Thursday, December 4, 2008

Favourite Reads of 2008 - Librarians' Picks Part Three. . .

Just a hop, skip, jump (and a highway sign that says 99 km) away from London, Ontario, is the lovely town of Chatham. Which is where today's picks hail from. The staff at the Chatham-Kent Public Library system got together to nominate their favourites and this is their group effort:
Chatham-Kent Public Library 2008 Staff Picks:

The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
An engrossing tale that delves into a specific part of Canada’s Black history.

Sarah’s Key by Tatania de Rosnay
An historical work set in Paris during the Second World War. Sarah’s Key tells two tales - one of Sarah’s ordeal as a French Jew and the other of Julia, a journalist, investigating the anniversary of Vel d’Hiv’. While researching this dark time in French history Julia discovers that there are family ties to Sarah and is compelled to dig deeper.

Every Last Cuckoo by Kate Maloy
Every Last Cuckoo is the story of 75 year old Sarah Lucas after the death of her husband. Instead of closing herself off from the world (her first instinct), she opens herself and her home to a bunch of misfits.

The Shack by William Young
This is a sad story about a father struggling with grief after the loss of his 6 year old daughter.




What Happened Later by Ray Robertson
CKPL is particularly proud to recommend Ray’s latest book. He is a former Chatham native who still pops back to speak to local English classes and perform readings at his hometown library. This is an entertaining and fast paced story that chronicles a young man’s arrival into adulthood while exploring the last road trip of Jack Kerouac.

The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff
From the author of The Kommandant’s Girl comes the story of Marta Nederman. She has survived the Second World War but unfortunately after the death of her American boyfriend she finds herself pregnant. She then marries a British Diplomat and while Marta is comfortable and content in the marriage there is no real passion. All is going well until her past comes back to haunt her.

The Ha-Ha by Dave King
A debut novel that tells the story of Howard a Vietnam War veteran who is unable to speak due to a severe blow to his head. A thought-provoking work and a storyline that stays with the reader.

Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden
Need we say anything other than Giller choice!

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
A dark tale centering on a boy and his dogs, with a wilderness survival and a dash of mystery. It has been on MacLean’s Bestseller Fiction, Globe & Mail’s Bestseller Fiction as well as an Oprah Book Club choice.

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
The narrator of the story simultaneously repulsed, fascinated and amused. The book is compelling and romantic and the kind of story that really sticks with the reader.


Chatham-Kent Public Library is located in South Western Ontario. We are an 11 branch system open approximately 311 hours per week. Close to 15,000 books are checked out on a weekly basis throughout our system. Our staff are avid and varied readers always ready to recommend a good book to our patrons. Stop by anytime for a recommendation!! www.chatham-kent.ca/ckat

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Many thanks for mentioning my book. I really appreciate it and wish everybody a great 2009.

Dave King