The Buzz...About Books

This is the second in our annual series highlighting the favourite books of staff members in 2013.

CAY

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• eBook
A beautifully written social commentary on race and immigration, interwoven with a poignant love story between two Nigerian “returnees”, both of whom had experienced their share of humiliation and degradation in a foreign land. It has particular relevance to the experience of immigrants who are faced with racial or colour classification – something they are not used to in the land where they came from, where everyone is usually the same race or colour.

Cameron

Eating My Feelings: Tales of Overeating, Underperforming and Coping with My Crazy Family by Mark Brennan Rosenberg
• eBook
Hilarious autobiography from the blogger who tells his story of being an effeminate fat kid who is far too smart for his own good. Laughed out loud to the point that it hurt.

Elsa

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
• Audiobook
• eBook
Famous but humble Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, shares the lessons he learns while training to be one and how he applies those lessons to life on Earth. I liked this book because it puts many stressors and life inconveniences in perspective. Chris' achievements in life also inspire me.

SJ

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
• Large Print
It was just an unusual story that resonated.

DK

One Day by David Nicholls
• eAudiobook
• eBook
• Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)
A story that hits close to home many times. I am sure most of us can see ourselves in both the main characters…their thoughts, feelings, missed opportunities. An engrossing book.

M

The Small Change Trilogy by Jo Walton
Walton's alternate history series describes a world where England made peace with Germany in 1941 and slid into fascism. It's a fantastic series.

Book 1: Farthing
Book 2: Ha'penny
Book 3: Half a Crown

See also:

Best of 2013: Toronto Public Library Staff Choices #1