These three books took me from western, to central, to eastern Canada. And from the future, to the past, to almost the present (the 1990s). I loved them all. Greenwood by Michael Christie (Random House) I'm so happy I finally read this book. I've been wanting to read it since it came out, and have … Continue reading From the Library: the future, the past, and the 1990s
Confessions With Keith is a perfect palate cleanser to something heavy. Written as journal entries by a 40-something woman with a rocky marriage and four busy children, it reminded me of an older, more mature Bridget Jones. Vita is trying to create a writing career while raising four children, and working around a husband who … Continue reading Confessions With Keith by Pauline Holdstock
Earthquakes are not something we think a lot about here in Nova Scotia - although we do get them. Experts say we don't need to worry about something big. It's a different story on the west coast, though. That morning, the morning of the big earthquake, "Dogs stood in quivering hope at front doors, back … Continue reading The Broken Places by Frances Peck
My scattered thoughts on this fabulous bunch of books... science, memoir, history, essays, and adventure. The Invention of Nature This is a long audiobook, but I was riveted. There's history, science, politics, nature, travel, letters (so many letters!). I was amazed by how much Humboldt accomplished in his lifetime, and wonder why he's not as … Continue reading What I’ve Been Listening To: an enthusiasm for measuring, an enthusiasm for endorphins, our quest for a soul mate, how to breathe, amazing life stories, and the terrifying beauty of nature
I flew through this book by Jennifer Dance. It's very readable with wide audience appeal, about family and real family struggles. The story is told through alternating narratives. It begins with Mary as she is admitting to herself that she has Alzheimer's and is trying to write about her past before it's too late. When … Continue reading Gone But Still Here by Jennifer Dance
The Little Brudders of Misericorde is one of those unique books that I so enjoy reading. And that I'm grateful to the publisher (Tidewater Press) for sending to me--like so many other books on this blog--otherwise it might have fallen through the cracks. Spence is feeling isolated after his big move to Montreal from Vancouver, … Continue reading The Little Brudders of Misericorde by David M. Wallace
I feel like I have some pretty major loose ends to tie up - good books I read last year that I didn't end up writing about. Why am I able to get my thoughts down about some books and not others? Why do some books get pushed to the back burner while others get … Continue reading (Fabulous) Loose Ends from 2022
Finding Edward by Sheila Murray (Cormorant Books) Finding Edward is a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction. The two main characters in this book are Jamaican-Canadian with a 70 year age difference. Cyril grew up in Jamaica and--having just lost his mother--has recently come to Toronto to attend university. Edward was given … Continue reading From the Library: Finding Edward, Quiet Time, and Ducks
Emily Urquhart, a journalist with a doctorate in folklore, prefers the term "Wonder Tales" to "Fairy Tales". It suggests a sense of wonder while reading, rather than just the expectation of fairies or other fantastical creatures. I think we should call all stories "Wonder Tales". While reading these essays, I let Emily stoke a sense … Continue reading Ordinary Wonder Tales by Emily Urquhart
Rosa's Very Own Personal Revolution by Eric Dupont, translated by Peter McCambridge Eric Dupont seems to have his own distinct writing style. Like Songs for the Cold of Heart, Rosa--while not quite as epic--is whimsical and entertaining. Rosa grows up in a small village on the Gaspe Peninsula - isolated enough to have developed their … Continue reading QC Fiction: Eric Dupont and Vincent Brault
Consumed by Ink 