Staff Picks: What We Loved In 2023

The Island

by McKinty, Adrian

Book - 2022

The Island by Adrian McKinty is about a family vacation gone wrong…actually ‘gone wrong’ is an understatement. What seems to be an ordinary progression of...Show more The Island by Adrian McKinty is about a family vacation gone wrong…actually ‘gone wrong’ is an understatement. What seems to be an ordinary progression of events, unexpectedly escalates to a deadly, unpredictable, and a disastrous narrative that the author sequences cleverly. The language is very detailed, descriptive, and emotionally loaded that paints painfully clear images. After an unfortunate accident, their lives turn upside-down and it seems like there is no going back. The ending was unexpected, and from the many scenarios that crossed my mind of how this book might end (and from inevitably seeing some common themes with Lord of the Flies) the ending that the author chose I did not expect. Overall, it’s a good read (aside from some disturbing details, and some unrealistic bits) I would recommend it to those who enjoy action-packed and fast-paced thrillers (Submitted by Jamila). Show less

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My Indian Summer

A Novel

by Kakwinokanasum, Joseph

Book - 2022

This book is a gritty, coming-of-age page turner that makes you want to know what happens next. Set in 1979, it follows 12-year-old Hunter Frank as he tri...Show more This book is a gritty, coming-of-age page turner that makes you want to know what happens next. Set in 1979, it follows 12-year-old Hunter Frank as he tries to escape his northern BC hometown. While touching on challenging social issues that still resonate today, it uses humour in ways that release storyline tension and develop characters. Joseph Kakwinokanasum was one of the Writer’s Trust 2022 Rising Stars and this book is a must read for Canadians (Submitted by Tracy) Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 8 on 3 copies

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The Left-handed Booksellers of London

by Nix, Garth

Book - 2020

Susan is going to London to go to College and find a pub job before school starts. She just turned 18. She is also going to see if she can find out anythi...Show more Susan is going to London to go to College and find a pub job before school starts. She just turned 18. She is also going to see if she can find out anything about who her Dad was as her mother is very vague about the whole thing. She is visiting her “Uncle Frank” who has sent Christmas cards and should know something about her Dad when a young man sticks her “Uncle” in the nose with a hatpin. This causes her “Uncle” to disintegrate into fine sand, and then a giant insect attacks them, which the young man (whose name is Merlin) shoots. As they flee the scene, Susan learns about the Black Fog following them that can’t access them as long as they stay on the true path. Magic and mystery abounds. Bookstores, left-handed, right-handed and even-handed booksellers, cabs, cauldrons and mythical creatures populate this well written, fast paced novel. A treat to read! (Submitted by Sharleen) Show less

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In the Key of Us

by Lockington, Mariama

Book - 2022

When Andi gets into a prestigious music summer camp, she’s not ready for any of it. Not for unfamiliar authority figures telling her what to do, when her ...Show more When Andi gets into a prestigious music summer camp, she’s not ready for any of it. Not for unfamiliar authority figures telling her what to do, when her relationship with her new guardians, her aunt and uncle, is so tenuous and fraught. Not for being one of only two Black teens in the entire camp. Not for new friends, when she doesn’t even know how to talk to her own best friend after revealing a complicated secret. Not for the competitive atmosphere of weekly orchestra auditions, when she can’t seem to connect to her music the way she used to. Mariama Lockington does a masterful job of revealing Andi’s backstory slowly, mirroring how Andi is gradually opening up to a part of herself that she’d locked away. I’m a sucker for books written from multiple perspectives, and I was delighted to experience this coming-of-age story through the pensive eyes of newcomer and outsider Andi, as well as through the confident but conflicted perspective of popular and competitive Zora. This story handles grief, racism, rejection, and coming out in a sensitive, immersive, and believable way- with just enough sprinkles of whimsy and zaniness to make it feel playful and unexpected. Ultimately it’s a story of healing and connection that I came away from with hope (Submitted by Tania) Show less

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China Room

by Sahota, Sunjeev

Book - 2021

Based loosely on the author’s great-grandmother, this novel by British author, Sanjeev Sahota, was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize. It’s the story of...Show more Based loosely on the author’s great-grandmother, this novel by British author, Sanjeev Sahota, was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize. It’s the story of fifteen -year- old Mehar, whose marriage is arranged to one of four brothers in an Indian village in 1929. In the background of Mehar’s story, the beginning of the Indian Independence movement is unfolding. According to the oppressive and patriarchal traditions of the time in rural India, Mehar is only visited by her husband at night, in the darkness, so does not know which of the brothers she is married to. Mistaken identity leads to a scandal, and tragedy. China Room is gripping and heartbreaking, as well as a reminder of India’s continuing patriarchal norms which stifle women’s voices and desires (Submitted by Ravi) Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 3 on 3 copies

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