**SUMMER SHORT LIST PICK**

Genre:
Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction, Social Commentary, Suspense

Summary:
Six stories intertwine through time and space in this mind bending suspense novel from acclaimed author David Mitchell.

Disinherited composer Robert Frobisher, genetically modified clone Sonmi-451, cynical publisher Timothy Cavendish, sea sick voyager Adam Ewing, high-minded journalist Luisa Rey and guilt-ridden islander Zachry are about to discover the almost imperceptible threads that enjoin each and every one of us.

My Thoughts:
Spanning 1850 to a postapocalyptic Hawaii, Mitchell’s ambitious novel tackles some profoundly moving themes: life, love, power and the meaning of our existence.

Cloud Atlas is a very clever novel. I certainly won’t do it justice with my brief review, but I will say that patience and persistance pay off with this 509 page long novel.

I slogged through the first few pages with an unclear sense of where it was going. But by the end of the first segment I had the feeling I was onto something great. This is one of those books that takes some time to get into. But you’ll be happy you made the investment!

Mitchell’s acute attention to detail and intricate weaving of multiple storylines is a style not easily duplicated. Surely one of the future classic novels of our generation!

Borrow Cloud Atlas from your local Vaughan Library today! And don’t forget to add yourself to the waiting list for Cloud Atlas the movie!

 2013 Newbery Medal Winner

 
Genre:
Children’s Fiction, Animal Welfare

Summary:
Ivan is a gorilla living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. With him live his friends Stella the elderly elephant and Bob a reclusive stray dog.

For Ivan, life revolves around yogurt covered raisins, drawing and watching TV.

But all that changes with the arrival of Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family. Ruby helps Ivan see his world with new awareness. And with Ruby as inspiration, Ivan will finally have the opportunity to be the mighty silverback he was always meant to be.

My Thoughts:
This is a poignant and compassionate story about standing up for what you believe in. Told through the eyes of Ivan, The One and Only Ivan tugs at your heart strings.

I’m always amazed and pleased to see such challenging topics tackled in a junior novel. Applegate tactfully raises awareness of the ethics surrounding animal captivity in a hopeful story of friendship and love. Ivan’s unbreakable spirit and quiet wisdom shine through. Ruby, Stella and Bob are strong supporting characters who complement Ivan’s strong but mellow attitude.

With a combination of heartwarming storytelling and endearing illustrations, Applegates The One and Only Ivan will entertain young and old alike!

Borrow The One and Only Ivan from your local Vaughan Library today!

Genre:
Adult Fiction, Psychology, Humourous Fiction, Mental Health, Realistic Fiction

Summary:
Pat Peoples believes in silver linings. This despite the fact that he’s been living in a psychiatric institution for the past four years. His wife betrayed and then divorced him. He was almost convicted of a serious crime he can’t remember. And he’s 34 living at home with his parents.

But Pat is not about to let those facts prevent him from his happy ending – what he believes is the inevitable reunion to his estranged wife, Nikki.

Pat believes that if he just works hard enough, becomes physically fit and emotionally literate – “apart time” will end and Nikki will take him back. In the meantime, Pat is being slowly pursued by the eccentric Tiffany. And his parent’s marriage seems to be on the verge of a meltdown.

In the midst of it all, Pat finally comes to grips with the truth of his wife’s betrayal. And with it, a new understanding of what it means to believe in “silver linings.”

My Thoughts:
Oh Pat Peoples! A lost soul if I ever met one. Pat is what I would refer to as an overgrown child. He’s a bit lost, a bit overly dependent on his mom, and A LOT deluded and disconnected from reality.

But those are the things that make Pat kind of loveable – his innocent demeanor and his persistent search for what he believes is his god-given right to a silver lining.

Pat is a man who struggles with mental health, something that a lot of people in our society can relate to. In both Pat and Tiffany, I think readers will see much of themselves.

Borrow The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick from your local Vaughan Public Library today! And don’t forget to put yourself on the waiting list for the movie!