Stories on Display: “Unwelcome: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Assault, and Rape in the Canadian Forces” by Captain Dawn Ottman Shines at Guadalajara International Book Fair 2025

Citi of Books proudly brought the books of our remarkable authors to the heart of the 39th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), turning our space into a lively corner where stories, ideas, and creativity met.

Being part of FIL from November 29 to December 7, in Expo Guadalajara, Av. Mariano Otero 1599, Col. Verde Valle, Guadalajara, Jalisco, meant more than simply displaying books—it meant becoming part of a larger cultural heartbeat. Our gallery served as a bridge between authors and curious readers, offering a close-up look at stories that deserve the spotlight. From powerful biographies to practical guides, and from imaginative fiction to soul-stirring reflections, our curated collection drew in visitors who left with new favorites in hand. And with the vibrant spirit of FIL all around us, every conversation, recommendation, and smile felt like a reminder of why we love sharing books with the world.

With FIL’s electric atmosphere—filled with authors, readers, and cultures from around the globe—our gallery became a warm stop for visitors eager to discover fresh voices and inspiring works. Among the standout titles we showcased was “Unwelcome: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Assault, and Rape in the Canadian Forces” by Captain Dawn Ottman.

Captain Dawn Ottman has worked for Motorola as a spacecraft engineer, EMC Corporation developing software, and started her own company, CanDew Scientific, for patent testing. She has served in several organizations that encourage women working in technology and engineering jobs.

Ottman has written numerous papers and articles on chemistry, technology, and natural energy. She is the author of Rebecca, White Medicine Woman about her great-grandmother’s heroic life and death.

Currently, Ottman is working on a master’s degree in Theological Studies. She is the proud mother of a loving daughter. She lives in South Dakota with her husband.

When Captain Dawn Ottman signed up to serve her country, she expected danger on the battlefield—not from her brothers-in-arms. “Unwelcome” isn’t youraverage military memoir. It’s raw, gut-wrenching, and heartbreakingly honest. Ottman takes us from her tough-as-nails childhood in Toronto’s Regent Park to the rigid, male-dominated halls of the Royal Military College. Her story is one of breaking barriers—until the very system she served betrayed her. Through every promotion and every insult, Ottman fought not just for respect, but for survival.

Reading her story feels like marching beside her. You can almost feel the weight of her uniform, the sting of being called “Dragon Lady,” and the pride of outsmarting men who doubted her. But beneath that pride runs a current of pain—the kind that comes when courage is met with cruelty. When she was assaulted by a fellow officer and ignored by her superiors, Ottman’s battle became one not of service, but of survival. She fled to the U.S., carrying invisible wounds that no medal could ever mend.

Yet, “Unwelcome: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Assault, and Rape in the Canadian Forces” isn’t a story about defeat—it’s about defiance. Ottman’s honesty tears through the silence surrounding sexual misconduct in the military. She doesn’t write to shame; she writes to shed light. Her voice trembles with anger, yes, but also with hope. She fought for years to have her PTSD recognized by Veterans Affairs Canada—and when she finally won, she used her victory to help others. That’s when this book transforms from memoir to manifesto.

Ottman’s bravery reminds us that real soldiers don’t just fight wars abroad—they fight for justice at home. Her words challenge us to stop turning away from uncomfortable truths and to start listening to the women who’ve been silenced for too long. Unwelcome might be the title of her book, but Captain Dawn Ottman proves she belongs exactly where she stands—strong, unbroken, and unafraid to speak.

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