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The Wild Horses of the ChilcotinThe Wild Horses of the Chilcotin, BookTheir History and Future
by McCrory, WayneBook - 2023Book, 2023
Added Mar 25, 2024
Added Mar 17, 2024
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The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu is the epic fantasy tale of two friends who became enemies. The author created unique East-Asian based fantasy world, which was pleasure to read about. The characters are vibrant and interesting, which makes the narrative of political conflicts more deadly and tragic. Though it's never mentioned in advertisement, this book is heavily inspired by the Chu-Han War from the Ancient Chinese history. The readers who know about this conflict will have extra fun matching the characters with the historical figures who inspired them. This is a good book to read if you want to try an epic fantasy with a different flavour (Submitted by Eric)The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu is the epic fantasy tale of two friends who became enemies. The author created unique East-Asian based fantasy world, which was pleasure to read about. The characters are vibrant and interesting, which makes the…
Added Mar 11, 2024
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A thicker read, but worth it to dive deep into the world of bookbinding. Did you know there is an art AND a science to it? This reading journey also highlights the role of women in the First World War in England as well as their struggle to gain the vote in it’s early days. Such an interesting setting of families who lived in boats versus land living during this time. Even though this book may be “wordy” it places a distinct highlight on the power of words for all walks of life in England during this historic era. Highly recommend! (Submitted by Jamie)A thicker read, but worth it to dive deep into the world of bookbinding. Did you know there is an art AND a science to it? This reading journey also highlights the role of women in the First World War in England as well as their struggle to gain the…
Added Feb 26, 2024
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Julia Fox’s entertaining memoir details her many lives from childhood until now. She writes in a non-judgemental, conversational voice that makes you feel like you’re in on something with her. The pacing is fluid and involving, jumping from person to person, situation to situation. I could have easily read it in a sitting! (Submitted by Kaitlyn)Julia Fox’s entertaining memoir details her many lives from childhood until now. She writes in a non-judgemental, conversational voice that makes you feel like you’re in on something with her. The pacing is fluid and involving, jumping from person…
Added Feb 26, 2024
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This book is a great read, very easy to understand even with technology being such a complicated thing. I recommend this for beginners as well. There are visuals on almost every page to help the reader see what the text is explaining. I recently recommended this book to someone who was looking for some information on how to get started. This book helps people get started and teaches what they need to do next to start creating a website for whatever purpose they need it for (Submitted by Fariya)This book is a great read, very easy to understand even with technology being such a complicated thing. I recommend this for beginners as well. There are visuals on almost every page to help the reader see what the text is explaining. I recently…
Big FictionBig Fiction, BookHow Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry and American Literature
by Sinykin, DanBook - 2023Book, 2023
Added Feb 12, 2024
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Dan Sinykin's Big Fiction: How Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry and American Literature traces a distinct—and massively consequential—shift in American publishing. In the first half of the 20th century, the U.S. publishing business was a loose assemblage of small- and medium-sized "houses" (mostly based in New York) that put out books without the massive, coordinated marketing campaigns we see today. In the second half of the century, those houses began to merge together, court investors, and use new strategies to promote the authors in their stables. With more cooks entering the kitchen of fiction writing (agents, editors, marketers, and so on), Sinykin argues, we start to see changes to the menu. Genre fiction dominates bestseller lists, and mega-publishers who are constantly looking for the "next big thing" help shape fictional conventions to fit cultural trends. Meanwhile, a new crop of independent publishers emerge in response to conglomeration, going against the grain to give niche literary fiction a chance in an increasingly controlled, risk-averse publishing climate. Sinykin's thesis is peppered with fascinating stories from a wide cast of characters, including publishers (Bennett Cerf, Robert Straus, Leon Shimkin), editors (Robert Gottlieb, Sonny Mehta, Lester del Rey), bookbuyers/sellers (Sessalee Hensley), and authors (Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, E.L. Doctorow, Danielle Steel). Recommended for readers who enjoy histories of industry and/or literary gossip (Submitted by Zach).Dan Sinykin's Big Fiction: How Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry and American Literature traces a distinct—and massively consequential—shift in American publishing. In the first half of the 20th century, the U.S. publishing business was…
Added Feb 04, 2024
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This YA book is so sad, I cried a lot. The father is dying and the family goes on one last summer vacation to their cabin (Submitted by Hayley)
