Age Group:
Young Adult

Genre:
Historical Fiction, International, Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Suspense

Summary:
Grace must endure the unmentionable. At the vulnerable age of 15, Grace must bury her newly born illegitimate child at the famed Brookwood cemetery, carefully hiding it in a rich lady’s coffin. Grace and her sister are orphaned paupers and this is the only way the baby might receive a proper burial. It is at the cemetery where she meets the lecherous, deceitful Unwin family – funeral directors who offer her a job as a mute. At first Grace is reluctant to take on such a depressing job, but when she and Lily fall on hard times, she is forced to seek their employment. She will soon find out that the Unwins are less than charitable; in fact they are dangerous adversaries.

With the help of a young lawyer, Mr. James Solent, Grace might just have her chance at redemption and a life she’s always dreamed of.

My Thoughts:
Set in 1861 London, I enjoyed Mary Hooper’s rich use of details and historical references. Hooper paints a meticulously accurate portrayal of social hierarchies, showcasing the great poverty and wealth of the time. Grace is a pitiable character who suffers through no fault of her own.

Hooper skillfully unravels three mysteries simulataneously: the true intentions of the Unwin family, the secrets surrounding Grace’s baby, and the whereabouts of Grace’s father. Overall, an interesting novel from a prolific young adult writer.

Borrow Fallen Grace from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Memoir, Pyschology, Social Experiment, Relationships, American, Chick-lit, Self-Help

Summary:
51 dates in 50 weeks. This is the goal that 30-year-old, very single LA transplant Kristen McGuiness sets for herself. Tired of waiting for ‘Mr. Right’ to find her, Kristen embarks on a complex journey to find out what she really wants and get back into the dating game. Troubled by a less than perfect relationship with her convict drug smuggler father- and haunted by memories of previous lovers-Kristen’s got some serious soul searching to do! Kristen lets readers into her mind and her soul, challenging traditional conceptions of love and relationships.

My Thoughts:
McGuiness is a fresh and entertaining writer who knows herself well. In her memoir, we see all sides of her: flirty Kristen, sensible Kristen, reckless Kristen and spiritual Kristen. The great part about this book is that she truly holds nothing back and is not afraid to put her reputation on the line.

Rather than a date-by-date exact replay, McGuiness offers a poignant and introspective look into modern dating, subtly urging us to clean out the dirty ghosts hiding in our metaphorical closets. Kristen is real, and though I could critique some major flaws in the book (such as the loose definition of a ‘date’), I could not help but be pulled in chapter-by-chapter, questioning my own single life and easily putting myself into Kristen’s confused, but determined shoes!

Borrow 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Young Adult

Themes:
Adventure, Coming-of-age, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Summary:
The year is AD 1275 during the illustrious reign of Khubilai Khan, revered commander of the powerful Mongol Empire. This too is the year when the athletic and courageous Princess Emmajin, granddaughter to the Khan, will prove to her family that she has what it takes to be the first female soldier in the Mongol army. But will Emmajin’s aspirations be jeopardized by the arrival of the witty, enigmatic Marco Polo?

My Thoughts:
Yang has masterfully woven a compelling historical fiction narrative. Her choice of characters and her seamless connection of true and fictionalized events results in a powerful story of a young woman’s passion and strength. Reminiscent of the story of Mulan, Daughter of Xanadu tackles the challenges of cross-cultural love, of friendship, loyalty and bravery.

Borrow Daughter of Xanadu from your local Vaughan library today!