The Buzz...About Books

This is the third in our annual series of staff members' favourite books of the past year. This entry features fiction old and new, plus Trevor Noah's autobiography. 

Natalie:

Christodora by Tim Murphy
• eAudiobook
• eBook

Tim Murphy's Christodora was amazing! The book follows New York City through the lives of one couple and their neighbours from the Tompkins Square Riots and attempts by activists to galvanize a true response to the AIDS epidemic, to a NYC of the future. One of the most compelling books of the year!

Reagan:

The Sellout by Paul Beatty (Man Booker winner)!
• Audiobook
• eBook
• Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)

Marie:

Sinner Man by Lawrence Block
• eBook

Lawrence Block's recently republished first novel about an amoral novel about a man who kills his wife in a drunken argument, and ends up with a new identity in Buffalo's seamy underbelly of organized crime. About identity, decisions and moral judgements. Block's trademark lyrical prose and dialogue pops off the page. Situations and characters preclude the cinematic sensibilities of Scorsese and Tarantino.

Elsa:

Translation of Love by Lynne Kutsukake
• eAudiobook
• eBook

Born a Crime: Stories from an African Childhood by Trevor Noah
• Audiobook
• eBook
• Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)

 Jim:

The Nix by Nathan Hill
• Audiobook
• eAudiobook
• eBook
• Talking Book (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)

A great book.

Perfume River by Robert Olen Butler
• eAudiobook
• eBook
• Large Print
A story about two brothers who struggle to make peace with their past and the continuing impact the Vietnam War has on families. The book has some Toronto content as well.

More Recommendations:

• Best Books of 2016 Selected by Library Staff: Part 1
• Best Books of 2016 Selected by Library Staff: Part 2
• Best Books of 2016 Selected by Library Staff: Part 4
• Best Books of 2016 Selected by Library Staff: Part 5 
• Best Books of 2016 Selected by Library Staff: Young Adult and Children's Literature