If you’re looking for a life-changing read, check out the recommendations below, a collection of all-time favourites from our staff and patrons!
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
“It is one of my favorite book genres, young adult dystopian.” – Erica
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
“I’ve always been a Margaret Atwood fan, but when I read this book when it first came out it didn’t really grab me. When I reread it later in life, I got so much more out of it. This reminds me that just because you don’t fully enjoy a book on the first read, doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it a second time.” – Victoria
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
“The whole series was amazing! I have read the whole series and all the graphic novels. It is a huge amazing dragon world and I love it.” – Richard
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
“I have given a copy of this book to every person in my circle! I love the story of strength, courage, love and passion. It is truly inspirational.” – Lee
Bonecrack by Dick Francis
“This book is all my all-time favourite because when I went to Newmarket, England I carried my beat up (and signed) copy in my bag becasue the story took place in Newmarket and it made me feel as if I ‘knew’ the town before I got there. The little map in the front of the book was helpful too!” – Kate
The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin
“This is my favourite book because it truly makes me think about myself and the world around me. It’s well written and thoughtful while still being exciting and having a truly endearing main character. It’s a book that rewards multiple readings across a lifetime. Would recommend.” – Calvin
“I am Scottish, so it was interesting to read what life was like for my ancestors in 1700’s.” – Carmen
“It gives you a peak into another time with a bit of a twist. There is action, adventure, romance… something for everyone.” – Katrina
“It is so full of magic, excitement and twist and turns.” – Kimberly
“This book (and series) has been my favourite since I first read it in the early 2000’s, and it still remains a great read 20 years later. I have always loved fantasy, dragons, and elven magic. Eragon built the perfect world for me to get lost in time and time again, and my paperback copy shows it.” – Shelby
“It is an amazing story based on true events and people that fought against injustices.” – Adrienne
“This book brought out every emotion for me! It pulled out smiles, laughter and tears and is a perfect representation of the importance of human connection! 5/5 stars.” – Heather
“It is a timeless story of love. Every character is wonderful and unique. It is truly a joy to read over and over again.” – Amanda
“It’s so well written and very funny! I can read it over and over and never get bored! I love books based in the past because I get a sneak peek into such a different way of life. Also, everyone loves a happy ending!” – Alysha
“I just that it was a romance period piece and the evolving of the relationship between Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth and the humour from their mom” – Kerrian
“It’s just comforting. I read it every couple of years and it feels like coming home.” – Jessica
“I hear a lot of young people these days talking negatively about the western world they/we all live in. In this book he highlights all the reasons to love it, and offers up of comparisons to other countries, like the one he was born in, Russia.” – Jessica
“It was refreshingly different and beautifully written.” – Lisa
“I love the way this book is written in letters; I love love stories and books about books! The history is awful but so important, and the settings and characters are unforgettable. One day I’d love to travel to Guernsey (though not via the mail boat!)” – Sierra
“It’s super morally grotesque so much so that it makes you pick apart the way we are. Unsettling read, but a good one for sure!” – Kiara
L'amant du Chine du Nord by Marguerite Duras
“This is a skilled semi-autobiographical fiction. Through use of tense, imagery and imagination, the inner psyche of a girl growing up in Indo China in the 1920’s is revealed. Layer by layer the soul of a poor girl with a drug addicted brother depressed mother comes to light.” -Andrée
The Postman by David Brin
“A man who had a tarnished past began to provide people with hope with an ongoing lie. It was self serving but became more. Then there was a very odd twist at the end, unlike anything I had read before.” – Terri
Peter Pan by JM Barrie
“It’s a continual reminder to keep some of that magical childhood whimsy alive, even when you grow up.” – Jaimie
The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
“This book is so full of life where everyone is accepted regardless of their strengths, weaknesses or oddities. It has many relevant messages to today’s craziness! It should be devoured by all!” – Debi
“It’s like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. I reread it every time I need a book full of love and growth and family, every time I need to feel hope for the future. It’s the only book I’ve ever done this with. I love it so dearly and I never get tired of it, and it has middle aged queer rep!” – Landyn
I Love You Already! by Jory John and Benji Davis
“Ajooni has been reading this book since before she could read the words. It has been her favorite book since she was 4. She is now 7 and can read it to us – she still loves it!” – Ajooni’s mom
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
“I have so many ‘favorite’ books, but this is one I return to time and time again. Such an epic tale full of so many memorable characters. The compassion and humanity that Dickens is known for really shines through in this story.” – Amanda
The Fatalists by Patrick Blennerhasset
“This book, to me, depicted what could happen in the world if the internet and cell phone systems went down. The chaos that would take place and the lessons we could all take from it before that ever was to happen. Maybe more people would learn how to be survivors and humble themselves.” – Joanne
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
“I adore this book because it’s weird, witty, warm, and shows the importance of friendship and human connection. I both laughed outrageously and mournfully sobbed..” – Jennifer
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
“I found the privileged character so charming in his precarious predicament. He lost so much when, in theory, he had it all, including the type of punishment he had being left in house arrest in a fancy hotel. The humour of his adventure with the love and empathy he found sold it for me.” – Brian
The Bible
“I’ve read and loved many books, but I still go back to the Bible almost daily. Why? It includes so many genres (from poetry to history to future dystopian) and it explores deep abiding themes. And even after years of rereading, I still glean new insights and it still shapes the way I live my life.” – Michele
Someone to Honor: a Wescott novel by Mary Balogh
“Historical Fiction – I enjoy following this family through Mary’s books and I am excited when a new book in the series comes out.” – Kathy
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
“Everything about this book is a gift. The content invites you in. It encourages you to think, invokes silliness and invites rebellion. The book was one of the first gifted to me by my parents. Whether they knew it or not, it ignited something in me that is still part of my core.” – Pam
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“It’s funny, smart, kind and unexpected. Confession: I’ve multiple “all-time favorites” but this book has entertained and been loved by a wide range of readers.” – Faline
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg
“Changed my life, gave me skills my parents were unable to give me. This book could change the world for the better if everyone read it. Such humanistic wisdom from this peace negotiator and iconoclasts, a psychologist who refused to get in the pigeonhole game and instead healed people humanistically.” – Angela
Congratulations to our winners!
We asked our community for their all time favourite reads as part of our Sweetest Reads contest.
Two winners were randomly selected, one staff member and one patron. Congratulations, Adrienne and Jennifer! Enjoy your sweet prize.