The Library of Lost and Found

I believe I have mentioned before just how much I love books. (I mean; I would like to think it's an obvious conclusion to draw from someone writing a literary blog of any sort, really.) I have likely failed to mention how I feel books can bring people closer together. You may be rolling your eyes right now; or you might be nodding in agreement. Either way? This novel The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick showcases that exact sentiment.

This book made me want to curl up under a blanket with copious amount of tea, and consume it all in a single sitting. Easily readable, a great premise, and all kinds of kooky characters grab your attention from the first chapter.

Martha is a single, middle aged woman living alone in her cliffside cottage years after her parents (whom she cared for for fifteen years) have passed on. She keeps herself busy doing tasks for others. Always being helpful. Never saying no. She is left a mysterious package at the library where she works one evening, containing a battered book of fairy stories with an intriguing inscription from her beloved (and deceased) grandmother - dated three years after Martha was told she had died.

She brings the book to the attention of her younger sister, who tries to persuade her to let sleeping dogs lie. Of course, Martha can't leave it alone, and the book follows her quest to discover where this book originated from, and who the author could possibly be. She is made whole and torn apart through the pages of this wonderful novel. Your heartstrings will be tugged as Martha unearths portions of her own past she knew nothing about; and as she puts all of the pieces together. You get to watch her go from being a shell of a person, to truly becoming who she really is.

I feel I could honestly go on and on about this novel, discussing favorite chapters, and delve into which character I completely adored.. but I can't give too much away. Once again, a title containing "library" has proved to be a delightful read.

All The Ugly And Wonderful Things

As you all know, I am a big supporter of the public library system. I try to make it at least every week, and it's a place both of my small children are usually pretty excited to go to.

You should also know that I generally have a list of books (mainly accumulated through Pintrest, which may or may not come as a surprise) that I am slowly working through by ordering them from said public library. (Of course, I am adding books faster than I can possibly read! But, I will never run out of reading material, which I suppose is kind of the point!) ANYWAYS! Without really knowing what All The Ugly And Wonderful Things was about, I put it on my order list from the library. If I remember correctly, it had shown up on numerous lists.

The simplicity of the cover spoke to me when I picked it up last week, so I pretty much dove in blindly after barely glancing at the synopsis on the cover of the novel. I personally don't think anyone summing up this book could really do it justice. I was trying to explain it a little to my brother over the phone the other night, and just all of the layers of messed up that the main character was exposed to alone means you can't properly explain without giving the whole story away.

While the narrative changes between many characters throughout this novel, it never becomes convoluted or in any way difficult to follow.

Wavy is a girl who comes from a difficult upbringing. She barely speaks (and even then? Only to a select few.). She will not eat in front of anyone. You can't touch her. Her drug addled, abusive parents have gone above and beyond to give this child what most would consider an unbearable existence. A life she is briefly rescued from when her mother winds up in prison. As most heart wrenching stories go; she doesn't get that reprieve for long.

Time passes as she lives in the middle of nowhere in a rundown farm house with a mother that doesn't take care of her, and her younger brother (who her mother birthed in prison). The resilience of this child is incredible. She is cooking meals, cleaning, and basically mothering a child at the young age of six. And then? A bright spot when she meets Kellen after he crashes his motorcycle near their property one night.

After that point, most of this missive follows Wavy and Kellen's relationship as it grows and changes. She is merely eight when she meets Kellen; a burly biker covered in tattoos. He is in his early twenties and develops a soft spot almost immediately for this strangely beautiful child. He cares for her and it deepens in a nearly heartbreaking way. You would think a book that is primarily a love story between these two would be absolutely repulsive. I found myself rooting for their love... seemingly the only light in either of their dreary worlds.

I must truly applaud Bryn Greenwood on this work. I feel this is one of those novels that will stick with me for some time.

The Hunting Party

A remote location. A group of old friends. Murder. Secrets.

This compelling thriller from Lucy Foley takes place in an extremely remote location in the Scottish Highlands at New Years. A group of long time friends meet up , and it seems almost everyone has a secret. Everyone would have some kind of motive (or at least, the majority of the characters)... depending on who the victim is.

