The rules for time travel in the tiny cafe are strict: you cannot leave your seat, you can only see people who have visited the cafe before, and to return safely you must finish the coffee before it gets cold. With such rigid rules very few people actually try it, but for those that do…
Book Review – Extraordinary Canadians by Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgutch
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this lovely book. With the grim craziness that is 2020, I really needed an escape from the news. Thankfully, this book delivered, showcasing 17 profiles of Canadians who are trying to make the world a better place. Each ‘chapter’ features first person accounts put together…
Book Review – Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
I fully admit that this was a total cover/title buy. But I’m glad I did - it’s a great read. Set in 1950’s America, the central characters are faced with the dangers of living in the Jim Crow era, while fighting privileged assholes that practice some shady magic. It’s an unusual combination, but they surprisingly…
Book Review – The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I’m struggling to put into words just how important and special this book is - everyone needs to read it. Matt Haig has written about depression before, but this time he approached it more philosophically, sending his central character on a journey towards a new outlook on life. “Between life and death there is a…
Book Review – Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this fantastic book! Magic Lessons is the third book set in the world of Practical Magic - and to be honest, I think it’s my favourite. This time we travel back to the 17th century and learn about the origins of the Owens family line…
Book Review – The Man in the Painter’s Room by Jamison Odone
Black Panel Press has released another fantastic graphic novel - this one following Vincent Van Gogh during the last 3 months of his life. It’s a beautiful and reflective look at arguably the most creative period of his career. Odone’s illustrations, particularly when describing Vincent’s depression, are guaranteed to strike an emotional chord with readers.…
Book Review – The Lost Child by Emily Gunnis
Thank you Mobius for a copy of this book to review! I‘ve previously read and reviewed a book written by Gunnis - and I enjoyed it. So really it’s no surprise that I think The Lost Child is a great read as well. Gunnis has a real talent for creating character driven, complex, and emotional…
Book Review – Half a World Away by Mike Gayle
Thank you Mobius for a copy of this book to review! Half a World Away is a beautiful novel about a pair of adult siblings (Kerry & Noah) finding each other after decades of being separated by the foster system. But I don’t think it’s just the premise that makes this story so good -…
Book Review – The Book of Hidden Wonders by Polly Crosby
Thanks to HarperCollins Canada for a copy of this book to review. The Book of Hidden Wonders is definitely not what I had expected - it was better. The story is beautifully written and starts off describing the idyllic childhood of Romilly Kemp, filled with lots of outdoor exploring and adventures. Her father is an…
Book Review – Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
What did I just read?! Holy smokes, what a beautifully written and incredibly dark book. I loved it - it definitely warped my brain a bit. But I’m not surprised I enjoyed it - Silvia’s last book was fantastic as well. The title Mexican Gothic is pretty spot on - Silvia checked all of the…
the bookish life 