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Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Canadian Non-Fiction, Memoir, Self-Help

Summary:
A fascinating and groundbreaking account of a condition that many experience, but few have the courage to document. Emily White, a successful, driven, independent young lawyer, who has good friends and a supportive family, struggles to come to terms with her chronic loneliness, a condition that has plagued her since childhood.

White can’t seem to overcome her feelings of disconnectedness and alienation–a product of both her isolated childhood and a society that glorifies independence and solitude. She tries online dating, joining art classes and a basketball team, and yet she can not escape her intense feelings.

White’s book is a revolutionary one, describing a condition that is stigmatized, yet continues to grow in prevalence. There is nothing like this book in the modern media to date!

My Thoughts:
Compelling and touching. White’s account of her struggle with loneliness is one that I think we have all experienced at some time during our lives. We are a species built to seek human relationships and when these needs are not fulfilled, we may find ourselves spiraling into an endless cycle of shame and self perpetuating isolation. This book is an illuminating read for anyone whose life has been touched by loneliness.

Borrow Lonely: Learning to Live with Solitude from your local Vaughan Library today!

Have you read this book before or a similar book? If so, let us know your thoughts!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Native, Realistic Fiction, Canadian, Adventure, Survivalism, Coming-of-age, Historical, Humourous

Awards:
Nominee for the Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Award and the Books in Canada First Novel Award in 1998.

Summary:
Champion and Ooneemeetoo Okimasis are young men growing up in a magical Cree world in northern Manitoba. They live a charmed life with their brave father Abraham and nurturing mother Mariesis. But their innocence ends much too soon when they are forced to abandon culture and tradition to live in a Catholic residential school.

At school, the newly renamed Jeremiah and Gabriel are abused by priests. It is only through music and dance and their spirit guide – the Fur Queen trickster – that they learn to come to grips with the trauma they endure. Together Jeremiah and Gabriel become successful young men who struggle with their identity as they are drawn back to their home at Mistik Lake year after year.

My Thoughts:
A poignant and humourous story with a cinematic tone. I enjoyed this novel. It is raw and real and passionate. The stories of Jeremiah and Gabriel are the collective stories of Native Canadians living in the 20th century – pressured to adopt Catholic values and take on new identities. And yet, there is such a sense of hope, survival and strength from these two young men who refuse to be silenced.

Borrow Kiss of the Fur Queen from your local VPL library today!

Intrigued by this title? Try Tomson Highway’s award winning The Rez Sisters, a hilarious play portrayal of seven women from a reserve attempting to beat the odds by winning at bingo.

I read this play for a university course but it also makes a great leisure read

Have you read either of these books? If so let us know what you thought.

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, American, Animal Welfare

Summary:
Oogy, a pitbull look-alike, finds himself in a frightening situation when his face is severly damaged after being used as bait for fighting dogs. Oogy’s future looks bleak– until he finds the right family to rescue him. Despite all the trauma he endures, Oogy loves his life and he especially loves people. In this new family, Oogy has the chance to start over and prove to the world that fighting dogs aren’t the killers they’re made out to be.

Watch Oogy on Oprah: watch?v=y8C2yP8X0oM

My Thoughts:
Oogy’s story is not particularly unique, but it is very heartwarming. Oogy is a dog who beat the odds, survived horrendous abuse and lived to “tell” the tale. Larry Levin, the author and owner of Oogy, is an incredibly likeable character himself, whose profound love and compassion for Oogy truly transcends human and animal relationships. Levin’s two sons, who are themselves adopted, find a kindred companion in Oogy.

Borrow Oogy: The dog only a family could love from your local Vaughan library today!

Do you love stories that celebrate the power of the animal spirit? Try these other great books. I’ve read them all and enjoyed each one:

1. Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World : Heartwarming, and not just because I’m a librarian!

2. The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny : Combine your love of dogs and cats in this inspiring true story.

3. Elizabeth Taylor’s Nibbles and Me : A great choice for kids who love animals of all shapes and sizes.

Have you read any of these books? Do you have any other animal stories to recommend. Please share your thoughts