The Last Time I Saw You Elizabeth Berg 12.26.2011

For anyone considering going to a high school reunion, Rachel suggests that you first read The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg. It's funny, irreverent and filled with hope.

The Paris Wife Paula McLain 12.19.2011

In The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, you not only experience the City of Lights of the Lost Generation and meet fascinating characters such as F.Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound, but also Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley Richardson. Rae Ann found the novel to be a richly imagined glimpse into the life of this Jazz Age icon.

The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern 12.12.2011

In her debut novel The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern introduces us to Le Cirque de Reves on its trip through turn-of-the-century Europe and North America. More than a regular circus, it's a forum for a life and death struggle between two magicians. Julie promises you'll become a 'reveur'--a fan who can't bear to have the circus or the story come to an end.

No Great Mischief Alistair MacLeod 12.05.2011

In his book No Great Mischief, Alistair MacLeod weaves together the history, heartbreak and hope of the MacDonald clan in a way only a great storyteller can. Jill discovered the title comes from General James Wolfe's backhanded compliment about the hardy, intrepid Scottish soldiers who fought on behalf of Canada against France and would "make no great mischief" if they fell. Much like the MacDonalds themselves.

Once Upon a Time Barbara Fradkin 11.28.2011

Once Upon a Time by Barbara Fradkin follows Inspector Mike Green on a police procedural in the Ottawa Valley. Green suspects that the accidental death of an elderly reclusive man is really a murder with origins in Nazi-occupied wartime Poland. Penelope found the characters very believable and the pace of the murder investigation kept the pages turning.

Raising Confident Readers J. Richard Gentry 11.21.2011

In Raising Confident Readers, Dr. J. Richard Gentry describes how to teach your child to read before kindergarten and how to track the child's literacy progress. Susan S. highly recommends this book to parents pondering these important parenting issues.

Good to a Fault Marina Endicott 11.14.2011

Good to A Fault by Canadian author Marina Endicott was a 2010 CBC Canada Reads nominee. Rachel found it to be an eloquent novel about how we unexpectedly can touch, bless and antagonize others' lives.

The Leftovers Tom Perrotta 11.07.2011

What if the Rapture happened and your loved ones vanished, leaving you behind? Would you join a homegrown cult? Follow a sketchy prophet? Try to piece your life together again? Tom Perrotta explores these scenarios in The Leftovers, a story of ordinary citizens in a small American town. Rae Ann found the book moving and thought-provoking.

Left Neglected Lisa Genova 10.31.2011

Lisa Genova, bestselling author of Still Alice, has produced another winner in Left Neglected. A brain injury leaves Sarah Nickerson, high powered executive, wife and mother, unaware of the left side of her world. Faced with an uncertain future Sarah works to regain her life while re-evaluating what really matters. Susan M. found the novel beautifully written and deeply moving.

Vaclav & Lena Haley Tanner 10.24.2011

Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner is a refreshingly frank tale of friendship between two young émigrés. Julie says, it is the kind of novel that will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

Under an Afghan Sky Mellissa Fung 10.17.2011

In 2008 CBC journalist Mellissa Fung was kidnapped in Afghanistan by a group of men claiming to be the Taliban. In her memoir Under an Afghan Sky, she recounts her 28 days in a hole awaiting release and her unusual relationship with her kidnappers. Jill found Fung's ability to adapt and survive in these strange unpredictable circumstances nothing short of amazing.

Bury Your Dead Louise Penny 10.10.2011

In Bury Your Dead, Louise Penny continues the murder investigation begun in her previous novel, The Brutal Telling, with Chief Inspector Armand Gamache who's recuperating from a gunfight gone terribly wrong. Penelope enjoys how Penny weaves together conflict and resolution, human error and redemption, spiritual hunger and croissants, so effectively.

The Woefield Poultry Collective Susan Juby 10.03.2011

Woefield Farm is a sprawling 30 acres of scrub land, complete with dilapidated buildings and one half-sheared lonely sheep named Bertie, inherited by Prudence Burns, an energetic, well-intentioned 20-something New Yorker. Laurie loved reading The Woefield Poultry Collective by Susan Juby and about Prudence's attempts at running —- in the loosest possible sense of the word -— this useless farm and about the handful of misfits who try to help her.

