The Buzz...About Books

Have you ever sifted through library or book store displays and it seems every author under the sun is writing about the same city, the same war, the current US president, the same historical figure, the same current event? At least it means there are many options for "two books on the same topic by different authors".

And have you noticed that there are so many books on orphans lately?!

Here are some titles on orphans, in case you've missed out:

The Paris Orphan by Natasha Lester

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham

The past few years, I have also noticed multiple authors writing books set in Paris, about Paris, Paris during WWI, or WWII, decor in Paris, architecture in Paris, how to dress in Paris, how to raise your kids in Paris and more.

So here are two fiction books set in Paris, by two different authors. In both, the story revolves around the building of the Eiffel Tower, step by step.

To Capture What We Cannot Keep by Beatrice Colin

Paris by Edward Rutherfurd

We know that some authors are experts on war. We may want to read these books for our own information and from different perspectives. Knowing history is key, otherwise "we are destined to repeat it." Or are we already repeating history? That’s another blog.

Here are two fiction books set in the World Wars I and II that I would like to read. They are, of course, set in France: Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Robson is a popular historical fiction Toronto author, and yet the covers of her books look like they belong in the romance novel section. There is romance in them, but the historical fiction is paramount in her books. Ms Robson is a WWI history buff. This one is set in WWI France.

The Nightingale is set in WWII, yes, in France, and is on its way to becoming a movie.

Lately, Winston Churchill has been written about repeatedly. What is there not to write about him? Long reigning Prime Minister of England, during WWII, first PM to work with the current Queen Elizabeth the Second. Oh, and let’s mention the multiple movies based on his life, and having a major role in the smash hit Netflix series, "The Crown". Here are two book recommendations published in the last two years:

Winston Churchill: A Life in the News by Richard Toye

The Churchill Complex by Ian Buruma 

Indifferent to him, like him, despise him, authors and people around him love to write about US President Donald J Trump. We’re inundated! Here are two books also published the last two years:

Trump America First: The President Succeeds Against All Odds by Lewandowski, Corey R

Too Much And Never Enough by Mary Trump

Looking for more? Here are some recommendations from our staff. Each offer suggestions for a different topic!

Horse-Riding Librarians

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

The Giver of Stars Jojo Moyes

After reading an article last year about the similarities and overlap of these two books, I've put both of these titles on my reading list. They apparen'tly both portray fictionalized accounts of horse-riding librarians that delivered books to remote areas.

– Sagal, Librarian

Visible Mending and Eco-Fashion

Mend! : A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto by Kate Sekules

Joyful Mending: Visible Repairs for the Perfectly Imperfect Things we Love! by Noriko Misumi

Recently I've been more and more concerned about the impact of fast fashion on our environment and the amount of clothes that wind up in landfills. I've also been reinventing my style to be more gender- or self-affirming. But I don't want to buy new things. So, now I'm remaking and repairing my clothes in an effort to be more eco-conscious. I recommend these two books for anyone who is new to sewing or anyone who believes repairs should be invisible. There's great tips and techniques for beginners, and also a lot of information to make you rethink how you treat your clothes. I've been sewing, making costumes and doing repairs for over 20 years… but I've only really thought about visible mending for the past two or three! The first book I read on it was Mending Matters, also highly recommended!

– Amy, Communications Officer

Contemporary Romance with a South Asian Twist

The Chai Factor by Farah Heron

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

For this category I read two contemporary romance novels by two different Toronto based authors with a South Asian twist. 

Both of them were cute and easy reads, just what I needed this past April during the depths of the pandemic.

– Nalini, Branch Head

#Metoo and Law Enforcement

A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong

Had it Coming: What's Fair in the Age of #metoo? by Robyn Doolittle

Two disturbing books about the failure of courts, law enforcement, etc. to support (or even believe) the victims of sexual assault. A False Report documents the story of Marie, a teenager who reported a rape to police and was browbeaten until she recanted – and was charged with false reporting, ruining her credibility and destroying her life. Happy ending, though – two police officers (women!) realized that her description of the crime matched a number of other crimes and realized there was a serial rapist attacking women in a number of states. Ok. Maybe not a happy ending…

Robyn Doolittle takes a look at how rape cases are handled by police and the courts system in Canada. She is especially concerned with how the #metoo movement has changed the fight for justice for sexual assault victims. (spoiler alert: not enough).

Not cheerful reads but important.

– Margaret, Librarian

Basketball

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Rapture by Nick Nurse

I read two terrific, recently published books about basketball for this category. Gene Luen Yang's Dragon Hoops is an all-ages graphic novel about a phenomenal high school varsity team and the importance of taking that first step. Nick Nurse's memoir, Rapture (plus a super long subtitle), is a look at his unconventional, but captivating career path- and his deep knowledge and love of the game.

Both are thoughtful reads that had me missing those Raps!

– Jennifer, Librarian

Recommendations from the Facebook Group

These are just some of the recommendations from our Facebook TPL Reading Challenge 2020 discussion group.

• Virginia Woolf and the Women who Shaped Her by Gillian Gill and  Vita and Virginia by Eileen Atkins
• Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow and She Said by Jodi Kantor
• Black Earth by Timothy Snyder and Why Did the Heavens not Darken? by Arno J Mayer 
• Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg and The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su
• Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie, Attached by Amir Levine and Hold Me Tight by Susan M Johnson
• A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheers and The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn
• Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi and Member of the Family by Dianne Lake
• The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson and The Darkest Hour by Anthony McCarten
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and March by Geraldine Brooks
• The Metamorphosis by Kafka and The Cockroach by Ian McEwan
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury and Needful Things by Stephen King
• Know My Name by Chanel Miller and Not that Bad by Roxane Gay
• The Aye-Aye and I by Gerald Durrell and Chasing Lemurs by Kerrianne McGoogan
• Trumpacolypse by David Frum and Rage by Bob Woodward
• Muddling Through in Madagascar by Dervla Murphy and Maverick in Madagascar by Mark Everleigh

What books did you read for this category, "two books on the same topic by different authors"? Tell us below in the comments!

If you took part in the TPL Reading Challenge 2020, please fill out our feedback survey. If you completed the main challenge, you can also enter to win a prize draw! Details are available on the Reading Challenge webpage.