An Upcoming Memoir from James Hees

Some memoirs are built around extraordinary accomplishments. Others are built around extraordinary survival.

In Born to be Mild, former CBC journalist James Hees reflects on a life spent standing uncomfortably close to danger. Growing up in a working-class community in British Columbia, Hees was not the bold adventurer one might expect. By his own account, hesitation was one of his defining traits. Yet despite his cautious nature, he repeatedly found himself caught in situations that ranged from reckless and absurd to genuinely life-threatening.

Through a series of vivid memories, Hees introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of characters, including troubled drifters, charismatic risk-takers, and friends whose poor decisions often carried unexpected consequences. Along the way, he recounts near misses, youthful misadventures, and the strange twists of fate that seemed to follow him throughout his early years.

Eventually, radio broadcasting became both a profession and a refuge. What began in small-town radio stations evolved into a distinguished journalism career that included work with CBC and international recognition for his storytelling. Yet even as his career advanced, the questions that shaped his youth never entirely disappeared.

Written with dark humour, honesty, and a sharp eye for human nature, Born to be Mild explores memory, luck, resilience, and the often unpredictable paths our lives can take. It is a memoir filled with colourful characters, close calls, and thoughtful reflections on what it means to make it through when others do not.

James Hees is a former CBC journalist whose work has received national and international acclaim. He has written and performed award-winning stories for CBC Radio and was nominated for an Alberta Film and Television Award for a CBC Television feature.

Born to be Mild will be available soon. Follow this website for news, updates, and additional information about the book.