The five contenders for Canada Reads 2019, in order in which I read them (or didn't). The theme: One Book to Move You. Brother by David Chariandy -- defended by Lisa Ray, model and actress I'm happy that Brother is a part of Canada Reads this year. I read this book when it was longlisted … Continue reading Canada Reads 2019 Mini Reviews
Quarry by Catherine Graham
In an interview with Shelagh Rogers on The Next Chapter, Catherine Graham tells us that she loves words with multiple meanings. Quarry, the title of her book, can mean a man-made pit, prey, and it comes from the French word "coeur" as in "heart". Quarry's protagonist, Caitlin Maharg, an only child, grows up beside a … Continue reading Quarry by Catherine Graham
Poetry: Following Sea by Lauren Carter
Five years ago, when my blog was still a baby, I read (and loved) Swarm, Lauren Carter's debut novel, and interviewed her about it. (Lauren's answers were fantastic and I'd love to bring this interview to fresh eyes, so please have a look.) In my last question, I asked her about other projects she was … Continue reading Poetry: Following Sea by Lauren Carter
Best Canadian Stories 2018, edited by Russell Smith
I read this excellent anthology over the Holidays, along with several other short story collections, and now it's late February. But I love this collection too much to let it go. Best Canadian Stories 2018 was edited by Russell Smith (author of short story collection Confidence) who says, "A great anthology does not have a … Continue reading Best Canadian Stories 2018, edited by Russell Smith
Catching the Light by Susan Sinnott
Once I got into this book, it was very hard to put down. There are two main story lines in Catching the Light, and for what seemed like the longest time I wasn't sure if the two were ever going to meet. Which kept me powering through the book. Cathy grows up in a small … Continue reading Catching the Light by Susan Sinnott
K.D. Miller: ‘Late Breaking’ and ‘All Saints’
I have been itching to write about these books since reading them - since before I finished reading them. These stories are brilliant and addictive and I wanted them to last forever. Late Breaking (2018) Late Breaking is K.D. Miller's most recent book, and it's the one I read first (thanks to the folks at … Continue reading K.D. Miller: ‘Late Breaking’ and ‘All Saints’
#LiteraryWives: They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple
Literary Wives is an on-line book group that examines the meaning and role of wife in different books. Every other month, we post and discuss a book with this question in mind: What does this book say about wives or about the experience of being a wife? Don’t forget to check out the other members of Literary Wives … Continue reading #LiteraryWives: They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple
Linked Story Collections: Paul Carlucci and Martine Desjardins
The High-Rise in Fort Fierce by Paul Carlucci (Goose Lane Editions) I feel like I read this book ages ago now - I better hurry up and write about it before I forget why I loved it so much. Obvious reasons: The High-Rise in Fort Fierce is made up of interconnecting stories about residents of … Continue reading Linked Story Collections: Paul Carlucci and Martine Desjardins
Hockey Anyone? – Tyler Hellard, David Huebert, and Angie Abdou
I am not a hockey fan. But sometimes, when you live in Canada, it cannot be avoided. Luckily, hockey in literature is much more fun for me than hockey on ice. Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard (Invisible Publishing) I almost didn't read this. I thought, what am I doing with this book about … Continue reading Hockey Anyone? – Tyler Hellard, David Huebert, and Angie Abdou
Project Bookmark Canada: Love Enough by Dionne Brand (2014)
Dionne Brand's Love Enough is the 22nd Bookmark on the CanLit Trail. I'm happy that Dionne Brand has a Bookmark, and I'm happy that I have finally read one of her books. "Brand is our great observer - of actions, of emotions, of the little things that often go unnoticed but can mean the turn … Continue reading Project Bookmark Canada: Love Enough by Dionne Brand (2014)
Consumed by Ink 