Earth Day is every day and we’re celebrating it this Saturday

This year the library has planned its first ever, all day, Earth Day celebration. If you don’t have plans this Saturday, April 27th, we’d love to see you at the Millennium Library.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the programs happening – and this is in addition to all of the regular, wonderful things that we offer at the library.

Register online or call your local library to attend any of these programs:

During Indigenous Ways and Interconnectedness, join the circle and listen to Carl Stone share about the environment, interconnectedness, and the importance of both.

Carl Stone was born on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and raised by his grandmother, Eliza Stone, a respected Elder and of the Anishinabe Midewin Society. He has been active in reclaiming Anishinabe spiritual and cultural ways for the past 48 years. Currently, he is an Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre, University of Manitoba.

Could you live your life without producing any trash? Nope! Can you drastically reduce your reliance on single use plastics, while also sending less to the landfill? Yes! Marisa Loreno has been practicing a low waste lifestyle for many years and is the owner of Refill Market. During Zero Waste Living, Marisa will share simple swaps and local resources that can springboard you into climate action.

Did you know that you can’t recycle paper coffee cups? Or that you need to empty containers before recycling? During Recycling Myths, learn what actually goes in your recycling cart or bin and where you can take other items to keep them out of the landfill. 

Eco-anxiety is a perfectly rational response to the climate and environmental crises. The problem is that it can make us feel completely overwhelmed and unsure of what action to take. In From Eco-Anxiety to Meaningful Change, Kristina Hunter will guide us through tackling this tricky issue with real solutions to get past the overwhelm and figure out how to make meaningful, lasting change in the world. 

Drop in for these programs:

From 3-4:30pm, we’ll be watching the film Life Off Grid in the Carol Shields Auditorium. It documents a two-year journey exploring the lives of Canadians in every province and territory who made the choice to disconnect. It focuses on the people who have chosen to build their lives around renewable energy, with beautiful, inspiring, and often challenging results.

There’s also a Stuffie Hospital and Earth Day crafts for the kids. For the adults, we’re offering a Mending Cafe and the opportunity to make Recycled Book Art. And it goes without saying that we have books on all of these important topics, ready for you to borrow.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

– Reegan, Nadine, and Stephanie

A Roomish of One’s Own: A word or two on time and space

Possibly one of the most famous quotes on writing comes from an extended essay written by Virginia Woolf and delivered to the Women’s College at the University of Cambridge. It’s instantly recognizable, and rarely misattributed.

“A woman must have money and room of her own if she is to write fiction.”

Truer words have rarely been spoken, but it applies to all genders. One needs space and time to write in order to become the writers we all want to be. Space and time are relative, of course, but they are nonetheless important.

I’ve written in a tiny trailer, a closet, a 26-foot land yacht Airstream, a gazebo (summer only), my bedroom, an attic, my living room, and my kitchen table. I wrote my breakout novel, A Dry Spell, in a garage, in the winter on Manitoulin Island. I had a space heater at my feet and when January rolled around along with the wind off the lake, I had a woodstove installed. It was the only space I could use, as my house at the time was just 625 square feet and there was an infant, a teenager, and a husband in there. And a dog and a cat. It was a rough time for all of us, because money was really tight, I could only find part-time work, I was using cloth diapers, and still breastfeeding. But I had space. And because someone believed in me, I had time.

Time and space are relative. When my oldest son was little, I wrote after he went to bed at 8:30 pm. I wrote from 8:30-10:30 pm. Officially. In reality I often wrote until midnight, 1 am, whatever it took to get myself to that sweet spot where I was done for the night and feeling good about it. I worked or went to school in the morning so those late nights were tough. But I wanted to write and I had time and space, relatively.

What’s your space? What’s your time?

The greatest piece of advice I give to writers who ask is, “read read read, write write write.” The second greatest piece of advice I give to writers who ask is, have a writing practice.

A writing practice is simply, time and space daily.

I know someone who works at 7 am and so they get up at 5 am to write – like I did many years ago – in a quiet closet. My husband writes in bed. Joseph Mankiewicz famously wrote in the bathtub. Stephen King has a top floor office and a giant oak desk, I believe, but we also all know that he too wrote in a closet at one time. J.K. Rowling wrote in coffee shops. We all have our ways.

The important thing is to make and have a way. Invest in yourself by allowing a space and time that might be taken from someone else: our children, our partners, our employers. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay. In fact, it’s good and right because writing is as important an art form as there ever has been and ever will be.

