Let the summer beach-reading season begin! Whether you're in the mood for some fiction or non-fiction - Heather Reisman of Indigo Books and Music serves up a smorgasbord of the season's best reads.
Fiction:
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler ($29.99)
Zelda could be both inspirational and insufferable in the same moment, and in Z, Therese Anne Fowler's exquisite first novel, the essence of this enigmatic woman and her relationship with F. Scott Fitzgerald is captured in all its glory and pain. Z follows Zelda from her early teenage years, falling for a young soldier and writer, through the literary fame that stalked their marriage, and finally into the devastating descent of their love. We watch as Zelda and Scott revel in the glamorous life encapsulated in Hemingway's Moveable Feast, thriving on young love and the endless possibilities of Paris in the 1920's. Scott's star quickly rises, and Zelda's yearning for a fuller life is palpable, as she stands impatiently at the edge of the spotlight.
The Son by Phillipp Meyer ($21.99)
Author learned to hunt, track, camp, etc (even drank buffalo blood) in quest for authenticity in conveying what life was like for his characters. Famous quote from Aussie newspaper: “John Steinbeck is alive and well today - and his name is Philipp Meyer.”
Non Fiction:
The Spark Kristine Barnett ($29.95)
But this beautiful, joyful book is so much more than the story of an exceptional mother and her genius son. In a voice that could be your neighbour, your sister, or your best friend, Barnett shows us how to see children, whether those with autism or their non-spectrum friends, as she does - as unique people with infinite potential. She shows us that every child has a spark waiting to be discovered.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown ($31)
Readers will love this true life account of rowing, and success against great odds. Writing in the spirit of Chariots of Fire, and wearing his heart firmly on his sleeve, Daniel James Brown has given us a magnificent chronicle of the nine boys from Seattle who captivated the world as they rowed to gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The struggle of the team is embodied in the journey of the boy in the seventh seat, Joe Rantz, a profoundly decent and indefatigable young man whose story will remind you why he and millions like him are still called the Greatest Generation.
Kids (age 3-5):
The Dark by Lemony Snicket (Illustrated by Jon Klassen); ($19.99)
Being afraid of the dark is common for children (and adults, too). But young Laszlo answers the Dark's mysterious words and learns the truth that it takes dark to see the light. Jon Klassen's striking art is a perfect compliment to the dark and moody text by famously quirky kids author Lemony Snicket.
ISH by Peter H. Reynolds ($16)
Young Ramon learns that not everything in life is perfect but can still be beautiful, in this stunningly illustrated and inspiring picture book. A delightful story about embracing your creativity.
Tweens:
House of Secrets by Chris Columbus ($19.99)
Chris Columbus: director of Harry Potter movies, Ned Vizzini: very popular teen, talented author, together, they've created a well-written, very cinematic, page-turning book for boys & girls. Down on their luck, the Walker family moves into the mysterious Kristoff House whose secrets launch the three children into a dangerous world where they must save their parents and also the world. ! J.K. Rowling blurbed this book!
Smile by Raina Telgemeier ($11.99)
An autobiographical tale of Raina's experiences with orthodontics as a kid. This hilarious account of a child's experience with various forms of dental work, combined with Raina's signature humour and gorgeous art will have you laughing out loud (regardless of whether or not you suffered through braces or headgear yourself!)
Teens:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell ($21.99)
One act of bus bullying kindness lands Eleanor next to Park on her first day at a new High School. It's 1986 and across a backdrop of comics, mix tapes and family politics, this unlikely pair fall into fierce, first love. Cluttered with wit, thorny with truth and brimming with the beauty of first love, this story will have you glued to every page.
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey ($20)
The Road meets Ender's Game. This is a book that can get teen boys reading! High stakes action in a fully imagined dystopian world that raises similar moral issues as Hunger Games.
Cookbooks:
Recipes & Dreams from an Italian Life by Tessa Kiros ($34.95)
Beautiful cookbook that celebrates the heritage of Italy with more than 100 recipes that range from hearty family dishes to luscious desserts. A precious heirloom to treasure.
Gastro Grilling by Ted Reader ($29)
For everyone who loves to grill anytime of the year, this new book by Popular Cdn chef Ted Reader, is the one to buy! Full of delicious recipes certain to please all your family and friends.