The Hunting Party goes back and forth between the time after the murder to the couple of days prior, building the plot and the suspense. Lucy Foley doesn't actually disclose who the victim is until about 3/4 of the way through this book (though I feel like you've got to know who it is after reading and getting a feel for some of these characters). While I found this book pretty well written, it is again a book where I didn't feel any particular tie to any of the characters. None of them are truly like able; perhaps because they seem either self absorbed, distant, somewhat pathetic or (let's be honest) assholes. I'm not attempting to criticize here.. I feel Foley did this with the intention of keeping you guessing. Which she does quite well.

Some of the secrets that are exposed I had a feeling about. Others were not quite as bad as anticipated. The ones I had a feeling about were pretty awful secrets to keep. I could easily imagine the betrayal each of the characters felt as these came to light. Foley wraps up this novel quite well.. the ending threw out a couple of plot twists, which was refreshing. (Because who needs one plot twist? You sort of see that coming now if you read enough thrillers; am I right?)

The imagery is compelling in itself. The idea of ringing in the new year near a Loch in the Scottish Highlands (for me at least) is one I could only dream of at this point in my life. I could easily picture myself hiking through the pines, enjoying that crisp air. Or looking out of the modern lodge watching the snow that traps them on the estate falls.

Though I am left with no desire to join an actual Hunting Party, this book does leave me to wonder how Foley's other works stack up. (I have already checked, and she has a few novels under her belt already, which is great.) I was entertained through this book; definitely one I am happy to have randomly found in the stacks at the library, as I waited for my requested books to make there way to me.

Fifteen Dogs

You may remember my post from last week showing my public library some love. While I was there, I recalled that they have a monthly book club, so I began looking for the book list. I'm always curious to see what people are reading, especially if it's off the beaten path. Sadly, the list was nowhere to be found. So, I asked the extremely helpful librarian, who procured another copy of said list from behind her desk. The book for February was nothing I had heard of, and I wasn't sure I would have time to attend the meeting.. but I was still curious. Being a librarian (and seemingly all around nice person) she went into the back room and brought out a copy for me to look over.

When she had initially read off the title, I said I would have to look into it; with every intention of googling the synopsis of the book. She seemed to think my hesitation was regarding a completely different matter; and told me the book wasn't very long. At this, I nearly laughed. Though I suppose for many people, that is the first question that comes to mind when you need to be done by a certain date. I shrugged it off and told her I tend to read a few books a month, and was just curious what it was about. (Which is when she fetched [no pun intended] the book from the office.)

The premise of this unheard of novel? The gods Apollo and Hermes place a bet regarding animals being in possession of human intellect, and if they would be happier for it. 

- I wonder, said Hermes, what it would be like if animals had human intelligence.

- I wonder if they'd be as unhappy as humans, Apollo answered.

- Some humans are unhappy; others aren't. Their intelligence is a difficult gift.

- I'd wager a year's servitude, said Apollo, that animals - any animal you choose - would be even more unhappy than humans are, if they had human intelligence.

An interesting premise, and the wager happens quickly in this novel. The fifteen dogs who are chosen have different personalities, and experience this gift bestowed upon them in various manners. As with people, I liked some of the dogs, and grew weary of the ones I disliked. The novel follows each of the dogs until their death, to determine if even one is happy in their final moments.

With such an unusual plot, I was fully expecting to adore this novel. Honestly? I didn't. While it wasn't a bad read, and I was driven to see which god would win (clearly siding with Hermes; I felt at least one of these lives would end on a positive note). The idea of this novel, while genius, seems mildly depressing, and makes you think about the lives of the dogs we reside with (or encounter) and just how their train of thought works. (I mean, who are we to deny their intellect?) After reading this novel, I am sure I will look at dogs differently; even just for a time. 

I think my favourite thing about the novel was being able to truly visualize much of the setting, as it takes place in Toronto; much of it very close to a neighbourhood I lived in years ago, and areas I am much familiarized with. The bar at which the gods begin and end the novel, for example is one I have been to several times (and also happens to be three or four doors down from my favorite Thai restaurant). 

Though this novel hasn't been my favorite read? It did make me think. Which, I'm sure many would say are the marks of a great read. If you want to pick up something that will (in parts) make you question humanity? It's a worthwhile read.

Book Porn... there is no other way to put it. You WILL drool.

Okay, okay. Perhaps the term "porn" is a bit much.. for a normal person. For someone who loves books as much as I do (and hopefully as much as you do?) you may completely agree. It reminds me of a time, many years ago that my sister showed me a book of gorgeous cupcakes and called it "food porn". It makes you drool and want to consume it. Seems a pretty accurate description to me!