Added Jan 25, 2024
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Brienna has never known her parents. Her grandfather refuses to mention who her father was, and her mother died when she was quite young. At age 10, her grandfather takes her to Magnolia House, where she can study with girls her age “The Passions”: art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge. Brienna doesn’t seem to master any of the passions, and after cycling through the other four, asks the Master of knowledge if he can teach her everything in the last three years. Seven years after she begins school, when patrons come to the school to offer patronage, her life turns upside down, as she discovers her heritage and the truth about Maevana, the land her father was/is from. Gorgeous world building, and courageous and intrepid women make this a great read (Submitted by Sharleen)Brienna has never known her parents. Her grandfather refuses to mention who her father was, and her mother died when she was quite young. At age 10, her grandfather takes her to Magnolia House, where she can study with girls her age “The Passions”:…
I Who Have Never Known MenI Who Have Never Known Men, Book
by Harpman, JacquelineBook - 2022Book, 2022
Added Jan 22, 2024
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This book starts with a group of women imprisoned in an underground cage, watched by guards, given only the barest necessities to survive, and with no knowledge of why and where they are being kept. The reader only knows as much as the women do, which makes every small discovery about their situation feel exciting. I’m not usually a fan of dystopian novels, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s bleak, but the personality and voice of the protagonist keeps it from feeling too hopeless (Submitted by Kaitlyn)This book starts with a group of women imprisoned in an underground cage, watched by guards, given only the barest necessities to survive, and with no knowledge of why and where they are being kept. The reader only knows as much as the women do,…
Added Jan 22, 2024
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Set in an alternate Edwardian England, "A Marvellous Light" kicks off with the recently-orphaned Robin Blyth on his first day at his new job, where he discovers that not only is magic very real and that his new job is to be the non-magical liaison to the magical society, but that his predecessor at the job might have been murdered. Robin teams up with Edwin Courcey, his magical liaison counterpart, and together they muddle their way through magical curses and into a conspiracy that involves all of magical society in England, all the while dealing with their own complicated feelings for one another (Submitted by Gerry)Set in an alternate Edwardian England, "A Marvellous Light" kicks off with the recently-orphaned Robin Blyth on his first day at his new job, where he discovers that not only is magic very real and that his new job is to be the non-magical liaison…
Discover CanadaDiscover Canada, BookThe Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship : Study Guide
Book - 2012Book, 2012
Added Jan 17, 2024
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The Government of Canada will provide a print copy to individuals. You can start the process by following the instructions here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada.html (January 2024)The Government of Canada will provide a print copy to individuals. You can start the process by following the instructions here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada.html (January…
Added Jan 04, 2024
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This novel explores the process of self-actualization after experiencing years of low self-esteem, depression, and lack of love and connection. Taylia is a Bengali Jewish-American girl growing up in New York. After being sexually assaulted, she is disowned and forced to move out by her wealthy, emotionally distant parents. Determined to survive on her own terms, she finds a community of friends and lovers in Manhattan’s inner city neighbourhoods. Some of the characters and plots are not developed fully and the ending can either be described as pat or apt! It’s still a good read- painful at times, but worth the effort. (Submitted by Ravi)This novel explores the process of self-actualization after experiencing years of low self-esteem, depression, and lack of love and connection. Taylia is a Bengali Jewish-American girl growing up in New York. After being sexually assaulted, she is…
Added Jan 04, 2024
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Owens is from Victoria, BC and has worked as a health care aide for 20 years. Her story is about Francesca (Frannie/Fran) who has a massive stroke in her late 60s, after she retires, and ends up in a care home. She has four roommates, and some really good care aides (and some not so good). Her stroke has removed her ability to talk, and her capacity to walk and use her right arm, but oh, her mind is lucid and strong. She starts having a one way conversation with her best friend who died from cancer a number of years ago, going back over the happenings of her life and the struggles. The beautiful thing is that Fran has the capacity to learn, to realize and to make changes in her heart and attitude. Beautifully written and so revealing about what happens in care facilities, I love and adore this book and highly recommend it. (Submitted by Sharleen)Owens is from Victoria, BC and has worked as a health care aide for 20 years. Her story is about Francesca (Frannie/Fran) who has a massive stroke in her late 60s, after she retires, and ends up in a care home. She has four roommates, and some…
