AT THE LIBRARY
“The Bookshop on the Corner” by Jenny Colgan (William Morrow, 2016, 368 pages)
A perfect gift for book lovers this season, Jenny Colgan’s “The Bookshop on the Corner” centres on a main character, Nina, who owns so many books her roommate is concerned their home’s floor joists might break!
Nina works at a public library in England, but her life is turned upside down when she finds out her library branch is closing and there are now hundreds of books in need of a home. Her solution is to spend her life savings on a huge, rickety van, which she converts into a travelling book shop by adding shelves and a cosy reading nook.
Follow Nina as she travels Scotland’s countryside, bringing books where they are needed most. This light, fun read contains a little bit of romance — a train conductor who leaves her gifts of poetry and a dark, brooding but dashingly handsome Scottish farmer — as well as tales of friendship and adventure. Above all, it’s a testament to the transformative power of books in a community.
If you enjoy “The Bookshop on the Corner,” consider reading some of her other titles, including “Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery.” Happy reading!
“The Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda Guide to Canadian Inventions” by Red Green (Doubleday Canada)
Hankering for something red and green for the holidays? A way to wrap up your Canada 150 celebrations? Enjoy fun-filled facts and fiction, featuring 60 Canadian inventions from Order of Canada member, comedian, writer and actor Red Green, a.k.a. Steve Smith. Each chapter consists of “The Greatest Not Necessarily Canadian Invention in the World: Candidate” and the book ends with the “Winner” and a “Could you be an inventor?” quiz.
Throughout are inspirational quotes in the “Red Says” sections. You get the feeling that life isn’t so grey when you consider Green’s takes on these inventions as everything is better with duct tape, right? It also features snippets of Possum Lodge members’ takes on these creations. From well-known inventions such as insulin, hockey and the Canadarm, to lesser known ones such as the alkaline battery, paint roller and Fox 40 Whistle. Give it a try. If you don’t find this book handsome then at least you’ll find it handy!