I enjoy a good mystery, but I don't typically read mystery novels. While I like piecing together the clues, I'd rather not read about murder and other forms of violence. I especially don't need the gory details or the insight into a serial killer's thoughts and motivations. I'm always on the lookout for books that […]
Multiple timelines in books keep things interesting, and I have to say I really enjoy them — especially in thrillers. It is such a great writing tool. If used well, it allows the author to add more layers, elaborate on backstories and flesh out characters. Sure, it can get confusing and tricky, but that often […]
I have a soft spot for books set in Atlantic Canada because it's where I lived for the first 20 or so years of my life. By the age of 6, I'd lived in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. (I'm sorry but it feels weird to say I lived in Newfoundland and Labrador because […]
Sometimes we all need a little reassurance and comfort. Something to help us escape our everyday lives for a little while. Or to remind us that there are still good things in the world. Even our regular, go-to book genres might feel a little too heavy sometimes. If you're someone who enjoys science fiction and […]
The lights go down, the curtains go up and then magic begins… Who hasn't attended a play or movie and found themselves at the end savouring particularly juicy moments of taut dialogue, hilarious one-liners or the majesty of a memorable speech? The great news is that we don't have to buy a second (or third) […]
Honestly, I think I'm the wrong person to write about this category. Lately, I'm not finding much in the world to be optimistic about, and the books I read tend to be on the darker side. As such, my interpretation of this category may not be yours. There are lots of staff and Facebook recommendations […]
Time to think back to grade school English because we're talking alliteration today! In case you haven't retained this concept, which is usually taught in the context of poetry, here is a quick definition: "Alliteration: the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighbouring words or syllables (such as wild and woolly, threatening throngs)." (I'm used […]
Picking "a book that makes you happy" had me considering many angles: Should I pick a funny book? Does it need to have an optimistic ending? Can I pick a book that introduces folks to a new, beloved format? Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey My recommendation for this category is an answer to all […]
Unless and until things hit us at a personal level, we often overlook them as if they are of little or no concern to us. I was brought to this realization back when a young relative of mine was diagnosed with a chronic illness with no outward manifestation. Hence, the 2023 Reading Challenge category "a […]
2SLGBTQ+ people exist all year round, but we don't always feel like we belong in parts of society. That's why Pride Month is so important to so many people. Rainbow flags take centre stage on social media and in the streets. There is no dispute that this visibility is important for the community. But some […]