Find your attic, your trailer, your coffee shop, your desk. Book your time. Write your novel, essay, exposé, journal, poem, screenplay. Put your voice on paper, literally or figuratively. Write that sh*t.

If anyone complains tell them I said it’s okay. I got you.

What’s the deal with closets?

-Susie Moloney, Winnipeg Public Library Writer-in-Residence, 2023-24

Author of: Bastion Falls, A Dry Spell, The Dwelling, The Thirteen, Things Withered: stories

Screenwriter of: The Suburbanight, ROMI, Bright Hill Road, ROMI the feature, Penny Whistle

And more to come …

The Wonderful World of Picture Books

One of the best things about working in a library has been rediscovering the joys of picture books as an adult. While they are written for young children, the best picture books are works of art that combine beautiful illustrations with skilled storytelling and sophisticated themes. They are not just pictures with words next to them, but a unique form of storytelling that combines the two. They can be laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking for both kids and their caregivers. Here are a few of my personal favourites from the library collection. The target audience for these books is preschool to early school-age unless otherwise noted.

Don’t Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty

Chip is a smart dog. He knows what to eat and what not to eat and he will share with you what he knows. Chip’s culinary misadventures are filled with slapstick comedy and Mike Boldt’s exaggerated art style really plays up the silliness of the situations he manages to get himself into. Don’t Eat Bees is great for a laugh or two, especially if you’ve ever known a dog like Chip.

Bear and the Whisper of the Wind by Marianne Dubuc

Bear has a good life. Then something imperceptibly changes, telling him it’s time to move on. He packs up his most treasured possessions and leaves on a journey, the end of which he cannot see. Marianne Dubuc’s soft illustrations and spare writing style give Bear and the Whisper of the Wind the feel of a traditional fairy tale. This is an ambiguous story that can spark discussions about its themes of loss, growth, and change but does not try to provide easy answers to the questions that it raises.

City Under the City by Dan Yaccarino

We’re all familiar by now with the YA dystopia, but a picture book dystopia? That’s exactly what Dan Yaccarino gives us in The City Under the City. Bix lives in a futuristic city where the Eyes observe everyone and control everything, until she discovers an underground city where she is free to read, learn, and do things for herself. A great story with a positive message about the power of reading and independent thought aimed at early school-age children.

The Glorious Forest that Fire Built by Ginny Neil

This is the story of a forest that is consumed by fire and of the regeneration that follows. Written in simple rhyming couplets, this book provides a scientifically accurate account of what happens after a forest burns. The Glorious Forest is a simple primer on the role of fire in forest ecology but can also be read as a story book. It also features some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve seen.

How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias

Red is excited to read a book all about pandas, but this soon turns to outrage as she realizes the book is only about giant pandas. In fact, every book on pandas is about giant pandas. Red sets out to write her own book, but does anybody even want to read about red pandas? How This Book Got Red is a charming story about creativity and friendship that also provides a child-friendly explanation of why media representation matters.

What if I’m Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters

Donkey knows that he’s a cat. That is, until an offhand comment from the farmer makes him start to doubt. Donkey runs away from home because he doesn’t think he fits in, but when a fox threatens the other cats on the farm, he realizes that the things that make him different are exactly what he needs to save the day. Donkey’s journey is one of self-discovery and self-acceptance, ending with a decision to embrace his own unique identity. What if I’m Not a Cat? is heartwarming and good for a chuckle but can also be used to start a conversation on individual differences.

Picture books are for kids, but they don’t have to be just for kids. A good picture book should be as enjoyable to the adult reading it as to the child listening, if not always in the same way. Looking for more picture book recommendations? Check out our Early Literacy Info Guide and Booklists page or ask for suggestions at your local library branch.

-Chris

Away We Go

 Spring has arrived (well, arrived, then disappeared, then arrived again, etc.). It’s a time when many people start getting the urge for a change of scenery. Travel gives book characters all sorts of opportunities for growth and of course, the potential to get involved in a whirlwind romance. 

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert 

Conrad and Alden are both devoted players of a popular tabletop card game called Odyssey. They both frequent Professor Tuttle’s game store and create content for the professor’s blog, “Gamer Grandpa”. Even with all these things in common, Conrad and Alden often find each other at odds with each other’s opinions and views on life. 

