Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden

Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden is a current northern Ontario Native goes to Toronto and returns to their roots story. Boyden has the skill to draw us into the lives of his characters and bind our hearts to theirs. Although both of Boyden's books stand alone the people in the second book are descendants of the main character in Three Day Road. I like the small connections between both stories.

Margaret (Library staff)

Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

Three Day Road written by Canadian native Joseph Boyden retells the horrors of the first world war and its effects on the young Canadian soldiers who fought in the trenches. It particularly tells the story of two young native men, boys really, who left their homes in northern Ontario bush to travel overseas and fight in France. Friends from early school days, these two men go through changes that are heartbreaking. Boyden's writing is clear and vivid
and remains with you after the last page has been turned.

Margaret (Library staff)

Strong Women Stay Young by Miriam E. Nelson

Strong Women Stay Young is a good review of what we all know is good for us and need reminding about. The simple exercises practised regularly will truly bring about the changes the author writes about. The surprizing truth she shares from her group studies is that one can begin to do these exercises at any age and still achieve positive results. I needed this book to help me get back to my gym routine. Thank you Miriam!

Margaret (Library staff)

The Beach House by Jane Green

The Beach House is my first experience with Jane Green's work and like the previous book I reviewed this is a perfect summer novel. Since I do not have a beach house to vacation in I immersed myself in the pages of this novel and stayed at Jane Green's beach house with her house guests. A lovely book to read in one sitting. I feel as if I visited with some wonderfully interesting people whose lives are now entwined with mine forever.

Margaret (Library staff)

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells is a perfect summer read. The setting is Bascom, North Carolina where everyone has known each other for generations and the richness of character is a joy to read. Two sisters reconcile a difficult past and step into an unexpected future together. The magic of the garden is woven throughout the chapters as the elder sister uses its flowers and herbs in her recipes as she grows her catering business. The apple tree in the back yard has some very mysterious attributes. I read this cover to cover and enjoyed the southern charm.

Margaret (Library staff)

Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup

Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup is an intriguing take on game shows. Who has the smarts to answer all the questions to win the big one? Someone who has grown up in the streets of India has a wide variety of life experiences and seems an unlikely candidate to win a prize that nobody has ever won. Put your seat belt on for a roller-coaster ride through the events of the main character's life as his honesty is challenged by game show officials who had not really expected anyone to win.
I have now taken out the dvd and will see if the movie is as good as the book.

Margaret (Library staff)

Impossible Things by Robin Stevenson (Jr. Willow Award 2009)

Impossible Things is a reminder about friendship. Whether you are 12 years old or 8 years old as the two main characters are, the rules of friendship are the same. Good friends are true to themselves and true to each other. It is also a story about finding your way in the world. Sometimes it takes an interested teacher to recognize and support your talent. A loving family is a final key ingredient in the success of this story as well as in life.

Margaret (Library staff)