Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
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 intricately plotted thriller, a fresh debut that combines dystopian fiction and chick-lit, and a couple of fun picture books that are sure to engage kids and adults alike.
Marg suggests The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
“This story has a captivating plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. When teen mother Tallulah and her boyfriend Zach go missing after a rare night out, her mother Kim is left to care for baby Noah while trying to piece together the mystery of their disappearance. Distraught, Kim knows in her heart that Tallulah would never abandon her baby. Scarlett, a mysterious new college friend of Tallulah’s, might know more than she is letting on but she isn’t revealing anything. With no solid leads, the police suspect the young parents have simply run off and after a year has passed their disappearance is considered a cold case. A year later novelist Sophie and her boyfriend Shaun move to a cottage in the area where Tallulah and Zach were last seen. While walking in the surrounding woods one day Sophie finds an ominous sign that says ‘Dig Here.’ Of course, her curious mind compels her to investigate further and she discovers a confusing clue that may just be integral to solving the mystery of what happened to the young couple.”
Amy suggests Last One At The Party by Bethany Clift
“In this fantastic debut novel, it’s 2023, Covid has come and gone, replaced by an even more deadly virus, 6DM. It’s terribly virulent and people die horribly from it in six days maximum. It seems to have wiped out everyone in Britain – except for one woman. I know what you’re thinking, I’m already living through a pandemic, why would I choose to read about a deadly virus? To be honest, I had no idea what the story was about. I liked the hot pink path on the cover and it had ‘party’ in the title, so I thought I was in for a really good chick-lit read. I had no idea it was end of the world dystopia. Once I started reading this fast paced, sharp, emotional survival story I couldn’t put it down. Clift’s fresh, frank and funny imagining of what might happen and who might be left at the end of the world is highly addictive reading.”
Kristin suggests The Walrus and the Caribou by Maika Harper
“The Canadian Inuit author Maika Harper has given us a high-spirited retelling of a traditional Inuit story that has been passed along orally through generations in communities across the Artic. This educational tale starts by introducing readers to Guk. She is an experienced, feisty elder that has the power to create life and summarily sets out to create two of the Arctic’s most celebrated animals. With some determination and imagination, Guk creates the walrus and the caribou, but they look slightly different from what these animals currently look like. Guk’s creations aren’t quite what they should be because the walrus has antlers and the caribou’s snout includes fearsome tusks! Young readers will find great amusement in the comical appearances of these animals and the trouble these misplaced body parts will cause them.”
Jennifer suggests Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim
“This food-infused romcom features a sparkling cast of close-knit characters amid the deliciously enchanting setting of Paris, France. Vanessa Yu is an accountant who longs for true love. She has a mystical gift, which she views as a curse. Our quirky clairvoyant is a member of an equally eccentric Chinese American family. As the oldest of her generation yet to be married, she feels thwarted in love, and is a charming meddler. After a series of magical misfortunes, Vanessa’s aunt decides to take Vanessa under her wing to master the art of fortune telling. A picturesque Parisian tea shop frames Vanessa’s discoveries, including a few secrets her aunt has been hiding. Although her aunt warns of the impossibility of a relationship due to magic rules, Vanessa’s hopes are renewed when she explores the City of Lights with a handsome pastry chef, partaking in much art and food. This tasty delight is a welcome escape from the pandemic blues. This cozy read will appeal anyone who enjoys art, romance, traditions, food, tea, and Paris, bien sur!”
Coleen suggests Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle
“Strange Planet is the picture book version of the Instagram comics by Nathan W. Pyle, featuring Lifegiver and Offspring, following a strange creature in their home. Being a reader, not an ‘instagrammer,’ this was my first introduction to these endearing blue creatures, and their scientific approach to everyday life. If you want a unique way to look at the world around you, have a look at Strange Planet, picture book edition.”
All of these items can be reserved from your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries or online at CountyLibrary.ca.