by Jackie LaPlante –
The Covenant of Water | Abraham Verghese
Set in 20th century Kerala, the story follows a local family over three generations. The South Indian waterways are their lifeline … and their curse, as family members die in water-related events. Like Abraham Verghese’s earlier novel, Cutting for Stone, the country is an important character and its social and political upheavals, caste system, architecture, medicine (Verghese is an MD) and faiths are woven into the ambitious plot. Despite hardships, the characters manifest the innate goodness of humanity.
Once Upon a Prime | Sarah Hart
The subtitle of Sarah Hart’s book, The Wondrous Connection Between Mathematics and Literature, may just say it all. Unsurprisingly, this mathematics professor is passionate in her belief that appreciating the myriad not-so-subtle connections between math and literature can enrich our enjoyment of both. With an exuberant voice and playful good humour, Hart reveals diverse examples of books with mathematician characters (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), mathematical themes (Lewis Carroll), and mathematically-inspired structure (James Joyce).
Trust | Hernan Diaz
Hernan Diaz’ Pulitzer Prize winner focuses on a New York couple who amass wealth though the 1920s, surviving and thriving even when the Depression devastates America. Conflicting accounts of the couple’s philanthropy and business ethics are told through a four-part structure that contains a novel-within-a-novel, a diary, a memoir and an autobiography. They merge to create an intriguing picture of money, power and corruption in a work of historical fiction that eerily reflects current cultural storylines.
What an Owl Knows | Jennifer Ackerman
The magnificence and grace of the owl is enchanting. Blessed with supremely developed physical abilities and senses, owls are seen by some cultures as symbols of wisdom and profundity and by others as evil omens. They remain popular references in culture – think Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh. Jennifer Ackerman explores new technologies that allow scientists to observe the complexity of communication and community between owls and presents them in an original, reflective voice.
The Wager | David Grann
In 1740, with England at war with Spain, HMS Wager embarks on a secret mission. Two years later, 30 survivors wash up in Brazil. When three more are discovered near Patagonia, questions abound. Were they daring heroes lost in service to their King, or mutineers? David Grann is a proven author of page-turning narrative non-fiction (Killers of the Flower Moon) and this well-researched account of maritime rivalry and intrigue is a thrill to the end.
I Only Read Murder | Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson
Canadian humourists Ian and Will Ferguson collaborate on solving a very “dramatic” mystery. When a bored and out-of-work former television detective relocates to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, and a murder is committed onstage in the midst of an amateur theatre production, Miranda Abbott finds herself once again employed as television’s favourite sleuth: “Pastor Fran.” The Fergusons have included every delightful aspect of a great “cozy” in this light-hearted read.
Outlive | Peter Attia, MD
Dr. Peter Attia proposes a blueprint to health and aging, challenging conventional thinking on age-related illness with an approach focused on early preventative action. He stresses the importance of mental health in the overall longevity equation and encourages a “reset” mindset featuring personal nutritional interventions, optimized sleep and exercise habits and other easily-applied tools. Attia’s recommendations, presented in a scientific yet digestible format, reaffirm that longevity and good health are in our own hands.
