Canada is often celebrated as a multicultural nation but that doesn’t mean racism isn’t a present and pervasive force here. From interpersonal racism to institutional racism, from micro-aggressions to colour-blindness, racism is sadly a pervasive force in Canadian society. The most troubling problem is with our reflexive denials. Let’s consider implicit bias in public institutions.... Continue Reading →
Celebrate Canadian Authors
Canada is known for many things -- beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine (think poutine and maple syrup), outdoor sports and of course for the multicultural fabric of our communities. But did you know we also have some of the most amazing authors? With Canada Day just around the corner, why not celebrate by reading some of... Continue Reading →
Essay Collections & Memoirs
This week Laura and Nicole talk about personal storytellers and suggest titles that run the gamut from funny to heartbreaking. Watch this and past episodes on YouTube or find and subscribe to us on your favourite podcast app. Place holds on these titles in print through our online catalogue, or search for them on cloudLibrary.... Continue Reading →
Hockey Book Greats
As you may have heard, Thunder Bay is playing host to the Telus Cup this week. The Telus Cup brings together the best Major Midget hockey teams from across Canada to compete for the national championship. The Thunder Bay Kings, as the host team, were granted the privilege of a secured spot in this tournament. ... Continue Reading →
Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui
It’s no surprise to most of us that the Chinese food we adore is an adapted, Canadian version, different from meals enjoyed in China. I have memories of visiting a local Chinese restaurant and watching my father ask for the ‘other menu.’ He would choose something that I couldn’t pronounce or even describe, but was... Continue Reading →
If I Fall, If I Die by Michael Christie
If I Fall, If I Die is the first novel by Michael Christie. Set in his hometown of Thunder Bay, If I Fall, If I Die follows the adventures of Will, the son of an agoraphobic mother. Will’s mom is terrified of leaving the house and Will considers himself her guardian, keeping her safe... Continue Reading →
Dance of the Banished by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Part action novel, part history, part love story – Dance of the Banished is a book which will linger in the reader’s mind. Zeynep and Ali are young Alevi Kurds in Anatolia, Turkey who are dreaming of a future together. Ali leaves his fiancée when he gets passage to Canada and Zeynep’s world is thrown... Continue Reading →
Canada, 1882 by John Campbell
"Are hearts here strong enough to found A glorious people's sway?" Ask of our rivers as they bound From hill to plain, or ocean-sound, If they are strong to-day? If weakness in their floods be found, Then may ye answer "Nay!" "Is union yours? may foeman's might Your love ne'er break or chain?" Go see... Continue Reading →
The Canterbury Trail by Angie Abdou
The Canterbury Trail by Angie Abdou (2011, Brindle & Glass) offers insight into Canadian mountain village lifestyles and culture while at the same time addressing larger themes with which readers can relate. The Canterbury Trail tells the story of a mis-matched bunch of skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers who set out in small groups to enjoy... Continue Reading →
Yesterday’s Dead By Pat Bourke
“If all the adults are all sick, who’s in charge?” This is the tag-line for an absorbing children’s novel by Canadian author Pat Bourke.It is set in Toronto in 1918 just as the first world war is ending and the deadly Spanish Flu hits the city. The first half depicts the challenges faced by Meredith,... Continue Reading →
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