I Read Too Much

'I Read Too Much' is back in action!

2010-03-30T19:17:00.003-03:00

After an extended hiatus of nearly two years I Read Too Much is back. My mandate for the blog is the same as always: anytime I read a book, I'll post a review here. I still read all kinds of books from many genres, and I still favour adventure travel books and fiction written by female Canadian authors.

A bit has changed since I last blogged: I no longer live in Halifax; I returned to Vancouver almost two years ago. I am no longer a law student; I am now a lawyer. And I no longer read books only in paper format. I received an Amazon Kindle for Christmas last year, so some of my reviews will be of books I read on my fabulous new electronic toy.

I am always looking for recommendations for books to read, so please feel free to send them along. Happy reading!

Shakespeare: The World as Stage - Bill Bryson

2008-03-22T21:12:00.001-03:00

The Basics: Shakespeare: The World as Stage, Bill Bryson, 2007, 208 pages, hard cover

How I found it: This book was on a bunch of bestseller lists for a while. I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan, but I did study his works a whole bunch. As well, I've read most of Bryson's work and enjoyed it.

What's it about?: This is a biography of Shakespeare for the lay person, written in Bryson's joking style. The book exposes how little is actually know about Shakespeare's life, and at times is a bit more about life in London in Shakespeare's time than about the man himself. The book also briefly delves into the controversy surrounding whether or not Shakespeare actually wrote some or all of his works.

Did I like it?: I found this book to be a quick and easy read. I learned a lot about what we know and don't know about Shakespeare's life, and about the wild speculation a lot of scholars have engaged in over the years. However, I wasn't that into this book, despite how easy it was to read since I just didn't find the content that interesting. I did find Bryson's argument about what might and might not be true about Shakespeare's life to be quite convincing, however.

Will you like it?: I think this is a must read for casual fans of Shakespeare, especially if you don't know anything about the man behind the literature. However, if you're not into Shakespeare, perhaps you won't find this book that interesting.

But don't take my word for it: The usual product info and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the UK's The Telegraph, a review from the blog ShakespeareGeek, another one from another blog (ricklibrarian), and finally one from the Times Online.

A Model Summer - Paulina Porizkova

2008-03-12T10:17:00.002-03:00

The Basics: A Model Summer, Paulina Porizkova, 2007, 324 pages, hardcover

How I found it: As regular readers of this blog may know, one of my guilty pleasures is the crap-tastic America's Next Top Model. This season 80s supermodel Paulina Porizkova is a judge. She has recently written a novel about being a teenage model in the 80s, and it sounded intriguing.

What's it about?: This novel is about 15 year old Jirina, a Swede of Czech origin (like Paulina) who travels to Paris for the summer following the lure of a modeling career. She has to grow up fast and overcome her naivete as she is faced with issues she has never dealt with before, including abortion, drugs, and sex. Of course, she also deals with the everyday aspects of modeling, such as go-sees (auditions/castings), photo shoots, and squabbles with other models.

Did I like it?: Like Top Model, this book is a guilty pleasure. The writing isn't spectacular, but it is capable. From what I know of the modeling industry, Jirina's experience is fairly typical. The plot was fairly predictable, but for me, that didn't make it any less enjoyable.

Will you like it?: I would recommend this book as a beach book or vacation book, or some other light reading. However, I don't know if I would advise spending money on it - borrow it from the library then try not to drop it in the pool.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publishers blurbs from Amazon, a review from the blog Memphis Reads, one from the New York Times, and another from the blog Impatient Reader.

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's - John Elder Robison

2008-03-09T10:15:00.002-03:00

The Basics: Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's, John Elder Robison, 2007, 288 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I don't remember how I heard about this book (maybe a bestseller list?) but I know I wanted to read it because I am interested in people with Asperger's Syndrome having known a few of them growing up, and having spent a lot of time with people who work as computer programmers.

What's it about?: This book is a memoir about Robison's life. He is the brother of Augusten Burroghs, who wrote his own memoir, Running with Scissors (which I haven't read), which mentions Robison. Both kids had exceptionally bad childhoods, and Robison does touch on that. However, most of the book focuses on Robison describing what it is like to have Asperger's Syndrome (a type of high functioning Austism spectrum disorder). He does a great job of logically explaining how his thought process is different than that of the average person while reflecting, with great hindsight, on how his alternative way of thinking has affected his life and interactions with others. All of this would make for an interesting book, but in addition to being different, Robison has led a rather spectacular life. He toured with Kiss while working on their stage effects, and for a time worked as an electronic toy designer.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. It was fascinating to read about how people with Asperger's think and as I said, Roision has had a rather interesting life. People often assume that those with Asperger's are robotic and don't really have feelings. Robison dispels this myth, and then some, by giving various anecdotes about his life and how these events have affected him.

Will you like it?: I found this book to be a great read. It will appeal to readers of both fiction and non-fiction since it has a plot-like structure. I think its also a great book to read to better understand people with autism spectrum disorder since most of us have no idea what life is like for them.

But don't take my word for it: The usual blurbs and reader reviews (all of which are positive 5 start reviews - highly unusual) from Amazon, a review from Entertainment Weekly, one from the blog Framed and Booked, another from The A.V. Club, one from the Times Online, and finally, the author's website.

Girls of Riyadh - Rajaa Alsanea

2008-03-06T14:17:00.004-04:00

The Basics: Girls of Riyadh, Rajaa Alsanea, 2007, 304 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I believe it was on a list of new and noteworthy fiction at my local public library.

What's it about?: This novel tells the story of four female friends coming of age, attending university, and attempting to find love in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The woman are part of Riyadh's 'velvet class' and live privileged lives. Although they live in a Muslim country, the girls have progressive ideas of love, dating and the role of women in society. However, for the most part, these girls still strive to live with their religion as their guide. This book is a bit like a watered-down Muslim Sex in the City: four friends who are quite different, living 'liberated' lives, dating various men, including one man who is the Saudi equivalent of "Mr. Big". The book was originally written in Arabic, but obviously, I read the English translation.

Did I like it?: This book is in no way 'literature', however it is a good pulpy read. I enjoyed reading it and actually learned a lot about the lives of women living under Muslim law (although I guess I only learned about the lives of rich women). The women themselves are quite likable, although to me their lives seem a bit far fetched and they seem a bit spoiled. It's a bit like the premise of Gossip Girl - that we want to read about the rich privileged people we wish we could be. The idea of attempting to date in a country that has religious police, where women must keep their faces partially hidden, and where dating takes place in secret, and only the phone, was completely foreign to me, and actually quite fascinating. Apparently this book was a bit controversial in the Middle East for its frank discussions of sex and dating, and the fact that its author is a 25 year old female university student. It was even banned in Saudi Arabia and that seems to add to its allure.

Will you like it?: If you liked Sex in the City, you'll like this book. It's a slightly more intelligent beach book and might actually teach you things about the lives of women in the Muslim world that you won't hear on North American television. However, don't expect great literature or any deep thoughts about politics or other hard topics, as this book is pure fluff, and good fluff at that.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-approved blurbs from Amazon, a review from the website Arab View, another review from Homan, Iran's gay and lesbian resource site, one from the UK's Independent, an article from Forbes (cheekily entitled "Saudi Girls Gone Wild") and a summary from the author's web page.

The Almost Moon - Alice Sebold

2008-02-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

The Basics: The Almost Moon, Alice Sebold, 2007, 291 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I believe this was on some bestseller lists last year. I also read Sebold's previous book, The Lovely Bones, a few years ago. I didn't love it, but since it was okay I thought I would read her next one.

What's it about?: This novel is about a woman who kills her elderly mother rather than send her to a 'home'. She spends the rest of the book trying to cover up the murder and reliving her terrible childhood and her relationship with her mother.

Did I like it?: I hated this book. While it was competently written, the plot was not engaging. Instead it was just grim and tiresome. The protagonist was not likable, despite the fact that Sebold obviously wanted the reader to sympathize with her. Although the book itself is not scary, I found myself having nightmares while I was reading it, which is never a good sign. I couldn't wait to finish reading this so I didn't have to think about its deplorable characters anymore.

Will you like it?: I suppose it is obvious that I don't recommend this book. Unless you enjoy morbidity and relate to people who murder their parents, stay away. Sebold's The Lovely Bones was also a bit morbid, so perhaps stay away from Sebold altogether.

But don't take my word for it: The usual blurbs (one of which actually calls the book disappointing) and reader reviews (which are almost all negative) from Amazon, a review from Mostly Fiction, a more positive one from the San Fransisco Chronicle, one from New York's The Village Voice, another from The New York Times, and one from PopMatters.com.

Turtle Valley - Gail Anderson-Dargatz

2008-02-17T23:10:00.002-04:00

The Basics: Turtle Valley, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, 2007, 292 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I can't really remember how I read about it, but I know I must have been interested in reading it because it is by a female Canadian author, and it is about a region I am familiar with

What's it about?: This novel tells the story of a woman who must return to her aging parents rural home to help them pack up in the face of a looming forest fire. The home is located in Turtle Valley, which is near Salmon Arm, BC in the Shuswap Lake area. The protagonist, Kat, is reminded through the events of the story, of her complicated past, and the difficulties that are to come, such as her parents declining health and the aftermath of her young husband's stroke. Kat also discovers things about her parents and grandparents, who lived in their historic farmhouse, as she packs up the house in anticipation of its destruction at the hands of the fire. It's a complicated story about family, happiness, and self-discovery.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book, and I actually couldn't put it down. I've never read a book by Anderson-Dargatz before, and I have no idea why. I don't think I had even heard of her before this, which is surprising. She writes beautifully and has a very engaging style. Her characters are likable and well-developed. The plot of this novel is also quite well developed, which several story-lines that all weave together well and are brought together in the lives of the family.

Will you like it?: I highly recommend this book. It's a great story and is well-written. I couldn't put it down and you probably won't want to either. My only disclaimer is that like most things I like, it's a bit of a woman's book and probably great for bookclubs.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-approved blurbs from Amazon, a review from Vancouver's alternative weekly The Georgia Straight, one from January Magazine, info about the book from the author's website, and an excerpt of the book printed in Canadian Living Magazine,

Lawyers Gone Bad: Money, Sex and Madness in Canada's Legal Profession - Philip Slayton

2008-02-13T09:54:00.004-04:00

The Basics: Lawyers Gone Bad: Money, Sex and Madness in Canada's Legal Profession, Philip Slayton, 2007, 294 pages, hardcover

How I found it: This book was in the Canadian news a lot in the summer of 2007 when it came out. Most notably, it inspired a Maclean's Magazine cover story entitled "Lawyers are Rats" that inflamed the Canadian legal community (see here for a summary). In the fall, I went (out of curiosity) to a talk that Slayton gave about his opinions on the reform of regulation of the legal profession. As a result, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about.

What's it about?: Each of this book's chapters details the crimes and indiscretions of a particular lawyer gone bad. The wrongs committed by these people include money laundering, stealing money, sex with clients, and all kinds of other dirty dealings. Slayton asserts that these cases are special because they often were committed by lawyers who were otherwise successful in the profession. At the end of the book, Slatyon closes with a few pages containing his thoughts on how the legal profession might be reformed, including the problems with the self-governance system.

Did I like it?: This book was interesting in the same way Jerry Springer or a highway car wreck is interesting: other people's problems are on full display in all their sensationalistic glory. Overall, I didn't really like the book that much. Slayton was mostly into criticizing the people he profiled for how they had royally screwed up. However, the real problem with the legal profession, in my opinion, is that lawyers don't screw up royally very often - instead they just pad their billings here and there, fail to report things to the law society - minor stuff. When I saw Slayton speak he emphasized these little screw ups as the real problem, and spoke at length about how he left the self-governing provincial bar societies were at the root of the problem. However, that argument is barely a footnote in his book, probably because if it were more prominent, he never would have got the media coverage he did.

Will you like it?: If you are truly looking for some sensational stories about 'lawyers gone bad' then you might find this book entertaining as you make yourself feel better by reading about someone who really screwed up. However, if you just read this book to see what all the hype was about, you might be a bit disappointed. And if you are involved in the legal profession, it is likely that you are boycotting this book altogether due to the media backlash against lawyers that it generated.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-approved blurbs from Amazon, a review from Vancouver's alternative weekly newspaper, The Georgia Strait, one from The Toronto Star, and a collection of positive reviews from the author's web page.

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto - Michael Pollan

2008-02-06T10:01:00.002-04:00

The Basics: In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, Michael Pollan, 2008, 244 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I read Pollan's last book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, a few years ago and loved it. In fact, I even named it best non-fiction of 2006. In The Omnivore's Dilemma, Pollan explores where our food comes from, but he doesn't really comment on what we should eat. I wanted to read In Defense of Food since it was promoted as commenting on what we should eat.

What's it about?: The sub-tile of this book is "An Eater's Manifesto", and this book really is a manifesto. Pollan attempts to convince us of his argument, then urges us to lead a quiet revolution through our food choices. The mantra for the book is "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants". Pollan begins by explaining that by "food" he means unprocessed natural foods, not the overly-processed, additive-addled pseudo foods that dominate our grocery stores, and that our grandparents likely would not have recognized as food. He examines the declining nutritional value of our food and challenges the science behind modern notions of what is nutritional. Overall, he advocates a return to whole, unprocessed foods that are better for us, and taste better.

Did I like it?: I enjoyed this book a bit because to some degree, I agree with Pollan: I'd like to eat more whole, unprocessed foods. I have a variety of minor stomach ailments, and find that I feel better when I eat unprocessed foods and cook from scratch. It was nice to see a pseudo-scientific and definitely logical explanation for why those unprocessed foods make me feel better. Some people may take issue with Pollan's condemnation of nutritional science, but I found it quite convincing.

Will you like it?: If you have read The Omnivores Dilemma, this is a good follow-up book. As well, if like many people, you are becoming interested in local eating and whole foods, this is a great book to read. As well, if you are the kind of person that has read a bunch of diet books, or tried a variety of diets, you might find the nutrition section of the book interesting since it debunks (or attempts to) a lot of the traditional diet literature.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publishers blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the International Herald Tribune, one from the Wise Bread website, another from the London Times, and one from the LA Times.

Divisadero - Michael Ondaatje

2008-01-31T09:59:00.002-04:00

The Basics: Divisadero, Michael Ondaatje, 2007, 273 pages, hardcover, winner of the 2007 Governor General's Literary Award, nominated for the Giller in 2007

How I found it: I have read much of Ondaatje's work since he is one of the quintessential contemporary Canadian authors. This is his first book in seven years and was critically acclaimed so I thought I would give it a read.

What's it about?: This book is less of a novel and more like three interconnected novellas. The novel begins with the introduction of the characters that appear in each of the novellas: Anna Claire and Cooper. None of them are related by blood, but they have been raised as siblings on a Northern California ranch. Anna narrates the opening chapter will memories of their idyllic childhood and the startling events that ripped their family apart. The siblings drift apart and the remainder of the novel tells the stories of their disparate lives. Anna becomes a writer and historian studying a little known French poet. She travels to France to stay in the chateau that was once his, and the novel begins to explore the lives of the poet and his contemporaries in the chateau.

Did I like it?: This book was beautifully written, and as usual Ondaatje proved his chameleon-like quality to take on any perspective convincingly. However, I didn't really like this book very much. The inter-related quality of the storylines meant that the reader never really gets to hear the full story for some of the characters. As well, the inter-relatedness is not always immediately apparent: you turn the page and are suddenly introduced to a whole new set of characters who you only realize 20 pages later are meant to be related to the original characters in some way.

Will you like it?: Divisdero is really "literature" - casual readers may not enjoy it. I can see why it won all sorts of awards since it is a very well crafted work. However, from a pure reading enjoyment perspective, it wasn't very interesting and was not that pleasant to read. I recommend some of Ondaatje's other works over this one, unless you are really into literature.,

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher's blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Quill and Quire, one from the book blog So Misguided, another from the International Herald Tribune, and another review from another book blogger, The Dewey Divas and the Dudes.

Wind Tails - Anne De Grace

2008-01-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Wind Tails, Anne Degrace, 2007, 302 pages, hardcover

How I Found it: I was given Degrace's previous book, Treading Water, as a gift the Christmas before last and absolutely loved it. When I saw that she was releasing a new novel I immediately put myself on the waiting list at the library.

What's it about?: The lives of several people from different walks of life all serendipitiously come together at an out of the way roadside diner one day in 1977. The premise is that the wind has blown these people towards the diner. The book is more a study in characters than a novel. Some characters, such the young and troubled Jo, are recurring, while others drift into the cafe, tell their vignette, and leave.

Did I like it?: This was an enjoyable read, but I didn't love it. I think Degrace is a great writer and I really like her style. However, I found this book a little disjointed since there were so many characters to keep track of. Eventually it became clear which characters were recurring and therefore important, and which ones I could forget about. I don't give it away, but I thought the ending was both obvious and contrived. It's also worth mentioning that like Treading Water, Wind Tails has a fabulous cover.

Will you like it?: If you are looking for under-appreciated Canadian authors, I think Degrace would be a great one to read. However, I think you should start with Treading Water, rather than this book. Wind Tails is enjoyable, it's just that there are quite a few contemporary Canadian novels that are a bit better.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher's blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, a collection of reviews on the author's website, and an in-progress review from the blog In Over My Head.

Late Nights On Air - Elizabeth Hay

2008-01-18T20:13:00.001-04:00

The Basics: Late Nights on Air, Elizabeth Hay, 2007, 363 pages, hardcover, winner of the 2007 Giller Prize

How I found it: I decided to read this book when the Giller shortlist came out. However, I was on the waiting list at the library so long that Hay's book had won by the time I read it.

What's it about?: This novel follows the lives of several staff members at the Yellowknife CBC radio station in 1975. The story begins as an ensemble piece and slowly explores the lives of quite a few characters. However, by the end of the book, the plot focuses on Harry, the grizzled veteran broadcaster at the tail-end of his career, and Gwen, the young self-conscious rookie. Late Nights on Air is concentrated around the social interactions of the characters, and their resulting insecurities. All of this is set against a backdrop of the Berger Inquiry into the (at the time) proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that I had never read any of Hay's work before. The novel was very character driven, which was good, since the characters were very well written and three-dimensional. The pace of the book was a little slow, but somehow I wasn't bothered by that. I have done some research on current issues to do with the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline, so it was also interesting to see a dramatization of the issues surrounding the decision to go forward with the pipeline in the areas that would be most affected by it. I am not completely in love with this book, but I agree that it is well written and a great story, so I think it is well-deserving of its Giller win.