You're probably wondering why I'm not getting to the goods.. why I'm not immediately inundating you with pictures of this alleged book. First hint? It's not one book - it's four. Second hint? There are three more books in this series (which I suppose is actually two hints, if you think about it). You may have already connected the dots. Another clue? The author is now the richest woman (last I heard) in the UK. Have I said too much?

For those of you who aren't in the know - I am talking about the gorgeously illustrated copies of the first four Harry Potter novels. Some of you may already have these beautiful editions. Some of you may me going green with envy before I even get to the pictures. And lastly? There are probably those of you scoffing and wondering what all the fuss is about.




Here is just a preview of what is to come as I crack these babies open.




Drooling yet?? I know I basically started salivating the moment I even heard about these being released. Having been a fan since highschool, and being someone that always wants to share the magic of the written word with her children.. I needed these editions to add to my library!! I added them to a Christmas list for my husband years ago, so.. at some point they were bound to come into my possession.

On Monday, something incredible happened. My best friend (who had ordered the first book the week prior.. and had me seething with jealous btw lol) sent me the best text I had read in ages. (Which is either pathetic on my end, or just shows how much I adore books.) Chapters had all of the books on sale - for FORTY percent off. Of course, I immediately went onto their site to ensure nothing was out of stock, and got a rough idea of how much they would cost.

Did I ever have to show restraint by not adding them to my cart the second I saw they were available. But; we are a single income family.. so dropping over a hundred dollars on books (especially ones I have other editions of already) seemed greedy. Oh, did I want them, though.

I mentioned to R that evening over dinner that they were on sale. He shrugged and told me to order them. No questions asked. There isn't often a material possession that I really want, and he knew those were on my list. It seemed so selfish to just order them, so I suggested that they could maybe be my Valentine's day gift this year (which he easily agreed to, since he would have paid fulled price another time knowing how much I desired to add these to my library).

Yes. I am that much of a nerd. And proud to admit it. Forget your fancy jewelry or expensive chocolates. Forget roses. BOOKS! (I read a meme a while ago that had a picture of a girl in a bookstore. I can't remember the exact wording, but it stated something along the lines of guys buying girls books getting further ahead than guys in bars buying drinks. I couldn't possibly agree more!) Show a girl (or your guy!) that you embrace their bookworm. I don't know a collector on the planet that would scoff at a beautiful edition of a beloved book - even one they already have! (In some cases, especially ones they already have!)

Just look at these drawings and tell me it was a waste of a hundred dollars, or that you'd rather have diamonds. It would just go to show me how very differing our opinions are. (For the record, I am also the girl that loves watching sports at a pub, or having a greasy burger or plate of wings with my spouse almost as much as going for a fancy dinner. Though my inner foodie can occasionally win on that front. Bottom line? I am not a fancy person.)

How could you possibly look at this incredible artwork and not want to reside in this magical fictional world?

I could post hundreds of photos and not do these impressive books justice of any kind. The artist has done an absolutely magnificent job capturing so much of these characters and the world they inhabit.

Of course, after placing my order? I immediately googled when the next one is set to be released. Sadly, not until fall of 2021. However, after getting a better look at how much
work each of these volumes clearly entailed for Jim Kay, I totally understood the delay. Which in turn, increased my appreciation for the books. Yes, they are costly. But when you look through them and see just how much time Mister Kay must have taken with each and every illustration. They are worth every single penny. These will be enjoyed by me, and by my children... and perhaps even my children's children... and who knows how many generations? They are hardcovers, so.. with the proper appreciation and care? They will last many lifetimes... or.. that's the hope, anyways.

I can comically imagine a version of my own demise during which my children fight savagely over who will inherit these lovely tomes. Strange though you think that may be? I smile to think that maybe (just maybe) I will raise children who love books as much as I do.

If you're a Potter fan?? Get 'em while they're hot! I don't know how long they're on sale.. but I implore you!! All I can hope for now is that they will hire Jim to next put out equally amazingly illustrated editions of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. (Pretty please!?)

Midnight At The Bright Ideas Bookstore

It feels as though I just started reading this book and I was through it. I devoured it hungrily, waiting for the mysteries (yes, plural) to be solved. Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore is easily my favourite book of the year so far. I must admit, I'm drawn to books with titles that include bookstore, library, or bookshop. I don't know why, exactly. I guess the idea of the characters being surrounded by books appeals somehow. These books also tend to be a little off the beaten track. I've read a few, and they are always a lot different than nearly anything else I have ever read.