Silver Girl Elin Hilderbrand 09.26.2011

Meredith Martin Delinn has just lost everything: her friends, her home, her social standing. Desperate and facing homelessness, she receives a phone call from an old friend and the two depart on a summer on Nantucket. The result is Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand--a suspenseful story of friendship, love, and forgiveness. Susan S. found it a heart-warming read.

Let the Great World Spin Colum McCann 09.19.2011

Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin offers a panoramic snapshot of New York City in 1974 on the day a man decided to walk on a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center. Elizabeth was drawn into this work of fiction--inspired by a true event--which loosely weaves together interconnected characters spanning class, race and geography to create a vivid portrait of a place most teeming with life despite the looming presence of death.

The River King Alice Hoffman 09.12.2011

If you've ever wondered, "What if...?", then The River King by Alice Hoffman is for you. It's a slightly haunting and dark novel about a murder in a small town divided by class and history. Rachel agrees with Jane Smiley of USA Today, who called Hoffman "one of our quirkiest and most interesting novelists."

Instances of the Number 3 Sally Vickers 09.05.2011

Instances of the Number 3 by Salley Vickers is an intriguing examination of Shakespearean, biblical and modern thought about death. Despite the theme, Sarah - a library user who read this book as part of our summer reading program for adults - found the writing intelligent, the people real, and the journey very emotional. She was happily drawn into the characters' lives.

Room Emma Donoghue 08.29.2011

Rae Ann admits to being a bit creeped out by the premise of this novel -- 5-year-old Jack and his mother confined by Old Nick to an 11-by-11 room -- but Emma Donoghue's imaginative creation of Jack's whole world and his relationship with Ma make Room a compelling read.

The Widower's Tale Julia Glass 08.22.2011

The Widower's Tale by award-winning author Julia Glass is the story of a 70-year-old retired widower living a solitary, pleasant life that is disrupted by a new love and new bonds. Susan M. enjoyed this amusing and captivating novel centered on relationships and life choices.

London Under Peter Ackroyd 08.15.2011

Peter Ackroyd delves beneath the streets of London and delivers a short history lesson on everything that hides there—from Roman amphitheatres and Victorian sewers to springs, hideouts and tube stations—in his book London Under. Jill loved learning about "creeping things that will never see the light of day," as Ackroyd describes them.

Star Island Carl Hiassen 08.08.2011

Star Island by Carl Hiaasen follows the rise and fall of Cherry Pie, the latest teen pop celebrity, and the tabloids that helped create it. Heidi found the book ridiculously funny - in other words, written in true Hiaasen style.

The Woodcutter Reginald Hill 08.01.2011

Wolf Hadda's successful life suddenly and irrevocably changes one morning with a knock at the door. The Woodcutter is a gripping psychological suspense novel written in Reginald Hill's usual high calibre style. Marina had a hard time putting it down to come into work.

Reading Magic Mem Fox 07.25.2011

In her book Reading Magic, Mem Fox focuses on the unique and positive benefits of reading aloud. Some parents believe you should start reading to your children when they are 3 or 4 years old. This is not true. You should start when they're babies, Susan S. discovered. Favourite quote: "Experts tells us that children need to hear a thousand stories read to them before they begin to learn to read themselves."

Blink & Caution Tim Wynne-Jones 07.18.2011

Local author Tim Wynne-Jones new novel Blink & Caution trails two deeply compelling characters as they force a blackmail scheme that's foolhardy at best, disastrous at worst. Theirs is a fated, tender partnership that offers them each a rare chance for redemption. Laurie lapped up this new teen fiction with vigour!

Cut Patricia McCormick 07.11.2011

Cut by Patricia McCormick is a fascinating look at what's going on inside the head of a 15-year-old girl undergoing therapy. A teen book about a real problem, Rachel highly recommends that adults read this novel, too.