Will you like it?: I you like good contemporary Canadian literature this is required reading. I especially recommend this book because it tackles important issues not usually seen in Canadian fiction: the realities of living in the urban North, and the environment.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-approved reviews and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from The Walrus, one from Vancouver's The Georgia Straight, another from The Tyee, and finally one from the blog Kailana's Written Word.

Servants of the Fish: A Portrait of Newfoundland After the Great Cod Collapse - Myron Arms

2008-01-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Servants of the Fish: A Portrait of Newfoundland After the Great Cod Collapse, Myron Arms, 2004, 242 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I found it in the featured local non-fiction section of the Halifax Public Library. I travelled around Newfoundland a few summers ago so this book looked interesting.

What's it about?: Arms had sailed up from his home port in the Eastern United States to Newfoundland every summer for several years before the closure of the cod fishery. This book details his circumnavigation of the island by sailboat several years after the cod fishery was closed. He stops in at some of the same small fishing villages and outports and talks to old friends from previous trips. His aim is to understand and document the human face of the cod collapse.

Did I like it?: I found this book fairly interesting. As a Western Canadian, I don't really know too much about the cod fishery, except that there used to be tons of cod and now there are none. I didn't really understand the effect that the collapse of cod stocks had had on Newfoundland until I read Arms' book. While the book was interesting as a study on the effects of the cod fishery, and as a sailing travelogue, I have read much better books in both veins (namely The Secret Life of Lobsters, and An Embarrassment of Mangoes).

Will you like it?: For pure reading pleasure, I recommend either of the two books above over Arms' book, but if you are interested in life in rural Newfoundland, I do recommend this book.

But don't take my word for it: Some reader reviews from the American Amazon, and the author's website are all I could find.

A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon

2008-01-06T12:47:00.000-04:00

The Basics: A Spot of Bother, Mark Haddon, 2006, 354 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I really enjoyed Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and thought I should read his most recent novel.

What's it about?: This novel follows the members of a dysfunctional and oh-so-English family as they prepare for the daughter's upcoming wedding. The "spot of bother" is a mysterious rash on the retired father's hip that he becomes convinced is cancer. As their patriarch, George, slips into paranoia, depression and anxiety, Jean, the mother, Katie, the newly-engaged single mom, and Jamie, the unlucky in love gay son, struggle to cope with this change in their lives, as well as their own problems.

Did I like it?: From reading the description above would you believe that this book is supposed to be a comedy? In a lot of ways, this book is filled with typical English humour about usually unfunny subjects. The humour is supposed to be a counterpoint to the strife facing this family, but I mostly found the book sad, rather than funny. The book is told from the perspectives of all four members of the family and while I really enjoyed Jamie's portions, I found Katie and Jean's portions quite boring. George, the newly "crazy" dad's narratives were actually frightening to me as I witnessed first hand his descent into madness and his family's powerlessness to stop it. Compared to The Curious Incident, which I really loved, I didn't really enjoy this book.

Will you like it?: If you are a true fan of English black comedy, you might like this book. However, if you've never read any Haddon before, I suggest you start with The Curious Incident since A Spot of Bother is far inferior.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-approved reviews and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the New York Times, another from The Guardian, one from PopMatters, and finally one from the Literary Feline blog.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life - Barbara Kingsolver

2008-01-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver, 2007, 370 pages, hardcover

How I found it: This book got a bit of buzz this summer around the same time that The 100-Mile Diet came out. I decided to read Kingsolver's book as well since it also sounded interesting.

What's it about?: Kingsolver is an acclaimed novelist. She was living in Arizona with her husband and two girls when she decided that they should move to the family farm in Virginia and attempt to eat off the land as much as possible. The book chronicles their first year on the farm, including their efforts to grow fruits and vegetables, raise poultry, and make their own cheese and sausage. Kingsolver and her family were experienced gardeners before they began their experiment, and overall, it was a success. However, the book is more about a family rediscovering what it is like to live in a close-knit community and cooking together. The book also contains interludes from Kingsolver's husband, Steven Hopp, about the politics of farming and food, and some brief sections from her college-age daughter Camille on nutrition, cooking techniques and recipes.

Did I like it?: I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have liked. Overall, I found that it was a cross between The 100-Mile Diet and The Omnivore's Dilemma, both of which I like more. However, it was fairly enjoyable and I felt newly inspired to grow my own food, or at least support the local farmers market. I even took Kingsolver's advice about how to make your own cheese - I checked out a book on home cheesemaking from the library and made some myself! I did find that the book was a bit preachy at times and was more about returning to a pastoral, small farming community way of life than it was about environmentalism. Not my favourite, but still excellent reading for those at all interested in food politics.

Will you like it?: Kingsolver writes well and doesn't idealize farm life - she tells it like it is, and is clear that despite the hard work, she loves her life on the farm. For pure reading enjoyment, I would probably recommend The 100-Mile Diet over this book, but for practical tips on how to really eat local, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is probably better.

But don't take my word for it: The usual publisher-sanctioned reviews and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the International Herald Tribune, one from Treehugger, an environmentalist website, another from Heavy Petal, a gardening blog, and the author's website.

Best (and Worst) of 2007

2007-12-31T17:45:00.000-04:00

I read 54 books in 2007 - more than one a week apparently, which is not bad. I think the books I read this year are of a higher quality than the ones I read last year since I had a really hard time coming up with books to put on the "worst" lists. As is becoming my custom, here are my picks for best and worst of 2007:

Best Fiction:
The Other Side of the Bridge - Mary Lawson
(Runner-up: Treading Water - Anne DeGrace)

Best Non-Fiction:
The Secret Life of Lobsters - Trevor Corson
(Runner-up: The 100-Mile Diet - Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon)

Worst Fiction:
Gossip Girl - Cecily von Ziegesar
(Runner-up: Strawberry Fields - Marina Lewycka)

Worst Non-Fiction:
Ultimate High: My Everest Odyssey - Goran Kropp
(Runner-up: The Ghost Map - Steven Johnson)

Nervous System - Jan L Jensen

2007-12-27T10:15:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: The author of this book is a friend of mine, and therefore, my review is probably a little biased.

The Basics: Nervous System or Losing My Mind in Literature, Jan Lars Jensen, 2004, 273 pages, paperback

How I found it: As previously mentioned, the author is a friend of mine. I've known him for a few years and I finally got around to reading his book.

What's it about?: This book is a memoir about the author's experience with mental illness. As the publication date for his first book, Shiva 3000, drew nearer, Jensen slipped further and further into an episode of psychosis. He became convinced that the religious undertones of his science fiction novel would set off a chain of events that would result in a major global disaster. He stopped sleeping and became increasingly out of touch with reality. Jensen's psychosis culminated in a suicide attempt that landed him the psych ward of the local hospital. His book chronicles the portion of his life that led up to and followed his time in the hospital. He tells his story in a style that allows the reader to get inside his head and understand what he went through.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book. It was like nothing I have ever read before. When we say that someone is 'crazy' I don't think we really know what that means. After reading Jensen's book I feel as though I have a better understanding. At the same time, now that I have a better understanding, I find the whole idea much more terrifying because I realize how easy it is to slip away from reality. Jensen also writes very well and has structured the book in a manner that is very engaging.

Will you like it?: If you know someone with mental illness (which you probably do), or you are interested in mental illness, I think this is a great book to read. It is well written, and presents a great counter-point to the mostly clinical information on mental illness usually given in the mainstream media because it really humanizes the experience.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of publisher-approved reviews and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from The Guardian, and a collection of reviews from the author's website.

Shadow of the Bear: Travels in Vanishing Wilderness - Brian Payton

2007-12-21T12:46:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Shadow of the Bear: Travels in Vanishing Wilderness, Brian Payton, 2006, 304 pages, paperback

How I found it: I read an excellent article in the winter 2007 issue of Explore magazine by J.B. MacKinnon (c0-author of The 100-Mile Diet). The article, entitled "To Kill a Bear" mentioned a book by MacKinnon's friend Brian Payton, and it sounded fascinating so I picked it up.

What's it about?: Payton travels around the globe to visit the habitats of the world's eight remaining bear species. He explores the relationship between the bears and the people they live near, the cultural importance of the bears to those people, and the struggles facing each bear species. The book is part travel writing, part investigative journalism, and part bear biology and behaviour manual.

Did I like it?: I really loved this book. I learned a lot - for instance, I had no idea that there were bears in South America (the spectacled bear), India (sloth bears), and South East Asia (sun bears). I also really enjoyed the way Payton presented the book: it was a personal journey for him to learn about these bears and their threatened existence. However, Payton is often self-critical of his opinions and quick to realize that there are no easy solutions. I couldn't put it down, and in some ways wished it was longer.

Will you like it?: If you are at all a fan of non-fiction, I think this is a must-read. Payton writes well and is engaging. The book is divided into neat chapters - one for each bear species, making the book easy to read in chunks when you have time. But you'll probably want to read it all at once!

But don't take my word for it: The usual major media blurbs from Amazon, a review from Green Living Online, one from the Winnipeg Free Press on the Bear Matters BC website, another on Bear Matters BC, this one from the Vancouver Sun, and the author's website.

The Swinging Bridge - Ramabai Espinet

2007-12-20T08:07:00.000-04:00

The Basics: The Swinging Bridge, Ramabai Espinet, 2003, 305 pages, paperback, Shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize, Best First Book (Canada and the Caribbean Region)

How I Found it: I really don't remember. I think it might have been recommended on the Halifax library website.

What's it about?: Mona, the protagonist, is a woman of Indian descent, who grew up in the Indian community in Trinidad, then moved to Canada with her family as a teenager. The novel takes place in Mona's 30s as she reflects on her childhood in Trinidad and her relationships with her family. Reconciling the events of the past and discussing them with her family, even though it is difficult, is especially important because her older brother is near death.

Did I like it?: I didn't love this book, but it was good. The author writes very well, and at times is almost poetic. She has a gift for description - she makes the reader feel that she is actually in Trinidad. Before reading this book I didn't really know anything about Trinidad, and the Indian community there, so I learned a lot.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Seneca College Quarterly, some info on the author from Literature Alive (a Canadian-Caribbean Literature website), a review from Now Toronto, one from blog alice, and one from Canadian Literature, a quarterly journal.

Gossip Girl - Cecily von Ziegesar

2007-12-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Gossip Girl, Cecily von Ziegesar, 2002, 199 pages, paperback

How I Found it: Like many people, I often find myself enjoying crap-tastic nighttime soap operas about people whose lives are far removed from mine (mostly because they live in California apparently). Anyway, the big buzz this fall was that the guy from The O.C. were now doing a Gossip Girl TV show. I liked the show (embarrassing to admit, I know), so I thought I would the original book from the series the show is based on.

What's it about?: For those unfamiliar with the premise, the Gossip Girl series is about a group of super-rich teenagers living on Manhattan's Upper East Side, going to private schools, getting drunk and high and spending their parents money. The plot of the first book in the series roughly covers the events of the first two episodes of the show (with quite a few minor differences). Basically, girl leaves town because she slept with best friend's boyfriend and doesn't want to tell her. Girl returns to town, chaos ensues. Also, boy has loved girl for a long time even though she doesn't know who he is, boy and girl meet, fall in love, live happily ever after (or at least until the next book I guess).

Did I like it?: This is teenage trash at its finest. The writing is clunky, the plot is vaguely ridiculous and the omnipotent narrator, "gossip girl", a blogger, is completely implausible. The book reads as if it is trying desperately to impress you with its sophisticated and rich characters. I was not impressed, however. I find the show much better written and better executed. It's not surprising that the book fees poorly put together - a quick glance at wikipedia reveals that the author published 8 of these books between 2002 and 2005 before having the remainder of the series ghost-written. There has also been criticism of the books because they seem to condone underage drinking, drug-use, and teenage sex. While those issues are all facts of everyday teenage life, I'm not sure that the way they are glamourized and idealized in the novel is right message to be sending young girls. These books are aimed at a teen and tween audience and I don't know if I think that is appropriate. However, other critics have said that they are just happy that kids are reading at all. It's sad I guess.

Will you like it?: Unless you are a 14 year old girl who wants to piss-off their conservative mom by secretly reading this book, I don't think it is worthwhile. However, spending an hour a week vegged out in front of the TV watching the television series is something I do recommend.

But don't take my word for it: Some info (including appropriate age groups) and reader reviews from Amazon (check out the 1 star reviews for some truth), a sugar-coated review from the teen site Girl Posse, and a New York Times article about the affect of books like this on tween fiction.

Voyageur: Across the Rocky Mountains in a Birch Bark Canoe - Robert Twigger

2007-12-10T15:33:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Voyageur: Across the Rocky Mountains in a Birch Bark Canoe, Robert Twigger, 2006, 390 pages, hard cover

How I found it: My Dad highly recommended this book so I requested it from the local library.

What's it about?: Twigger is a Brit with limited outdoor experience who attempted to replicate a journey that has not been repeated since Alexander MacKenzie did it in the 1700s: cross the Rocky Mountains by birch bark canoe. He spent a considerable sum having a birch bark canoe made for him in the traditional way and did a bit of paddling about on the small English rivers near his home in Oxford. Otherwise, he didn't do much preparation. His expedition stretched out over 3 consecutive summers, but I won't give away how far he got as it would take away from the experience of reading the book.

Did I like it?: I am not the most seasoned outdoorsperson I know, but I believe I am fairly knowledgeable. Therefore, books like this one get me a little aggravated. Twigger bumbles through the book, seeming to know close to nothing about canoeing (he is inexperienced in white water), trip planning (he agrees to take on trip partners he has just met, and has never camped or canoed with, he buys all of their food for one summer in a mad 30 minute rush in a grocery store in the last big town before the put-in), and even basic camping and survival skills (he brings huge amounts of extremely heavy gear, but has little first aid knowledge). Despite the aggravation, I found this book to be an okay read. A description of a journey of this magnitude could never be boring, and Twigger writes in a straight-forward, honest, and often self-deprecating style that I liked. However, I still feel that Twigger is one of those guys I would never ever want to share a campsite with, despite the fact that he fully owns up to his idiocy.

Would you like it?: If you are a fan of adventure travel literature, this book is one of the few written about trips in Canada, and its not a bad book. It's just not a great book. If you are more of an armchair traveler, than a hands-on one, the idiocy of many of Twigger's decisions may be lost on you, and you might like this book far more than I did.

But don't take my word for it: Some really basic info from Amazon, a review from the travel site Road Junky, a bunch of glowing reader reviews from the British Amazon site, a review from The Spectator, and one from The Guardian.

Strawberry Fields: Marina Lewycka

2007-11-30T22:09:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Strawberry Fields, Marina Lewycka, 2007, 291 pages, hard cover

How I found it: I read enjoyed Lewycka's previous novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian, so I put myself on the waiting list at the library for this one.

What's it about?: This novel is about a group of strawberry pickers in England. They are migrant workers from Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia who are brought in illegally to pick strawberries. The book centres around their lives in the two decrepit trailers they live in near the fields, and the 'adventures' they have after they leave the strawberry fields. The book begins with the narrative shifting between the nine workers and their dog, but by the end of the book, it has come to focus on the two Ukranians, Irina and Andriy. It is a story about being in a strange land where you don't understand what is going on, it is about hardship and about friendship and about 'adventure'. Apparently, it is also supposed to be funny.

Did I like it?: I HATED this book. I have read books that are much worse than this one, but I feel I must give a much harsher critique of the this book because I really enjoyed Lewycka's work in the past, the book has recieved critical acclaim, and she was previously nominated for the Booker. The idea of this book is a good one, but it was so poorly executed I just couldn't believe it. The idea of telling a story from such a wide array of perspectives is interesting, but it obviously was too much work since Lewycka had to keep inventing reasons for some of the characters to leave so that she could focus on less of them. The plot of the book was also terrible. I have watched some nighttime soaps that had better thought out plots. Lewycka seems to think that sending bumbling immigrants careering across England in search of some destination at random would be a recipe for plot success. Perhaps this book is meant to be character-driven and then the plot doesn't matter so much. Except that there is so much filler going on that we don't get to focus on the characters that much, and the flash-back scenes to Andriy and Irina's pasts just seem contrived. The book is also supposed to be funny. Overall, I found it quite sad and depressing and felt sorry for the characters. I think I was supposed to laugh at them, since there wasn't anything to laugh with them about. I didn't feel like laughing at them though, since they were so sad and so stereotyped. All in all, I hated reading this book and couldn't wait for it to be over. (However, I will say that the only redeeming part was that sometimes the dog's narrative was funny when it wasn't completely annoying.)

Will you like it?: This one is not recommended. According to some reviews I've read, apparently British people find this book funny, since they find immigrant stereotypes, particularly the bumbling type, to be hilarious. If you find that hilarious, then by all means read this book. Otherwise, stay well away and pick up Lewycka's other book, also about Ukranian immigrants instead. It is genuinely funny and well written, two qualities this book definitely lacks.

But don't take my word for it: The usual and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Toronto's Now Magazine, one that says what I was thinking, only in a nicer tone, from the New York Times, another one from the LA Times, and one from the UK's The Guardian (where the book was published as Two Caravans).

Time's Magpie: A Walk in Prague - Myla Goldberg

2007-11-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Time's Magpie: A Walk in Prague, Myla Goldberg, 2004, 140 pages

How I found it: This book was featured at my library in the travel section. I spent some time in Prague while backpacking in Central Europe a few years ago, so I picked it up.

What's it about?: This book is a travel book, but it is not your usual travel book - it is not a guidebook or travel writing. Instead it is a series of little essays on the author's reflections as she returns for a visit ten years after she lived there. The essays are descriptions of neighbourhoods, explanations of the history of some areas, and a few anecdotes about her travels there.

Did I like it?: I enjoyed this book but I wasn't blown away by it. As I said, I've spent some time in Prague and like to think that I know a fair amount about it. However, there was almost nothing in Goldberg's book that I knew already: I guess it takes a former resident to really know the city. This book was unlike any I had ever read before, which I enjoyed. Goldberg writes well and in some passages I could clearly picture the sites she was describing.