Example? Last year, I read a book called The Bookshop of Yesterdays, and recommended it to my mother (also an avid reader) saying "it's just different". She gave me a funny look, but took the offered volume. When she returned it? She said the exact same thing. (It was a good book, and yet another debut novel.) Another I had read some time ago that was also very unique was Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore. I'm telling you.. there is just something about those books!

Anyway!! Midnight At The Bright Ideas Bookstore is chock full of interesting characters, plenty of intrigue, and a couple of plot twists that may throw some readers for a really big loop. (One of these certainly surprised me.) Good for book lovers and mystery fans alike, this charmingly layered debut is what I would consider a must read.

I think a lot of what I loved about this book was how much so many of the characters are massive bibliophiles. I think that alone would make this book compelling for any book lover.

"More books?" he said, picking up Joey's dusty Victorian story primer and turning it over in his hands.
"Can't ever have too many," she said lightly.
"Seriously. I like your whole book thing. Just having them around makes me feel smarter."
"Now, if we could just get you to read them."
"No need. It's like free IQ points in every room. On every conceivable surface."
"Glad to help."
"Some would call you a hoarder," he said. "But not me. I call you a collector."
"That's the spirit," she said.

I read that passage a few times, letting it fully resonate. Because it partially reminds me of my relationship with R. I am the reader, I have books everywhere. But, he keeps fueling my addiction.

I don't want to discuss plot specifics on this one too deeply. Just trust me when I say to pick up a copy. If you aren't entertained? I would be extremely surprised.

Library discards

Good morning, dear readers. I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my first cup of coffee of the day. I say try, because my two children have been up and totally crazy since 5:22 and I'm not quite myself just yet. Perhaps a coffee (or two?) will fix that. I have hopes, anyways.

My daughter and I took a trip to our neighbourhood library yesterday morning. Something I haven't done for longer than I care to admit. I have always, always loved the library. At times it has felt nearly like a sanctuary; shielding me from every day life. I have spent many afternoons browsing the stacks, or just exploring a new branch. I am one of those people. If I were in New York? I would be begging my husband (who I know would comply) to make one of our destinations their gorgeous library. (I mean, if it was good enough for Carrie Bradshaw to plan a wedding there, it's certainly got to be any book lover's dream!)

I am also that person who loves the creaky old bookstores, and the musty smell of aging books. I am one of those people that will simply breathe in those pages and announce; "that's a good one". (And once F is in school this fall, look out for a post from me regarding my favorite bookstores in Toronto!! I would totally do it now, but.. the idea of taking a three and a half year old on the GO train, subway, and then walking downtown Toronto... is just not appealing. I long to just unwind in one of these stores [one in particular] and not feel rushed. Not possible with a three year old. Or at least not my three year old.)

So, we ventured to the library yesterday. Something I strongly encourage in my children (which I'm sure comes as no surprise), and something Miss F requested once we were done at the grocery store. Since I was already thinking that would be our next stop? I was more than happy to comply.

I must admit, library visits have changed for me since having small children. Gone are those relaxing times, and enjoying the solitude!! I feel as though I am constantly needing to shush them. To me, a library is almost like church. I was always taught to be quiet once you entered through those hallowed doors. Libraries have also changed. They have toys and games for children now.. which I love as a parent; and simultaneously despise as someone who always found libraries tranquil.

(It may surprise some of you to know that ages and ages ago I was actually considering planning a wedding at my favorite library branch in Kingston! THAT is how much I love libraries; and books. I should also disclose [since I have already mentioned Carrie] that this was prior to having seen the first SATC movie. Indeed, before it was even released.)

One thing that I still just adore about the branches here in Mississauga, is that they are always selling castoffs. Being someone who reads just about anything? I can generally find something on these shelves if I look. Our timing yesterday was just incredible. I browsed through their selection for sale, while F played in the kids' section (which I could view from where I was standing). I managed to find five books to bring home and place on my (overflowing) shelves. Three of which were hardcovers, two are authors I have read previously; and one is on Reese Witherspoon's list (don't scoff, she hasn't steered me wrong yet!).

And the best part? Everything they were selling off was only .10 cents!! Yep. You don't need to rub your eyes to clear them. I paid .50 cents for five books. Even if they are awful (which I highly, highly doubt), I will have happily paid the price. Don't underestimate your public library.