Simply put, this is a great book, a literary treasure. The very first sentence is sublime: “Cannery Row in Monterey .. is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a nostalgia, a dream”. And later: “The corrugated iron of the cannery glows with the pearly lucence of platinum or old pewter”. And there are the characters and activities: the escapades of Mack and the boys to capture frogs for Doc at the Western Biological Laboratory, Doc’s epic trip to La Jolla to collect octopi, the repair of a Model T truck. Overall, this 1945 novel is both humorous and poignant, a must read. Thanks, Erin, for the impetus to re-read this classic.
The Impossible Fortune – Richard Osman
This fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club mystery series is one of the best. Importantly, there is the clever and signature wit of Osman’s writing. Of course, the plot is devious: a missing person, a bitcoin fortune, a car bomb. But this is a story about the importance of relationships, old (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim) and new, with family dynamics a key element. Highly recommended.
Revolution Songs – Carissa Halton
This remarkable first novel is a classic example of historical fiction. The setting is the Crowsnest Pass, specifically Blairmore, in the 1930s. The drama is labour radicalism, fueled by depression-era poverty and the dangers of coal mining. The influences of Communist agitation and even the sinister presence of the KKK creates a dramatic backdrop for exploitation. Thanks Sarah, for this recommendation.
On The Calculation Of Volume-I – Solvej Balle
This is a fascinating story about a groundhog day. For Tara, the 18th of November repeats itself, apparently endlessly. Does this improbability represent a fault in time? There are intriguing inconsistencies in time, in what stays and what disappears. What about her husband Tom? In fact, Tara remembers and Tom forgets. What is unique and compelling about this story are the psychological aspects. Does Tara have a future? Is there an explanation, a hopeful resolution? Can she escape or is this her new reality. Overall, this is an extraordinarily introspective story. Thanks Amy, for the gift of this book.
Travels With Charley – John Steinbeck
In 1960 at the age of 58 and after his last novel, Steinbeck sets out on a road trip with his faithful dog Charley, in search of America. After 10,000 miles over 4 months, this epic trip comes to an end. No surprise: the writing is superb. Steinbeck is a keen observer of geography, and long periods of time in a camper truck provide frequent opportunities for reminiscing. One of the best sections is California: the giant redwoods, the magic of the desert, revisiting his Salinas home. There is also a melancholy, a palpable disenchantment with the world culminating with a disastrous exposure to racial tension in the South. Overall, this is a stunning portrait of American complexity.
Is This A Cry For Help? – Emily Austin
Full disclosure: this book is a tribute to libraries and librarians! Darcy is a 32-year-old librarian who is recovering from a sick leave precipitated by the death of a former partner. So part of the story is a professional analysis of her insecurities and her need to please others. And there are important library challenges to principles of intellectual freedom and inclusivity due to censorship demands. So, a book that deals with important contemporary issues.
PS: Emily Austin also wrote Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead
The Cure For Drowning – Loghan Paylor
This book is the well-deserved winner of the 2026 Canada Reads competition, championed by the formidable and eloquent Tegan Quin. This is brilliant historical fiction: small town Ontario in 1939 and then WWII in Halifax and Europe. There are two principal characters: the non-binary Catherine/Kit/Christopher and Rebekah. These vivid individuals are grappling with identity and belonging, so different perspectives on life are featured. And there is some magic realism, aka folklore: highly recommended.
A Far-Flung Life – M. L. Stedman
Simply put, this is a very fine book. First, there is the context. Place – Western Australia, with an outstanding description of the physical geography of a one million acre sheep station that accommodates 20,000 sheep. There is profound isolation, heat and insects, and the terrifying consequence of a cyclone. Time – principally 1958-59 and a decade later. And second, there is a compelling human element. What is the human cost of multiple tragedies? How do “survivors” cope with paralyzing grief and guilt? What about self-forgiveness? This is an epic novel that has breathtaking scope. Thanks to Catherine for this recommendation.
PS: Ms. Stedman previously wrote the acclaimed The Light Between The Oceans.
Foe – Iain Reid
This is a fascinating book, set in an unknown place in a somewhat future time. Junior and Hen(rietta) are married and living a quiet life on a farm. A stranger arrives with surprising news: Junior has been “selected” in a lottery to travel to a space station. What does this mean to their married relationship? Can a biomechanical replica replace Junior? The story creates unease, a really creepy feeling. At its core, this story is about relationships, with shifts in the balance of power creating compelling reading. Highly recommended.
What David Read 