Will you like it?: If you've been to Prague or want to go, this is a great alternative to a guidebook as it gives you a more interesting history behind the city, and also points out places of interest that are well off the usual tourist trail.

But don't take my word for it: The usual from Amazon, a brief review from another book blogger, and one from the New York Times.

No Great Mischief - Alistair MacLeod

2007-11-15T20:29:00.000-04:00

The Basics: No Great Mischief, Alistair MacLeod, 1999, 283 pages, hard cover

How I found it: I believe this was recommended to me by either Chapters or Amazon on one of those "if you liked _____, you'll also like _____" things. I don't really remember. I do, however, remember that I decided to pick it up since it was about Cape Breton, and because I don't think I've read enough male Canadian authors recently.

What's it about?: This novel is about the men of clan MacDonald on Cape Breton Island. The story is told through the eyes of Alexander MacDonald, somewhat of an outsider to the rest of the men due to his more privileged upbringing and his academic background. Despite being a bit more of a city boy, Alexander knows, as is mentioned throughout the book, that "blood is thicker than water". His last name, his red hair, and his home in Cape Breton all tie him to clan MacDonald and he is there for his kin whenever he is needed. The story follows Alexander's life from being orphaned at age three, to being a middle-aged orthodontist driving into Toronto every weekend to ensure that his alcoholic brother is still alive.

Did I like it?: This is one of the best books by a Canadian male author I have read in a long time. I was familiar with MacLeod's short stories and am surprised I had not read this book, his first novel, a lot sooner. He is a great writer and I really enjoyed this book. Usually I'm not a big fan of books with very few female characters, but I really liked this one. Cape Breton has a bit of mystique and legend about it, with its rugged landscape and Scottish heritage, and No Great Mischief only perpetuates it. Of course all the gaelic in the book helps.

Will you like it?: I know that not too many men read fiction, and even fewer actually make the effort to seek out good contemporary Canadian Literature (with a capital "L"). However, if you know such a man, please recommend this book to him - I guarantee he'll like it. No matter your gender, if you enjoy excellent Canadian lit, this is a must read.

But don't take my word for it: The usual and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from The Guardian, one from January Magazine, and finally one from the almost local Antigonish Review.

An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude - Ann Vanderhoof

2007-11-08T11:13:00.000-04:00

The Basics: An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude, Ann Vanderhoof, 2003, 305 pages, hard cover

How I found it: It was recommended on the lotus reads blog and since I like food and travel writing, it sounded like a good book.

What's it about?: Vanderhoof and her husband were typical Torontoians caught up in the bustle and deadlines of their jobs - in magazine publishing in their case. As amateur sailors, they decided to save up some money and take a couple years off to sail down to the Caribbean. This book chronicles their two year sojourn. Vanderhoof is an unabashed foodie so the book is filled with their culinary adventures in local cuisine, as well as her own recipes for replicating their meals.

Did I like it?: The beauty of this book is that Vanderhoof and her husband are just regular people with regular lives living out a dream that many of us have had. While I don't particularly enjoy boats, the idea of sailing around the Caribbean for a couple years does sound quite enticing. Vanderhoof has experience writing and it shows - what could have otherwise been just another travel book ends up being something a bit out of the ordinary. I enjoyed this book and read it in only a few days.

Will you like it?: If you've ever dreamed of just packing up and sailing away, this is a great book to read since Vanderhoof paints a great picture of the highs and lows of long distance sailing. She also makes a point of exploring and embracing the local culture, especially the food, in the places she visits and this book will tell you a lot about the Caribbean that you won't find in the tourist brochures.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry blurbs and reader reviews from amazon, a review from Pop Matters, one from the Boston Globe, another from the book blog curled up, and the blog post from lotus reads that led to me to read the book in the first place.

The Zen of Fish - Trevor Corson

2007-10-29T16:22:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi from Samurai to Supermarket, Trevor Corson, 2007, 372 pages, hardcover

How I found it: When I was looking into The Sushi Economy, I discovered this book as well.

What's it about?: Unlike The Sushi Economy, this book is more about the sushi and less about the fish. It is a thorough explanation of how to make different types of nigiri sushi, maki and sashimi, the history behind sushi, and how it became globally popular, especially in California. Corson uses a class of students at the California Sushi Academy as a launching point for each of his sections. As the class learns about making non-traditional rolls, Corson launches into a history of fusion sushi. Within the class, the book primarily follows the hapless Kate, a 20 year old wannabe sushi chef. However, other characters in the class, the teacher, and the master chef are all profiled as well. Corson's book gives a face and a personality to sushi chefs while explaining the clinical precision behind their art.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge sushi fan - it is far and away my favourite food. I thought I knew a lot about sushi and sushi culture, but this book proved me wrong: I have a lot to learn and I learned a lot from this book. Of course, this book also made me incredibly hungry. The descriptions of the food preparation are meticulous while remaining interesting, if a bit gross at times. I also enjoyed the human factor of including the experiences of the student chefs - it brought a human element to the book that I thought was mostly lacking in The Sushi Economy.

Will you like it?: If you have ever eaten sushi this book is a must read. It explains the history and preparation of everything you have eaten, and it does so in a very compelling manner. I couldn't put this book down and it is likely you won't have any trouble getting through it either.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry blurbs and reader reviews from amazon, a review from the blogger Canuck Librarian, one from Maclean's, another from the UK's Independent, one from the New York Times, one from the fabulous Lotus Reads, and a collection of favourable reviews from Corson's website.

Mouthing the Words - Camilla Gibb

2007-10-26T10:08:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Mouthing the Words, Camilla Gibb, 1999, 238 pages, hardcover, winner of the Toronto Book award in 2000

How I found it: I read Gibb's excellent Sweetness in the Belly this summer and loved it, so I wanted to read more of Gibb's work.

What's it about?: Moving the Words is the life story of Thelma, a girl who grows up with in a dysfunctional and sexually abusive home. To help her cope with her difficult life, she has several imaginary friends that stay with her into adulthood. Thelma's story is told from her perspective and the reader gets an inside look into her thought process and the delusions behind her mental illness. As Thelma gets older, she manages to finally escape from her family to some degree and begins to study law. Despite the seriously depressing subject matter, Thelma's story is at times humorous and entertaining.

Did I like it?: Somehow, I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Generally I find that books about sexual abuse and mental illness end up being too depressing or cliched, but that is definitely not the case with this book. Gibb writes beautifully, and at times Thelma's delusional thoughts are almost like poetry. The plot manages to keep things interesting as well. Thelma's experiences and personality are very far removed from my life, or from anyone's that I know, but I still managed to emphasize with her situation.

Will you like it?: I highly recommend this book. It is well written, and is a great read. The dark subject matter could be a turn-off, but I think the black humour found in some parts will more than make up for any depressing bits.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, a collection of favourable quotes from reviews on the author's website, and a review from someone named Marty Smith's personal site.

King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema - Anupama Chopra

2007-10-24T18:43:00.001-03:00

The Basics: The King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema, Anupama Chopra, 2007, 250 pages, hardcover

How I found it: This book was mentioned by another book blogger, lotusreads so I thought I'd check it out. I grew up in the multi-cultural city of Vancouver, and often watched Bollywood music videos on TV, so I was already interested in Bollywood in general.

What's it about?: This is part biography of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and part history of Bollywood from its origins in the '20s to the present. It is written to cater to readers who have no working knowledge of Bollywood and its culture, so I guess it is primarily for a Western audience.

Did I like it?: I didn't particularly enjoy this book. While it wasn't bad, it just wasn't good either. It is written well, and organized well, but I'm not really sure who this book is for. If you are a fan of Shah Rukh, the book is probably too much of an overview and tells you things you already know. If you don't know much about Shah Rukh, as I did, you are presented with only an idealized picture of him. As well, it is unclear how the Bollywood history piece fits into a biography like this one.

Will you like it?: If you are interested in Bollywood, this might be a good read. However, I am sure there must be better books on the history of Indian cinema. If you are interested in learing about Bollywood, renting a film is probably a much more entertaining way to go about it.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry blurbs from amazon, a review from the New York Times, and one from the Delhi based Hindustan Times.

The Other Side of the Bridge - Mary Lawson

2007-10-19T13:25:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Other Side of the Bridge, Mary Lawson, 2006, 359 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I was browsing the new Canadian fiction section at my local library and came across this book. I was given Lawson's first novel, Crow Lake, as a Christmas gift a few years ago. I wasn't enthralled by that book, but I decided to give Lawson another chance to wow me.

What's it about?: This novel takes place in a small town in northern Ontario. The story centers around the lives of Arthur Dunn and Ian Christopherson. Arthur is a generation older than Ian and is a farmer, while Ian is the son of the town doctor. The story revolves around how the two men interact, and their love of the same woman. Their respective family issues also play an important part. Arthur has a difficult relationship with his brother, while Ian has a difficult relationship with his mother. The lives of the two men, which could seem so disparate, are told in a careful parallel.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. I thought the plot was beautifully constructed. The way the lives of Arthur and Ian played off each other was fantastic. The character development was also very well done. Usually when I read a book with male protagonists I don't relate to them very well, but Lawson has done such a good job that I was able to empathize with both Ian and Arthur. I couldn't put this book down and was quite sad when it was over.

Will you like it?: I highly recommend this book. It's a great story with great characters and even a few plot twists to keep in interesting. The parallels between Arthur and Ian, and the title itself would make great discussions for a book group. Although this is a book I got from the library, I will most likely purchase a copy as I know I will want to read it again.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry review snippets and reader reviews from Amazon, one from The Guardian, another from the Washington Post, one from the book loving website curled up, and finally one from the journal Canadian Literature.

Storm Glass - Jane Urquhart

2007-10-15T13:15:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Storm Glass, Jane Urquhart, 1987, 127 pages, hard cover

How I found it: I was desperate for something new to read so I went on a binge reserving books at the library. I searched for a few of my favourite authors (Urquhart being one) to see if there were any of their works that I hadn't read. This was one of them.

What's it about?: This is a collection of short stories. Some of the stories are grouped together in sets with similar themes, such as the five stories under the "Five Wheelchairs" heading, and the seven stories under "Seven Confessions". Overall the stories have nothing to do with each other and take place in different time periods with different characters and tones.

Did I like it?: This is one of Urquhart's earlier work from the time when she was primarily publishing poetry and it shows. Like a lot of Margaret Atwood's early work, it is very angsty and self-consciously arty with confusing plot twists and purposely ungrammatical sentences. As a result, I found it a bit annoying and amateurish compared to her later works and didn't enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed her novels.

Will you like it?: I would only recommend this book to hard core Canadian Lit fans, otherwise, please, please, please go pick up The Whirlpool, The Underpainter, Map of Glass and especially the Stone Carvers. They are all phenomenal and much better that these short stories.

But don't take my word for it: The usual from Amazon and her wikipedia page are all I could find.

Geisha, A Life - Mineko Iwasaki

2007-10-10T09:48:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Geisha, A Life, Mineko Iwasaki with Rande Brown, 2002, 297 page, paperback

How I found it: I have been fascinated with Japan and Japanese culture since high school. One of my favourite books is Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, and I also really enjoyed Liza Dalby's Geisha. I did some searching at my local library to see if I could find some real, rather than fictionalized, memoirs of a geisha, and came up with this book.

What's it about?: This is Iwasaki's autobiography. Due to complicated family circumstances, she was adopted into a geisha family as a young child and school in the Japanese fine arts, especially dance. She excelled and as a teenager debuted as one of the top geisha in Japan. She tried to enact reforms in geisha society, but was unsuccessful so she chose to retire at age 29 at the height of her popularity.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book. It is not as sensational as Memoirs of a Geisha, but that's okay since it seems so much more real. Iwasaki has lead a very interesting life. She also spends portions of her book explaining how geisha society works, which was educational. Unlike the protagonist in Memoirs of a Geisha, I didn't really identify with Iwasaki. I found a lot of the decisions she made quite strange. However, she is a strong, independent Japanese woman, which is a rarity and is commendable.

Will you like it?: If you are at all interested in geisha, this is a great book to read as a sort of counterpoint to Memoirs of a Geisha. That book is a better story, but this is real life, and there is something to be said for that.

But don't take my word for it: The usual info and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the Asian Review of Books, a review from a westerner living in Japan, and one from the UK regional newspaper Echo.

The Equations of Love - Ethel Wilson

2007-09-30T21:47:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Equations of Love, Ethel Wilson, 1952, 263 pages, paperback

How I found it: I've read some of Ethel Wilson's other books and enjoyed them. I was in line to check out books at my local public library and happened to see this one on the paperback rack. I had never heard of it, but picked it up on the spur of the moment anyway.

What's it about?: This is really two books in one; it is two novellas. "Tuesday and Wednesday" tells the story of two (important) days in the life of Myrtle and Mort Johnson. "Lilly's Story" follows a young woman who goes to incredible lengths to protect her daughter and give her the life she wished she had had. Both are about love, but in very different ways, which I suppose explains the title of the collection.

Did I like it?: Disappointingly, I didn't like either novella at all. They were well written, as is characteristic of Wilson's work, but they just didn't interest me. In particular, I found the protagonists in both works to be unlikeable and didn't relate to them at all. I found Myrtle to be a despicable person, and Mort to be a sad sack lazy guy. I found Lilly to be delusional to the point of feeling sorry for her. As usual hower, Greater Vancouver plays a part in the story, and Wilson's descriptions of the city and its surroundings in the earlier part of the 19th century were fascinating.

Will you like it?: I'm sad to say that this one is not recommended. I've said before the Ethel Wilson is possible the most underrated Canadian female fiction author, and it's true. However, this is not her finest work. Check out Swamp Angel first.

But don't take my word for it: The usual info from amazon and her wikipedia page are all I could find.

Anonymous Lawyer - Jeremy Blachman

2007-09-25T22:30:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Anonymous Lawyer, Jeremy Blachman, 2006, 276 pages, hardcover

How I found it: As a law student, I occasionally read law blogs. The only one I find consistently interesting and funny is the Anonymous Lawyer blog. Thankfully, it's author has turned it into a novel.

What's it about?: A big shot asshole hiring partner at a big law firm decides to start an anonymous blog about life at his firm the way he sees it. He's self-important, arrogant and generally hilarious. He is the ultimate caricature. The book is told in the form of blog entries and emails - how modern. The format works as we are able to see both the public image that anonymous lawyer projects of himself on his blog, and the reality that he shares with those that he is closer to in his private emails.

Did I like it?: The public persona of anonymous lawyer from his blog entries is hilarious and I loved him. He is unabashedly a jerk, and that's what makes him great. I loved those portions of the book. However, when we get to see the private side of anonymous lawyer as Blachman adds a third dimension to the character and makes him a real person, we see that anonymous lawyer is just like the rest of us - he is full of self-doubt and anxious to succeed. For me a lot of the humour and enjoyment went out of the book as soon as the more personal side was revealed. However, it would not be a novel without this personal side - it would just be a collection of blog entries.

Will you like it?: This is a fluff book, and if you have ever had any contact with the legal world, you'll probably find the stereotype of anonymous lawyer to be at least mildly amusing. However, the amusement is at its best when anonymous lawyer is at his worst (so to speak) and he is at his worst on his real blogspot blog. Check him out there before you bother to pick up this book.

But don't take my word for it: The usual info from amazon, a collection of reviews from the official website, a review from USA Today, one from the student blog Three Years of Hell, and another from Pop Matters.

Beyond the Horizon: The Great Race to Finish the First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Planet - Colin Angus

2007-09-20T08:52:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Beyond the Horizon: The Great Race to Finish the First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Planet, Colin Angus, 2007, 374 pages, hardcover

How I found it: In undergrad I was introduced to Colin Angus' short films through a UBC Geography film night. I subsequently read his other books and have been following his progress ever since. Last spring I attended a screening of his film Beyond the Horizon and listened to him and his fiance speak about their journey.

What's it about?: Angus began a human powered attempt to travel from Vancouver to Moscow via foot, bicycle, rowboat, and skis in 2004. His partner, Tim Harvey wrote a series of articles about the trip for The Vancouver Sun. Their plan was to try to get to Moscow, then announce their plan to the world of continuing on back to Vancouver by human power. Unfortunately, Angus and Harvey didn't get along as well as planned, the expedition was under-funded and partially unplanned, and the two eventually parted ways in Siberia. Angus ended up finishing the adventure with his fiance, Julie Wafaei. Throughout his journey, Angus and Harvey engaged in a brutal he-said, he-said in the media.

Did I like it?: I was interested to read this book since Angus came across so poorly in media accounts. I was interested to hear his side of the story and to better understand what went wrong between him and Harvey. Angus has commented many times that it is sad that his achievement has been overshadowed by the battles between Harvey and himself, and its true - I was more interested in the Harvey aspect than anything else when I picked up this book. As well, when I attended Angus' talk and film last spring, he glossed over his problems with Harvey and Harvey's involvement in the journey. At the time I thought it was unfair, given how well Harvey came across in the media - basically, it appeared that Harvey was deeply wronged by the selfish Angus and that Angus didn't care. However, after reading the book and hearing Angus' version of events, I think that Angus was being a gentleman by refusing to get into the horrible things that happened between the two of them; he refused to air their dirty laundry. In the book, Angus comes across as the bigger man, although he still does come across as quite selfish. However, I think that his side of the story makes for a very compelling read - whether you are familiar with his journey's history or not. Don't be fooled into thinking that this book is about reducing carbon-impact or raising awareness though. Angus insisted that was the purpose of his journey, but due to his continued reliance on assistance from fueled forms of transport for logistics, it's clear that is not the case. His goal was simply to be the first to get around the globe on human-power - a worthy objective in any case.

Will you like it?: If you followed Angus and Harvey's journey at all, this is a must read so that you can get both sides of the story and decide who to believe. Otherwise, if you like adventure travel stories, this one is pretty good, and it covers a journey that had never been done before.

But don't take my word for it: The usual product info and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Geist, one from journalist Joe Wiebe, and the book's official webpage.

The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean - Trevor Corson

2007-09-18T20:36:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustaceans, Trevor Corson, 2004, 289 pages, hardcover

How I found it: After I read The Sushi Economy and was looking for reviews of that book, I noticed that many of the reviews mentioned another sushi book called The Zen of Fish by Trevor Corson. Since my local library doesn't have The Zen of Fish yet, and I live in the lobstering region of Canada, I decided to read Corson's other book on lobsters.

