There’s something magical about books, isn’t there? Whether you’re curled up in bed, sprawled out on a park bench, or lost in the aisles of your favorite bookstore, they transport you to worlds beyond your own. For me, that love for books went through its own series of ups and downs, much like the journey of starting my company, Comeback Snacks. And now, with our popcorn recently launching at Indigo—Canada’s largest chain of bookstores—I can’t help but reflect on how reading (and snacking) have shaped my story.
A Journey Through Pages (And Prisons)
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a love affair with books. Growing up, the library was my refuge. I’d spend hours after school wandering through the aisles, filling up bags with books—two whole grocery bags, to be exact. I wasn’t exactly the most social kid (I mean, I was besties with the Dewey Decimal System), but books kept me company in a way people just couldn’t. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies—if it had words, I was devouring it.
But as with any relationship, life got in the way. High school came, and with it, distractions. My love for books waned. Suddenly, I was more interested in… let's say, less literary pursuits (like keg parties and the occasional bad decision). Books became something I did only when I absolutely had to—think required readings in English class. Let’s just say I traded pages for partying.
Fast forward to my time at university, where I cleaned up my act enough to graduate with honors (keg parties and good grades—everything in moderation, right?). But even then, my relationship with books remained on the back burner.
A Surprising Reunion with Reading
It wasn’t until I found myself in prison (yes, prison) that my love for books reignited. Weird place for a reunion, I know, but life has a funny way of working things out. When I was sentenced to four years for smuggling narcotics, I figured I could either waste away my time or make the most of it. Spoiler alert: I chose the latter.
Grand Valley Institution for Women became the unlikely backdrop for my literary comeback. Armed with a personal list of goals, I dove headfirst into the world of literature once again. Business books, self-help, history, personal branding—you name it, I read it. Over 50 books in ten months, in fact. The best part? I had access to the Kitchener Public Library. Being able to request specific titles in a controlled environment? Pure bliss. Every book delivery felt like Christmas morning, minus the tinsel but plus the knowledge.
Books gave me purpose in a place where it was easy to lose hope. They fueled my dreams of starting Comeback Snacks, my socially conscious popcorn brand that not only satisfies cravings but also supports prison reform and second chances. Let’s just say, like a good book, prison had its plot twists, but literature gave me the tools to navigate them.
Popcorn + Books = The Perfect Pairing
Speaking of plot twists, let’s talk about popcorn. Specifically, gourmet popcorn (because let’s be real, not all popcorn is created equal). What’s better than getting lost in a good book? Getting lost in a good book with a bag of Comeback Snacks caramel popcorn by your side, of course!
We’re not just any popcorn brand. At Comeback Snacks, our mission goes beyond creating artisanal popcorn snacks—we’re all about second chances. Much like my story, our popcorn is a testament to resilience, redemption, and, yes, a little indulgence (because everyone deserves that). Whether you’re enjoying our handcrafted caramel popcorn while reading the latest bestseller or gifting our popcorn gift baskets for the holidays, you’re supporting a brand that believes in change.
So, if you’re like me and love to indulge in a little snacking while you read, why not make it a snack with a purpose? Comeback Snacks is here to satisfy your cravings, with flavors so bold, they’re criminal. Whether you're enjoying popcorn for movie nights, need snacks for parties, or are just looking for gourmet gifts, we’ve got you covered.
The Power of Literature and Snacks (And Second Chances)
Launching our popcorn at Indigo feels like a full-circle moment for me. From spending hours in bookstores as a kid to rediscovering my love for reading in the most unlikely of places, it’s a reminder of how books and snacks can go hand in hand. Just like I found my way back to literature in prison, our popcorn offers a way back to enjoying the little things—whether that’s a good book or a bold-flavored snack that hits just right.
So, the next time you’re wandering the aisles of Indigo (or shopping for popcorn online in Canada), don’t forget to grab a bag of Comeback Snacks. Whether you’re into gourmet popcorn for your next binge-reading session or just need a satisfying snack break, we’ve got the perfect flavor to match your mood.
After all, books and popcorn are a match made in snack-and-story heaven. Popcorn so good, it’s criminal—and that’s one plot twist you won’t want to miss!
P.S. Special thanks to the Kitchener Public Library for keeping my love for books alive. And to you, for choosing socially conscious snacks that support prison reform. Together, we’re writing new chapters and crafting comeback stories—one kernel at a time.