this was my first introduction to Kate Beaton's work. i liked the pacing and storytelling here but for me what would have kicked it into higher gear is more reflection toward the end. beaton describes the multiple complexities of oil workers - as laborers exploited in the system, as abusive and coarse men, as drug addicts and alcoholics, as fathers providing for their families, and as folks capable of great harm to others and to the environment. i just wish she drilled down into it a bit more - especially with the duck interlude - as the book is called ducks.