Vancouver Public Library and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds.
It’s still summer! Fill some down time with a couple of good stories or lose yourself in a great book on your daily commute. We’ve rounded up a list that has a little bit of everything, based on top picks from VPL’s Book Bingo. You’ll find books that’ll make you laugh out loud, stories set in a different era, tales turned into movies and more to help while away the summer days.
The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli
Raina agrees to let her grandmother set her up with eligible bachelors. But Raina can’t forget about the one who got away, Dev. This is a delightful romance that explores cultural and societal expectations, and the balancing act of doing what is right for yourself.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
David Sedaris may be a little over-the-top, but that’s the charm that readers can expect from his work. Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of his observations and experiences moving to France, learning French, attending speech therapy classes as a child, navigating family misgivings and more. Short, snappy and sarcastic.
First Nations 101 by Lynda Gray
Ts'msyen author and presenter Lynda Gray challenges stereotypes and misinformation about First Nations people in Canada in this accessible non-fiction resource. Gray provides short introductions and recommended readings about a variety of issues related to First Nations people, including identity, culture, history, social issues, justice and health.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Two half-sisters are born in different Ghanaian villages and take different paths – one lives a privileged life and the other is captured and sold into slavery. The novel follows them and the lives of their descendants over eight generations.
Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn
Everything is not as it seems in the beautiful landscape of a Jamaican village. At a resort in Montego Bay, Margot sends her younger sister to school by trading sex for survival. When plans for a new hotel threatens their village, Margot sees the possibility of financial independence and a chance to love another woman.
Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
Everyday teen existence + Indigenous mythology = a magical coming-of-age story. In this award-winning novel by Eden Robinson, 16-year-old Jared struggles to keep his life on track despite family dysfunction and his grandmother’s revelation that he is the son of a trickster.
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
A brilliant, psychopathic social climber with a talent for impersonations tries to stay one step ahead of the law. This book has been adapted for film a number of times, most notably in 1999 with Hollywood stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman and more.
The Art of Leaving by Ayelet Tsabari
Jewish-Yemeni writer Tsabari leaves Israel in search of renewal and escape. Only it doesn't work out that way. She returns again and again, in an attempt to come to terms with her family and her identity.
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