Category: Canada

Canada, North America, world literature

Best Summer Read 2018 – Warlight

“Warlight” by Michael Ondaatje (Canada)  Review The four shortlisted books for this year’s Summer Reading Group varied greatly in style of writing and author’s experience, from the seasoned writer to the relative newcomer. When it came time for voting for Best Summer Read 2018, two books tied for first place: “The Travelling Cat Chronicles” and “Warlight”. One reader commented on this result saying how she couldn’t quite … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2018 – Warlight

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Canada, North America

The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman

“The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman” by Denis Thériault (Canada) Review Readers liked this book despite some of the peculiar things the protagonist does! They found the story flowed well with elements of humour and suspense in it. They enjoyed discovering the haiku and tanka poetry, and after some discussion agreed that the explanations given by the author on these arts and Japanese culture … Continue reading The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman

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Canada, North America

Hustle

“Hustle” by Will Ferguson (Canada) Review Most readers really enjoyed the book finding that, once they got into it, they were hooked and couldn’t put it down. They felt the use of language, with its many colloquialisms, was wonderful and gave them a clear sense of the place and time. Readers thought that the historical and socio-economic elements running through the story were extremely clever … Continue reading Hustle

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Canada, Nigeria, Russia, South Korea, world literature

Best Summer Reads 2012

The four shortlisted books for this year’s Summer Reading Group all had very different writing styles and, as a result, our summer readers were divided over them! So it was no surprise that, when it came time for voting for Best Summer Read 2012, two books tied for first place: “Open City” and “Please Look After Mother” “Open City” by Teju Cole (Nigeria) is a … Continue reading Best Summer Reads 2012

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Canada, North America

Oryx and Crake

“Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood (Canada) Review Although readers found the story bleak and a bit too close to current reality, they really enjoyed it thanks to the wonderful language and superb writing. They found the story fluid and well paced, with a good plot that kept their interest going. Everyone sympathised with Jimmy who they described as a likeable albeit flawed character. On … Continue reading Oryx and Crake

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Canada, North America

Runaway

“Runaway” by Alice Munro (Canada)  Review Given Alice Munro’s reputation as an outstanding short story writer, readers had high expectations for this collection. However, their reactions were very mixed. Some readers really liked all the stories finding them dark but highly realistic and enjoying the twists and turns in the characters’ lives. They appreciated the details and the little insights into the more mundane aspects … Continue reading Runaway

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