Ed Smith is a writer of humour. From the Ashes of My Dreams is the story of his struggle to come to grips with quadriplegia after a motor vehicle accident, and describes his adventures and misadventures of seventeen months in rehabilitation centres in Newfoundland and Toronto. The author details his frustrations and triumphs and, from his own experience, offers critical observations on certain aspects of health care. With the help of family and friends, and support from people all across Canada, Ed Smith persevered despite many personal challenges to return to what he loves: family, home, and, of course, writing.

Winner of the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards – Rogers Cable Non-Fiction Award