Sundancer by Shelley Peterson, Illustrations by Marybeth Drake

Published by Key Porter Books

Shelley Peterson brings us another brilliant Young Adult book, Sundancer. Sundancer is a beautiful chestnut horse, who thanks to the quick-thinking actions of a local vet, is saved from being euthanized and is sent instead to Saddle Creek Farm. The farm is the home to thirteen-year-old Alberta (Bird for short) and her Aunt Hannah.

Hannah is at her wits end when it comes to Sundancer. He seems troubled, unreachable and dangerous. She makes it known that he is not to be ridden, especially after Bird's attempt which led to nothing but a concussion. Bird isn't going to be put off that easily though and besides, she has a gift for dealing with animals. People around her find her strange since she doesn't talk. Well, not to people at least. She can hear the thoughts of animals and send thoughts back to them and within the pages of this novel, we are treated to a glimpse of many beautiful relationships between Bird and the animals in her life.

In the middle of dealing with Sundancer, just when things can't seem to get any crazier, Bird's mother decides to pay a visit. Bird has many mixed emotions and understandably so, as she is still feeling the sting of being left with her aunt almost two years ago. She doesn't want to meet her mother's new boyfriend who is coming along for the ride, but she is excited that she will see her sister Julia again!

When they finally arrive, Bird can hardly believe it. Her mother steps out of the car all dressed in pink (including pink ankle socks!) and her sister is dressed to look like a miniature carbon copy. What follows is a wonderful mix of laughter, tears (I cried like a baby), excitement, adventure, disappointment and more, as the author delivers a story that is unforgettable. Will Bird ever feel able to speak again? Will Sundancer ever settle down and trust anyone? Will Bird's mother ever stop dressing like Barbie? It's a book that regardless of age, the reader is going to fall in love with.

The Continuity Girl by Leah McLaren

Published by Harper Collins Publishers

Leah McLaren's first novel, The Continuity Girl, is about a thirty-something girl named Meredith Moore who has a career she loves as a script supervisor, making sure that details within movies are perfect. She usually excels at what she does, but an extremely long day and dealing with an irritating producer, leads to her walking off the set and out of a job.

Her mother decides this is the perfect time for Meredith to come and visit her, back in England. She has arranged everything so perfectly, down to the plane ticket in the envelope and the ready-made job that awaits her arrival. Meredith is less than enthusiastic but after an embarrassing run-in with a cute male gynaeocologist, she decides she could do worse.

Arriving at her mother's flat in London, Meredith wonders what she has gotten into. Irma (her mother) is a very unique character with a fondness for wearing embalmed insects as fashion statements, and is the anti Martha Stewart incarnate. Only in Irma's home can you lose a footstool for 20 years.

Glad to be back at work, Meredith focusses on her job, and simultaneously tries to seek out someone who would make a suitable father for the child she is suddenly longing for. She doesn't want a husband, she just wants to get knocked up. She laughingly defines herself as a sperm bandit. Irma comes to the rescue with eligible guys who are perfect for her daughter. Perfect if you happen to like a guy who carries dead rodents around on his person and has a falcon with a hat fetish.

This book constantly cracked me up. The characters are so much fun and the author has a gift for using phrases that just make you laugh out loud. I especially liked a description during a party, in which a gossip was filling in Meredith on the rest of the people present. Pointing to a very slim girl he describes her as 'the social X-Ray in the purple dress'. I so loved that. Leah McLaren is just great with the humour.

Along with the humour, it has the usual sad, happy, tense, angry, confused moments that go with most chicklit titles. It's one of the funniest books I have read this year and I desperately wanted the book to never end. I can't wait to see the next novel by this author.

Check out the video trailer here

Take a peek at this one too

Author's website: http://www.leahmclaren.ca/

The Good Eater: The True Story of One Man's Struggle with Binge Eating Disorder by Ron Saxen

Published by New Harbinger Publications
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Eating disorders. What comes to mind when you read those words. Most people think of eating disorders as problems which affect women and while this is true of Anorexia and Bulemia, of the 2.5 Million or so Americans who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder, 40% are male. The Good Eater is the true story of one of those men, Ron Saxen.

In this book, the author shares his life with us. He shows an honesty that will cause laughter, sadness, shock and so many more emotions. We learn of his abusive childhood, awkward teen years and various careers he pursued. The most stunning to me was his time spent as a model. Ron was approached by people asking if he was a model. After looking into it and asking around a little, he got an interview with an agency and he was signed on a one year contract instantly. He got great jobs and his future seemed so bright until his binging took over again, leading him to run away from his new life, avoid his agent and take up a new career working in a coffee shop for minimum wage.

We follow along as Ron constantly battles with his weight, his body image and self-esteem , the emotional and mental strain that goes along with this disease, his past, bad choices, destructive relationships, and more often than not, his self loathing. All of these things and more, make this a real page turner of a book.

This book was such a moving memoir. At times I found myself blown away by certain actions, or perhaps more by his honesty and vulnerability in admitting to these things. The reader can't help but feel sense of intimacy with the author as he shares his experiences with us. Binge Eating Disorder is a disease that fills the sufferer with a deep sense of shame and I am so thankful that Ron Saxen was courageous enough to deal with that, provide this incredibly informative book on the subject and let other BED sufferers know they are not alone.

Great book!

Author's website: http://www.ronsaxen.com/ (includes pictures of Ron Saxen and even a video clip of his tv appearance with Italian designer Ermenegildo Zegna)

Iced: Crystal Meth: The Biography of North America's Deadliest New Plague by Jerry Langton

Published by Key Porter Books

Iced is one of those books which disturbs and yet you won't want to put it down. Meth is a drug that is mentioned increasingly in the media these days. Some reports show that the production and use of meth is a fast growing problem which needs to be dealt with, while others report with equal certainty that there is no need for alarm. The often conflicting articles bring little more than confusion and misinformation.

Jerry Langton brings light to the subject in a very clear and concise way. It's obvious he has done his research, on both the more recent events, and the history of this destructive substance. In addition he interviews numerous experts among which are Users, Sellers, Cooks, Doctors, Politicians, Police and also families of the users.

The content of this book is often disturbing and certainly raised more than a few raw emotions in me. Much of it anger. When we hear about drugs, we often focus on the effects they have on the users and maybe even on family members. Crimes rates are often another point of consideration. Iced gives us much more food for thought when it comes to meth.

The dangers of explosions in meth labs for instance, often leaving the cook with very serious burns which can require treatment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars which when the cook has little or no health insurance, leaves the hospitals or burn centers to absorb the financial loss. This can lead to the closure of such burn centers, making it difficult for the rest of the communities to find appropriate care. The same meth labs create 6lbs of toxic waste for each pound of meth created, which is far from good on the environment or people living in the area. I was less than thrilled when I read about these things.

What greatly bothered me though, is the information on what effects meth has on a person. I had known nothing about this drug but on reading, and learning that it is more dangerous than cocaine and heroine and more widely used also, I do know that people need to become more educated about it. This is a drug that causes major and permanent damage to the user. The author defines it as:

It's almost unbelievable how meth affects the brain. It's a drug that forces our
brains to reward us with otherwise unattainable pleasure. Then it denies us
pleasure from any other source. As if that wasn't bad enough, it also makes us
forget that our actions have consequences and it constantly reminds us of how
great it is. Then it damages our brain to the point where nothing, not even more
meth, can ever make us feel good again. Meth is one of those strange things that
if it showed up in fiction, it'd be dismissed as too perfect to be real.

There is so much that could, and should be done about this. There are voices out there who are trying to be heard. Voices such as Richard Rawson of the not-for-profit Matrix Institute for Addictions which has success in helping patients overcome methamphetamine dependance. Voices such as Dr Mary Holley - founder of Mothers Against Meth. Projects such as IMPACT who use Bait Cars to catch car theives, many of which are meth addicts. To bring this project to the public eye, there is a website featuring some of the video footage taken from the cars. I am sure there are countless more voices too, all we need do is listen.

If you think this subject doesn't concern you. Think about a couple, newly married, who are mentioned in this book. They had saved for their dream home and were concerned when neighbours mentioned that the previous owner had many late night visitors. The home was tested and was found to have toxic levels 70 percent higher than were safe. A result of being a meth lab in earlier times. They had to move out after only a few months there, a few months which though brief, still led to many health problems.

I found this book to be a greatly informative, and eye-opening read.

Bait Car website: http://www.baitcar.com/

Matrix Institute for Addictions website: http://www.matrixinstitute.org/

Mothers Against Meth website: http://www.mamasite.net/

Now That I Have Cancer I Am Whole: Reflections on Life and Healing for Cancer Patients and Those Who Love Them by John Robert McFarland

Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Now That I have Cancer I am Whole is a refreshing and greatly inspirational book. John Robert McFarland shares with the reader, his experiences with Cancer which are vast. As a survivor himself, McFarland has many thoughts and opinions on the struggle with this disease. In the latter part of the book, he also shares brief accounts of his experiences as a loved one, supporting his Father, Mother, Wife, Daughter, and Grandson through their own battles.

The book is in two parts. In part one we are given meditations from the author on the subjects of diagnosis, surgery and recovery, gearing up (to fight), treatment, thinking about death, taking responsibility, counting blessings, attitude adjustment, action adjustment, dealing with others (saying no), dealing with others (saying yes), dealing with our feelings, looking for answers, hitting stride (moving forward) and lastly, exams.

In this part, we witness parts of John's journey. His hopes, strengths and what seems like an unfailing optimistic outlook. I say seems, as John is also courageous enough to share his fears and weaknesses, his vulnerability. It is a frank and honest account, spoken from the heart, and at times sprinkled with humour which catches the reader offguard. I didn't imagine I could ever hold a book with such a title, and find myself laughing out loud but that is exactly what happened. He takes the subject of Cancer and splashes positivity and light onto it, making it just a little bit less scary.

In the second part, the author directs the content at those who love Cancer patients. He deals with the subjects of long-term surviving, when a parent or sibling is the patient, when a spouse is the patient, and when a child or grandchild is the patient. Throughout the book the author has a way of putting the reader at ease and sharing his experience in a non-frightening, not-patronizing way. Along with his personal thoughts and feelings, he shares anecdotes and jokes which really made the book a captivating read.

What I had expected with this book, was an account of the cancer experience, a dark read, even maybe at times technical. What I got was one man's personal message for hope. John Robert McFarland was given 1-2 years to live at the time of his diagnosis. He decided to take control of his life, not just co-operating with the medical system, but actively fighting the disease on another level and eventually beating it. It was a truly touching read and if I highly recommend it for anyone who has had cancer touch their lives.

Dry by Barbara Sapergia

Published by Coteau Books

Dry is one of those novels that stick in the mind of the reader. It is based in the future, an all too realistic future in which the global warming has worsened to devastating levels. Even if the lack of rain were not a factor, the lands have been ruined by commercial farming, the use of chemicals and so on.

We are introduced to Signy Nilsson and her brother Tomas who are plant scientists. They have been working on finding a way for wheat to grow in the harsh conditions that exist. That alone is a consuming task but when mixed with the constant battle against Magnus Dragland, one of the richest and oldest men around, life becomes much more of a struggle.

Dragland owns almost a hundred square miles of the land that surrounds the Nilsson farm and has tried everything to own their land too. Now that all the legal options have been exhausted, Dragland begins to play dirty and people are getting hurt.

Along with Signy and Tomas, lives David. David is Signy's son who is a remarkably special boy. While he was born deaf, he does hear sounds that seem unavailable to those around him, sounds from the land itself. Along with these characters, we are introduced to countless others, all of whom are written in a very rich and vibrant way.

The novel is a beautiful blend of futuristic, mythological, native and historical themes which flow together seamlessly. The story, while not really fast paced, keeps the reader's attention flawlessly and packs many a surprise within the pages. The author has an incredible gift for being able to weave the facts into the tale in such a way that leaves the reader stunned when they come to light. It added a fun element to a thrilling adventure.

I found the many emotional ties which exist between the characters gave the book an extra something too. Though neatly put together, this novel always gave the impression that the story could quite easily have taken half-a-dozen alternative directions at any point. I haven't often come across a book with that quality before.

A greatly enjoyable read.

The Art of Salvage by Leona Theis

Published by Coteau Books

The Art of Salvage is one of those novels which haunts the reader. There are two main characters, in my view at least. Amber is a young woman with a lot on her mind. She suffers from mood disorders, she lost her best friend as a child, she discovered that her sister was in fact her mother, and the only two people she knew as parents, are deceased. Amber has so many questions, not only about her life and her birth parents, but also questions about herself. She seems often to resemble a shadow of a person, a ghost maybe, just barely existing and yet other times she is a force to be reckoned with, resembling a destructive tornado. She is a brilliantly written complex character.

The second main character, almost as complex, is Del. Del is Amber's birth mother though you would never really know it, from their dynamic. Del came across as a far more distant character, one you could never really reach out and touch, like you could with Amber. She is very closed off, almost fragile, and each of those qualities just leaps off the page when she makes an appearance. Del had become pregnant in 1974 and as was popular then, she went to a home for expectant mothers and tried to come to terms with giving away the child she was carrying. Del's mother decides that the baby should be raised as her own and Del, glad to be free of the decision, goes along with the plan.

The book has a layout of four parts. In part one of the book, we are introduced to the characters much later in life, after the death of the parents who raised them. Part two brings us the story of Del while part three is focussed on Amber. In part four, the final and to me, most dramatic section, we see them together once more as they try and come to terms with life and their choices.

This novel was gripping, exhilerating, crushing, devastating, hopeful, and intense. I found myself attached to both characters in the early pages as the author successfully grabs the attention of the reader and holds it, almost effortlessly until the very last page. I found the descriptive style to be excellent, especially when dealing with volatile or emotional scenes. The reader can almost hear the sounds of objects breaking, and in one especially memorable scene, cutting (self injury) is featured and the detail, though very brief, was chilling.

A great book and one that I will return to, time after time.

Author's website: http://www.leonatheis.com/

The Line Painter by Claire Cameron

Published by Harper Collins Publishers

Claire Cameron brings us her first novel, The Line Painter. In it, we meet the main character Carrie, who is in the middle of a traumatic and confusing period of her life. All we know at first is that she is running away from something, but what? or who? When the car she is driving breaks down, she finds herself alone, in the middle of nowhere. A truck pulls up, a guy gets out and offers to help and Carrie finds herself feeling nervous, afraid, or as the guy puts it, "creeped". Ignoring her instincts, she accepts a ride to the next town. What follows is a suspenseful, intense and at times, heartstopping tale which keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

This book has a great storyline and brilliantly written characters. Along with the two main characters, are a selection of colourful and memorable folk. I love that each of the characters, no matter how fleeting their appearance, seem incredibly real. It is probably the attention to detail that is constant throughout, enough to paint a picture and yet not drown out the story. It is one of the most realistic novels I have read and captures the attention of the reader from the very start. The pages ooze with raw energy and emotion and the descriptions reach right into the heart of the reader.

My favourite scene, which I won't go into in too much detail so as to not ruin it for you when you buy this book, is when Carrie loses control for a short time. She screams and the author writes that scene in such a skillful manner that she gives the emotion a physical form, a form so real that I felt that had I held my fingers closer, I could have reached out and touched it, and been enveloped and consumed by it. That's something I haven't experienced before, in any book.

It's also rare for me to read a book and feel exhilarated and drained all at once, but this book left me feeling that I hadn't just read this novel, but had been there, on the road with the characters, experiencing it all first hand. I think that came from the fact that the reader has to use their own imagination and mind to fill in the spaces that are left intentionally for that purpose. The reader has no choice but to feel more involved. That added a lot to my enjoyment of The Line Painter.

An incredible first book which I couldn't put down and since it's a pretty quick read, I didn't have to. I can't wait to see what Claire Cameron comes up with next.

Author's website: http://www.claire-cameron.com/

The author speaks about her book: Click here to view

Dear Gabriel: Letter from a Father by Halfdan W. Freihow

Perfect Father's Day Gift
Published by House of Anansi Press

Dear Gabriel was translated by Robert Ferguson as it is originally written in Norwegian. Defined as one of the most beautiful books written in that language, it's easy to see why, once you begin to read it.

It is written as an open letter from a father to his son. Gabriel is a special child who lives with autism every day. In this book, his father writes of his memories of certain days they shared, the way Gabriel shows an unrelenting courage, and determination to live a "normal" life.

We, the readers, are given glimpses, not just into the life of Gabriel, but into the lives of those around him, friends, family, teachers, and most of all, his father. The book shows a complex and yet wonderfully close and intimate relationship between father and son. A relationship which is sometimes sprinkled with misunderstandings and frustrations but always, always filled with an unfailing love.

This book is both uplifting and heartbreaking at once. It is brutally honest, not just about living with autism every day but also the fears and concerns when innocent questions are asked. Among the most memorable, and forgive the paraphrasing, is when Gabriel asks what will happen when his parents die, who will look after him, and his father can only reply "I don't know son".

As for the glimpses into Gabriel's life. Oh wow. He has a curiosity, a way of just reaching out and grabbing life in all it's entirety that is simply infectious. It truly is inspiring to read about. I shed tears of laughter, and of joy and this book touched my heart in ways few books ever have.

I think this is also a perfect time to be reviewing this title, with Father's day coming this Sunday. It makes a great gift idea! Young or old, male or female, this book will appeal to most. I was surprised, pleasantly, by the honesty the author shows in revealing his heart and mind. A Fantastic read!

Grapes from the Vine by Judith Lawrence

Self Published by the Author via Lulu

Grapes from the Vine is a collection of poetry, written by Judith Lawrence, during times of meditation and contemplation of God. Contained within the pages, are 35 beautiful, heartfelt, descriptive poems which are just so filled with awe, love and positivity that this book is truly a joy to read.

My own personal favourite is Still Centre, which speaks of letting life be quieted, turbulent mind being stilled along with a restless spirit in order that we may journey on, peaceful and unafraid. It is a poem I have read so often already, I know it will always remain with me.

No matter what your religious beliefs are, these poems are an inspiration and provide a calming of the soul. I know that by the time I turned the last page, and read Epiphany, which was written in January 2007 on the occasion of Grapes from the Vine being republished, I longed to find my own sense of peace and search for answers of my own.

The author's faith, love, and adoration are all abundantly clear in this little book, making it a wonderfully uplifting and heartfelt read that you are sure to go back to, often.

Author's website: http://www.judithlawrence.ca/

Boomsday by Christopher Buckley

Published by Twelve An Imprint of Hachette Book Group USA

In Boomsday, Christopher Buckley brings us the character of Cassandra Devine, a 29 year old blogger who causes chaos and mayhem when she posts on her blog, that she believes Baby Boomers should be given government incentives to commit suicide at the age of 70.

We first meet Cassandra as a promising student who leaves no doubt that she can achieve anything she wants in life, including getting into Yale. She is forced to leave that dream when her dad confesses he used her university funds to start his new business which isn't going that great just yet and so, as an alternative, she joins the US Military.

While on duty in Bosnia, she is asked to escort a congressman from his plane to his destination. Simple right? Not when that congressman is Randy Jepperson, who, through a multitude of choices, winds up driving the two of them into a minefield, resulting in the congressman losing a leg and the world thinking they were both having sex.. Can things get any worse?

Now Cass works for a PR company during the day and writes her blog at night. The Baby Boomer post which she writes, has the whole world buzzing, including a senator who wants to take the issue all the way to the White House. It also captures the attention of Gideon Payne, also known as Mr Pro-Life, who Cass describes as a preacher on steroids.

What follows is a truly wild and out of control ride, with truly hilarious moments and yet the author somehow also manages to add more than a few heartwarming moments.

This is one of those books that just when you think it cannot possibly get any funnier, it does! There are so many fun twists and suprises. The characters are brilliantly written, the story is just fantastic and I honestly can't find enough good things to say about this book. It's a must read. It's my first experience with a Christopher Buckley novel but it certainly won't be my last.

The Divine Duty of Servants: A Book of Worship based on the artwork of Bruno Schulz by Rolando Perez

Published by Cool Grove Press

The Divine Duty of Servants is a unique book in many ways. It is based upon the artwork of Bruno Schulz, though sadly, because Schulz's estate did not grant the author permission to use any of Schulz's artwork, none is featured here. There are instead some wonderful illustrations by Malcolm McKesson which capture the subject well, along with photographs from the same theme, taken by the author himself.

The content of this book is highly sexual and deals with the masochism and fetishism that is obvious in Schulz's work. This is done via way of essays, short stories, poetry and notes, my favourites of which were the Snow White and Cinderella tales, retold with a fetish spin. The author includes a mass of information which at first glance appears to have little to do with the subject of the book but at some point in reading, the reader can't help but notice that all the material in the book meshes together almost effortlessly. I am sure it wasn't a simple task for the author to achieve that though.

Overall, after reading this book, I was still unsure how I felt about it as it caused many a knee-jerk reaction along the way. That said, it also provided me with a great deal of food for thought, an insight into a great artist and his tragic history, and I am sure it is a book I will read again, perhaps after exploring some of Bruno Schulz's fiction.

It definitely makes an interesting read and I do love that three days later, as I write this review, I am still thinking about the content and subject matter. It contains a lot of explicit language so if you are easily offended, it may not be the book for you.

For the artwork of Bruno Schulz, you can go to www.google.com and google his name and look under images. There you will find countless examples.

Author's website: http://members.aol.com/rolez/

Dirty Talk: Speak the Language of Lust by Lynne Stanton. Illustrations by Stan Chow

Published by Chronicle Books

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Lynne Stanton gives us a cute little book that is a breeze to read. This book oozes sensuality, even the smooth velvet style cover screams out with it and while it jumped out at me as making a great valentines gift, it would be a fabulous addition to any bedroom, any time.

The book has an introduction, 3 sections: Finding Your Voice, Sharing the Love, and Ramp It Up and a closing. The introduction shows the reader that when it comes to learning new languages, the language of lust is one that will add extra fuel to the love life. It teaches the reader that it's not something to be ashamed of but rather, should be practiced and used lots!

In the first section, we are given some examples of things we could say and tips on finding yet more inspiration. For the book lovers, some erotic titles or perhaps if you are a movie buff, the movie list would be more to your taste. In this section we also learn about the fun of sexy phone calls.

Section 2 takes it to the next level. Now that the reader is a little more at ease with the language of lust, we bring in the partner and talk about sharing ideas, fantasies, thoughts and more. Little hints for adding spice are given. Notes in brief cases, lipstick messages on mirrors, a subtle whisper before a public gathering and many more ideas that will set your creative juices flowing.

Section 3 takes it still further and shows how to add a new twist to your love life. From dressing up and role playing, to taking it outside the bedroom, the options are limitless. I especially liked that learning to speak more openly will get you more of what you in the bedroom too. The book is illustrated throughout with fun and flirty images which add to fuelling the reader's imagination.

I had a lot of fun with this one!

Stan Chow's website: http://www.chinkyafro.com/

Cathedral Women by Carol Malyon

Published by The Mercury Press

Carol Malyon brings us a fast paced novel which will keep the reader constantly guessing. A few weeks ago, Tracey had it all. A boyfriend, two loving parents, a job she almost liked. Now her world is upside down as she gave up the guy and shortly after her parents went away on a vacation, she gets a call to say they were killed in an accident with a drunk driver.

While sorting out papers in her dad's office, she stumbles across an envelope on which is written To be given to Angela on her twenty-first birthday. Puzzled, she opens it and finds a notebook, a snapshot, and a letter from someone named Gloria Cathedral, a woman who gave away her baby to be adopted.. a baby who shares Tracey's birthday.

What follows is a touching adventure in which Tracey is determined to find out who she is and where she belongs. We, the readers, are still granted access to her parents' view of all this as they lurk on a cloud and watch over their darling girl.

This book is so suprising. I loved the unique aspect of having her parents still talking to us and filling us in on little pieces as we read along. I liked the straight-forward, no-frills writing style. The raw emotion, often heartbreaking, just screams out from the pages and the reader just can't help but hope that this is going to end happily. With so much tragedy at the start, it's not likely, but we live in hope regardless.

The book gives an insight not just into life after the death of Tracey's parents but also of her teen years. We get to see Tracey really develop as a character and that was wonderful for me. I also loved that we see her take two journeys. One, a physical search for family and home, and a second in which she searches within herself and uses fact and imagination to come to terms with her life.

A great read!

La Grosse-Île: Terre de chagrin et d'espoir par Anne Renaud

Publié par Les Éditions de Homard
Also available in English

La Grosse-Île: Terre de chagrins et d'espoir est un regard détaillé brillant à cette île importante, située 50 kilomètres du port du Québec. Cette île était une station de quarantaine de 1932 à 1947, où les passagers étaient examinés pour déceler la maladie avant qu'ils aient été autorisés pour continuer leur voyage à leur nouvelle patrie.

De plus de quatre millions de personnes qui ont navigué l'océan Atlantique et ont fait ce voyage, beaucoup de vies ont été perdu dues à l'épidémie tragique de Typhus de 1847 qui est également compris dans le livre et avant cela, le choléra asiatique. Beaucoup on été enterrés dans les cimetières sur l'île et une chose que je me rappelle clairement du livre, qui m'a touché considérablement, étais que ces tombes ont été entretenues par les habitants de l'île. C'est-à-dire, les familles des employés de l'île ont choisi de vivre l'année au complet sur l'île plutôt que revenir pour travailler entre les mois de mai et novembre.

Ce livre est recommandé pour les âges de 8 ans et plus et est une grande friandise pour la vue avec le grand mélange d’illustrations, de photos et de notes d'histoire répandus partout. Les notes d'histoire ne sont pas juste au sujet de l'immigration et de la maladie non plus, par exemple, un sur la réfrigération à la maison. Sur l’Île Grosse, les familles ont maintenu leur nourriture dans de petits bâtiments en bois appelés les glacières, construite en partie sous le sol et qui a stocké de grands blocs de glace déposés sur de la sciure de bois.

J'aime la navigation facile des pages et j’aie particulièrement aimé les illustrations par Aries Cheung. J'ai appris beaucoup de ce livre et il a piqué vraiment ma curiosité. J'inclurai un lien au fond de la revue à l'emplacement des parcs du Canada pour l’Île Grosse qui inclut une excursion sur le web, bien plus d'information et une liste commémorative où vous pouvez faire de la recherche pour des ancêtres.

Site web de l’illustrateur : http://www.ariescheung.com/

Site web des parc du Canada pour l’île Grosse : http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/grosseile/index_e.asp

Island of Hope and Sorrow: The Story of Grosse Île by Anne Renaud

Published by Lobster Press
Aussi disponible en Français

Island of Hope and Sorrow: The Story of Grosse Île is a brilliant in depth look at this important island, located 50 kilometers from the Port of Quebec. This island was a quarantine station from 1932 to 1947, where passengers would be checked for disease before they were permitted to continue their journey to their new homeland.

Of the more than four million people who sailed the Atlantic and made this journey, many lives were lost due to the tragic 1847 typhus epidemic which is also covered in this book, and before that, the asiatic cholera. Many were buried in the graveyards on the island and one thing I remember clearly from the book, which touched me greatly, was that these graves were tended by the island dwellers. That is, families of island employees who chose to live on the island year round rather than come over to work between May and November.

This book is recommended for ages 8 and up and is great eye candy with it's great mix of illustrations, photos and history notes sprinkled throughout. The history notes aren't just about the immigration and disease either, for example, one on home refrigeration. On Grosse Île, families kept their food in small wooden buildings called icehouses, built part underground and which stored large blocks of ice set upon sawdust.

I love the easy navigation of the pages and especially loved the illustrations by Aries Cheung. I learned a lot from this book and it really piqued my curiosity. I will include a link at the bottom of the review to the Parks Canada site for Grosse Île which includes an online tour, even more information and a memorial list where you can check for ancestors.

Illustrator's website: http://www.ariescheung.com/

Canada Parks website for Grosse Île: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/grosseile/index_e.asp

A Bloom of Friendship: The Story of the Canadian Tulip Festival by Anne Renaud. Illustrated by Ashley Spires.

Published by Lobster Press

A Bloom of Friendship is the second title of the My Canada series by Lobster Press. The book provides the history behind Canada's Tulip Festival - the largest Tulip Festival in the world - and how it all began with a gift a thanks in 1945. That was the year that Princess Juliana of the Netherlands presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs to express appreciation for providing a safe haven for Holland's royal family during World War II and also in recognition of the role of the Canadian Forces in liberating the Netherlands. Each year since, Canada has been given the gift of 20,000 tulip bulbs which are planted in around Ottawa.

By use of wonderful photographs, exquisite illustration and a colourful and eye catching layout, the story is brought to the reader in a way that is guaranteed to hold their attention. The Instant History Facts posted throughout the book were an instant hit with me and I simply loved the inclusion of imagery and newspaper clippings from World War II.

This book is a great read and highly recommended. The age is 8+ but if my experience is anything to go by, it's a fun and informative read for any age.

The first book in this series is Our Song: The Story of "O Canada", the Canadian National Anthem written by Peter Kuitenbrouwer and illustrated by Ashley Spires, and the third is Our Game: The History of Hockey in Canada written by Dave Stubbs and illustrated by Neal Portnoy which is also available in french under the title: Notre Sport: L'histoire du hockey au Canada..

Illustrator's website: http://www.ashleyspires.com

Canada's Tulip Festival site: http://www.tulipfestival.ca/

"Yiddishe Mamas" : The Truth About the Jewish Mother by Marnie Winston-Macauley

Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Marnie Winston-Macauley holds nothing back as she delves into every aspect of the Jewish Mother. Finally a book that shows real mothers in real situations which are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking but always, always truly inspiring.

Jewish Mothers have always been a comical subject. No matter what your ethnic background, you will have experienced it in some form, even in sitcoms it's a popular choice for getting the laughs. While this book does have a great amount of hilarity in it also, the reader is treated to an insightful and refreshing look at many incredible women.

The book has clearly been brilliantly researched and while I had expected the humour and stereotypes that are found within the pages, I hadn't expected the latter chapters to deal with the inquisition and the holocaust - which I was positively thrilled with. Other favourite sections of this book for me, were The Jewish Mother Experience and Experienced: A Bissel of Information, Commentary, Debate, Anecdotes and Humour which covers so much from Yiddish and Yinglish, to Nakhes (pride), Bubbes (Grandmas) and more, and Yes, They, Too, Are Jewish Mothers which covers many Jewish Mothers who achieved so much in their lives. Some accounts that I especially loved were from the Pioneer and Colonial times.

You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this book and I can't imagine anyone reading this and regretting it. It's a perfect mix of personal anecdotes and historical fact, blended with humour, wit, and passion. I also like that just when I reached the end of the book - which I couldn't put down - and thought I couldn't possibly find anything more to love about it, I found The Aleph-baiz of Jewish Mother Humor, Selected Biographies and Selected Bibliographies, all of which are wonderful resources. This is a fantastic book that will never let you see Jewish Mothers the same way again. As for me personally, I found myself wishing I had a Yiddishe Mama of my very own.

Author's website: http://www.ask-sadie.com/

Wombat Smith Vol 1: En route pour la Tasmanie par Anne Sautel. Illustrations par Scott Stewart

Publié par Les Éditions de Homard
Also available in English

Dans ce livre, le premier d'une série adaptée vers des enfants des âges de 7 ans et plus qui promet d'être amusement et instructif, Anne Sautel introduit le liseur à Wombat Smith. Wombat Smith est un caractère mignon qui invite au caresses et qui a beaucoup de questions.

Un jour il se rend compte que bien que sa famille humaine est très affectueuse et supportable, ils ne sont pas tout à fait le même que lui. Pendant une visite à la bibliothèque locale, il se renseigne sur l'Australie et est excité d’apprendre que d'autres marsupiaux, comme se, peuvent être trouvés là.

Tandis que sa famille est nerveuse qu’il prend un voyage tout seul, elle soutient sa quête pour des réponses et convient qu'il devrait visiter l'Australie, et ainsi son aventure commence! Wombat rencontre beaucoup de créatures sur son voyage, et a plusieurs expériences qui ne sont pas tout amusement. Va-t-il jamais trouver un endroit où il peut y être en harmonie ?