What's it about?: The book explores scientific research on lobster behaviour. Apparently, up until a few decades ago, scientists had no idea what lobsters were up to underwater, or even where they lived or why. The book also examines the contribution of lobster fishermen to this research. The book could also be called the secret lives of lobstermen since it deals with the struggles lobster fishermen have faced and how they have contributed to the conservation effort.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. I learned so much about lobsters that I didn't even know I wanted to learn. The secret life of lobsters is really an underwater soap opera, and I was fascinated by it. This book is really well written and presents the scientific information in an easy to understand and compelling manner. Like the Sushi Economy, this book also made me really hungry for lobster.

Will you like it?: If you like non-fiction at all, this is a great book to read. You'll learn so much about lobsters and even if you thought you weren't interested in lobsters, you will be by the time you finish the book. I can't recommend this book enough.

But don't take my word for it: The usual product info and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Maine's The Working Waterfront, one from mostlyfiction.com, another from Pop Matters, one from someone at Brown University, and a selection of reviews from goodreads.com.

Catwatching - Desmond Morris

2007-09-14T20:44:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Catwatching, Desmond Morris, 1986, 105 pages, hardcover

How I found it: After repeatedly wondering why exactly my cat was doing something, I went in search of a book on cat behaviour at my local public library. This seemed the most informative option, so I picked it up.

What's it about?: The book is written in question and answer form. Each question asks something that people typically want to know about cats, such as 'Why do cats purr?' Basic cat behaviour is covered, as is mating, fighting, kitten-rearing, and the origins of cat-related phrases, such as 'raining cats and dogs'.

Did I like it?: I had previously spent some time on the internet generally, and on wikipedia, trying to find info about cat behaviour. I hadn't found much. This book answered most of the questions I had about cats. I found it really informative. Though I read the whole book cover-to-cover, it would also be a good resource to have around if you just wanted to know a few particular things about cat behaviour.

Will you like it?: If you own a cat or spend time with cats, this is a must read. If don't care for cats, it might still explain a bit about why they act the way they do.

But don't take my word for it: The usual editorial and reader reviews from Amazon and the author's web page were really all I could find.

The End of East - Jen Sookfong Lee

2007-09-11T12:33:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The End of East, Jen Sookfong Lee, 2007, 245 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I remembered reading an interview with Lee in the Tyee this summer, and then picked up her book during some random browsing at Chapters.

What's it about?: The narrator is university-aged Samantha (Sammy) Chan who flees her troubled personal life in Montreal to return home to care for her aging mother after her old sister moves out. The story isn't really that much about Sammy though - it is more about her memories of her parents and grandparents. Sammy's portions of the story are told in first person, but much of the book is focuses on Sammy's parents and grandparents and their early days in Canada after arriving from China. These portions are told in the third person. In general, the plot revolves around the struggles of three generations of Chans: the struggles to make a life in Canada, to have positive relationships with their family members, and to have positive relationships with themselves. All of the Chans say that they feel that Vancouver's Chinatown is a part of them, so much so that they could walk its streets blindfolded after not having visited in years. Similarly, Vancouver's Chinatown is a part of this book - Lee has tried to capture the essence of Chinatown in a novel.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book since Lee is an amazing writer. This is her first novel, and it is a great debut. Previously, Lee was known as a celebrated poet, and it shows in her writing. Her words are carefully chosen, which makes the story flow so well, and really brings it to life for the reader. Lee gives the book an undertone of melancholy and of things left unsaid, which is both beautiful and depressing. The amount of emotion that she is able to coax out of seemingly stoic characters is fabulous. The only thing that bothered me a bit about the book is that we didn't learn enough about Sammy and her journey. Perhaps Lee will have to write several other companion books as Wayson Choy did to tell the rest of the story of this Vancouver Chinatown family.

Will you like it?: This is a great book - good story, excellent writing. It really sucks you in and I was upset when it was over. If you like quality fiction, you'll like this book. Its a great one for bookclubs as well.

But don't take my word for it: Glowing editorial and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from Vancouver alternative weekly The Georgia Straight, one from the blog Lotus Reads, another from January Magazine, and a collection of review links from Vancouver's Toddish McWong of Gung Haggis Fat Choy fame.

The Sushi Economy: Globalization and the Making of a Modern Delicacy - Sasha Isenberg

2007-09-07T18:27:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Sushi Economy, Sasha Issenberg, 2007, 323 pages, hardcover.

How I found it: Random browsing at Chapters.

What's it about?: This book purports to be about the economy of sushi, but really it is about the economy of sushi grade tuna. Tuna is the quintessential sushi fish, and the rise in popularity of sushi had profound effects on the global tuna fishing (and ranching) industries. Issenberg explains why and how tuna became so popular, and what the global effects of sushi have been on tuna. He uses examples of fishermen, tuna ranchers, sushi chefs, and Japanese fish wholesalers in Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market to elaborate various points. However, not much of the book actually talks about sushi. The title implies that you will learn about why and how sushi became popular, but the book doesn't deliver. There are a few pages about this topic, but really, the book is about tuna.

Did I like it?: I found most of this book fairly interesting. As a huge, sushi fan, it was good to learn more about the history of sushi, and how my meal gets to the table. I was disappointed in the focus on tuna. I come from the salmon dominated sushi centre of Vancouver, where tuna is popular, but certainly not the focus. Apparently this is the reverse from everywhere else in the sushi-eating world. In general, the book was largely informative, but sometimes dry.

Will you like it?: If you eat sushi, or even if you just eat fish, this is an interesting book as it explains the complicated logistics of getting fresh fish to you. It also if very telling, as it acknowledges the prof0und changes we have seen in fishing in the last few decades and the globalization of seafood production. Just don't expect this book to talk too much about sushi itself. A nice glossy cookbook with lots of pictures, or a visit to a good sushi restaurant will be far more satisfying to a sushi aficionado than reading this book (although I was constantly hungry while reading it).

But don't take my word for it: A collection of positive reviews from the book's official website, a review from the trend-spotting website martiniboys.com, one from Washington Monthly, another from Christian Science Monitor, one from the Financial Times, a New York Times review that comes it to Trevor Corson's The Zen of Fish (which is on my list of things to read), and finally, another one from a fellow book blogger.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke

2007-08-31T18:54:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke, 2004, 1006 pages, paperback

How I found it: Random browsing in Chapters. I believe I picked it up because it sounded interesting and it was a best seller.

What's it about?: This book is historical fiction (or fictionalized history?) and deals with the return of magic to England in the 1800s. The protagonists are Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, two magicians who go from being unknown and known, to master and pupil, to sworn enemies, to... whatever it is they are the end of the book. The book is fairly long and deals with the minutia of the lives of these magicians. In addition to being about magic, this book deals with the historical events in England at the time, such as the Napoleonic wars. This novel is a bit Austen or Bronte-esque in that it is obsessed with the social engagements and standing of each of its characters.

Did I like it?: This book drove me crazy. It took me a very long time to read it - not only because the book itself is long, but because for great portions of it I was uninterested in it. The book is 1006 pages long and it is the author's first novel. She could have benefited greatly from a better editor. The book could have been perhaps a third of the length and still told the same story. Clarke seemed determined to make the reader feel as if they were reading a historical book so she added numerous and mostly irrelevant footnotes and some "ye olde english" spellings. This just drove me crazy. Large portions of the plot could have been summarized in a chapter or two, but instead they drag on for hundreds of pages. The characters of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell are not particularly likable or relatable, and the author's treatment of them leaves the reader wondering who we are supposed to root for - who is the hero and who is the villian? Overall, I was disappointed with this book and did not really enjoy reading it. Above all, I found it annoying on many levels.

Will you like it?: If you are a fan of the fantasy genre (which I am not), you may like this book. However, there are not enough battles or mystical creatures to satisfy a Lord of the Rings fan and there is too much discussion of the types of ball gowns worn and which government official has invited the magicians for tea. Apparently this book is a New York Times bestseller, so there must be lots of people out there who liked it. Sorry to say, I can't figure out who they might possibly be.

But don't take my word for it: The usual editorial and reader reviews from Amazon, a glowing review from the Washington Post, one from SF Site, another from Salon, one from scifi.com, and one from Strange Horizons.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

2007-07-27T01:34:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling, 2007, 607 pages, hardcover

How I found it: Like everyone else, I preordered it from Chapters and waited for my Canada Post special Saturday delivery last weekend (mine arrived at 11am). I have been a fan of the Harry Potter series since the 3rd book came out and I realized it wasn't just for kids.

What's it about?: This is the culmination of the Harry Potter series where he finally faces off against Voldemort. Without giving away too many plot points, the story revolves around Harry, Ron and Hermione travelling around and camping, trying to find clues towards a mysterious quest that Dumbledore gave them at the end of the last book, and trying to avoid Voldemort's Death Eaters. There are several battles, including a grand finale battle at the end.

Did I like it?: As with all the Harry Potter books, I liked this one. However, at 607 pages, I found that it did drag a bit at times, and the plot was slow moving, especially during all the camping scenes. It does have a good ending that was a surprise to me, despite all the rumours flying around about it. I also enjoyed the epilogue as it provided a great parallel to the whole series.

Will you like it?: If you've read the other Harry Potter books, you are pretty much obligated to read this one to find out what the final outcome will be. Plus, it's just as good as most of the other Potter books. The books have grown up with their readers, and this is more teen fiction than children's lit now, which will appeal to the older reader. If you haven't read the Potter books, don't read this one - start at book one, work your way through, and say goodbye to your free time as you get sucked in.

But don't take my word for it: A huge amount of Harry Potter background and some reader reviews (some with plot spoilers) from Amazon.ca, a review from a north London blogger, one from the UK's Telegraph and the Guardian, and the wikipedia entry (with plot spoilers). These are just a few of the thousands of things written about the release of this book. It was a huge media event - do some googling if you need more.

Ultimate High: My Everest Odyssey - Goran Kropp

2007-07-18T22:53:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Ultimate High: My Everest Odyssey, Goran Kropp with David Lagercrantz, 1999, 227 pages, paperback

How I found it: This book was lying around my parents house. It's likely that it belongs to my dad.

What's it about?: Kropp was a mountaineer from Sweden who decided to climb Everest in a manner that he felt was the "purest" way to do it. This involved biking from Sweden to base camp with all of the gear and food he would need on the climb. He then attempted to climb the mountain using only his own gear, and food, using no fixed ropes or porters, and no bottled oxygen. Kropp climbed in 1996, the famous disaster year chronicled most famously in Krakauer's Into Thin Air, and several other books (I've read pretty much all of them). His climb ended up getting put on hold as the crisis unfolded.

Did I like it?: I've read a lot of mountaineering books and there are really two kinds of mountaineers: the normal ones and the crazy ones. Kropp was a crazy one. His dedication to his training was fanatical. He seems to have been quick tempered. But his journey is an interesting read as he has his own insight into the 1996 Everest season and other general mountaineering topics. In general, this was a fairly average read for a mountaineering book and not particularly great. However, it is by no means bad.

Will you like it?: There are much better mountaineering books, and even much better Everest books than this one. However, the "pure" way in which Kropp chose to climb is vaguely intriguing. Kropp also had aspirations to be a full time adventurer on the scale of Colin Angus. After his trip to Everest and back, he skiied to the north pole and had plans to sail to Antarctica from Sweden, ski to the pole, then sail back. However, Kropp died in a rock climbing accident in 2002 so this book is the only documentation of an adventuring career that never got off the ground.

But don't take my word for it: The usual reader reviews from and publishers blurbs Amazon, a review from the Denver Post, and one from the New York Times are all I could find.

Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East - Pico Iyer

2007-07-14T01:08:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East, Pico Iyer, 1988, 382 pages, soft cover.

How I found it: Random browsing in the travel writing section of Chapters. Plus, I had already read some of Iyer's work and knew I liked it.

What's it about?: Iyer took a series of trips to Asia in the mid-80s while most countries there were in the middle of becoming more and more Westernized. He writes a chapter on each of the countries he visited, Bali, Tibet, Nepal, China, The Philippines, Burma, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and Japan. For each chapter he focuses on the ways each country and its people are taking on Western influences, and the ways in which they are making them their own.

Did I like it?: Iyer is an excellent travel writer. He includes enough of himself in his writing to make the reader understand who he is and how he feels about the experiences he is having, but he doesn't include so much that his experience overshadows what the place is really about. Iyer also attempts to really engage the locals, understand their view and their life, and tell the reader a bit of their story as well as his own. Iyer's book is also a bit of a time capsule - it was written in the late 80s, almost 20 years ago, and presumably, a lot has changed. The edition I have contains a new afterword which was written in 2000. In the afterward Iyer comments that much has changed in Asia, in terms of the effects of globalization and technology, but that much as remained the same. I think that must be even more true now.

Will you like it?: If you are interested in travel writing, Iyer's is among some of the best and this is a great book to check out. Iyer manages to really personalize Asia, while at the same time illustrating how global culture is becoming. Great writing and some great stories.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of publishers blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, a review from the blog of professional traveler and author Rolf Potts, vagablogging, a recent interview with Iyer, and a not as recent interview.

Sweetness in the Belly - Camilla Gibb

2007-06-16T21:32:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Sweetness in the Belly, Camilla Gibb, 2005, 415 pages, paperback, shortlisted for the Giller, winner of Ontario's Prix Trillim Book Award.

How I found it: Random browsing at Chapters.

What's it about?: The life story of Lilly, a white woman who grew up as a Muslim in Morocco and Ethiopia. The story is told in bits and pieces, jumping from her present as an immigrant to the U.K., back to her early days in Harar.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. Lilly is such a strong character, even when she feels she is weak. Her story was very compelling and unlike any I had read before. Camilla Gibb actually did at Ph.D. in social anthropology at Oxford with field work in Ethiopia, so her book is meticulous well-research and to me seems exceptionally authentic. Gibb writes very well and explains the cultural aspects of the book very well without detracting from the narrative. The love stories were also especially poignant.

Will you like it?: This is a great book as it is well written, has a great strong female protagonist and a great plot. There is nothing to dislike about this book. As with many that I read, it is more of a woman's book, but it is far from chick-lit. A good choice for book clubs.

But don't take my word for it: The usual stuff and reader reviews from amazon.ca, a review from Hour.ca, one from curledup.com, another from The Guardian, and a collection of reviews from Camilla Gibbs' website.

The 100 Mile Diet - Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon

2007-06-11T00:09:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The 100-Mile Diet, Alisa Smith and J.B. (James) MacKinnon, 2007, 266 pages, hardcover, published under the title Plenty in the USA (apparently so it doesn't get stuck in the diet book section along with all the Atkins and Weight Watchers books).

How I found it: This book has been heavily hyped in the alternative media that I frequent, including The Tyee, Canadian Geographic, Grist.org, Treehugger, and Kootenay Co-op Radio's Deconstructing Dinner.

What's it about?: Alisa and James are two Vancouver-ites who decide to eat only food from 100-Miles of their home for a year. Although Vancouver is in the fertile Fraser River valley and there are lots of farms around, their experiment proved much harder than they thought it would. The book is about their struggle to find local food, the adventures they had tracking down necessities like sugar (from honey) and flour (from an experimental Vancouver Island wheat farmer). They also meet lots of great farm people and rediscover their relationship with each other.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. I think it took me less than 24 hours to read. James and Alisa are very endearing people, and in a lot of ways they reminded me of myself and my life. The bravery they showed in taking on this experiment is commendable. I was also really impressed with how well they were able to write about their experience without sounding holier-than-thou or having to justify themselves. Those were main complaints about Judith Levine's Year Without Shopping, and by the end of her book I couldn't stand her. By the end of reading The 100-Mile Diet, I felt as if they were long lost friends and that I should call them up to go to the Halifax farmer's market with me, then come over for an awesome dinner.

Will you like it?: This is a good book for people interested in food politics, environmentalism, etc. But, it is not a sky-is-falling type book. It is about real people, real farms, and real food. It is about getting to know the region around you and what you can get from the earth. It is a book that makes you want to plant a garden in containers in your balcony and bike to Richmond or Delta for farm-fresh produce on the weekends. It is inspiring.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of literary and reader reviews from Amazon, some from the blogs Lectio and Green LA Girl, another from Treehugger, one from The Tyee, and the official 100 Mile Diet website.

The Inheritance of Loss - Kiran Desai

2007-06-04T21:01:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Inheritance of Loss, Kiran Desai, 2006, 324 pages, paperback, winner of the 2006 Man Booker Prize.

How I found it: Random browsing at Chapters.

What's it about?: A retired judge and his granddaughter living in the Himalaya during a Nepali insurgency. Although the judge, his granddaughter, and most of the their friends are Indians, they still feel very connected to colonial British customs and disconnected to the new idea of a multi-ethnic India where Nepalis can demand rights. The book is very character focused and the building insurgency only occurs in the background.

Did I like it?: I found this book really, really slow. I did not relate to any of the characters and found a few of them quite tedious. Sadly, there wasn't much I liked about this book at all, despite the fact that it was written well.

Will you like it?: Well, it won the Booker prize, which means that some people liked it, and it is good literature, but in this case, I don't think it makes for a good read.

But don't take my word for it: The usual professional and reader reviews from amazon, one from the New York Times, another from the BBC, one from The Hindu (an national Indian newspaper), one from the online DesiLit Daily, and finally one from the Accidental Blogger.

Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures - Vincent Lam

2007-05-09T00:35:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures, Vincent Lam, 2005, 353 pages, paperback, winner of the Giller prize.

How I found it: My mom read it for her book club and when I arrived to stay with her I found it waiting on my bedside table.

What's it about?: This is a collection of short stories about becoming and being a doctor. It is also about relationships evolving over time, coming of age, and related themes. Lam also tackles the stereotyped issue of Asian immigrant parents and their expectations for their children and the SARS epidemic in Toronto.

Did I like it?: Despite the gross-out factor (for me) of all the medical stuff, I really liked this book. The short stories all involve the same set of characters, and over time, I came to identify with most of them. Since all of the stories were interrelated, the book did read a bit like a novel, and as a result, I was eager to see what happened to each of the characters so I read it quite fast.

Will you like it?: This book has had a lot of critical acclaim, and rightly so. It is well written, has compelling stories and characters, and provides insight into something most of us don't know too much about - what it is really like to be a doctor. I was surprised with how much I liked it, as I had thought it wouldn't be my 'thing'.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of professional reviews and reader reviews from Amazon, one from Toronto's NOW Magazine, a review from the online January Magazine, one from the blog The Library Ladder, and the author's official website.

