Our Voice of Fire by Brandi Morin

I started reading Our Voice Of Fire after work and finished it the same night. Whenever I read anything by Brandi Morin, I'm left with admiration for her bravery, purpose, and willingness to be vulnerable in the pursuit of storytelling. If you already follow her journalism, you'll love this closer look, and if you don't, this is an excellent introduction to a powerful Indigenous voice. - Shayla, Publicity Assistant

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Debut author Bonnie Garmus takes serious and difficult topics — depression, grief, sexism — and shapes a story full of humour, sadness, joy and quirkiness. I highly recommend this heartwarming story of a woman trying to follow her passion for chemistry in a male-dominated 1960s world.  Lots of laugh-out-loud hilarity amidst the frustration and stark reality of the times. - Jillann, Library Technician

Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace by Christopher Blattman

This is a hidden diamond of 2022 non-fiction. Christopher Blattman argues that peace, rather than war, is humanity's default condition. The costs of war are too high, and the paths to peace are difficult but plenty. He outlines the causes of war, such as unchecked power, want of glory, uncertainty, commitment issues and lack of information.

The second half discusses the conditions for peace, such as accountability, intervention, rules and enforcement, interdependence, dialogue between competitors and decentralized power. The text is highly readable and perfectly structured, making it suitable for casual readers and students alike. - Jake, Librarian, Adult Services

Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix

This is the sixth book in Nix's beloved Old Kingdom or Abhorsen fantasy series, but as a prequel to the earlier titles, it's a great entry point for new readers. In a world where steam-age science holds sway south of a rigidly-policed border, magic rules to the north.

Raised in the south, Elinor discovers she has family roots in the north when she's rescued from a menacing ghost by apprentice necromancer Terciel. Unforgettable characters and a unique magic system have intrigued readers since the first-published series title, Sabriel. - Anne, Librarian, Local History and Heritage

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

In tribute to Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield, esteemed author Barbara Kingsolver gets back to her Appalachian roots in this hilarious and harrowing coming-of-age novel.  Demon Copperhead is structured around the opioid crisis and abject poverty. It is both enraging and exhilarating, all while being impossible to put down. - Melanie, Library Assistant

Forgiving Paris by Karen Kingsbury

Paris holds troubling memories and dark secrets for one generation of family but promise and hope for another. Will this heartrending reunion bring long-sought healing and closure? This is an excellent book showing how you can make a difference in someone else's life without even knowing it. It's about forgiving your past and moving on.

I loved Forgiving Paris. This incredible book is filled with smiles, tears, grace and redemption — this is a wonderful read that will touch your heart and soul. - Sherry, Library Assistant

Best Boy by Eli Gottlieb

(Published in 2015) I had just finished a TV show, Atypical, which revolved around a main character with autism, and I work and volunteer with individuals with autism, so I thought it would be interesting to see how it would be portrayed in a book. I am so happy I picked it up — it's an easy read, and I didn't put it down until I finished it the very same day! - Israa, Library Assistant

Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby

I always like to have an audiobook on the go for when I’m driving or prepping dinner. My audiobook preferences tend toward biographies and memoirs, and Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby did not disappoint!

The serious topics discussed in the book, ranging from growing up gay in a place where it was illegal to an autism diagnosis in adulthood, are balanced with Gadsby’s unique sense of humour. Learning about these challenges from an own-voice perspective has enriched my understanding and, I hope, made me a better ally for those facing similar situations. Read by the author, this audiobook makes for great listening and should be on your “Must Read” list for 2023! - Cheryl, Programming Assistant

Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris

I am a huge fan of David Sedaris and always eagerly await his newest release. His latest collection of essays did not disappoint. His irreverent humour and brilliantly crafted stories just make me happy. - Heidi, Library Assistant

Theory of Crows by David A. Robertson

Touching on topical issues of Indigenous history and culture, intergenerational trauma, blood memory and the land, The Theory of Crows is ultimately about family, healing and finding home. While tackling such heavy issues in his novel, Robertson writes with a gentleness and insightfulness of one who has experienced similar struggles. I loved this book for its emotional depth and sensitivity, yes, but also the touch of magic realism; animals, like in many traditional Indigenous stories, are powerful and symbolic characters in Robertson's book. 

A great companion read is Robertson's memoir Black Water published in 2020, from which you will be able to see the aspects which Robertson borrowed from his real life to create this poignant novel. - Lisa T., library assistant

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

With Stuart’s poetic prose, keen observations of tenement life, and complex character development, I could not put the book down. Young Mungo is a gripping account of what it means to be gay within a masculine culture and finding it within yourself to give up all you have ever known for love.

In 2020, Douglas Stuart won the Booker Prize for Shuggie Bain. Another gritty, working-class novel about the strength of family ties, no matter how dysfunctional they are. I highly recommend this novel too. - Lisa B., library assistant

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark movie and secretly rooted for the career-driven, city-dwelling, soon-to-be ex of a main character, this book is for you. After agreeing to an extended stay with her sister in a small town, literary agent Nora Stephens bumps into a brooding editor from the city time and time again. Banter and steamy encounters follow. But what does Happily Ever After look like for someone who isn’t an “ideal” heroine? - Kristen, Acting Manager, Programming & Outreach

Ducks by Kate Beaton

This is a fantastic graphic memoir of life in the oil sands. Kate Beaton recounts her years at worksites and in the city of Fort McMurray amidst a longing for home. Beaton found many others like her, east coasters transplanted into a harsh, remote and often frozen industrial setting. More specifically, she outlines the challenges of being a woman in a location that is 10:2 men.

Themes of dislocation, social strain, sexual violence, substance abuse, environmental degradation and Indigenous hardships appear throughout. The illustrations and text are poignant while mundane, allowing the story to melt into the reader. - Jake, Librarian, Adult Services