The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve recently enjoyed. This month, you’ll find an emotionally-charged mystery-drama, an offbeat juvenile fantasy, and a LGBT romance perfect for Pride.
Marg suggests We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
“We Begin at the End is an emotionally charged drama which is part mystery/thriller and part coming of age tale full of heart, soul and humour. Thirteen year-old Duchess Day Radley is a self-proclaimed “outlaw” with a big attitude and a chip on her shoulder. She is the fierce protector of her little brother Robin and when her substance addicted mother Star struggles to care for her children, Duchess often forgoes eating to insure her brother has enough. Small town sheriff Walker (Walk) who grew up with Star keeps watch over the children and helps out where he can. When Walk’s best friend Vincent is released from prison, it sets of a chain of events that result in tragedy. Forced to move in with their grandfather Hal, Duchess becomes more resentful, sullen and belligerent than ever. She does everything in her power to alienate the people around her. When a murder occurs, the townsfolk are left reeling. Evidence points towards Vincent and Walk sets out to clear his childhood friend. Secrets from the past are soon revealed and things assumed to be true are proven to be otherwise.”
Karen suggests Into Darkness by Liz Braswell
“In this feel-good, offbeat juvenile fantasy, friends Clark, D.A., and Catherine Lucille are happy to be getting back to ‘Camp I Can’ and looking forward to spending two week-long sessions together. But when they arrive at camp, something seems…off. Most of the staff are either sick and have been replaced, or seem out of it and almost zombie-like. It turns out the monsters are planning revenge against Foon for killing the King Derker that was living in Clark’s house last year. They’ve figured out which boy belongs with Foon, and have arranged to have all the stuffies confiscated from the kids headed to the inter-session camp, so that while they have the kids trapped on the monster controlled mountain in a spooky cabin they can capture and eat Clark. Foon realizes he’s been left behind and needs to get to his boy as quickly as possible, so armed with his trusty silver trident (a seafood fork pilfered from the silverware drawer) named Focus, Foon heads into the world of darkness.”
Kristin suggests Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
“This story begins by introducing us to America’s First Son Alexander Claremont-Diaz, who is the closest thing to royalty on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. American citizens adore President Ellen Claremont’s two millennial children, especially Alex who is the heartthrob of the nation. Even though living in the White House and being famous has its perks, international socialite duties and public scrutiny definitely have their downsides. Unfortunately, Alex learns this the hard way when he travels with his sister to the U.K. to attend a royal wedding. During the festivities, Alex accidentally pushes Prince Henry into the wedding cake, kicking off a frantic media frenzy when photos of the confrontation leak to the tabloids, causing people on both sides of the pond to worry about the state of American/British relations. With an election not far away, the POTUS is terribly upset about her son causing negative headlines and comes up with a plan for damage control. Her idea is that Alex must stage a fake friendship with the prince for all the world to see. So, the world’s two favourite heartthrobs are forced to spend time together out in public. Surprisingly, an unlikely friendship-turned-romance blooms, as the two realize they have so many things in common and seem to be kindred spirits. Red, White & Royal Blue will make you laugh, it might even make you cry, but I guarantee you will not be able to put it down!”
Jennifer suggests Adrift at Sea by Marsha Forchuk Skyrpuch with Tuan Ho
“Between 1955-1975, a war waged between North and South Vietnam in which thousands labelled ‘enemies of the people’ were executed or forced to live in the jungle. During this period, thousands more risked the open water in hopes of a new life. It is a testament to how horrible life was that so many Vietnamese gambled their lives on a chance to escape. Sweeping oil paintings complemented by spare prose represent one family’s flight as Vietnam’s “Boat People” in this juvenile fiction read. Their escape involves separating family members, dodging bullets, scrambling onto a skiff, and boarding an overloaded fishing boat. The perilous journey reaches its climax when the motor fails, the hull leaks, and the fresh water dwindles. The refugees are stranded for four days in the middle of the Pacific Ocean before being rescued by an aircraft carrier. In the historical section at the back we learn that refugees often also faced pirates and starvation. In the biographical section at the back we learn that they often also spent several months in a refugee camp before rejoining their family in Canada. We also learn that Tuan Ho, our young hero, later attended the University of Toronto and opened a physiotherapy clinic.”
Julie suggests Breathe Cry Breathe by Catherine Gourdier
“They say that everyone grieves differently and this is Gourdier’s coming to terms with her grief after losing her mother and sister in a tragic accident, followed by her father who most likely succumbed to a broken heart in the weeks after. Some may recall this event as it occurred in Kingston in 2009. It is apparent how raw Gourdier’s grief was (and still is) as she writes about the different ways she is trying to come to terms with it. This book might be best accompanied with a box of Kleenex by your side as you read about her path to getting over this tragedy, yet it will leave you with hope of the human spirit’s perseverance in the face of adversity.”
All of these titles can be reserved online with your library card at CountyLibrary.ca.