Winter's Bone (DVD) 07.04.2011

Winner of two Sundance Film Festival 2010 awards, Winter's Bone is a tough tale of survival in a harsh environment as an Ozark Mountain girl hunts down her drug-dealing father as she tries to keep her family intact. Rae Ann thought the film was wonderfully acted and beautifully shot with a sense of menace in every frame.

Cutting for Stone Abraham Verghese 06.27.2011

The scope of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese extends from India to Ethopia to the United States, and covers several generations. Exotic locales and cultures form the backdrop for an epic tale of twins and their adoptive family's lives, loves and passions. Penelope and everyone in her book club loved it.

Thank You Notes Jimmy Fallon 06.20.2011

Late Night host Jimmy Fallon is thankful for so many things--sweater vests, paper clips, gummy worms, you name it. As a result, his book Thank You Notes is, in a word, hilarious. Jill says, Thank you Jimmy Fallon for giving me the best laugh I've had in ages.

The Weird Sisters Eleanor Brown 06.13.2011

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown follows the trials and tribulations of three sisters named after Shakespearean heroines. Rae Ann found the inventive first-person-plural narrative voice created a story that was intelligent and, at times, heartbreaking in its portrayal of complex family ties.

This Cake Is for the Party Sarah Selecky 06.06.2011

The slowly crumbling lives of everyday people form the basis of the stories in This Cake Is for the Party by Sarah Selecky. Elizabeth is looking forward to more from this first-time author, a finalist for the Giller Prize who will be visiting Perth in the fall.

I Remember Nothing Nora Ephron 05.30.2011

In her short, light-hearted memoir, I Remember Nothing and Other Reflections, Nora Ephron, well-known screenwriter and director, reflects on her life with humour and keen insight. Susan M. says this book would appeal to 'women of a certain age.'

Ain't Misbehavin' Alyson Schafer 05.23.2011

Alyson Schafer provides a treasure trove of parent-friendly solutions to common everyday parenting dilemmas in her book, Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors. Arranged in a super-easy-to-use-in-the-midst-of-a-crisis way, Schafer reassures parents that their kids' behavior is normal while, at the same time, reminding them not to put up with it. A very reaffirming read for parents of children of all ages, Susan S. says.

Model Home Eric Puchner 05.16.2011

Model Home by Eric Puchner is a wry look at the American dream run amok. The story that follows a family through a series of mistakes and one serious life-changing accident, all while trying to remain 'normal,' kept Heidi enthralled.

The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond 05.09.2011

American blogger and food critic Ree Drummond relates her real life story of how she met and married her 'Marlboro Man' in The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story. It's a great bit of light fun in which true love conquers all. Laurie loved it and says don't forget to check out her website, www.reedrummond.com.

Book of Negroes Lawrence Hill  05.02.2011

The Ontario Library Association's Evergreen Award winner for adult fiction in 2008, The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill details the African experience in North America through the life of a female slave Aminata Diallo. Rachel says if you haven't checked this one out yet, please do so.

Love and Summer William Trevor  04.25.2011

Love and Summer by William Trevor is the story of the secret love of a shy Irish farmer's wife for an amateur photographer. Trevor's quiet way of telling this heartbreaking yet touching tale is never predictable, and nothing short of wonderful, Jill says.

Bride of New France Suzanne Desrochers  04.18.2011

Bride of New France is a fascinating tale of two girls living in a notorious Paris dormitory for madwomen, prostitutes and the destitute. Called ‘filles du roi,’ they are sent to Canada to help populate New France, mainly for the benefit of the King. Marina found Suzanne Derochers’ debut novel to be alive and engaging from start to finish.

House Rules Jodi Picoult  04.11.2011

In her novel House Rules, bestselling author Jodi Picoult explores the world of autism through the eyes of a teenage boy with Asperger's Syndrome who's accused of murder. Susan M. says this book is a very compelling look at how autism affects a family and what it means to be different.

