It’s been a long time (other than my recent post A Diverse Selection) since I found the time to be here, and I’ve missed it. My reading life has changed and that is probably part of the reason why I haven’t been here. I’ve been finding far less rhythm than usual to incorporate reading in my daily life.
Working at the library is changing what I read! My absolute favorite part of being a librarian is connecting about books with so many different people who I wouldn't otherwise get to talk to, and then connecting about all kinds of other things that come up when people talk about books! This has led to people recommending me books, which I want to read both because I'm interested in what they're telling me, but also because after I read the book, it leads to even more connection! I also pick up new books just because I see them, either in the return bin or on the holds shelf and then I put them on hold myself. This is all taking my reading choices in different directions than it used to go. So, these are some recent reads that were recommended by library users, or that I stumbled across.
Snow Road Station, Elizabeth Hay: I loved Hay’s novel Late Nights on Air, which I read in 2009 and holds a nostalgic place in my reading memory. It is a romantic (in the traditional sense of the word) story about CBC in the North. Snow Road Station probably won’t stick with me in quite the same way, but I think some women of a “certain age” (aka 60+) would connect with the characters. Representation in books and media is important, even for old white ladies. (There’s an old “Inside Amy Schumer” skit that I am thinking about but I won’t share it because there are too many swears. You can find it if you want.)
Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao, Helaine Becker: For something in a very different vein- this turned up in the return bin and I read the whole thing standing at the desk. Zheng Yi Sao was a Chinese woman pirate, she commanded the biggest fleet in history, and she did it on her terms. It’s a junior (ages 8-12) graphic novel, so for kids who are fired up about history, pirates, and/or rad women, this is a great choice, with some extra context and suggestions for further reading at the end.
Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story, Stacey Chomiak: I love coming-of-age stories and I love memoirs. They are a unique way to learn about the world, but through an individual’s own perspective. Two people could have lots of the same “ingredients” in their lives, and yet experience life in massively different ways. We can read research and analysis all the live long day, but if we never hear from people, what’s it all for?
I valued Chomiak’s thoughtful narrative of her growing up experience. It is partially illustrated (not fully a graphic novel) and I find this medium fascinating for memoir- how does an author/illustrator choose to draw themselves? Pick up Still Stace if any of the bones of Chomiak’s story resonate, or maybe tweak something in your brain.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, Kate Beaton: Another graphic memoir, another kind of dicey topic! Fun! Kate Beaton’s 2011 comic series Hark! A Vagrant! is a witty and sassy look at Canadian history, so naturally she was a celebrity to this Canadian History student. Her newest book Ducks shows the world that she was able to pay off her Liberal Arts education by working in Alberta oil sands. She gives us an honest and fair picture of what it’s like to work in the “extraction industry,” especially for a woman. Her drawings of massive machines are so intricate, her depictions of her co-workers are kind, when it’s deserving, and she isn’t afraid to show the impact of this industry on people and the land.
Ducks and Snow Road Station are both new books with very long waitlists, but I got to read them because a very generous library user lent them to me on her account!
The River, Peter Heller: Did you know I have the joy and burden of planning all of our local library’s programs? It’s SO fun and amazing and also A LOT. I cooked up an idea for a Summer Book Club- read the selected books and come back to the library anytime to share your thoughts and questions at our Summer Book Club station.
I chose The River for our book for June. It is intense! Wynn and Jack are best friends on a long canoe trip in remote Northern Canada, and they know how to do a back country trip. They have all the gear, they fish for lunch from the canoe, pick blueberries for snacks, and keep knives on them at all times. If you fish or back country hike, or are into foraging, you will connect with these guys. But there are some elements against them. Forest fire smoke is making its' way in their direction. They heard an altercation between a couple, but the next day, they see the man and the woman is nowhere. What happened? And what will happen next? This is a gripping thriller in an unusual setting for a thriller.
Have you read any of these books? Did anything spark your interest?
I’m looking forward to incorporating this writing into more of a routine as I really enjoy writing about books in this way. But, did you know for the librarian who is involved in programming for children in any way, summer is BANANAS? Summer Reading Club is my life now! But I wouldn’t have it any other way :)
SEND EVERY KID YOU KNOW TO THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER!