Are you looking for a great book or show? Our library staff have you covered.
Check out our recommendations below, a collection of staff favourites from this past year!
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Set in the distant future, Meg’s top read starts as a relatively simple story featuring an astronaut waking up after falling unconscious during launch.
As the story develops through many twists and turns, we learn more about our characters, their mission, and the mysterious operating system that guides them.
This Young Adult Science Fiction book is great for readers who like a page-turner that you just can’t put down, especially if you’re looking for stories with well-developed 2SLGBTQI+ main characters or if you like sci-fi stories about the human experience in space
The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
From the first page to the last, Mairi was captivated by the three unlikely characters and the beautiful writing in this piece of Fiction.
The story of the bees throughout is fascinating, and the world reflects many things we see happening on our own communities.
This book is a pleasant read that gets into the challenges and reality of growing though personal tragedy, grief and moving forward. If you’re in a book club, this is a must-read for your 2023 list!
House of Dragon created by Ryan Condal & George R.R. Martin
This prequel to Game of Thrones was Brittany’s favourite thing she watched in 2022.
She loved the characters, the strong female lead is amazing, and Matt Smith’s acting in his role.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
“When one enters a door, one must be brave enough to see the other side.”
If you’ve ever wondered how it would feel to stand on the threshold of a living dream, Pam promises this book is your key.
It’s an engaging read that ignites the imagination and leaves you believing in the infinite power of words. A combination of fantasy, magic, historical fiction and more, this title grips readers from beginning to end.
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
From the very first page, Vanessa was immediately pulled into the magic of this dark fairytale. She loved the main character, who is quietly competent. She was born into a place of privilege, but hasn’t let this prevent her learning thigs considered too good for someone of her station.
This read is great for all ages. While it’s technically an adult novel, and the main character is 30, it reads like a Young Adult book. Mature situations are only implied so it is a safe book to recommend to advanced younger readers.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Landyn says this one is a “warm bowl of soup in book form.”
It’s all about found family, a queer love story, and fighting back against unfair and oppressive systems. What more could you ask for?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Adrienne enjoyed the humour in this book, and because she listened to the audiobook version, so I got to hear him tell the stories. You can choose whether to read the physical book or the audiobook, as we have both at the library.
For those who haven’t gotten into biographies, this would be a great one to start with!
One House by Sarah MacNeill
Catherine’s top pick has rhyming & counting, and tells a cute story about a group of animals working together to build their friend a house.
There are great details in all the artwork and a hidden image on every page. There are lots of counting books out there, but not a lot that also feature a story.
Catherine is confident this book would be a hit for any parents who are looking to add counting and rhyming to their storytimes.
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality by Bob Joseph
Mairi thinks everyone living in Canada should read this book.
It dispelled many things she thought she knew about the Indian Act and provides a much better understanding of the implications of the Act on First Nation’s communities today. Tip: the audiobook version is great, too!
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Will, fifteen, sets out to avenge his brother Shawn’s fatal shooting, seven ghosts who knew Shawn board the elevator and reveal truths Will needs to know.
This dark, captivating story is told in verse.
It would appeal to our YA audience, and maybe a good pick for reluctant readers that need something for school, as it isn’t a long book.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this psychological thriller, recommended by Loredana, is the book for you.
Follow the twists and turns as a mother tries to stop a murder that has already been committed — by her son.