The Birth House - Ami McKay

2007-04-29T15:24:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Birth House, Ami McKay, 2006, 368 pages, paperback

How I found it: My mom read this for her book club and recommended it to me because of the Nova Scotia setting.

What's it about?: The book follows the life of Dora Rare, a misfit a small rural Nova Scotia town at the dawn of WWI. Dora is apprenticed to the local midwife, despite the fact that midwifery has fallen out of favour with the men of the community who believe they should use the modern doctors available in the nearest city. Dora perseveres and manages to stand up for women's rights in a time when it was not common to do so. The book follows her from her adolescence to her middle age, and involves her friends, marriage, and children.

Did I like it?: I liked this book, perhaps even more so since I have actually been to Scot's Bay, where the book is set (although I was there really briefly - that is where the hike to Cape Split begins). I identified with Dora and thought she was a strong and likable character. The book takes a strong stance on the promotion of midwifery, which is fairly unknown to most these days. The traditional knowledge involved in being a midwife was interesting, but I felt it sometimes took up a bit too much of the book.

Will you like it?: Unfortunately, I'll say it again - this is primarily a women's book and is good for book clubs. The midwife stuff is TMI at times, but otherwise I really liked the story and I think most people would as well.

But don't take my word for it: the usual blurbs and reader reviews from Amazon, the book's official website, one from Blogher.org, another from LiteraryMama.com, one from Toronto's Now Magazine, and finally one from the Book-a-rama blog.

The Custodian of Paradise - Wayne Johnston

2007-04-28T02:06:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Custodian of Paradise, Wayne Johnston, 2006, 528 pages, hardcover.

How I found it: This book got a fair amount of press when it was released last year and since I have enjoyed some of Johnston's other work, I put my name down on the waiting list at the library.

What's it about?: This is the companion book to Johnston's The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, a fictionalized biography of Joey Smallwood, Newfoundland's first premier. In that book Joey Smallwood's sometime friend and some time nemesis, Fielding, plays a fairly important role at times. This book is Fielding's story. Sheilagh Fielding is a 6'3" misfit, unsure of her heritage, and unable to live according to society's conventions. She has an acid wit and is known about St. John's for it, along with her stature and eccentricity. The book tells the story of her life and focuses on her relationship with a mysterious never seen guardian who will only identify himself as "Your Provider".

Did I like it?: I expected to really like it, but somehow was a bit disappointed. I think perhaps it was because of the length of the book... after awhile it began to drag. I enjoyed Fielding's early years, but as she became more and more obsessed with her provider, I began to lose interest. I found the storyline surrounding her provider to be a little contrived and really beyond belief. I also thought that for a book told in the first person, we didn't really learn that much about Fielding... I didn't feel as if I knew her very well after reading it. She is a very difficult character to relate to, perhaps because she is such a charicature in a lot of ways.

Will you like it?: This is an interesting read, as is usual for a Wayne Johnston book. It is also a unique look at Newfoundland when it was still a colony. However, this wasn't nearly as good as Colony of Unrequited Dreams, or even the Navigator of New York. It has been awhile since I read Colony and I think perhaps this book would be better if read directly after reading Colony.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of blurbs and reader reviews from amazon, a review from topix.net, one from the Tyee, one from the Chicago Sun-Times, one from the Perceptive Travel Blog, and the author's website.

Hooked: Pirates, Poaching and the Perfect Fish - G. Bruce Knecht

2007-04-19T11:30:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Hooked: Pirates, Poaching and the Perfect Fish, G. Bruce Knecht, 2006, 278 pages, hardcover

How I found it: My dad recommended this one, even going so far as to send me a special email urging me to read it.

What's it about?: This is the true story of a boat of Australian fisheries enforcement officers trying to stop illegal poaching of the Patagonian toothfish in their territorial waters. The Patagonian toothfish, more commonly served in North American under the name Chilean Sea Bass is a fish of recent popularity, but is fast becoming as overfished and endangered as cod. The Uruguaian poachers don't care though - they just want to make money. The book follows the course of a multi-day high seas chase through dangers Antarctic waters as the fisheries officers attempt to arrest the poachers.

Did I like it?: While this book didn't really sound like something I would typically be interested in, I couldn't put it down. It is well written, a great story, and has a good environmental message. It actually made me want to take a Law of the Sea course next year, although I can't ever imagine practicing Maritime Law. It is a real life action adventure story, as well as a bit of really interesting background information about how the fish we eat gets to our plates.

Will you like it?: If you like good non-fiction, this is a must read. It's a great story and it will teach you a bit about the state of our oceans while you are at it. This book is far from dry, despite its subject.

But don't take my word for it: the usual collection of reviews from Amazon, a brief review from the Sacramento News and Review, one from Scienceagogo.com (scroll down), an article about the book from the environmentalist website Grist (which I love), and one from the BC-based Tyee (which I actually read every day - I guess I missed this article).

To Have and Have Not - Ernest Hemingway

2007-04-15T16:23:00.000-03:00

The Basics: To Have and Have Not, Ernest Hemingway, 1937, 262 pages, paperback

How I found it: Greg bought this book at a local used bookstore and has never read it. I was out of books so I picked it up.

What's it about?: The protagonist, Henry lives in the Florida Keys and charters his boat to everyone from big game fishermen, to rum runners and human traffickers in pre-Castro Cuba. He is a family man and is just trying to keep his family from hunger during the Depression. Due to the company he keeps and the lawless nature of the Florida Keys, plenty of shenanigans ensue and Henry goes quickly from "having" to "having not".

Did I like it?: I'm not a huge Hemingway fan since he writes very masculine and macho stories. His portrayal of women is either non-existent or very misogynist. In this book he also comes across as racist. This book had some action-adventure type exciting bits, but besides that, I didn't find it that enjoyable. Henry is supposed to come off as a desperate character who will do almost anything to remain a sailor and provide for his family, but to me he seemed selfish and prone to taking unnecessary risks.

Will you like it?: If you are Hemingway fan, I suppose this is required reading. But if you haven't read any of his work I suggest you start with A Farewell to Arms or The Sun Also Rises. This is definitely a "man's book" and not one I would recommend.

But don't take my word for it: The usual product info from Amazon, a collection of reader reviews, the imdb page for the 1944 film of the same name starring Bogart which is only loosely based on the book, and the wikipedia entry are all I can find.

China Dog and Other Tales from a Chinese Laundry - Judy Fong Bates

2007-04-08T20:47:00.000-03:00

The Basics: China Dog and Other Tales from a Chinese Laundry, Judy Fong Bates, 1997, 148 pages, hard cover

How I found it: After I read Midnight at the Dragon Cafe, I decided to see what else Fong Bates had written.

What's it about?: A collection of short stories about Chinese immigrant families in small Ontario towns. Each story invovles a set of sometime interrelated characters and family members dealing with a crisis or momentous occasion. One of the main themes is being the only Canadian born in a group of more traditional Chinese.

Did I like it?: The stories in this collection are good but not great. If you have read Midnight at the Dragon Cafe, many of the themes and even settings will be familiar. This made me feel that I had already read some of these stories; it made me feel that Fong Bates was rehashing the same old same old. Overall though, the stories were pleasant to read and fairly well crafted.

Will you like it?: This isn't a book I would advise anyone to rush out to pick up. It is pleasant enough, but there isn't really any particular reason to read it. If you are really into Chinese Immigrant stories, I suggest Wayson Choy and Denise Chong before this book.

But don't take my word for it: The usual from Amazon, a review from someone at SFU, and one from Desijournal.com are all that is available.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka

2007-04-07T18:49:00.000-03:00

The Basics: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, Marina Lewycka, 2005, 294 pages, paper back, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005.

How I Found it: Last time I was at Chapters I saw this book and nearly bought it... this time I did buy it. This is a case of judging a book by its cover.

What's it about?: A Ukrainian immigrant family in a small town in the UK deal with their father's impending remarriage to a women from the "motherland". Sisters Vera and Nadia have been feuding since their mother's death, but they have to band together to save their father. This is a story of a family rediscovering their love for each other, and it's often humorous. The eccentric patriarch, a former engineer, is writing a book, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, that is the vehicle for connecting their old lives in the Ukraine with their new lives in England.

Did I like it?: I really like this book. It was cutely funny, but also sad at times. I read it quite fast since the book is written in an effortless way. My only quibble with the book would be that some of the characters (the ones we aren't supposed to like) were very one dimensional and it wasn't clear what their motivation was. But I suppose that is the beauty of the story.

Will you like it?: I think so. This is a cute little book and a great story about a family. Plus, it is about the immigrant experience and ties the old world to the new, which is always good. The characters are quite funny at times, and the plot unfolds well. Overall, a good fast read with lots of heart, if a bit pulpy at times.

But don't take my word for it: The usual industry reviews from Amazon, a couple of glowing reader reviews, one from the London Times, a not so glowing review from the Guardian, one from the San Fransisco Chronicle, and a fairly negative review from Alan in Belfast.

Make it Right: Inside Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor - Mike Holmes

2007-04-05T23:02:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Make it Right: Inside Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor, Mike Holmes, 2006, 209 pages

How I found it: Greg got this book for Christmas and since I am a fan of Holmes on Homes as well, I thought I'd read the book to educate myself.

What's it about?: This is Mike Holmes' coffee table book style explanation of what he does on his show to "Make it Right". The book explains how to go about doing a home renovation starting from how to hire a contractor, to how to do each part of the job, to what materials and techniques to choose. There are lots of pictures - mostly stills from the TV show.

Did I like it?: This book should be considered an accompaniment to the TV show. I liked reading it because it explained in a bit more detail why they do some of the things they do to fix people's houses on the show, and why they use the products they do. I also really liked that Mike seems to have an environmentalist bent, which doesn't always come through on the show. I am unhappily a long way off from owning a home, but I can got lots of ideas about energy efficient things I can do in my home, and environmentally products I can buy.

Will you like it?: Unless you are a fan of the show, or about to embark on a home reno, I don't know that you would find this book that interesting. It is good as a companion to the show, but otherwise there isn't really a lot of reasons to read it. It's not really in depth enough to be a reference book, although the sections on how to find and deal with a contractor are good.

But don't take my word for it: There are a handful of industry and reader reviews on Amazon.ca, and the official Holmes on Homes website.

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

2007-04-03T22:37:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger, 2003, 518 pages, paperback.

How I found it: My youngest sister called me on her cellphone a few days before Christmas to ask if I had read The Time Traveler's Wife. When I said I hadn't I assumed I would be receiving it as a her Christmas gift to me in a few days. Instead, she got me the awesome Middlesex. When I was using a Christmas gift card (from my mom) at Chapters I saw this book and since my sister had effectively recommended it, I picked it up.

What's it about?: Henry is a time traveler. He has a disorder that causes him to travel to other times when he gets stressed out, scared, or has another trigger for his problem. It is sort of like epilepsy, only with time travelling instead of seizures. Clare is his wife, except that she meets him when she is 6 years old since he time travels into her childhood to meet her. She knows him her whole life. The books is about the unfolding of their life together in their strange mixed up chronology. It is a love story and it is also about the dangers of Henry's disorder and his attempts to cure it.

Did I like it?: I LOVED this book. I can't believe this is Niffenegger's first novel. The writing is not exceptional, but it is very polished with well developed characters and a seamless plot. I found the book a bit confusing at first while I wrapped my head around the whole time-travelling thing, but I soon got into it. I couldn't put this book down - I wanted to see how it ended, but at the same time I didn't want it to end. It was incredibly romantic, and therefore, incredibly sad at times. I have to say I was hesitant to read this book since it is so popular, but this time, the public actually made a good choice.

Will you like it?: If you have a romantic bone in your body you should read this book. It's a great story, even without the romantic aspect. And don't be put off by the time-travelling part - this book is about as far away from science fiction as you can get. It's a neat idea for a book that is well executed here.

But don't take my word for it: A collection of reviews from Amazon.ca, this is a popular book so here is a collection of 109 reader reviews, a review from ReviewsofBooks.com, one from the Guardian, another from January Magazine, one from curledup.com, one from the Medical Humanities blog, one from a guy named Steve's blog (guys like "good old sentimental weepies" too), and the imdb page for the movie, coming out in 2008 and potentially starring Rachel McAdams.

Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917 - Laura M. MacDonald

2007-03-26T20:47:00.001-03:00

The Basics: Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917, Laura M. MacDonald, 2005, 282 pages

How I found it: This book is in every tourist shop around town and is prominently displayed in every book store. Having lived in Halifax for over a year, I figured I should inform myself.

What's it about?: A comprehensive history of the events leading up, during, and after the Halifax Explosion in 1917. It is presented using the narratives of many different people, from school children, to sailors, to doctors and volunteers.

Did I like it?: This book was exceptionally well researched and well written. It presented the issue from many different viewpoints without playing the blame-game about who caused the accident. I had already read a fictionalized account of the explosion, however, Hugh McLennan's Barometer Rising. The books are quite similar, exception that McLennan's novel follows a few people and involes a love story, while MacDonald's follows many and does not too personal. MacDonald's is obviously more factual, but McLennan's did not seem very inaccurate in comparison.

Will you like it?: If you've already read McLennan's book, I would skip this one, unless you are dying to know all the gory little details. If you are looking for a strictly factual account of the Halifax explosion, pick up MacDonald's book. It's very education without ever being boring. Either, way pick up one of them; they're both great.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of blurbs from amazon.ca, a review from blogcritic.org, one from VariFrank that points out the potential for modern terrorism in a situation like the Halifax Explosion, and a review from rabble.ca.

The Song of Kahunsha - Anosh Irani

2007-03-17T22:06:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Song of Kahunsha, Anosh Irani, 2006, 308 pages, hardcover, nominated for Canada Reads 2007

How I found it: I decided to read all of the Canada Reads books this year and this is the final one I read.

What's it about: This is Oliver Twist in Bombay. Ten year old Chamdi learns that his orphanage is about to close so he runs away and begins living on the streets of Bombay with two other children. He quickly learns the rules of the street. He becomes involved in a shady life of crime and soon looses his innocence. The book takes place on Chamdi's first 3 days on the streets.

Did I like it?: This is one of the more depressing books I have read in a while. I was aware of the extreme poverty among street people in South Asia, but this brought my awareness to a whole new level... a level that I perhaps didn't want to reach. The book is told from Chamdi's perspective and at times I was annoyed with is naivete and his constantly climbing onto the moral high horse in such a self-righteous way. Chamdi is meant to be a courageous character, but I found him a bit smug in his bravery and morals at times. Overall, it was an interesting book, but I can't say I enjoyed it that much. I also took issue with it being involved in Canada Reads. The author is now a Canadian, but there is nothing particularly Canadian about the book. I don't think it should have been excluded, I just think there may have been better choices that better reflected Canada. A book doesn't have to take place in Canada to feel Canadian... but to be Canadian I don't think it should feel 100% Indian.

Will you like it?: Do you like The Kite Runner, books by Wally Lamb, everything from Oprah's book club, and being profoundly depressed while reading a book? If so, this is a book for you. If not, you might want to skip it.

But don't take my word for it: The usual positive blurbs from Amazon.ca, a positive reader review, a review from journalist Joe Wiebe's blog, one from the London Free Press, another from Blog Critics Magazine, one from the inaugural issue of Desi Lit, and a link to the book's page on this year's Canada Reads.

Stanley Park - Timothy Taylor

2007-03-14T08:26:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Stanley Park, Timothy Taylor, 2001, 423 pages, hard cover, nominated for Canada Reads 2007

How I found it: I had read this book before (recommended by Jess I think) but I read it again since I wanted to read all of the Canada Reads books this year and evaluate them for myself.

What's it about?: A struggling youngish chef tries to manage his doomed restaurant, a new girlfriend, and a complicated relationship with his father. Jeremy, the protagonist, has to make tough decisions about whether to sell out or not, whether to tell his girlfriend, his father, and his sous chef about his financial difficulties and what to do about his father's increasingly participatory forms of anthropological study. Jeremy's dad, "The Professor" is studying homeless people living in Vancouver's Stanley Park, but he has begun living among them and losing touch with academia and reality.

Did I like it?: I remember enjoying this book a bit more the first time. This time around it seemed a little pulpy. I think part of the problem is that I didn't identify with Chef Jeremy. He kept all of his problems bottled up inside and didn't tell anyone about them. While that makes a great premise for a book (see Little White Lies), it doesn't make for a likable character in my opinion. I didn't think the character development was very good since I was left wondering why Jeremy had made some of the decisions he did. All in all, an interesting book, but definitely not deserving of the Canada Reads title.

Will you like it?: Despite my criticisms of this book, it is a good one and is worth reading. I just don't think it is spectacular enough to be the one book that Canadians should read. It's a good story and if love food and Vancouver, you will appreciate the small roles both of those factors play.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of positive blurbs from Amazon.ca, lots of glowing reader reviews, a review from Book Reporter, one from the foodie blog VanEats, an interesting take from the Book Mine Set blog, and an interview with the author from CBC's Words at Large.

Waiting for the Macaws and Other Stories from the Age of Extinctions - Terry Glavin

2007-03-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Waiting for the Macaws and Other Stories from the Age of Extinctions, Terry Glavin, 2006, 318 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I believe this book was recommended to me by Amazon.ca's recommendations service. Or I could have seen it on either the Tyee or the Canadian Geographic book reviews linked below. Either way, it has been on my list of books to read for about a year but I never really got around to it.

What's it about: Glavin is a conservationist and was an early member of Greenpeace. In this book, he travels around the world visiting the habitats of some of the world's extinct or soon to be extinct species to learn about them and the greater picture of increasing global extinctions. Despite his extremist past, Glavin is quite moderate in his attitude. He does really come to any conclusions about what can be done to save any of these animals and seems to have conflicted feelings on the helpfulness of zoos, breeding programs, etc.

Did I like it?: I didn't mind this book, but it took me quite a long time to get through it. Some of the sections were particularly interesting, especially the final section on the Naga people and their unique agricultural practices in India's Eastern Himalayas. Other sections seemed disjointed and convoluted and I wasn't sure how they tied together. Overall, it was an interesting read, but not a terribly good one.

