Catboy

When veteran YA author Eric Walters decided to seek some friendly advice in writing his latest novel, he didn’t just find himself an editor: he enlisted 800 of them. Every Monday for 10 weeks, students ... Read More »

September 7, 2011 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction

★ Nini

By François Thisdale

Two new picture books provide heartwarming takes on adoption, new homes, and new beginnings. Though different in style and presentation, both offer reassurance that love and the human spirit can thrive even under the most ... Read More »

September 2, 2011 | Filed under: Picture Books

The Dirt Chronicles

By Kristyn Dunnion

The Dirt Chronicles follows a group of Toronto-area teens and young adults making their way in a world that has given them nothing and kicked them on the way down. Kristyn Dunnion (also known as ... Read More »

August 29, 2011 | Filed under: Fiction: Short

★ The Cat’s Table

By Michael Ondaatje

Certain experiences are galvanizing and become indelible, shaping a life. Such is true of the sea voyage at the heart of Michael Ondaatje’s sixth novel, a story so enveloping and beautifully rendered, one is reluctant ... Read More »

August 25, 2011 | Filed under: Fiction: Novels

Walking Backwards: Grand Tours, Minor Visitations, Miraculous Journeys, and a Few Good Meals

By Mark Frutkin

A rite of passage for many is to sling a backpack over one’s shoulder and tramp around Europe and Asia for months at a time, with only a few dollars and a phrase book. Friendships ... Read More »

August 22, 2011 | Filed under: Reference

Season of Darkness

By Maureen Jennings

Toronto author Maureen Jennings is no stranger to the mystery genre. Her celebrated Detective Murdoch novels are the basis for Murdoch Mysteries, a television series that has had success around the world. While she is ... Read More »

August 15, 2011 | Filed under: Fiction: Novels

Natural Order

By Brian Francis

Brian Francis, author of Canada Reads finalist Fruit (ECW Press), has written an ambitious second novel that dissects the disastrous relationship between a mother and her gay son. Despite an occasionally heavy-handed narrative style and ... Read More »

August 8, 2011 | Filed under: Fiction: Novels

Taking My Life

By Jane Rule

In 2008, the year following the death, at 76, of Jane Rule, an academic named Linda M. Morra made a startling discovery. Among the late author’s papers at the University of British Columbia, she found ... Read More »

August 2, 2011 | Filed under: Memoir & Biography

Beyond Bullets: A Photo Journal of Afghanistan

By Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter

In 2008, Vancouver photographer Rafal Gerszak travelled to Afghanistan to be embedded with an American military unit. He ended up living with the soldiers for a year, snapping pictures during house searches, disputes with village ... Read More »

July 27, 2011 | Filed under: Children and YA Non-fiction

Learn to Speak Dance: A Guide to Creating, Performing, and Promoting Your Moves

By Ann-Marie Williams; Jeff Kulak, illus.

From reality shows like So You Think You Can Dance to the choreographed musical numbers on Glee to YouTube flash mobs, dance-based entertainment is more popular than ever. With Learn to Speak Dance, Toronto dance ... Read More »