Book Reviews
I typically post between two and three book reviews a week. Please refer to my review policy if you’d like to submit a book for consideration. I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter to get a summary of my reviews every three weeks.
Book Review: The Residence by Andrew Pyper
I'm no stranger to the spookiness of Andrew Pyper's books so I knew his latest, The Residence, would be scary. It was indeed terrifying, and just looking at the cover of it reminds me of all the chilling scenes that were so vividly described it felt like I was...
Book Review: How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa most recently appeared on the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist, and we'll find out on October 5 if it makes it to the shortlist. Interestingly, it's a collection of short stories, written by a poet. It's rare that a...
Book Review: How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo
I've spoken before about how much I enjoy reading parenting books that teach what I already know-I love being preached to, as a member of the choir! I get a smug sense of satisfaction, sort of like sitting through a class that you already know the lesson of....
Book Review: A Russian Sister by Caroline Adderson
It's been years since I've read a book by Caroline Adderson, and I don't remember anything about the last book itself other than the fact I loved it. Adderson is one of those writers that motivates me to pick up her work, regardless of the genre, and she's quite...
Book Review: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
Every once in a while during my reading travels, I unknowingly pick up a book that speaks directly to me in that particular moment in my life. Because I read so many books, and consciously pick ones that I think I may like, this doesn't come as a shock, but still, I...
Book Review: The Braver Thing by Clifford Jackman
A few months ago I was scrolling through a publishing catalog and I came across a work of literary fiction all about pirates in the 1700s, so obviously I had to read it! Old-timey pirates; I find them equal parts fascinating and scary. I was curious to see if these...
Book Review: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
Do you have to be in a book club to enjoy this book? Absolutely not! Will you enjoy this book if you can find humour in just about any situation? That would be a resounding 'yes'! Humour and horror mix strangely well together, and when you throw in a bunch of...
Book Review: You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie
I love a good tale of revenge; there's something deliciously sweet about people getting what's coming to them. A few weeks ago my family was on a road trip, and we were waiting in our car in line for a ferry. Beside us, another car tried to zip past the line cut-off...
Book Review: Indians on Vacation by Thomas King
This is the first book I've read by Thomas King, a well-respected American-Canadian Indigenous author who has won numerous awards in Canada for his writing, often focusing on issues facing First Nations people. Aside from his admirable reputation, he lives in my...
Book Review: The Ghost in the House by Sara O’Leary
Imagine my delight when realizing the author of my favourite children's picture book had penned a novel for adults! I didn't care what the topic was, whether it was fiction or non-fiction, I wanted to read it right away, and I'm relieved to say I loved it just as much...
Book Review: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
This is the second book about opioid addiction that I've read in the past few months. Although that seems a bit strange, we are learning that in the background of the Covid-19 pandemic, an even bigger problem is looming, killing more people than ever before: drug...
Book Review: The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, although I do like to dabble every once in awhile, and The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave caught my eye because it deals with witches, at least, the idea of them. It's also based on a true story, which again, appeals to...