When Professor Tuttle wins tickets to an Odyssey convention in Las Vegas, circumstances fall so that Conrad and Alden are stuck in a car on a long road trip with just the two of them. The road trip makes for a very enjoyable development of their relationship. They can’t get away from each other and as they travel they end up naturally opening up to each other about their personal struggles, such as Conrad’s feelings of abandonment after his family cut him off when he came out. I look forward to reading the sequel, “Out of Character” soon! 

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinley 

Chelsea Martin is a hardworking fundraiser for the American Cancer Coalition, a job she took when her mother died of cancer. When her father announces that he’s getting remarried, she’s forced to recognize that while her father is moving on in his own way, she’s stuck. Chelsea starts thinking about the last time she felt happy, carefree and in love, and she realizes it was when she traveled to Europe and fell in love with three different men in Ireland, France, and Italy, respectively. She decides to go back to Europe, track down her exes and try to recapture some of the magic. She isn’t prepared for her coworker, Jason Knightley, however. While her trip is a vacation, it’s also a working vacation and she needs to keep in contact with Jason and her boss. When Jason ends up joining her in France and comforting her after her former French boyfriend lets her down in a big way, she starts to wonder if maybe Jason is not so annoying after all. The European backdrop provides a fun escape, while at the same time both Jason and Chelsea have tremendous losses in their past which they both discover they need to fully grieve. 

Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters 

Hairpin Curves is another road trip book, but for this story the characters are driving from Florida to a wedding in Quebec. Megan has always longed to travel the world but she’s reached twenty-five and she still hasn’t even left the state of Florida. Megan, Scarlett, and Juliet were best friends until Juliet left for Quebec. In the absence of Juliet, Megan and Scarlett had a falling out which led them to not talking to each other for several years. When Juliet announces she’s getting married, she invites both Megan and Scarlett to the wedding, not realising that Megan and Scarlett are no longer friends. Scarlett asks if Megan wants to drive to Quebec together despite no longer being close. While a road trip with Scarlett doesn’t sound all that appealing to Megan, she has just lost her job she hates, and she’s tired of just sitting around waiting for life to happen. Little does Megan know, Scarlett has been nursing a huge crush on Megan though she thinks Megan is straight, unaware that Megan had come out after their friendship had ended. Megan and Scarlett’s blossoming relationship is very slow burn but pays off with plenty of steam. 

Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy 

Elle Kennedy is one of my personal favourite authors as well as the unofficial queen of hockey romance so I was very excited for this new, albeit not-hockey-related romance. Nineteen-year-old Abby Bly’s father is a retired rock star, and as a result is maybe a little too overprotective of Abby. She decides the way to finally gain a little freedom in life is to travel to London for a year to study abroad. When Abby arrived in London, she’s shocked that all her roommates are boys, and what’s more, there’s a strict no-dating policy among the housemates due to a former bad experience with the girl who lived with them before. Before she knows it, Abby is not only crushing hard on Jack, her rugby playing roommate, but also develops feelings for Nate, a musician who already has a girlfriend. Love triangles are not usually my favourite trope, but Kennedy is a funny and gifted writer, so she more than managed to win me over. Abby also gets involved in a school research project that becomes an exciting royalty-related mystery running throughout the story as well. 

Safe travels! 

For more romance recommendations, check out the Your Next Great Read: Romance info guide! 

– Madeleine

T Minus One Month…TO MURDER

This month the Time to Read flight crew is reading The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield.

Is there a Canadian out there who has not heard about astronaut Chris Hadfield and his many, many accomplishments? We are about to find out if “speculative fiction author” is among them.

Is there anything the guy can’t do?

The Apollo Murders is set in a slightly alternative “what if?” 1970s where NASA is tasked to adjust the final Apollo mission (Apollo 18, in reality the Apollos stopped at 17 or did they?). This Apollo 18 is run by the military and the astronauts all have air force, navy, or marine backgrounds. The Pentagon is concerned with a Soviet satellite that has the potential to take super hi-def pics of the Earth, giving them the edge in a precarious cold war infused space race. Apollo 18’s mission is to intercept and disable this satellite on its way to the moon. No big deal, right?

But wait! Is there a Soviet spy working at NASA? What did the Soviets find on the moon? (Apparently the Russians landed unmanned rovers on the moon IN REAL LIFE or did they?). Did any of this really happen? Did Stanley Kubrick direct and film a sham moon landing? (This last question isn’t addressed in the novel but it’s something I’ve always wondered about.)

With a mix of fictional characters and real life personalities (e.g. Alan Shepard, Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger) it’s a wild ride to the finish line. I bet Toby will hate it.

