Vancouver Public Library and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds. Check back every couple of weeks for the latest reading recommendations from the experts at Vancouver’s library.
* * * * *
If you're buzzing with excitement for this week's release of the Star Wars spin-off movie, Rogue One, you're not alone! But before the epic journey begins, VPL's reading experts have tapped into the Force and are sharing their top reads for fan-favourite Star Wars characters:
Darth Vader
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Things can certainly get dark and dreary for the Star Wars fan-favourite villain, Darth Vader. For a philosophical exploration of warfare, Vader can draw inspiration from military strategist Sun Tzu's The Art of War – a fifth century BC text that describes how to win in all facets of war and life.
Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
This space opera is written from the point of view of an antagonist – a life Darth Vader is all too familiar with. The first of Iain M. Banks' Culture series introduces a war raging across the galaxy with action-packed battles and quests. Vader can get cosy in his cape with this series.
Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker Can’t Read and Other Geeky Truths
by Ryan Britt
It's been a bumpy road for Luke, and he definitely needs a good laugh. This is a fun and light-hearted read that will have Luke laughing out loud and gaining more insight about himself and geek culture.
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
There's no doubt that Luke comes from a complicated family. Perhaps Augusten Burrough’s experience in Running with Scissors will help him understand that all families have a bit of dysfunction. Some definitely more than others.
Chewbacca a.k.a. "Chewie"
Hair: A Human History by Kurt Stenn
With all that golden wookiee hair, Chewbacca might be curious about the history of human hair. Kurt Stenn's book connects scientific, historical and socio-cultural perspectives to present a multi-layered (pardon the pun) primer on the topic of hair.
Saga Series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Travelling around with a smuggler like Han Solo has its ups and downs for a wookie like Chewbacca. For those days when it seems like everyone is shooting at him, he'll get a kick out of the Saga series – a graphic novel story featuring Lying Cat, a sidekick who can detect lies and travels with a bounty hunter.
Yoda
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
Read it, you must! Herman Hesse's Siddhartha is about a young man's spiritual awakening and the exploration of self-discovery. This classic novel is a perfect fit for Yoda's wise and soul-searching ways.
The Fear Cure by Lissa Rankin
"Fear is the path to the dark side," says Yoda. Lissa Rankin agrees! In The Fear Cure, she explores the effects of fear on physical health, ways to manage it, and what fear can teach us about who we really are. Yoda will have a field day reading this.
Princess Leia
We Should All be Feminist by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Who is Princess Leia? She's a determined, fearless and fierce leader. Leia will wholeheartedly support the exploration of feminism in this powerful essay, and its ability to increase awareness and encourage conversation.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
In Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, 18-year-old Lauren Olamina loses her family and home, and is forced on a journey through a grim and chaotic world. It would be insightful to hear Leia’s take on this re-envisioned reality of refuge and survival.
Han Solo
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Between smuggling illicit goods and fighting for the Rebellion, Han Solo can look to Douglas Adam for a quick mental getaway. Speckled with humour, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a short and light read that provides the perfect mini escape.
Ganymede by Cherie Priest
Set in an alternative history of the U.S. Civil War, airship pirate captain Adan Cly is recruited to transport a dangerous submarine. Sound familiar? This story has impossible missions and fast-paced battle scenes – Han Solo can definitely relate!
Rey
Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
A strong and intelligent individual, Rey can appreciate the female characterization in Nalo Hopkinson's Brown Girl in the Ring. This novel tells of women who take control of their own destiny to overcome the struggles they face – a story that hits close to home for Rey.
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
This compelling space opera follows the story of Breq, who was once the artificial intelligence managing a powerful spaceship and thousands of soldiers. Exiled to a fragile human body, Breq is left with Rey's same burning desire to find answers.
Finn
The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo
Why are we vulnerable to the dark side? What can we do to resist these evil intentions? As Finn looks back at his stormtrooper days, Philip Zimbardo's The Lucifer Effect can help him dive deeper into understanding why good people do bad things.
A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton
This biography is about an orphan boy’s abusive and challenging experience in the foster-care system, and his resilience and search for personal identity. A heartbreaking and inspirational story that Finn could look to for strength and encouragement.
* * * * *
You don't have to be a Star Wars character to get reading recommendations. For great reads and more, visit vpl.ca and find us on Facebook and Twitter @VPL.
