It is fun to reflect on a year of reading and remember what books I enjoyed most. I am fortunate to work with people who love to read as much as I do so when I am searching for my next read, I often ask my colleagues for their recommendations.
Recently, I asked several co-workers "What is the best book you read in 2014?" I received a variety of interesting titles that are now on my to-read list.
Dana's favourite book of 2014 was Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. "Life After Life is an unusual book. Ursula Todd is born in 1910 to wealthy parents in the country outside of London. Though her family is well-off, she is subject to the many dangers living in the early 1900s entail. The Spanish influenza, childhood accidents, war, mental illness and others plague Ursula. In each section, her life comes to a tragic end. But after dying, Ursula is given another chance; her life starts again, at the same time and place but with a hazy memory of the previous calamity. This may sound gloomy but Atkinson manages to weave humour, suspense, and mystery into this sweeping historical novel."
Lynda chose Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail. "I just finished reading A Walk in the Woods and really enjoyed it. The author decided to hike some of the Appalachian Trail (it is about 2500 miles, so he didn't do it all!) and this is the story of his experience. Bryson's companion is an interesting character and they meet some unique people on the trail. Bryson also talks about the towns they go through and the people they meet. He includes his thoughts on the woods - on nature and the environment - and on bears. Bryson describes his experiences with humour and intelligence, taking you on the hike with him."
Allan read many books in 2014 but said his favourite was Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas by Amit Gupta and Kelly Jensen. "The book has some very interesting, unique and fun ideas for both shooting and displaying photographs. Not all of the projects and display ideas will appeal to everyone but there are several good ideas, suggestions and hacks. I would be surprised if any reader did not say 'Hey, I wish I had thought of that' at least once by the time they got to the last page."
Dianne's choice was the Newbery award-winning children's book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. "Ivan is a 400 lb. silverback gorilla that has lived in a cage at the Big Top Mall for 27 years. This tender, heartwarming tale of Ivan and his friends will make you want to go and rescue Ivan from his cage. Told in Ivan's words, this is the true story of an intelligent, brave animal that comes up with a plan to rescue himself and his friends."
Sarah recommends Cheryl Strayed's Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar. The author of the bestselling memoir Wild anonymously published an online advice column beginning in 2010. This book contains selected columns and previously unpublished letters with Strayed's responses. "I liked this book because it is a quick, feel-good read and there are a variety of interesting issues that are tackled. It is fascinating to hear about other people's lives. Strayed's advice to her readers is practical, personal and creative."
For my pick of 2014, I selected Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by New Yorker magazine cartoonist Roz Chast. In her book, Chast recounts her experiences as an only child caring for her elderly parents. When her parents can't live independently in their Brooklyn apartment due to physical issues and dementia, Chast assists them in the transition from assisted-care living to hospice. Chast experiences an array of emotions, including worry, frustration, fear, guilt, sadness, love and acceptance. She uses her talents as a cartoonist and writer to chronicle her experiences with humour and honesty. Reading Chast's book is like sitting down with a good friend who shares openly and honestly about one of life's most difficult experiences.
Library staff members are avid readers who love to recommend their favourite books. Visit your local library for more staff picks.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Lori Nick works at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
