Do you listen to CBC Radio?
I do sometimes, particularly if I’m in the car.
One of the things I like this time of year is their Canada Reads program.
Every year five panelists nominate five books, and then, after much discussion, drop one off the list each day until only one is left - the winner. It’s a great way to learn about some new titles you may not have heard of.
Why not borrow some - or all - of them from the library. Stretch your mind a little and have a look at what Canada is reading this year.
This year the panelists chose books to fit the theme: One Book To Open Your Eyes.
Mozhdah Jamalzadah, defending her choice The Boat People by Sharon Bala - Told through the alternating perspectives of a refugee, his lawyer and a woman tasked with deciding who gets to stay in Canada, this book is the moving story of what happens when a group of Tamil refugees reach Vancouver’s shores.
Tahmoh Penikett, defending his choice American War by Omar El Akkad - Set in the near future, this book envisions a world where government restrictions on fossil fuels have sparked a second Civil War in the United States. Growing up in the midst of this conflict, Sarat Chestnut is shaped by violence and displacement in ways she could never have imagined.
Greg Johnson, defending his choice Precious Cargo by Craig Davidson - This book gathers memories from the year the author spent driving a school bus for children with special needs. In the process, he learns to look at failure differently and comes to understand the meaning of compassion.
Jeanne Beker, defending her choice Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto - This book is the true story of the author’s grandparents. His maternal grandfather was captured and imprisoned as a prisoner of war in Japan during the Second World War — all while his paternal grandmother and her Japanese-Canadian family was interned by their own government in Alberta.
Jully Black, defending her choice The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline - In the dystopian world of this book, climate change has ravaged the Earth and a majority of the world’s humans have lost their ability to dream. In North America, Indigenous people are on the run — hunted for their bone marrow, which is believed to restore dreams.
Or maybe you have a book you think should have been nominated - tell people, spread the word and get your corner of Canada reading.