Added Jan 04, 2024
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This book deserves more hype! I couldn't put it down, except at night when it got too scary and I decided I could only read it during the day... It's a paranormal story with some suspenseful mystery and a tad bit of romance. (Submitted by Hayley)
Added Dec 21, 2023
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This book felt like a warm, fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day. It just wraps you in wholesome goodness. I wish there were more books like that - the ones that leave you feeling good at the end. As for context, it's about 3 strangers that become friends and lift each other up enabling survival and even more so - full on thriving (Submitted by Mariya)This book felt like a warm, fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day. It just wraps you in wholesome goodness. I wish there were more books like that - the ones that leave you feeling good at the end. As for context, it's about 3 strangers that become…
Added Dec 18, 2023
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This is a guilty pleasure favourite. It's adult romance and takes place in a college setting with a classic plot of "good girl meets bad boy." (Submitted by Hayley)
Across the Green Grass FieldsAcross the Green Grass Fields, Book
by McGuire, SeananBook - 2021Book, 2021
Added Dec 11, 2023
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Regan is growing up and aches to be normal, as she seems to be. But the playground and schoolyard are challenging places to be, and her best friend is a controlling and judgmental person. When Regan learns from her parents that she is intersex, and won’t go through puberty in the typical way, she makes the mistake of telling her best friend, who then accuses her of lying about being a boy. Running out of the school and into the wood on her way home, she comes to a door, and steps through into a world where centaurs, unicorns, minotaurs, kelpies and other creatures live. Beautifully written and an entrancing story on growing up and growing into who you are (Submitted by Sharleen)Regan is growing up and aches to be normal, as she seems to be. But the playground and schoolyard are challenging places to be, and her best friend is a controlling and judgmental person. When Regan learns from her parents that she is intersex, and…
Added Dec 11, 2023
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The Paris Affair by Melanie Hudson is a captivating, unpredictable, emotional story set during WWII in Paris & Stark, the Channel Islands. Sebastian is a German doctor living a quiet life tending to his patients and his beloved garden in Stark after being scarred by his experiences WWI. Sophie bursts into his life and Sebastian discovers love for the first time. As the Germans approach the Channel Islands, Sebastian and Sophie are separated & he is left wondering if love may have eluded him forever. A chance meeting in Paris brings danger and devastation to the love affair. This excellent historical fiction is full of suspense, love and loss & surprise that will keep you hooked from beginning to the end (Submitted by Cecilia)The Paris Affair by Melanie Hudson is a captivating, unpredictable, emotional story set during WWII in Paris & Stark, the Channel Islands. Sebastian is a German doctor living a quiet life tending to his patients and his beloved garden in Stark after…
Last Call at the Hotel ImperialLast Call at the Hotel Imperial, BookThe Reporters Who Took on A World at War
by Cohen, DeborahBook - 2022Book, 2022
Added Nov 09, 2023
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Last Call at the Hotel Imperial is an introduction to the work and lives of four reporters covering Europe in the first half of the 20th century: Dorothy Thompson, John Gunther, H.R. Knickerbocker, and Vincent Sheean. It is a history of the goings-on of Europe in the lead up to World War II through the lens and pens of the reporters on the ground. From being expelled from 1930s Germany to interviewing some of the most powerful figures in world, these reporters sometimes were the story and certainly had a story to tell. This book was so engaging and intriguing that after reading it, I dove head-first into the world of early-to-mid 20th Century journalism, seeking the personal writing of each of these reporters. Their reporting was not only prescient in its time, but is insightful to living in an uncertain world. (submitted by Lindsay)Last Call at the Hotel Imperial is an introduction to the work and lives of four reporters covering Europe in the first half of the 20th century: Dorothy Thompson, John Gunther, H.R. Knickerbocker, and Vincent Sheean. It is a history of the…
Added Nov 02, 2023
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The Skull by Jon Klassen starts with our protagonist Otilla "finally" running away from her home. She finds a large dark house where a lonely skull lives, and they quickly become friends. But when a monster chases after the Skull, and Otilla is determined to protect her friend. This book is filled with mysteries and haunting images. There are so many unexplained points in the story (ex. Why did Otilla run away?) but the book gives just enough hints for the reader to draw their own conclusion and imagine the story beyond the book's narrative. The characters are written like they are pulled from a strange dream (such as a friendly skull and the mysterious monster chasing after the skull), which works very well with the mysterious nature of the story. The dark and moody illustration adds extra flavor to the story and help the reader to immerse themselves into the narrative. The horror fans of all age will appreciate this picture book danse macabre (Submitted by Eric)The Skull by Jon Klassen starts with our protagonist Otilla "finally" running away from her home. She finds a large dark house where a lonely skull lives, and they quickly become friends. But when a monster chases after the Skull, and Otilla is…