Will you like it?: This is one of those "the sky is falling" environmentalist books that has become so popular lately. However, it is presented in a way that tells the stories behind the statistics, shows us the people, plants and animals that are threatened. That makes the book worthwhile and lends the cause a bit more credence since we can more clearly see the effect we have on our world.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of review quotes and descriptions from Amazon.ca, a review from the Globe and Mail, one from Vancouver Review, another from The Tyee, one from Canadian Geographic, and finally, the author's blog.

Lullabies for Little Criminals - Heather O'Neill

2007-02-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Lullabies for Little Criminals, Heather O'Neill, 2006, 330 pages, paperback, nominated for CBC's Canada reads 2007

How I found it: I am slowly working my way through the Canada Reads 2007 nominees list.

What's it about?: This is a coming of age novel. The protagonist, who's given name is actually Baby, has to grow up fairly quickly on the streets of Montreal. She lives in poverty with her junkie father and struggles to figure out what it means to not to a child anymore, to find friends, and to tell right from wrong. The book is written from her perspective at her twelve-year-old reading level, so at my library it was marked as a young adult book. However, I think that most kids reading this book would be quite scared.

Did I like it?: I liked this book on some levels because it opened my eyes to the situations that many children in poverty face. Growing up in a stable middle class home it is easy to say that people who area addicted to drugs, living on the street, and turning tricks are a lower class of people. Canadians love to distance themselves from our urban poor. O'Neill's novel humanizes this group and helps the reader to understand why poverty is cyclical. In a better off home, a tween child who is as unhappy as Baby would be sent to counselling, or encouraged to spend time with family. In Baby's world, when she is unhappy her solutions are drugs, sex and violence. I thought this would be something I wouldn't relate to, but somehow, O'Neill made me understand why Baby did the things she did.

Will you like it?: This book is probably nominated for Canada Reads to make us think about the situation of impoverished Canadians, and the book certainly does do that. However, it is a good read on its own. I didn't love it, and I think some of the other choices for Canada Reads are more deserving. If you are a parent, I think you might enjoy reading this book because (I assume) it will make you feel like you are doing a great job in comparison to the parents in this book. And if you aren't a parent, you can at least read this book and feel lucky to have escaped a life like Baby's.

But don't take my word for it: the usual collection of literary reviews and info from Amazon, a glowing reader review, a review from KGB Bar's online lit magazine, one from Dose Magazine (not to be confused with Dose the newspaper apparently), one from Toronto's Now Magazine, and an interview with the author.

Moral Disorder: Margaret Atwood

2007-02-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Moral Disorder, Margaret Atwood, 2006, 225 pages, hard cover

How I found it: This is Margaret Atwood's latest work, so I read it as soon as I could get it from the library. If it's by Margaret Atwood and it's fiction, I am required to read it.

What's it about: This is the latest of Atwood's short story collections. All the stories in this book are about the same woman, similar to the way David Bezmozgis structured Natasha. The stories are sometimes told in the first person and sometimes in the third person and range in the period in which they take place. This is the life of one woman from early memories to old age and much in between (but not told in that order).

Did I like it?: Like much of Atwood's work, I loved it. I flew through this book in only a few days. As usual I found I related easily to the protagonist and was interested in her life and the lives of the people around her. Atwood's prose has not diminished as she ages either, and as expected, she is brilliant. The only small quibble I have is that Atwood draws on the same scenarios again and again - the scenario of her childhood: the summers spent in a backwoods cabin while her father studies insects, the often distant older brother, the feelings of isolation and not relating to the city children each fall. We can't rehash the plot points of Surfacing, etc. repeated, although with different characters. It gets a bit old. That's a minor point though - I can't think of anything else to complain about.

Will you like it?: As with some of Atwood's book, this one takes being a woman to fully understand it. It's fairly accessible to the casual reader - it has none of the poetic or academic devices found in some of her books. It is very straight forward, and well written. A good one for book clubs.

But don't take my word for it: The usual round-up from Amazon.ca (including one disgruntled reader review and what looks like a literary review of the audiobook version), one from the Guardian, one from the London Times, and one from the Washington Post.

Treading Water - Anne DeGrace

2007-02-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Treading Water, Anne DeGrace, 2005, 302 pages, paperback. This is the author's first novel.

How I found it: Greg gave me this book for Christmas. He said he picked it because it was written by a Canadian female author so he knew I would like it. Little did he know that was filled with Mennonites!

What's it about?: This novel is about a small town in the mountains of BC, only accessible by water. The book traces the life of the town, and the town becomes a character in of itself, helped along by the various people who live there through the years. The book is told in a series of vignettes, each corresponding with a year. We proceed chronologically through these vignettes, each told by a different character, to watch the town come of age, mature, and subside into old age and decline.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. It was beautifully written and by the end I wanted to visit the town, even though it is fictional. The town took on a life of its own for me. Even though the characters who lived there through the generations had lives of their own, which were interesting, the way the townspeople interacted and shaped the town was much more compelling. The book begins in 1904 and ends in 1967; the lifetime of a person is the lifetime of the town.

Will you like it?: This is a great book, and a good one for book clubs. I even cried at the end! DeGrace is a talented writer and I look forward to seeing more of her work. In the meantime, go out and read this book. I really enjoyed reading it and you probably will too.

But don't take my word for it: The usual literary reviews and reader reviews from Amazon.ca, info about the book from BC Book World, and a link to a CBC radio interview with the author (scroll down) were all I could find.

Cabin at Singing River: Building a Home in the Wilderness - Chris Czajkowski

2007-02-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Cabin at Singing River: Building a Home in the Wilderness, Chris Czajkowski, 1991, 149 pages, paperback.

How I found it: My dad has read most of Czajkowski's books (along with most of the non-fiction section of his local public library) and recommended that I read something of hers. I chose to begin with her first book.

What's it about?: Czajkowski was born in the UK but apparently has lived all over the world. She moved to Canada in the late '80s, settling in Salmon Arm, BC, but found city life too hectic. If you've ever been to Salmon Arm, you might find this a bit laughable. Nevertheless, Czajkowski ended up in the Chilcotin area of BC, south of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in her search for solitude. Some friends of hers had an old homestead that could only be reached by a float plane or a 2 day hike in from the road. They agree to let her erect a cabin on their property. This book details her struggle to build the log cabin herself, and to make her home in the wilderness. Oh, and did I mention she had never used a chain saw before?

Did I like it?: While Czajkowski is definitely an odd character, I definitely related to her in a lot of ways. The idea of setting out nearly alone in the bush, building your own home, and being self-reliant is very appealing in a lot of ways. The fact that a woman with no carpentry experience accomplished this is admirable as well. I would love to be able to walk out my front door and do a multi-day off-trail hike. Czajkowski is not an exceptionally gifted writer, but her succinct and personal style, coupled with her interesting subject matter make for a good read.

Will you like it?: Many of Peter Gzowski's CBC listeners did. Czajkowski wrote periodic letters to his morning radio program, and reading them became a regular feature on his show. Many Canadians were interested to hear the story of an independent woman living alone in the wilderness. She is the Susanna Moodie of our time. Of course, if you hate the outdoors, you might not like the book, but that will be your loss.

But don't take my word for it: A collection of reviews on Amazon.ca, a bio on the author from BC Bookworld, a review from the blog Classical Bookworm (complete with a reply from the author in the comments section), and finally the author's web page with info about her books, as well as the guiding operation she runs out of one of her newer wilderness cabins.

Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides

2007-02-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Middlesex, Jeffrey Eugenides, 2002, 529 pages, paperback, winner of the of Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2003.

How I found it: My youngest sister gave it to my for Christmas. Apparently she quite liked it.

What's it about?: A story of three generations of a Greek immigrant family in the American Mid-West, the youngest member of which happens to be a hermaphrodite (hence the title). Cal (or Callie) the narrator lets the viewer in on his secret on the very first page, but we have to wait until about 2/3 of the way in to find out the details of how he discovered he was a hermaphrodite and what that has meant for his life. Cal tells the story as if he is speaking to the reader in his free time. He takes us through the lives of his grandparents and his parents, and finally his own life up to the present.

Did I like it?: I couldn't put this one down. Eugenides' style of writing made me believe that I was reading an autobiography, not a work of fiction. Even if the author were to have left out Cal's portion of the story, the section on his grandparent's flight from Greece to America and their struggle to establish themselves in their new country would be a good book all by itself. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it is a little long. At over 500 pages, I felt it would have been better off as two books, one a sequel (or a prequel) to the other.

Would you like it?: I highly recommend this book. It's a great story about an immigrant family and their family dynamic. In addition, this is also a coming of age novel (although the person coming of age happens to be a hermaphrodite. I didn't know anything at all about intersexed people, so this book was rather educational in that regard.

But don't take my word for it: A review from Salon.com, one from CNN's archives, the usual collection of reviews from Amazon.ca, some reader reviews, a review from New York Magazine, and finally one from The Guardian.

The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic and How it Changed Science, Cities and the Modern World - Steven Johnson

2007-01-30T15:50:00.000-04:00

The Basics: The Ghost Map - The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic and How it Changed Science, Cities and the Modern World, Steven Johnson, 2006, 299 pages, hardcover

How I found it: Greg gave me this book for Christmas, likely because I am a big cartography fan. In fact, this map comes up in almost every single cartography text ever written.

What's it about?: An explanation of the history behind the ghost map and how it helped solve a cholera epidemic in 1850s London. Johnson goes into the involvement of Dr. John Snow, who was investigating the disease, and Reverend Henry Whitehead, the head of the parish affected by the outbreak. He also explores the broader social context of city planning and waste disposal that contributed to the epidemic.

Did I like it?: This book is sort of a detective story that is solved by making a map, so I liked that aspect of it. But I'm not an epidemiologist so a lot of the stuff that Johnson discusses was not that interesting to me. In particular, Johnson spends the whole closing section of the book comparing the cholera epidemic to the contemporary threat of terrorism and bio-terrorism, and I found that portion a little irrelevant. Johnson's style of writing is fairly informative, but at times I found it a little dry. The endless discussions of sewer construction, etc. were a bit much. I think this book could have been 50 to 100 pages shorter.

Will you like it?: If you've ever wondered about the origins of the 'Ghost Map' and want the full story, this is a good read. I suppose if you are into epidemiology you might like it as well. Otherwise, it's not that exciting.

But don't take my word for it: The usual collection of reviews and book info from Amazon.ca, a reader review from Amazon, one from abstractdynamics.org, another from kottke.org, and one from treehugger.

Skinny Dip - Carl Hiaasen

2007-01-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Skinny Dip, Carl Hiaasen, 2004, 496 pages, paperback

How I found it: Greg gave it to me for Christmas after hearing about the author on one of the tech blogs he visits.

What's it about?: A pulpy revenge story in the vein of The Count of Monte Cristo, except set in crazy South Florida. Chaz throws his wife Joey off a cruise ship in an attempt to murder her. When she survives, she vows vengeance. Wackiness ensues.

Did I like it?: If you know me, you know I'm not a fan of pulp novels. However, this is pulp done right; this is pulp at its best. Apparently Hiaasen is known for his 'environmental thillers' so that aspect of the storyline sucked me right in. Tied up in all the murder, revenge and romance is the endangered ecosystem of the Florida everglades. The author raises awareness of the problems the everglades face while making it part of his plot. And it's a good plot. I couldn't see what was coming a mile away, and the characters, although caricatures at times, were fairly entertaining. Plus, having read The Count of Monte Cristo at age 8, I am always up for a good vengeance novel.

Will you like it?: If you need a lighter read, Carl Hiaasen is your go-to guy for well written pulp. I found this book a quick, easy and entertaining read and you probably will too.

But don't take my word for it: Reviews and info from Amazon.ca, mostly positive reader reviews, one from reviewsofbooks.com, a review from Rambles.net (which actually specializes in Celtic stuff, not South Florida), a roundup of reviews from metacritic, and a link to FAQ for the book on the author's website.

Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World's Most Colorful Despots - Peter York

2007-01-20T12:15:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World's Most Colorful Despots, Peter York, 2006, 119 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I saw it reviewed in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of Outpost Magazine.

What's it about?: This is a coffee table style book. Each dictator gets a few pages for their homes to be displayed Better Homes and Gardens-style. Running along side the photos is text describing the dictator's life and lifestyle as well as explaining and critiquing the contents of each photo.

Did I like it?: This is the sort of book that I enjoy: pictures of opulence next to cutting comments about the tackiness of said opulence. This is a bit like Go Fug Yourself for dictators homes instead of celebrity outfits. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that the text that accompanies the pictures was written essay style. So while it had nice flow, it often meant that the discussion of the contents of a particular image was not located on the same page as that image. All the flipping between pages drove me crazy.

Will you like it?: This is the sort of book you leaf through, rather than read cover to cover. It's an interesting read/gaze with lots of fun tidbits about the dictators - did you know that after he died many of Ceausescu's 9,000 suits were donated to Europe's last leper colony (located in Romania of course)? It's not something I would rush out to get unless you are fascinated by this topic, but if you happen to run across it, this book is a worth a glance or five.

But don't take my word for it: A brief blurb from New York Magazine, a longer review from The Phoenix (Boston's arts paper), an a few reader reviews from Amazon.com.

Natasha and Other Stories - David Bezmozgis

2007-01-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Natasha and Other Stories, David Bezmozgis, 2004, 147 pages, hard cover.

How I found it: This is another Canada Reads book. This one is being defended by Steven Page (of the Barenaked Ladies).

What's it about?: This is a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories about the same family told in a sequential manner so that it resembles a fragmented novel. The family here is a Jewish Russian family that immigrates to Toronto. The stories are told by the family's only son, Mark and they trace his life from the time they arrive in Canada to his early adulthood. In this sense it is also a coming of age book.

Did I like it?: I am a sucker for stories about immigrant children. There is something that is just so quintessentially Canadian about them. Therefore I was bound to like this book for that reason alone. That is not the only reason to like it, however: it is exceptionally well written, it takes you inside the unique culture of Russian Jews, and it seems very genuine. As I read it I really began to believe that the characters were real and that this was a memoir, not a work of fiction.

Will you like it?: So far this is my favourite of the Canada Reads books (though I have yet to read two of them). Bezmozgis has been hailed as the next big thing by a lot of big literary magazines and I believe it. He is a great writer and I flew through this book in under 48 hours. His characters and his prose really sucked me in.

But don't take my word for it: A collection of editorial reviews from Amazon.ca, a couple glowing reader reviews, a more critical review from Pop Matters, and one from Small Spiral Notebook (an alternative literary journal).

Children of My Heart - Gabrielle Roy

2007-01-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Children of My Heart, Gabrielle Roy, 1979 (English translation), 171 pages, hard cover.

How I found it: When the CBC's list for the 2007 Canada Reads event came out, Roy's novel was named as one of the five books debated. It will be defended by Denise Bombardier. I requested all of the Canada Reads books from the library and this one was available first.

What's it about?: The narrator is a school teacher in Depression-era rural Manitoba. The three parts of the book are divided into telling about her experiences at three different schools. The book is a series of vignettes about the children that serves to explain the character development of the teacher protagonist. Apparently the book is a thinly veiled and fictionalized memoir of Roy's real experiences as a teacher.

Did I like it?: To me this was more of a Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul than a novel. The stories about the kids were well-written and endearing, but they didn't really drive any sort of plot. The character development of the teacher is present, but it doesn't really seem to go anywhere. As with all books I read in translation, I will try to blame the translation for anything I didn't like about the book. That way I can use the excuse that the author's true meaning wasn't conveyed.

Will you like it?: If you are reading the Canada Reads books this one is not too bad, but I don't think it is the winner. I'm not a Gabrielle Roy fan, but The Tin Flute is a much better read if you must read Roy.

But don't take my word for it: More info about the books from the Canada Reads site and book info and a collection of editorial reviews from Amazon.ca are all that seems to be available.

The Final Confession of Mabel Stark - Robert Hough

2007-01-06T18:14:00.000-04:00

The Basics: The Final Confession of Mabel Stark, Robert Hough, 2001, 430 pages, hard cover.

How I found it: After I reviewed Water for Elephants, my friend Melinda recommended that I read this book since the subject matter is somewhat similar.

What's it about?: This is a fictionalized account of a real person's life (similar to Wayne Johnston's fictionalized accounts of Joey Smallwood and Robert Peary's lives). Here the real person is Mabel Stark, the world's foremost tiger trainer in the circuses of the 1920s. Her life is far from ordinary involving many different husbands and one very special tiger, among other things.

Did I like it?: I discovered that I really enjoy the fictionalized biography genre when I first read Wayne Johnston's work. It is not a genre that turns up very often, but when it does it had better be well researched or I won't like it. Hough's book seems to be very well researched, although he apparently took license with a few major plot points and embellished here and there. But that is really part of the genre so it is forgivable. Like Water for Elephants, I really enjoyed this book. It was perhaps not as well written, but the plot was quite engaging.

Will you like it?: Mabel Stark's life is a great story and worth reading. There is not a lot of magic in Hough's writing, but the plot carries itself. Stark is a likable female lead and even if her life is far removed from that of most women, I found her easy to relate to. Besides, you have to love a woman who said: "You can't mix tigers and husbands. And anyhow, I prefer the tigers."

But don't take my word for it: A collection of info and editorial reviews from Amazon.ca, mostly positive reader reviews, a review from a blogger at the Lewiston Tribune, one from the Northern Rivers Echo, and one from Citypaper Online that mentions that Mabel Stark's life is being made into a movie starring Kate Winslet.

Changing Heaven - Jane Urquhart

2007-01-02T15:33:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Changing Heaven, Jane Urquhart, 1990, 258 pages, hard cover

How I found it: I really can't remember where I heard about this book. I thought I had read (and loved) all of Urquhart's novels, but then realized I hadn't read this one and had to read it right away.

What's it about?: There are two parallel storylines: a conversation between the ghost of Emily Bronte and the ghost of a female balloonist, and a love story about a woman writing a book about Bronte's Wuthering Heights and her art historian lover. There is lots of angst and emotion all around.

Did I like it?: Having been forced to read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre in highschool (and hating the way it portrayed women) I swore off the Bronte sisters forever and haven't read Wuthering Heights. Therefore I didn't really relate to the storyline involving the ghost of Emily Bronte as much as I could have. I did find the book to be a pleasant literary read despite that since the love story was quite powerful and the characters were quite interesting. The way the two storylines wove together was interesting as it unfolded and the characters began to parallel each other more and more.

