, community, and experience.
