We’re in the heart of it now—the fall new release season is upon us, new books swirling all around like leaves in a gale. Only the bravest can weather such times, the courageous independent booksellers who stand fast, ardently reading, as the autumn rages around them. Here are a few of their personal recommendations.
*****
The Bookseller: Sue Saunderson, Blue Heron Books, Uxbridge, ON
The Pick: Mãn, by Kim Thuy
"Beautiful in its simplicity, and yet rich and lush in language ... perfect fulfillment, which is also the very definition of the Vietnamese word ‘mãn.'"
The Bookseller: Lindsay Williams from Galiano Island Books, Galiano Island, BC
The Pick: And the River Still Sings by Chris Czajkowski
"Chris Czajkowski has another treat for the BC Interest section of fine bookstores everywhere. Her wit, wonderful storytelling ability, and adventurous spirit reward the reader and make one's feet itchy to don hiking boots and hit the fresh air. And the River Still Sings is the perfect read for an autumn afternoon!"
The Bookseller: David Worsley, Words Worth Books, Waterloo, ON
The Pick: Lynn Coady's The Antagonist
"In a banner year for short fiction, Lynn Coady's Giller Prize win last year was a nice surprise. We've been fans for awhile and as such her previous novel, The Antagonist, was a favourite around here.
Gordon (Rank) Rankin was a reluctant goon in his small-town hockey league and years later, he stumbles on a novel written by an old friend who paints an unflattering portrait of him. Rank then writes a flurry of emails to set the record straight, emails fuelled by half-memories, self-loathing, and the mother of all Daddy issues (Rank's father was a real piece of work). The Antagonist is equal parts comic thrill ride and an examination of the male psyche. You don't need to have grown up at the rink to appreciate greatness, and this is greatness."
The Bookseller: Mary-Ann Yazedjian, Book Warehouse Main St., Vancouver, BC
The Pick: Ellen in Pieces, by Caroline Adderson
"In this novel Vancouver author Caroline Adderson gives us an amazing character in Ellen—a middle-aged woman who refuses to be what anyone expects of her. She is irreverent, funny, brutally honest, and just someone you would want in your life. You'll be drawn right in to Ellen's world and, even when she's doing something bawdy and ridiculous, you will still love her. This book is entertaining, poignant, and smart; I highly recommend it."
The Bookseller: Kim Ferguson, Kaleidescope Kids’ Books, Ottawa, ON
The Pick: Falling Kingdoms, by Morgan Rhodes
"Quote from my 16-year-old daughter when she started reading Game of Thrones: “Hey mom, it’s like Falling Kingdoms, but for adults.” This teen fantasy series has interesting characters, adventure, betrayal, magic, and some twists that are surprising even to those of us that read a lot of books. Great for fantasy fans and teens that might not be quite ready for Game of Thrones.