Annabel Kathleen Winter  04.04.2011

Annabel by Kathleen Winter is a book about a hermaphrodite who is born in remote Labrador, raised as a boy but feels she is really a girl. Rae Ann found the story to be poignant with beautifully written descriptions of the natural world.

Kind of Blue Miles Corwin  03.28.2011

A smart, recently re-instated detective (with a Jewish mother) working on two murders is the star of Miles Corwin’s mystery Kind of Blue. Set in Los Angeles, Corwin weaves the city’s interesting architecture and history into the unpredictable story line. A great story with a great detective with an even greater appetite, Penelope loved it.

Overcoming Dyslexia Sally Shaywitz  03.21.2011

In Overcoming Dyslexia, Dr. Sally Shaywitz offers the latest information about reading problems and proven, practical techniques that can enable anyone overcome them. Susan S. liked this quote: “A child learns to read in grades one through three and reads to learn in grades four through grade eight.”

Percival's Planet Michael Byers  03.14.2011

The search for Planet X, later to be named Pluto, makes for a suspenseful tale in Percival’s Planet by Michael Byers. Elizabeth felt Byers’ masterfully crafted novel was a vivid and affecting meditation on the pursuit of dreams and the fine line between reality and delusion.

I Think I Love You Allison Pearson  03.07.2011

Travel back to 1974, and meet Petra and her gaggle of 13-year-old girlfriends, all in love with David Cassidy. When he performs at a concert that the girls plan on attending, will it be all they ever hoped for? Heidi thought I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson perfectly captured the angst and obsession of young love.

Mudbound Hillary Jordan  02.28.2011

In the many voices in Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, the sheer brutality of post World War II Mississippi Delta is profoundly and viscerally felt. An astonishing work, says Rachel.

Separation Dan Franck  02.21.2011

In his novel Separation, Dan Franck describes, in beautiful, bittersweet detail, the breakdown of a marriage from the words, “I’ve fallen in love with another man,” to its inevitable demise. Jill sensed Franck knew the territory all too well. Winner of the Prix Renaudot.

Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Librarian Avi Steinberg  02.14.2011

If you’re interested in finding out what kites and skywriting have to do with the American prison system, read Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Librarian by Avi Steinberg. Rae Ann found this story of a young Harvard graduate’s days in charge of a Boston prison library both intriguing and entertaining.

Started Early, Took My Dog Kate Atkinson  02.07.2011

In Started Early, Took My Dog, author Kate Atkinson weaves together missing children, adult children searching for birth parents, two private detectives, police coverups of days gone by and a retired detective inspector who buys a child in order to save it. The seemingly unrelated threads of the story tie together seamlessly at the conclusion. Penelope also enjoyed Atkinson's dark but sometimes very funny writing style.

Parenting a Struggling Reader Susan Hall  01.31.2011

Acknowledging that parents often lose valuable years by waiting for their school systems to test a child’s reading ability, author Susan Hall offers a detailed, realistic program for getting parents actively involved in their children’s reading lives. With a 4-step plan for identifying and resolving deficiencies, as well as advice for those whose kids received weak instruction during the crucial early years, Susan S. feels Parenting a Struggling Reader is a landmark publication that promises unprecedented hope for the next generation of Information Age citizens.

Bryant and May Off the Rails Christopher Fowler  01.24.2011

A new author for Marina, Christopher Fowler sends his quirky characters Bryant and May down into the London tube to catch an elusive killer. Bryant and May Off the Rails is suspenseful and witty with a satisfying ending.

Laurier in Love Roy MacSkimming  01.17.2011

Laurier in Love, a historical novel by local author Roy MacSkimming, takes place over 5 years at the beginning of the twentieth century. It's a revealing glimpse into the personal and political life of Sir Wilfred Laurier and his intimate relationship with 2 very different women. Susan enjoyed this fascinating look at one of Canada's most charismatic leaders.

Lean on Pete Willy Vlautin  01.10.2011

Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin is about a 15-year-old boy who's fallen through the cracks and comes to rely on his friendship with a horse. Heidi thought it was excellent.

     Read more staff bookshelf entries from 2010 »