J'ai aimé tant de choses au sujet de ce livre. Wombat est un caractère infectieux, qui m'a rappelé de l'ours de Paddington de Michael Bond - et il est juste autant aimable. Le lecteur ne peut pas s’empêcher de sentir les tressaillements, l'énervement, l'excitation et autres. C’est fantastique la manière que l'auteur saupoudre l'information culturelle dans tout le livre, tout en ne perdant jamais l'élément de l'amusement. Les illustrations profondément expressives ont également ajoutées beaucoup à cette histoire merveilleuse.

Je peux à peine attendre pour lire la prochaine livraison qui est intitulée : Wombat Smith, Vol. 2: Escapade à Pékin!

Wombat Smith: Vol 1: Wombat Takes on Tasmania by Anne Sautel. Illustrated by Scott Stewart.

Published by Lobster Press

Aussi disponible en Français

Anne Sautel introduces the reader to Wombat Smith in this book, the first in a series geared towards children of ages 7 and up, which promises to be both fun and informative. Wombat Smith is a cute and cuddly character with a lot of questions.

One day he realises that although his human family is very loving and supportive, something isn't right, they aren't quite the same as he is. During a visit to the local library, he learns about Australia and is excited to learn that other Marsupials, like himself, can be found there.

While his family is very nervous about him taking a trip alone, they support his quest for answers and agree he should visit Australia, and so his adventure begins! Wombat meets many creatures on his journey, and has many experiences which are not all fun. Is he ever going to find a place where he fits in?

I loved so many things about this book. Wombat is an infectious character, who reminded me a little of Michael Bond's Paddington Bear - and he is just as lovable. The reader can't help but feel the thrills, nervousness, excitement and more. It's great the way the author sprinkles cultural information throughout the book, while never losing the element of fun. The deeply expressive illustrations added a lot to this wonderful story also.

I can hardly wait to read the next installment which is titled: Wombat Smith, Vol 2: Beijing Breakaway!

The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy -- and Why They Matter by Marc Bekoff

Published by New World Library

Marc Bekoff brings us an insightful look into the often debated subject of whether animals are capable of emotions. To those of us who share our lives with pets, this may seem like a question that can be easily answered. The wagging tail of our dogs as they hear the subtle sounds of their leash being gathered in preparation for a walk. The purring of the cat as they let us know that they like to be stroked or held. These all seem like clear signs of emotion to me, and to the author.

What I don't think of often, are the non-domestic animals. Lions, dolphins, wolves, mice, and countless others. The author brings us some fascinating examples that are truly awe inspiring. Whether it is the lions who rescued a 12 year old girl from her kidnappers, the dolphins who saved 4 swimmers from being eaten by a shark, the magpies who seemed to hold a funeral of sorts for a fallen friend or the many other situations that are defined, one thing is certain, you will never look at animals the same way.

What I found quite disturbing in this book were some of the descriptions of treatment of animals. Often by scientists who, while recognizing that their own pets are capable of feeling emotion, refuse to consider the fact that test subjects are capable of the same. I guess part of it is that it is probably easier to subject these creatures to the testing without having to consider the suffering involved.

The author brings forth a great argument for better treatment of animals in those conditions as well as those who are confined in zoos. It's shocking to learn that some scientists will ignore rules and regulations in order to further their research. Research which often is not helpful since it has been shown that animals who are treated poorly while being studied, often have unreliable results due to stress and trauma. In human terms, it would be something like having no sleep for a week, then catch a bad flu and be feeling at your worst and then having to sit an important exam. You know you wouldn't do as well.

Data has proven that this kind of research has led to medication being tested on animals, being passed through the FDA and then has still led to countless deaths. Adverse drug reactions are the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Maybe it's time to think about more reliable - and humane - testing methods.

This book is a great mix of stories, personal experience and scientific research that will help anyone who reads it, make the right choices and help create a more humane society. It's a fascinating read which caught my attention firmly from the first page and I highly recommend it.

Author's website: http://literati.net/Bekoff

Drôles De Bestioles! Petit guide des insectes par Natalie Rompella

Publié par Les Éditions de Homard
Also available in English

Natalie Rompella apporte le monde d'insectes au lecteur d'une façon amusante et informative. Nous apprenons beaucoup de choses, comment identifier un insecte, où ils peuvent être trouvés, de quoi ils se nourrissent et nous parvenons à voir beaucoup de belles et claires images photographiques d'insects divers.

Il y a tant de faits amusants et étonnants comme le fait que le scarabée de Goliath est tant qu'une canette de soda et peut être trouvé surtout dans les forêts tropicales humides africaines. Savez-vous que vous pouvez dire la différence des coccinelles par le nombres et des couleurs de taches qu'ils ont?

Ce titre est un merveilleux livre pour un parent pour s'asseoir et lire avec leur enfant. Non seulement il partage tellement d'informations mais il a un guide amusant qui montre comment chercher des insects dans le monde autour de vous et comment les prendre sans risque - nous rappelant bien sûr pour les laisser aller quand vous les avez étudiés.

Mon fait favori devait être que vous pouvez calculer la température en écoutant certains crickets. Si vous comptez le nombre de gazouillements en 13 secondes et ajoutez ensuite 40 à ce numéro, il vous donnera la température en Fahrenheit.

N'écrasez pas cet insect est le premier livre de la série Les Découvertes du Homard qui encourage des enfants à explorer le monde autour d'eux et le voir d'une nouvelle façon. On le recommande à l'age de 5 à 7, mais indépendamment de votre âge, je serais étonné si vous n'avez pas appris quelque chose de nouveau de ce livre.

Site Web de l'auteur : http://www.natalierompella.com/

Don't Squash That Bug: The Curious Kid's Guide to Insects by Natalie Rompella

Published by Lobster Press
Aussi disponible en Français

Natalie Rompella brings the world of insects to the reader in a fun and informative way. We learn many things, how to identify an insect, where they can be found, what they feed on and we get to see many beautiful, clear photographic images of various bugs.

There are so many fun and amazing facts like the fact that the goliath beetle is as long as a soda can and is found mostly in the African rainforests. Did you know that you can tell the different species of ladybugs from the numbers and colours of spots they have?

This title is a great book for a parent to sit down and read with their child. Not only does it share so much information but it has a fun guide which shows how to look for bugs in the world around you and how to safely collect them - remembering of course to let them go when you have studied them.

My favourite fact had to be that you can figure out the temperature by listening to certain crickets. If you count the number of chirps in 13 seconds and then add 40 to that number, it will give you the temperature in Fahrenheit.

Don't Squash That Bug is the first book of the Lobster Learners series which encourages children to explore the world around them and see it in a new way. It is recommended for ages 5-7 but whatever your age, I would be surprised if you didn't learn something new from this book.

Author's website: http://www.natalierompella.com/

Dear Jo: The story of losing Leah ... and searching for hope by Christina Kilbourne

Published by Lobster Press


Meet Maxine, a twelve year old girl who spends much of her time with her circle of five friends: Leah, Lexi, Emma, Kelsey and Amanda. Maxine is closer to Leah though and they have a lot of fun chatting with boys online while pretending to be older than they are. It's all harmless. It's only a website.. right?

When Leah vanishes, everything changes. The police start to look for all the clues they can find and when they question Max about Leah's computer, she tells them about the chats and e-mails. How could she not? When she looked at the e-mails on Leah's computer she found that even though the boy's name was different, it was obviously the same boy she had been speaking with.

Now she is left to struggle with the knowledge that it could have been her who was missing, and the guilt of being safe and of not realising something was wrong before now. Maxine starts to avoid friends and family. She spends a lot of time in her room writing in her diary which she renames to Jo, short for journal.

The police ask Maxine to help them. They want her to e-mail the boy again and try and bring him out into the open. What follows is a gripping and emotionally charged chain of events.

Via way of this journal, we follow along this painful story of loss and tragedy. A story that is all too real as these things can, and do happen all the time. It's a great book in that it really brings home the message about the perils of the internet and why parents should be more "hands on" in supervising when their kids use it.

In the back of the book, it also includes Internet Safety Tips for youngsters and a section for Parents which were compiled with help from "Online Safety" at Oprah.com and "Safety Tips" from NetSmartz for which I will include the links below.

This book is a must read for all children who use the internet, and their parents. The recommended age is 9+. This is one of the most important books I have read this year and has been included on my "books which belong on any bookcase" list.

If your tween or teen only reads one book this year, Dear Jo should be the one

Author's website: http://www.christinakilbourne.com/

Oprah's Safety: http://www2.oprah.com/presents/2005/predator/safety/safety_online.jhtml

Netsmartz: http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/safetytips.htm

Les mots d'Oscar par Pamela Edwards. Illustrations par Louis Pilon

Publié par Les Éditions Homard
Also available in English.

Pamela Edwards nous ammene un livre d'enfant merveilleusement amusant. Le caractère principal est Oscar, un petit garçon tranquille donc on en apprend de plusieur personne dans sa vie. Sa mère nous dit qu'il aime les trains. Sa soeur nous dit qu'il a peur des chiens. Ils ne lui ont jamais laissés la chance de parler pour lui même hors donc est ce qu'ils le connaissent réellement?

Quand Oscar a eu sa première journée de pré-maternelle, il s'est retrouvé dans une nouvelle situation. Il y a des membres de famille autoritaires qui répondent pour lui et maintemant il se retrouve à esseyer de trouver sa propre voie. Quand il arrive à la maison, sa famille est la pour une surprise!

Cet un livre enchanteur. L'histoire est mémorable, amusant et probablement un de ces livres dont votre enfant vous supplira de le lire encore et encore. Les illustrations de Louis Pilon accompagne le récit parfaitement et ammène l'histoire en vie d'une manière vivide et coloré.

Le livre est engendré envèrs les enfants d'une gamme de 4 à 6 ans mais est plaisant à lire pour tout le monde. Je croie que c'est un livre stupéfiant du fait qu'il inspire et encourage la confiance au enfants qui sont timide et tranquille. Il va leur montrer que c'est bien de partager ses pensées et opinions, et leur aider à apprendre à dévelloper leur propres préférences

Oliver Has Something to Say by Pamela Edwards. Illustrated by Louis Pilon

Published by Lobster Press

Aussi disponible en Français

Pamela Edwards brings us a wonderfully amusing book for children. The main character is Oliver, a quiet little boy who we learn about from the many people in his life. His mother tells us that he loves trains. His sister tells us that he is afraid of dogs. They never give him a chance to speak for himself so how well can they really know him?

When Oliver has his first day at prekindergarten, he finds himself in a new situation. There are no bossy family members to answer for him and so he is left trying to find his own voice. When he gets home, his family are in for a shock!

This is a delightful book. The story is memorable, funny and likely to be one of those books which your child will beg you to read again and again. The illustrations by Louis Pilon accompany the tale perfectly and bring the story to life in a very vivid and colourful way.

The book is geared towards children in the 4-6 age range but is a fun read for anyone. I think this is an amazing book in that it will inspire and promote confidence in children who are shy or quiet. It will teach them that it's okay to share thoughts and opinions, and help them learn to develop their own preferences.