Will you like it?: You need to appreciate literature to like this book and I suppose it would help if you have read Wuthering Heights. If you're a fan of Urquhart this book won't disappoint because as usual she writes her characters and landscapes astonishingly well. This book is more about character development than plot, but the characters are fascinating.

But don't take my word for it: A collection of editorial reviews from Amazon.ca and favourable reader reviews are all I could find for this novel since it was published pre-internet.

Best of 2006

2006-12-31T22:02:00.000-04:00

Since I started reviewing books in March I have read 47 books. That works out to a little over one a week. Usually I don't formally rate books against each other, but I thought I would name my favourites and least favourites for the year.

Best Fiction:
Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
(Runner-up: Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro)

Best Non-Fiction:
The Omnivore's Dilemma - Michael Pollan
(Runner-up: Japanland - Karin Muller)

Worst Fiction:
Nighttime is My Time - Mary Higgins Clark
(Runner-up: jPod - Douglas Coupland)

Worst Non-Fiction:
Confessions of a Video Vixen - Carrine Steffans
(Runner-up: The Oak Island Mystery - Lionel Fanthorpe)

Little White Lies: A Novel of Love and Good Intentions - Gemma Townley

2006-12-28T21:18:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Little White Lies: A Novel of Love and Good Intentions, Gemma Townley, 2005, 320 pages

How I found it: The first night I stayed at the my parents house for the holidays this book was left lying on the night table of the guest room. Since I was too lazy to root through my luggage to find something better to read, I ended up reading it.

What's it about?: Country girl Natalie moves to the city (London) and lives a boring and lonely month by herself. Then she decides to open the previous tenants mail and pretend to be her. This extends to her love life, her job and her friends.

Did I like it?: Like an episode of Full House this book creates all kinds of little problems and misunderstandings and then ties them all up nicely at the end. Natalie starts out in a not too bad situation and ends up all fluffy clouds, kittens and rainbows (Yay!). Like the other similar books in this genre, it revolves around a series of oh-so-predictable misunderstandings. On occaision I don't mind this sort of book (even though they rot your brain) and I got sucked in here too. But I find that the longer it takes me to read these sorts of books the worse I feel about reading them. In this case I had a lovely Jane Urquhart waiting for me so I felt very guilty. So in summary, I liked it a tiny bit, but I also hated myself for liking it even a little since it was such crappy drivel.

Will you like it?: Need a beach book? Have a free afternoon? Enjoy the Shopaholic series? Then read this book. If not stay away or you will be facing your own guilt.

But don't take my word for it: Readers at Amazon.ca like drivel too, a review from another book review blogger, and a summary review from allreaders.com.

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers

2006-12-24T20:59:00.000-04:00

The Basics: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers, 2001, 437 pages, paperback

Where I found it: I ran out of books on a day the library was closed (Quelle horreur!) so I had to rummage around in Greg's section of the bookshelf.

What's it about?: Dave Eggers is now the editor of the literary journal McSweeney's. This book is his memoir about his formative twenties. Both of his parents die within a few weeks of each other and he and his sister are left to care for their 7 year old brother. Eggers has to cope with being a father to his brother as well as becoming an adult and making something of his life.

Did I like it?: This book isn't like any I have ever read before. While reading it I kept having to say to myself: "This really happened to someone" - it was kind of surreal. The book is written in a quirky style that I mostly enjoyed. However, sometimes Eggers uses stream of consciousness narration. That helped to convey the sense of urgency and angst that the character was feeling, but the lack of punctuation drove me insane! Overall however, I thought it was a pretty good book.

Will you like it?: While I like this book I feel it takes a pretty specific sort of person to enjoy it. You need to have the struggles of someone in their twenties trying to make it fairly fresh in your mind or else Eggers will sound a bit like a whiny and self-entitled Gen-Xer (which is he, but in a good way). It is also a fairly literary book and is not for the John Grisham set.

But don't take my word for it: A collection of literary reviews from Amazon.ca, some reader reviews that reflect the love-it-or-hate-it nature of the book, one from the UK's Richmond Review, one from the Guardian, and finally one from Salon written by Dan Savage of all people.

Nighttime is My Time - Mary Higgins Clark

2006-12-07T10:36:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Nighttime is My Time, Mary Higgins Clark, 2004, 434 pages, paperback

How I found it: Remember how I got How to Win Friends and Influence People from a cereal box giveaway? Well that's where I got this one too.

What's it about?: At a 20th high school reunion Jean discovers that 5 of the 7 girls who used to sit at her lunch table are mysteriously dead. During the course of the reunion weekend the sixth girl goes missing. Jean and a likeable local cop have to solve the mystery of which reunion guest is behind the murders before it is too late for Jean (dum-de-dum-dum DUMMMM!). Surprisingly, it takes over 400 pages to catch the guy even though they only have a few suspects.

Did I like it?: This was pure crap. At first I couldn't believe I was actually going to read the whole thing, but I kept going in the end because I wanted to know who did it. Throughout the book Higgins Clark (the "Queen of Suspense" by the way) throws out little clues about which one of the suspects it might be, but then 50 pages later that clue is proven to be false. I won't tell you whodunnit, obviously, but it was a "shocker"! This book was not well-written, but then again, I didn't expect it to be since it is one of those books where the author's name is larger than the title of the book on the front cover and the author has a reputation as one of those people that churn out the same plot in different forms for years. In the end, it turned out to be one of those books that you read at the beach or at the cabin in a rain storm. Definitely not worthy of bedtime reading during exam period! I'm quite glad it was free!

Will you like it?: If you like suspense/mystery/crime novels, Sugarmilk Falls, which I read recently, was 100 times better than this one. If like me, you manage to get this book for free, are looking for something mindless to read, and are sick of the vapid Bridgit Jones knockoff books (Shopaholic anyone?) this might not be too bad. Otherwise, stay away, far far away.

But don't take my word for it: A mixed bag of reviews on Amazon.ca (although I would have to say the one-star reviewers are the only ones who got it right), one from Bookreporter.com, and another from Woodsontheweb.com.

Falling Off the Map: Some Lonely Places of the World - Pico Iyer

2006-11-27T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Falling Off the Map: Some Lonely Places of the World, Pico Iyer, 1993, 190 pages, paperback

How I found it: Randomly browsing the travel section of my favourite Vancouver used bookstore, Bibliophile.

What's it about?: This a series of essays about countries that Iyer feels are "falling off the map". He has various reasons for classifying each of these countries, and generally I agree with him. The countries, or "lonely places", covered here are: North Korea, Argentina, Cuba, Iceland, Bhutan, Vietnam, Paraguay, and Australia. Each of the essays are an indepth look at what it means to spend time in that country, each people's outlook on the world, and a bit about the author's time there. In general though, Iyer uses great imagery to transport you there, understand how the people think, etc. These are less travel stories and more literary snapshots of countries.

Did I like it?: I quite like short prose, and essays like this since I think the format lends itself really well to bed time reading. I really liked Iyer's style of writing - I felt as if he had transported me to the place he was describing. Also, he really made me want to find out more about some of the countries and he made me want to visit Iceland even more than I already wanted to. My only complaint is that I didn't get the justification for labelling a place as "lonely place" in some instances.

Will you like?: This is some very well-written travel literature. It's not typical travel literature since it doesn't follow a journey and is not linear or plot-driven though, so unless you are okay with that, you might not like the book. However, if you ever have wondered about what life is like in North Korea, why Paraguay is so crazy or why people in Iceland are so uninhibited, this would be a good read.

But don't take my word for it: Mostly good reader reviews from Amazon.ca, a review from a blog called FOJAZZ, Iyer's wikipedia entry,

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith - Jon Krakauer

2006-11-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, Jon Krakauer, 2003, 372 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I have read two of Krakauer's other books (Into the Wild and Into Thin Air) both of which were quite interesting and well-written. When I saw a recommendation for this one on a book review thread for Into Thin Air, I got it from the local library.

What's it about: This book is about Mormons. It is mostly about how a break-away sect of fundamentalist Mormons got crazy-violent in the early 80s, but it is also about the history of Mormonism and fundamentalist Mormonism and the role of polygamy in the Mormon church. For those of you from BC always seeing the town of Bountiful on the news, there is a section on that too.

Did I like it?: I really liked this book. I know next to nothing about Mormonism (which is similar to my knowledge on any other Christian sect), so it was fascinating to find out what the religion is about and how much truth there is to those polygamy rumours. The examination of the violent aspects of the faith, including the Lafferty murders and the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping was well done too. The book was written like a long magazine article, or a series of magazine articles (which I guess is what Krakauer specializes in, so no big surprise there). I was really surprised that I couldn't put this book down.

Will you like it?: If you've heard about fundamentalist Mormons on the news you should read this book. It explains the background to all those polygamous and violent incidents in a fascinating way. For a non-fiction book, this was a great read.

But don't take my word for it: Mostly positive reviews from Amazon.ca readers, the New York Times review, one from the Christian Science Monitor, and one from the Washington Post.

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

2006-11-14T09:59:00.000-04:00

The Basics: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie, 1936, 276 pages, paperback.

How I found it: I bought some cereal because it advertised on the box that you could get a free book. From the selection they had available, this was my choice. I figured that I needed this sort of information since I am going to work in the field of law. Or something...

What's it about?: This is a self help book about how to deal with other people. It is separated into sections with names like: "Six Ways to Make People Like You", "How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking" and "Be a Leader: How to Change People without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment". At the end of each chapter is the "principle" you are meant to take out of it. These are things like: "Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly" and "Talk in terms of the other person's interests". Really, they are all common sense things that you should do. The whole book can be summed up by saying: be considerate of other people. Each section is full of examples of how to use each principle.

Did I like it?: I really didn't enjoy this book. A disclaimer though: I hate reading self-help books. I always feel like there is more wrong with me after I am finished reading the book than I did before I started. Self-help books are like cosmetics commercials: they tell you what is wrong with you so that you will buy their products to fix it. As a result, I found reading this book to be tedious and I skimmed large portions of it. I think I found it so tedious because its use of examples makes it so repetitive. I am not an idiot. I don't need ten examples of one type of behaviour to understand the point being made. I also wasn't a big fan of the constant use of examples from men I am supposed to be impressed by, such as numerous old time US presidents.

Will you like it?: If you are totally incompetent and self-conscious about your behaviour in the business world, you might like this book. Otherwise I suggest that you just use common sense and the golden rule to govern how you treat other people and you'll be fine. I also think this book would be great as a pamphlet: each of the principles set out with one example. The whole book in under 10 pages. It would be great and not nearly as tedious.

But don't take my word for it: A bunch of glowing reviews from Amazon.ca, and a summary of the principles from the book so you never have to read it. Other than that I can only find other glowing reviews from online bookstores and various business types touting the book as a miracle.

Sugarmilk Falls - Ilona Van Mil

2006-11-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Sugarmilk Falls, Ilona Van Mil, 2005, 321 pages, paperback, winner of the Crime Writers Association's Debut Dagger Award (for Crime novels by previously unpublished authors). Apparently she is also a law prof at the University of Essex in the UK.

How I found it: My mom had it and lent it to me when I was visiting her. I'm not sure if she had it for her book club or not, but either way, she really enjoyed it.

What's it about?: A small francophone town in northern Ontario is shaken out of their usual routine by the murder of the local school teacher. The townsfolk, including the priest, a trapper, the local car dealer, and the resident aboriginal family form part of a great cast of characters. It's a "whodunit" type of mystery novel, but Van Mil writes rather well and makes it feel a little more like literature. Van Mil also manages to incorporate aboriginal and religious issues in a great way.

Did I like it?: It's been ages since I read any mystery or crime books. I usually dismiss them as pulpy, but this one was so well-written for the genre that I really enjoyed it. There is so much more going on here besides the murder. The only thing that I disliked is that Van Mil switches from narrating about one set of characters to another quite quickly at times and it can be difficult for a reader to get their bearings.

Would you like it?: For a first novel, this one is quite good. And for a crime book, it is quite well written and doesn't feel very formulaic. The twists aren't that foreseeable and they do end up making sense. All in all, a good read.

But don't take my word for it: A review from Shotsmag (a UK eZine for crime fiction), a review from the UK's The Independent, and one from Sarah Weinman's blog (she's a crime writer, among other things).

Hiking the Dream: A Family's Four Month Trek Along the Trans-Canada Trail - Kathy Didkowsky

2006-11-06T12:29:00.000-04:00

The Basics: Hiking the Dream: A Family's Four-Month Trek Along the Trans-Canada Trail, Kathy Didkowsky, 2002, 292 pages

How I found it: While in Vancouver, I only had time to browse through the trekking and travel section of my favourite used bookstore, Bibliophile. This is one of three titles I picked up.

What's it aboout?: Kathy Didkowsky is a mother and part of the Nova Scotia Trans-Canada Trail Council. She takes her three kids on a hike across Canada to celebrate the Trans-Canada Trail as a project she calls Hike 2000. There is no fundraising or particular awareness goal and they aren't connected to any organization. Despite what is often written about this journey, they didn't hike all the way across Canada - they hike 20km a day, for 10 days in each province for a total of 2000 kms. As well, they rarely travel on the Trans-Canada Trail because it really doesn't exist yet - it is still in the planning and development stages. The book is written diary style and includes entries from Kathy, her kids, various friends and relatives that they hiked with and the many former railroaders they met while hiking old rail beds that have been turned into trails.

Did I like it?: I really expected to like this book since the idea of walking on trails across Canada seems pretty fun. Boy, I was quite disappointed. Didkowsky is a phys-ed teacher, not a writer and it shows. The journal-style entries from her and others aren't that interesting to read. The book seems to be almost a vanity published book, although I know it isn't. It is more a scrapbook of these peoples journey than a travelogue. I also didn't like the way the hike was organized. The 200km in each province is a bit of a cop-out in my eyes. As well, having no awareness goal or fundraising objective seemed a bit odd since as far as I know this is the first attempt of anyone trying to walk across Canada not on roads. Oh, but wait, they walk on roads quite a bit when they need to make up a few extra kms. That's another thing that bothered me. And for someone who apparently works part-time as a wilderness guide, Didkowsky didn't seem to have done much planning or obtaining of maps of the areas they walked in. I'm sure this was an incredible journey for the family and friends that did it, but as a book, it's really not that compelling and I struggled to finish it.

Will you like it?: Likely not. It is more about the personal lives of the people on the hike than the hike itself. If you are interested in railroads, you might like it however.

But don't take my word for it: Reader reviews from Amazon.ca were quite positive, a blurb from Trails Canada, and the website for Spirit Adventures, Didkowsky's guiding company were all I could find.

Greener Than Eden - Michael Kohn

2006-10-22T22:46:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Greener Than Eden, Michael Kohn, 2006, 253 pages, paperback.

How I found it: I read an article about this book in the July/Aug 2006 edition of Outpost Magazine and decided to put it on hold at the library.

What's it about?: A novel about a young man trying to escape trouble he has gotten himself into at university by going tree-planting for the summer. Noah is "green" at the job but quickly works his way up to a spot on the coveted "high-baller" crew making the big money. His summer is filled with inner struggle, love, conflict and all that usual good angsty stuff. As well, there is a great cast of characters to round out the mix. Oh yeah, and they plant a helluva lot of trees.

Did I like it?: This is Kohn's first novel, but it doesn't often show. He writes well without being obnoxiously poetic. I didn't really know anything about tree-planting before reading this book, even though I know quite a few people who do it every summer. In that respect the book was quite educational. I found the plot quite interesting, especially the interplay between the characters and Noah's personal struggle. Overall, it was a good fast read without being pulpy and formulaic.

Will you like it?: If you have ever thought about going tree-planting, this is a must read. If you are curious about it, that is another good reason to read Kohn's novel. Kohn is an emerging Canadian writer worth supporting; this is good contemporary fiction so go read it already.

But don't take my word for it: A reader review (and spoilerish plot summary) from an Amazon.ca reader, a mixed review from the Globe and Mail, and one from This Magazine.

jPod - Douglas Coupland

2006-10-18T21:02:00.000-03:00

The Basics: jPod, Douglas Coupland, 2006, 516 pages, hardcover.

How I found it: I have followed Douglas Coupland's work since I read Generation X in second year English Literature. I really enjoyed that book and a few of his other ones, including Microserfs, which is a sort of companion book to this one. I though Microserfs was a little weak so I'm not sure why I was drawn to this one. (I really do enjoy his non-fiction stuff though, like Souvenir of Canada, Terry and City of Glass.)

What's it about?: Like Microserfs, jPod follows the lives on young computer programmers. This time in the dot-bomb era we follow video game programmers instead of employees at a startup. Coupland works in all the pop culture cliches he can in a not too thinly veiled parody of EA's Burnaby sweatshop. Along with all the programmer stereotypes, Coupland also includes plot points that tie in all kinds of other contemporary Vancouver archetypes, from biker gangs to Asian human-smugglers to mom and pop shop grow-ops. Coupland also gets all "meta" on us and includes himself as a character is in novel.

Did I like it?: I was willing to give this a book a shot because I had liked Generation X so much. Like every other one of Couplands books, however, this one disappointed me. Plainly put, the man can't tie up a plot to save his life. His plot devices are contrived and poorly thought out. Here, he is striving so hard to be hip and put in all kinds of up to the minute pop culture references that he begins to be annoying. This summer I saw an "art installation" of his at St. John's The Rooms (a museum and gallery complex). The installation consisted of stream of consciousness pop culture musing printed in 72 point font in a circle around the walls of a large room. The sign at the door to the exhibit mentioned that it was not suitable for children - maybe that is why when I looked at it only the dirty words and references to pornography stood out to me. There was also a smaller room with the walls covered in seemingly random numbers. Looking up to the top corner we noticed the sequence began with 3.14... Wow Doug, how unique and innovative! My biggest beef with this book, besides the crappy plot and Coupland's incessant desire to prove how cool and with it he is was the pages and pages of wasted space. In this space Coupland attempts to show in an avant garde way, how overwhelmed by words we are in our society. Therefore he devotes 155 pages (yes I counted, so you don't have to) to such fascinating sections that include a reproduction of a Nigerian scam email, the back of a Doritos bag, pi to 10,000 digits, etc. I'm glad I borrowed this book from the library since I would feel pretty cheated if I had bought the book and spent money on 155 pages of crap that doesn't relate to the book. Perhaps when I become a successful author my publisher will let me do whatever I want and waste money and trees in the name of "art".

