"I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder. I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern ship building has gone beyond that." - Captain Smith, Commander of the ill-fated Titanic which was sunk by an iceberg April 15, 1912.
Book Reviews & Reader Feedback
"Eerily close to a reality we hope does not come true; Omstead has written a page turner of a story. His impeccable research makes this "story" strike too close to home. His obvious respect for character and those who have displayed it historically induces respect and reminds us to check our own character. He succeeds in delivering hope in humanity's ability to not only prevail but to prevail with honesty, integrity and values." - Tina Wells, Voice Over Artist & TV Personality
"The Red Wing Sings is a brilliant piece of fiction that challenges the mind and makes us ponder, what if?" - Marlene Markham-Gay, BIZ X Magazine October 2012
The Red Wing Sings is now a "Staff Pick" at Friesen Press. http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/staffpicks
"Excellent read. I like the way you intertwine Will's journey with Native American spirituality (love the metaphor with the bird) and it's packed with great twists and turns. It's a great fit for a movie because it's so visual and plot-driven, with a clear goal and inner journey for the main character. On some level, it reminds me of movies such as "Children of Men", as it's also a story with major societal and philosophical implications where - in a world under martial law - an underdog character embarks on a journey, the outcome of which could be the life or death of a nation." Stéphanie Joalland - Bilingual Script Consultant (Apr 2012)
"This book wraps modern day fears with historical success, throws in tons of symbolism, action, adventure, at least one explosion and a touch of romance. It is all tied up in a pretty package just in time for the 200th anniversary of The War of 1812." Jennifer Cranston, Essex Free Press (Dec 2011)
"Omstead presents a highly readable, reasonably plausible, and generally engaging political thriller... If not a classic along the lines of Seven Days in May, Omstead’s novel is sufficiently different and well-written enough to be remembered by those who read it." Mark G. McLaughlin, ForeWard Clarion Reviews (Sep 2011)
"The Red Wing Sings is quite serious in tone and topic, but still a lot of fun and a great read for those dying days of summer." Rob Alexander, Rocky Mountain Outlook (Sep 2011)
"It's really a Canadian epic." Jerry Auld author of Hooker & Brown, Canmore AB
"Great feedback on the book from readers!" Joy McLean, Owner of Cafe Books Canmore AB
"At first I thought...Ok, get real...and then by golly, I quickly realized it COULD be real. This book should be read by every Canadian!" Laura Ford, Windsor ON
"It is an impressive work. Not often does one come across a modern story that is so Canadian. The red wing analogy is wonderful and Will's war tactic is very likable, all of it makes me happy that I chose Canada as a place to live and have my family in." Tanya Colwell, Calgary AB
"I found myself just wide-eyed with your book, and quite scared! That scenario never occurred to me, and I hope it never will happen." Eleanor Little, San Diego CA
"I love the perspective that is offered with your story, and I agree with your Facebook posting that I hope it remains fiction!!" Lynnette Bain, VP Tourism Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island, Canada
"... after a hundred pages, I literally could not put it down until I was finished. I find myself referencing your book often. Very powerful stuff." Michelle Taves, Leamington ON
"I love the title and the book. I especially enjoyed your visit and the people of Hiawatha. I have read excerpts to [my husband] and have discussed your book with him. He plans to read it. He stated that you can be the new Alistair MacLean." June Emmert, Flint Michigan
"If this story came from a dream... all I can say is, I hope you dream again!" Liz Maric, London ON
"Your writing reminded me of Tom Clancy's writing but to be truthful I found it much more interesting and it wasn't bogged down with dates, names and details that I find don't add to the story. Basically I felt it was a great imaginative story but scary because of its possibilities to be true." Ramune Wiltshire, Thunder Bay ON
"One of our patrons at Riverside Library just ret'd a copy of your book, with a note inside that said, 'I REALLY enjoyed this book!'" Kathryn Evans Brown, Windsor Riverside Library
"Read your book on our hiking trip to Utah. Thought it was terrific. Could not put it down." Kathryn McGarvey, Vancouver BC
"I finished your book last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a page turner. It certainly kept me up flipping pages. I am going to have fun recommending it to people! Anne-Louise Brooks, Calgary AB
"Just finished the book... That was a scary roller coaster ride of events. Makes you feel while reading that it actually has happened." Mark Shields, Etobicoke ON
"Your book is amazing!! I think about the characters when I am not reading the book and can't wait to read it every night before I go to bed. I love how there are intriguing sub plots. Nice creative tension! I have purchased a second copy and having the book sent to [my mother] for her birthday. [My husband] is purchasing a copy for his brother..." Kathleen Keil, Asheville NC
"After reading the book, it struck me how well it would fit in with the Grade 7 curriculum (not only in History, but Geography and English as well). There are so many ways to connect to this story." Darci Hyatt, Elementary School Teacher, Wheatley ON
"I want to join the resistance. Half way done and [I] can't wait to the end, so I can read it again. I really like it. Amazing!" Chris Deziel, Leamington ON
"I finished your book and really enjoyed it! I enjoyed it as a novel, but also because you made historical references which really hit the mark, since it referenced Isaac Brock's diary. Good timing as 2012 will be the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812." Paul Ysselmuiden, Canmore AB
"What impressed me as a reader, was how the story line and the characters stuck with me...there was no looking back or need for recall. In many ways it flowed in an almost cinematic way, the characters so relatable, yet individual in their own right. I believe that everyone can find a character or characters that resonate with them on a personal level which is a great accomplishment. I [also] really loved the idea of French as a language of Canadian identity and a symbol of resistance. Perhaps I can instil this idea into my teenagers this semester!" Carrie Vassallo-Grossi, High School Teacher, Leamington ON
"I finished it! It was great! Excellent work! It moved really fast. There's lots of imbedded mini stories in it. I liked the way you included interesting tidbits and background pieces of information about some of the places and events going on. I'm reading it again - I think it's even better the second time." Cathy Wilson, Oakville ON
"Already hooked and on page 30. Great job! Can't wait till the kids go to bed so I can read some more." Erika Jensen, Canmore AB
"I found myself fascinated by your character[s]. What an interesting, reassuring, yet frightening cross-section of humanity, at its best and at its worst." Maeve Johnston, Kingsville ON
"What a fantastic intriguing story - It kept my interest right to the very end." Jeanne Manners, Leamington ON