Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Canadian Literature, Coming-of-age, Realistic Fiction, Social Commentary, Social Classes

Summary:
Baby, a twelve-year-old on the verge of her thirteenth birthday, lives a harrowing and unstable life with her young father Jules. Motherless and living in near desolation on the streets of Montreal has been soul crushing for the impressionable young Baby. She finds herself sent to temporary foster care, banished to a detention facility, and abused by those around her, namely her very own father.

When she’s lured into prostitution by the enigmatic Alphonse, Baby slowly loses touch with reality and finds herself headed on a path toward self destruction. When she meets Xavier, a quirky, middle class boy her own age, she gets a taste of the normal, which leaves her feeling even more hollow inside. Will Baby finally have the courage to seek a better life?

My Thoughts:
Loosely based on her own tragically sad childhood, Heather O’Neill’s first novel Lullabies for Little Criminals is a shocking reminder that childhood is a frail and vulnerable state of existence. And one that is too easily corrupted. This novel is a chilling reminder of what happens when the lines are blurred much too soon.

All that remains is a 13-year-old stripped of her innocence, broken, lonely and confused but desperately reaching out. Reading Baby’s story, it was hard to believe that there are children who actually grow up like this. If anything, it was a reminder of how incredibly lucky I’ve been in my own life.

A fascinating, heart-wrenching novel. Borrow Lullabies for Little Criminals from your local VPL library today!

Have you read this book, or another like it, let me know your thoughts!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Biography & Memoir, Non-Fiction, Canadian, First Nations, Historical

Summary:
Basil Johnston documents the fascinating, true life story of his grandmother Rosa and her son David (Basil’s uncle), born with Down Syndrome. Growing up on a Native reserve in the early 20th century, David finds himself loved and accepted in a tightly knit community. He loves playing horseshoes, cutting wood for quarters and following around his older brothers. Everyone accepts David for his differences –until a new Indian agent is appointed, Mr. Tuffnell, who threatens to remove David from his home and send him to an institution. Will the strength and will of the community prevail?

My Thoughts:
Funny, humbling and inspiring, Basil Johnston’s biographical account of the life of “Crazy Dave” is a unique piece of Canadiana. If you’ve ever had the chance to watch APTN’s mid-1990s TV series North of 60, Johnston’s book touches on many of the same themes of cultural preservation, poverty and the strength of community. Johnston painstakingly researched the tiniest details of life in the village and it draws the reader in chapter-by-chapter, making us root for “Crazy Dave” every step of the way.

Borrow Crazy Dave from your local VPL library today! Have you read this book before? If so, let me know!

Age Group:
Young Adult

Genre:
Realistic Fiction, Coming-of-age, Social Commentary

Summary:
Sister Wife describes the intertwined lives of Celeste, Taviana and Nanette in a fictional polygamist community called Unity. While Celeste struggles with the thought of marrying a much older man, Nanette embraces the idea enthusiastically. Taviana, a newcomer to the community, grapples with a life of new restrictions, but finds comfort in the safety of the community. Each of the young girls must decide if Unity is where they want to live their lives.

My Thoughts:
The subject matter of Sister Wife is, in and of itself, highly intriguing. The story is written with a sensitivity, yet a firm stance, toward the experiences of women living in polygamist communities. The themes in the book- of adolescence, questioning authority, friendship and loyalty- can relate to the life experiences of any young adult. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to both high school students and adults who are interested in realistic fiction.

Borrow Sister Wife from your local Vaughan library today! Have you read this book before? I want to know your thoughts!