Will you like it?: If you are a fan of Coupland's you may like this book. It is not that bad and is on par with some of his other crap, such as Microserfs and Girlfriend in Coma. If you are a computer nerd like so many people I know (and love) this book may be interesting since it attempts (and I think fails) to caricature your world. Otherwise, I warn the general public away from this book. I know Coupland is supposed to be a celebrated Canadian writer... but really the title is rather undeserving. Sorry, Doug.

But don't take my word for it: Some generally positive reader reviews on Amazon.ca, a review from BoingBoing (a website that the characters of jPod might actually read), one from the UK's The Guardian, a fairly positive review from the Globe and Mail that calls Coupland a "superb comedian" (WTF?), and an amalgamation of reviews from metacritic, including one zinger from NY's Village Voice that sums up how I feel.

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - Michael Pollan

2006-10-16T13:23:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Omnivores Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, Michael Pollan, 2006

How I found it: I was buying Leave No Crumbs on Amazon.ca and I needed another book to boost my total high enough to get free shipping. I discovered this in the new non-fiction section and it looked good. Unfortunately due to a backlog of library books, it's been neglected for a few months but I finally got around to reading it.

What's it about?: Pollan follows the path of four very different meals from their very beginning as they are grown to the end of the line where they are eaten. The four different meals are an industrialized agriculture meal, an industrialized organic agricultural meal, a "beyond organic"/sustainable organic meal, and a foraged/hunted meal. Along the way he explains how our culture and way of eating have changed agriculture, etc.

Did I like it?: I love this book. It was fascinating. For example, did you know that most of a processed food meal consists of corn? The meat you eat was fed corn, there is corn meal and corn starch holding it together, the sweetener in your pop is corn syrup... it's all corn! As well, did you know that cows can't actually digest corn properly? It's too acidic for their special stomachs and if they eat it for too long it will eat through the side of their stomach. That's why they are only kept on the feed lot for a limited amount of time. There are all kinds of interesting facts like these in the book, and more besides. The author also does a great job of examining the ethics behind what he eats. The discussion of industrialized organic vs. sustainable organic is really informative and interesting too, especially as it pertains to meat.

Will you like it?: If you care at all about what you put in your body, this is a great book to read. It is much more interesting and informative than Fast Food Nation as it presents a much more balanced view of things. I thought I already knew quite a bit about food production, but this book really opened my eyes to much more.

But don't take my word for it: Readers on Amazon.ca seem to like it, the New York Times reviewer liked it (mostly), as did the one from the Washington Post, a review from the environmentalist website Grist.org and an open letter to Michael Pollan from Whole Foods criticizing his coverage of their industrial organic supermarket model.

How to Save the World in Your Spare Time - Elizabeth May

2006-10-04T10:37:00.000-03:00

The Basics: How to Save the World in Your Spare Time, Elizabeth May, 2006, 207 pages, paperback.

How I Found it: I believe I saw it reviewed in Canadian Geographic, but I might be wrong about that.

What's it about?: This is a how-to manual on how to be an activist or run an activist organization. It includes tips on organization, media handling, public awareness, knowing when to sue, and lots of other stuff. It is written by Canadian Elizabeth May, current leader of the Green Party, former direction of Sierra Club, etc.

Did I like it?: This book was quite informative, but I feel that the title is a bit of a misnomer - it should be Called How to Save the World as Your Part-time Job, because the tactics May uses will consume your life and eat up much more than your spare-time. I found that the book had some good tips that I could even use in the small organizations and clubs I belong to, which is helpful.

Would you like it?: Even if you aren't part of an organization, May gives some good tips on things you can do by yourself, such as letter writing. If you are part of an organization, this is your new bible. May stresses moderation and being careful not to alienate the public or politicians and I think that is a very important message for groups to remember.

But don't take my word for it: a review from the blog athenadreaming.org, one from Geist Magazine (which is Canadian) and review from the Nature Canada website.

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

2006-10-02T12:26:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen, 2006, 335 pages, hardcover

How I found it: I had been given a gift certificate to a local bookstore. I went in one day on a 30 minute break from work with the mission of buying a book since the gift certificate was about to expire. I found this one flagged on the shelf as being both Canadian and recommended by staff.

What's it about?: An old man in a seniors centre reflects on his life as a vet with a travelling circus. The story covers a few months in his early 20s when he finds his calling with exotic animals and also finds the two loves of his life, Rosie, an elephant, and Marlena, her trainer. It's a very plot-driven story about love and loss with lots of risks.

Did I like it?: I loved this book. Despite being super-busy, I read it in about three days. It made my cry more than once, which is almost without precedent. Gruen rights well and without pretention. She has done an incredible amount of research for this book and it shows. You are completely drawn inside the world of the circus and the mindset of an elephant. I was quite upset when I finished this book, simply because it was over and I had enjoyed reading it so much.

Will you like it?: I don't know how you could dislike this book. It is a great and touching story and a quick and easy read. This one comes highly recommended.

But don't take my word for it: A review from curledup.com, a more negative one from toxicuniverse.com, the usual reader reviews from Amazon.ca, and one more from bookdiva.net.

Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping - Judith Levine

2006-09-26T09:57:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping, Judith Levine, 2006, 274 pages, hard cover

How I found it?: I think I ran across it ages ago on a bestsellers list and then put in a request for it on the public library's hold system. But that was months ago and I can't really remember.

What's it about?: A left-leaning writer examines various anti-consumerist ways of living and attempts to go a year without buying anything except the necessities. She has trouble balancing her high-brow way of life with not buying anything and the book is peppered with her questioning whether wine or symphony tickets are a necessity.

Did I like it?: I thought I would really like this book and was on a waiting list to get it from the library for months. I really didn't like it though. I skimmed parts of it and couldn't wait for it to be over. Levine alternates between giving details about her personal struggles with consumerism and journalistic sections detailing various anti-consumerist movements and theories. I understand that it would be hard to go a year without buying anything but the necessities, especially for someone who has a comfortable lifestyle like Levine, but it really seemed to me that Levine went at it in half-assed manner and didn't really come to terms with the reasons why she felt she needed to shop. I felt that she was preaching at me about the potential evils of consumerism while barely managing to practice what she preaches.

Will you like it?: I wouldn't recommend this book. While it is a tale of personal struggle, and I'm sure all of us struggle with our consumer choices at some point, I don't find Levine's particular struggle to be that compelling and I doubt you will either.

But don't take my word for it: A mixed bag of reader reviews on Amazon.com, and a review from Christian Science Monitor.

Hitching Rides With Buddha: Travels in Search of Japan - Will Ferguson

2006-09-21T11:44:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Hitching Rides with Buddha: Travels in Search of Japan, Will Ferguson, 2006, 410 pages, paperback.

How I found it: This book has just been released as a paperback and I ran across it in the new non-fiction section of Chapters while debating how to spend my giftcard. I had read several of Will Ferguson's books including Beauty Tips from Moosejaw and How to Be Canadian (written with his brother Ian) and quite enjoyed them.

What's it about?: Ferguson writes about a trip taken when he was a young English teacher in Japan. His goal is to be the first person to hitchhike the length of Japan and his plan calls for him to follow the "sakura zensen", the advancing front of cherry blossoms that hits Japan every spring. Along the way he meets a varied cast of Japanese characters and of course, discovers a little about himself.

Did I like it?: How could I not? I love Will Ferguson, I love Japan and I love travel stories. Even without those factors, this book was actually laugh-out-loud funny at times. Ferguson provides great insight into the Japanese mindset and visits some sites off the beaten tourist track. Ferguson also has great insight into what it means to be a "gaijin" (foreigner) in Japan.

Will you like it?: Even those not interested in Will Ferguson, Japan, or travel stories will enjoy this book. It is quite humorous and often quite insightful. It is also a quick read with a chronological plot.

But don't take my word for it: editorial reviews from Amazon.ca, a review of the abridged British version (from 2000) from the Guardian, a great review from the blog Postcards from the Mothership.

David Suzuki: The Autobiography - David Suzuki

2006-09-15T16:53:00.000-03:00

The Basics: David Suzuki: The Autobiography, David Suzuki, 2006, 405 pages.

How I found it: I really don't remember. I think I wanted to read it because it was on the non-fiction bestsellers list and I have always been a fan of David Suzuki's work.

What's it about?: Suzuki has already published one autobiography, called Metamorphosis, in 1987, so this one focuses mostly on his life and accomplishments since then, although it does give a brief background on his younger years. This book mostly tells the story of Suzuki's life, but he does get off on tangents about environmental issues, nuclear war, politics, and lots more.

Did I like it?: I did really enjoy this book since I didn't know too much about Suzuki besides the work he has done with his environmental foundation. My only complaints are the length of the book, which makes it seem to drag near the end and the lack of organization in the book. The book is organized in a semi-chronological manner, but sometimes it jumps into being thematically organized, which gets confusing.

Will you like it?: If you are a fan of David Suzuki, it is a good read. Otherwise, I don't know if I would recommend it. Instead I would recommend that you watch The Nature of Things on CBC or check out the David Suzuki Foundation website.

But don't take my word for it: A review from the London Free Press, and another from the New Zealand Listener (a kiwi magazine).

Library Thing!

2006-09-15T09:14:00.000-03:00

I recently heard about LibraryThing.com, a site that lets you catalogue your books, tag them, organize them, and compare them to what others have. If you are crazy about books the way I am, this is an awesome online tool.

I have taken the liberty of creating a profile on Library Thing to keep track of the books I read here. It can be found under the user name: ireadtoomuch. As you may know, I don't actually own all of the books I review here - many of them come from the public library, etc. so they aren't technically part of my library. However, they are part of the library in my head, so I thought I would put them up there.

Enjoy, and maybe send me your library thing profile as well?

Queens Reigns Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent, and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler - Ethan Brown

2006-09-10T20:53:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Queens Reigns Supreme: Fact Cat, 50 Cent and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler, Ethan Brown, 2005, paperback

How I Found it: I can't remember. Perhaps it was one of the books that Amazon recommended to me?

What's it about?: The book begins with a section on the history of "hustlers" in the New York borough of Queens. It begins with the organized gangs of cocaine dealers in the 70s and continues through to the crack heyday of the 80s. The second half of the book explains the history of hip hop in Queens, starting with Run-DMC and culminating with the rise of Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo's label Murder Inc. This section of the book also details how the hustlers are connected to hip hop and explains how some of the gangsters even funded hip hop artists to use as money laundering schemes.

Did I like it?: I thought this book would be interesting as I wanted to know the history behind the boasts of many hip hop stars. Instead it was the same old same old glorification of violence and the lifestyle of the hustler. This is Brown's first book and it shows. He attempts to take a journalistic tone, but fails as he is obviously drawn in by his admiration for the lifestyle. The book also suffered from bad grammar and some very obvious editing mistakes. I was quite disappointed in it.

Will you like it?: You would have to be a big hip hop fan, and a fan of the acts discussed in the book to find it interesting. As a biography of Run-DMC, Jam Master Jay, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, and Irv Lorenzo, it's not bad, if a little brief. As anything else, it's not a great book. Not recommended.

But don't take my word for it: Editorial reviews from Amazon.ca, reader reviews from Amazon.com (because no one in Canada has reviewed it), a review from popmatters.com, and a review from someone's blog.

On Beauty - Zadie Smith

2006-08-27T21:03:00.000-03:00

The Basics: On Beauty, Zadie Smith, 2005, 446 pages, nominated for the 2005 Man Booker prize.

How I found it: When I was researching for the review of Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, I looked up the other nominees for the Booker prize that year and Smith's book sounded interesting.

What's it about?: A story of a family in crisis. The novel follows the lives of a British professor, his African American wife, their three children, and various members of the university community to which they belong. The characters learn more about each other and themselves and they learn how to love each other, even when they make poor decisions. The main storyline focuses on the parents and their failing marriage.

Did I like it?: At first I liked it, but the more I read it, the more I started to dislike it. Perhaps the fact that the book is over 400 pages long had something to do with the way the story started to drag halfway through. This book was supposed to be good enough to get nominated for a prestigious award, but I really don't see it. The book was mostly well-written but a lot of the plot devices felt quite forced and some of the characters were quite one-dimensional. Smith also uses a third person omniscient narrator which I found to be annoying, though I wasn't sure why.

Will you like it?: The story itself is rather interesting and deals with race and politics in an admirable way, although I think at times it is a little half-assed. It is one of those Oprah-friendly books though, so women might like it. I didn't like this book, but I didn't hate it so I can still recommend it as an okay read.

But don't take my word for it: Readers on Amazon.ca really liked it, editorial reviews were generally positive, the reviewer at Salon liked it, as did the one at the Guardian, and the one at the New York Times.

Outposts - Simon Winchester

2006-08-27T20:51:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Outposts, Simon Winchester, 1985, 317 pages, hard cover. (However, there was an updated version of this book released in 2004 and that cover of that book appears above since I couldn't find the old cover on the internet.)

How I found it: Randomly browsing through my favourite section of the Dewey decimal system, the 900s, at the local public library.

What's it about?: In the early '80s Winchester visited each one of the remaining colonies in the British Empire. He writes about his experiences in each place plus gives a little history about each one. His book captures the world at an unusual time - it is just after the Falklands war and at the start of the negotiations between China and Britain for returning Hong Kong so the last vestiges of empire are on everyone's minds.

Did I like it?: I really enjoyed this book. I had heard of many of the colonies, such as Gibralter and Hong Kong, yet I didn't know much about them. Others, like Pitcairn Island and Tristan da Cunha I had never heard of. Winchester captures the heart of the people of each little colony and does a great job of recounting their history as well. As I was reading the book my only complaint was that I wished there was an updated version of the book since I wanted to know what had happened to these colonies, some of which had an uncertain future at the time the book was published. I was quite surprised to find out that Winchester had read an update in 2004, and I had missed it since my little library only had the old version. I'll be sure to pick up the new version.

Will you like it?: Although I haven't read the updated version, if it is anything like the 1985 version, it is a worthwhile read. It is informative, interesting and engaging. As a former British colony, Canada's future, or perhaps Newfoundland's, might not have been too much different than some of the colonies Winchester discusses and it is interesting to see how things might have turned out. Perhaps like me, this book will make you want to visit some of these odd little corners of the world.

But don't take my word for it: Reader reviews from Amazon.ca, and a review from a blogger called The Llama Butchers.

Confessions of a Video Vixen - Karrine Steffans

2006-08-03T19:05:00.000-03:00

The Basics: Confessions of a Video Vixen, Karrine Steffans, 2005, 205 pages, hardcover

How I found it: When I was looking up a book about the history of hip hop, Queens Reigns Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent, and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler, which I haven't read yet, on Amazon.ca, it said that people who bought that book also bought Steffans book. Then I remembered that I had seen a bit of an interview with Steffans on Tyra Banks' talk show where Tyra called her a whore.

What's it about?: It is an autobiography of Steffans' life. She grew up in a home where her mother beat her, was raped as a teenager then ran away and turned to stripping. She was in several extremely abusive relationships, one of which produced a son. Then she moved to L.A., hooked up with many of Hollywood's influential men (hip hop artists, producers, actors, NBA stars, etc.). She also acted, starred in music videos and lived the high life, eventually battling drug and alcohol addictions.

Did I like it: This book is a piece of crap. It is poorly written and very poorly organize, even though her story is interesting. At 205 pages it is a fairly short book, but Steffans still manages to tell the same stories twice in some instances. Steffans comes across as completely unlikeable. She is emotionally unstable, a negligent mother, a substance abuser, a battered woman and a very poor example to for women everywhere. I don't like to judge, but this woman is despicable. She used here sexual "talents" to get money and gifts from powerful men, but I think she was just being subjugated by them. As a feminist, I take offence at her lifestyle, but at the same time I want her to get counselling.

Will you like it: Please don't buy this book. It is a total waste of your money and really only got published because it has lots of tell-all information about Steffans' sex life with famous people (P. Diddy, Ja Rule, Ice-T, Vin Diesel, Fred Durst, etc.). Don't even do what I did and borrow it from the library. The romance-novel style sex scenes are not even redeeming in a gossip-page kind of way and she doesn't even really talk about the music videos. What a waste of time.

But don't take my word for it: Readers on Amazon.ca both loved and hated it, a reviewer on the African American Literature Bookclub really liked it (as a cautionary tale though), a reviewer on AlterNet thinks that Steffans is adding a rarely heard female voice to the hip hop world.

The Oak Island Mystery: The Secret of the World's Greatest Treasure Hunt - Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe

2006-08-01T17:55:00.000-03:00

The Basics: The Oak Island Mystery: The Secret of the World's Greatest Treasure Hunt, Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe, 1995, 221 pages, paperback

How I found it: My dad and I had read a few books about Oak Island when I was a teenager and now that I live less than an hour's drive from Oak Island I thought I would pick up one of the many books about it.

What's it about?: On an island in Mahone Bay, on the south shore of Nova Scotia, two boys discovered a refilled shaft in 1795. Ever since various teams of treasure hunters have excavated parts of the island searching for some sort of treasure they believe is buried there. In the course of their excavations they have uncovered a complicated tunnel system that seems to flood any shaft that is dug to get at the suspected treasure. This book details what has been found so far, which groups of treasure hunters have operated on the island, and then goes into some of the authors far-fetched ideas about how the treasure came to be on Oak Island.

Did I like it?: For such an interesting topic, this book is pretty boring. It refreshed my memory about the ingenious tunnel system that exists on Oak Island, but other than that I didn't find it to be very credible. I skimmed the last third of the book since it dealt with the author's strange theories about the owner of the treasure. These range from pirates, to Sir Francis Bacon, to marauding Celts, to the Knights Templar and several others. I don't find much merit to any of these conspiracy theories. As well, the author intersperses details about these theories throughout the first part of the text, but then doesn't explain them until the end, which makes for a confusing read. Apparently the author is a British science fiction writer which might help explain why his writing style sucks!

Will you like it?: If you don't know anything about Oak Island this might be an okay place to start. While I can't recommend anything specifically, I can tell you that there are tons of other Oak Island books out there and perhaps you should start with something else. Or you can just check out this wikipedia article - it has the basic information.

But don't take my word for it: Most of the readers on Amazon.ca agreed with me (and were even more harsh) but it seems that the few reviewers on that site who liked the book are personal friends of the authors' (how lame).