High-interest, low-reading level (hi-lo) books are great options for readers looking for complex and mature themes while maintaining a lower reading level and required vocabulary. With their compelling stories, dynamic characters and shorter lengths, these novels are sure to please readers who want to practise their English or are reluctant to read.
Featured below are six books that have been read and discussed by Terry Fox Library’s Adult Learner Book Club in the past year. All titles are Tri-City libraries.
• Epic Game by William Kowalski: This fast-paced novel tells the story of Kat, a tough, independent young woman who makes a living playing online poker. When her best friend Josie dies, she becomes the temporary guardian of Josie’s son, David, a precocious, serious 10-year-old. In caring for David, Kat learns the importance of having people you care about in your life, and that winning doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have someone to share it with. Funny, endearing and at times exhilarating, this book has something for everyone and was one of the book club’s favourite novels. You may want to pick up a deck of cards before reading to understand all of the writer’s great poker references.
• The Picture of Nobody by Rabindranath Maharaj: Tommy lives with his parents and sister in Ajax, Ont. His parents, Ismaili Muslims who immigrated to Canada before Tommy was born, are worried about his shy demeanour and lack of friends. After members of a terrorist group are arrested in Toronto, Tommy’s world is turned upside-down. The unwanted attention and racism he experiences after this event eventually lead him to commit an act of revenge on some local bullies — a small act with big repercussions. This book is an excellent portrayal of racism and the difficulties that immigrants can face in Canada. Maharaj does a great job of creating believable and loveable characters, building suspense and interjecting his own life story into the narrative he writes.
• Search and Rescue by Gail Anderson-Dargatz: When a young woman goes missing in a snowstorm on a dangerous mountain trail, even the local police and search and rescue teams are unable to find her. Can Claire Abbott, a small-town journalist with a sixth sense for crime, track her down? This book is the first in a series starring Claire Abbott by B.C.’s own Gail Anderson-Dargatz. Fans of suspenseful stories with a touch of romance and the supernatural are sure to find something to love in Anderson-Dargatz’s book. Additionally, the novel’s mountainous B.C. setting and use of common Canadian language are great for ESL learners who are newer to the country.
• A Cool Head by Ian Rankin: “My dad used to say to me, ‘Try to keep a cool head and a warm heart.’” This opening sentence drives this crime novel forward as protagonist Gravy, a simple graveyard worker, gets caught up in something much larger than he is prepared for. Gravy’s friend Benjy shows up at the graveyard with a bullet hole in his chest and a bag stuffed with money. Gravy finds himself in the middle of a robbery gone wrong, a woman who witnessed a murder and some unpleasant men who will do anything to get their money back — men with hot heads and cold hearts. Rankin is a Scottish writer well known for his gripping John Rebus series, and this Quick Reads title allows readers of all reading levels to experience his storytelling.
• And Everything Nice by Kim Moritsugu: Twenty-four year old Stephanie is a clothing store manager who lives with her mother in the house where she grew up. Feeling as though her life has become stale, Stephanie’s mother recommends she joins a community rock choir. In the choir, Stephanie befriends a local TV personality, Anna, whose journal goes missing at practice. Alongside Anna, Stephanie works against the clock to track down the journal’s thief before Anna’s secrets destroy her career. This is an Orca Publisher Rapid Reads title by a Canadian author, and the book’s young protagonist and compelling mystery make it a great choice for both teens and adult readers.
• Chickenfeed by Minette Walters: Finally, April’s book club selection comes from award-winning English crime writer Walters. This fictionalized retelling of true events begins in 1920 England. Norman Thorne, owner of a small chicken farm, is engaged to the self-obsessed and depressive Elsie Cameron. In 1924, Norman is found guilty of her murder and, despite doubts about his guilt, is hanged the next year. This story explores Norman’s life, his relationship with Elsie and his trial. There are compelling relationships and a unique view of this time period in this short read. This book was written to entice those who do not have the habit of reading in English, and Walters does a great job in keeping the story fast-paced and accessible.
If any of these books sound interesting to you and you are looking to improve your reading skills, check out Terry Fox Library’s Adult Learner Book Club. It meets at 2:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month and is always open to new members. Visit or call the library to inquire about the program and what book the club is reading for the month as copies are limited.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Austin Matheson works at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