BirdBird, BookThe Definitive Visual Guide
Book - 2022Book, 2022
SurreyLibraries_Reads's rating:
Added Oct 27, 2023
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This gorgeous book is a huge compendium of amazing bird pictures. Each picture is accompanied by interesting facts about the biology, habitat and habits of the birds, but what will capture your attention is the photographs. The full page spreads caused gasps of awe! I highly recommend for people of any age who love birds – however, bring a bag because it is a large, heavy book! (Submitted by Bex)This gorgeous book is a huge compendium of amazing bird pictures. Each picture is accompanied by interesting facts about the biology, habitat and habits of the birds, but what will capture your attention is the photographs. The full page spreads…
Added Oct 20, 2023
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This is the first book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Discworld is a fantastical world full of eccentric magical characters in a universe with extraordinary laws of physics. Rincewind (a cowardly wizard who is unable to cast any spells) and Twoflower (a clueless tourist with magical luggage that can run on its own legs) embark on unexpected adventures where they must battle dragons, warriors, kings and queens to save themselves and their magical world from doom. Although they have many brushes with death, things always turn out for the best! This first book sets the tone and universe for the rest of the Discworld series (which consists of 41 books in total). I very much enjoyed Terry Pratchett’s comical and imaginative style. He has a light and humorous way of writing fantasy with a touch of science fiction (in the style of A Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) – Submitted by IdilThis is the first book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Discworld is a fantastical world full of eccentric magical characters in a universe with extraordinary laws of physics. Rincewind (a cowardly wizard who is unable to cast any spells) and…
A Libertarian Walks Into A BearA Libertarian Walks Into A Bear, BookThe Utopian Plot to Liberate An American Town (and Some Bears)
by Hongoltz-Hetling, MatthewBook - 2020Book, 2020
Added Oct 11, 2023
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A Libertarian Walks into a Bear: the Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (and Some Bears) by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling
If you enjoy reading about the foibles of human nature, be prepared to be amazed and astounded by what has taken place in a sleep town called Grafton in New Hampshire.
Grafton already had a reputation for independence and stubbornness, so when a group of Libertarians finished visiting a bunch of towns in New Hampshire, they picked Grafton as their place to move into and liberate its small population from the tyranny of government.
Where do the bears come in? New Hampshire has always had a number of bears living around its communities, that are kept at bay by planning and the chronically underfunded Fish and Game Department. But when you have a community that doesn’t believe in funding for garbage pickup, and where some people habitually feed the bears, disaster is only a huge clawed step away. Brilliant and insightful writing, and an extremely enjoyable read (Submitted by Sharleen)A Libertarian Walks into a Bear: the Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (and Some Bears) by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling
If you enjoy reading about the foibles of human nature, be prepared to be amazed and astounded by what has taken place in a…
Added Oct 06, 2023
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Brown Girl Dreaming is another lovely novel/autobiography-in-verse. Jacqueline Woodson has a wonderful way with words, drawing you into her life and memories of a budding young writer in South Carolina. Although written for middle grade readers, adults and teens alike will love this. I look forward to reading more of Jacqueline's books (Submitted by a staff member).Brown Girl Dreaming is another lovely novel/autobiography-in-verse. Jacqueline Woodson has a wonderful way with words, drawing you into her life and memories of a budding young writer in South Carolina. Although written for middle grade readers,…
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Book
by Zevin, GabrielleBook - 2022Book, 2022
Added Sep 27, 2023
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I don’t exactly know how to describe this novel except to say that it was captivating. The lives of the characters came alive in the telling of the story. The novel is an in-depth look at the relationship between 3 close friends and colleagues. It touches on themes such as coming-of-age, sexism, emotional abuse, disabilities, gaming, virtual worlds and much more. A large part of the novel is about video games that the main characters create, play, and discuss. Although I’m not a gamer, I still found this thread in the novel to be really interesting and even made me want to go out and see if there were actually games like the ones described in the novel (Submitted by Seline)I don’t exactly know how to describe this novel except to say that it was captivating. The lives of the characters came alive in the telling of the story. The novel is an in-depth look at the relationship between 3 close friends and colleagues. It…
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