Make sure to tune in on Friday, May 3 when all is revealed! In the meantime why not visit wpl-podcast.winnipeg.ca and check out an older episode (and explore our new website, courtesy of transistor.fm).

Until next time, make sure you find some TIME TO READ!

-Trevor

Women and Art

Happy Belated International Women’s Day! There are many women who inspire my art and craft practice. These women include family who introduced me to needlecraft at a young age, friends who challenge me with a new technique, or creators who inspire me from afar. I hope you have such creative influences around you.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, I’ve selected some resources to inspire your creativity, meet new female artists, and celebrate iconic women.

Beadwork: First Peoples’ beading history and techniques by Christi Belcourt 

Christi Belcourt is an iconic Métis visual artist and author celebrated for her paintings. In this book, she shares her knowledge and love of traditional beading. She introduces different types and styles of beading as they relate to cultural identity through use, region, and practice. The book includes history and techniques, a section on materials, stitches, and templates. Truly a treasure!

Quilt out loud: Activism, language & the art of quilting by Thomas Knauer  

Where quilting meeting “craftivism,” this book shows how quilting can be a platform for social movement. Featured artists meticulously stitch words, data, symbols and more to make a statement. To inspire your own work, the book contains letter templates, tips, and resources like morse code or the alphabet in binary code.    

Feminist cross-stitch: 40 bold & fierce patterns by Stephanie Rohr 

Who doesn’t love a well-worded cross-stitch? This book features 40 patterns so you can make a cute affirmation or a sassy statement. There is a wonderfully detailed Rosie the Riveter pattern, but I particularly enjoy the to-do list that includes “practice self-care” and “speak out.”

Crochet iconic women: Amigurumi patterns for 15 women who changed the world by Carla Mitrani

From Greta Thunberg to Jane Austin to Serena Williams, this book is packed with pattern after pattern so you can crochet a tiny, adorable doll of your favourite iconic woman. I can’t decide where to start – do I make Marie Curie with her miniscule Erlenmeyer flask, or a teeny tiny Jane Goodall with a teeny tiny chimpanzee?   

Empowered embroidery by Amy L. Frazer  

This beautiful book is packed with inspiration and instruction. Each thoroughly detailed pattern starts from a sketch and colour guide, then moves through the process with close-up images to specify stitches and techniques. You can follow along, choose some of the variations provided, or use their instruction to make your own pattern. By the end, you’ll be ready to create an incredibly detailed thread painting of Ruth Bader Ginsberg or Michelle Obama.   

A big important art book (now with women): Profiles of unstoppable female artists–and projects to help you become one by Danielle Krysa

Painters, fibre artists, or mixed media creators – there is a delightful range of art in this book! It’s divided into chapters based on expansive topics or categories, like “look to the past” and “tell a visual story.” Each chapter starts with a project relating to the topic, then features page after page of amazing work created by female artists.

Want more creative fun? Check out our Info Guide on Hobbies and Crafts. 

– Meg

If the Shirt Fits, Wear It

I’ll never forget my excitement when I heard that the Winnipeg Public Library was hiring entry-level staff, at the time known as library pages (those folks who put books away on library shelves). I love to read, and I imagined how amazing it would be to spend my days surrounded by books. It sounded like the perfect job for me. I waited eagerly for a response after I submitted my application, fearing as time went by that I wouldn’t be hired. On the day the phone finally rang, and I was invited to an interview, my dream was realized. Fast-forward 14 years, and I was right: the library is my happy place. My bookshelves at home are always stacked high with piles of library books; my request list is usually maxed out at 50 items; and I still get excited about new authors or genres of books to enjoy. My love of books is something my family knows well. At a family Christmas party about 5 years ago, I received one of my all-time favourite Christmas presents: a t-shirt proclaiming, “IF LOST, PLEASE RETURN TO THE LIBRARY”.

I loved this t-shirt and wore it everywhere, until the colours faded, and the letters began to wear away from constant washing. In the years since, it’s become a tradition for my family to give me library-themed t-shirts for birthdays and Christmases. My collection has grown so much that I can wear a different t-shirt every day of the week – and I often do. One of the next shirts to come my way at Christmas might strike fear in the heart of the serious book lover – “A-BIBLIO-PHOBIA, the fear of running out of books”.

Working in the library means access to a seemingly endless collection of books, but the thought of not having anything to read would be truly scary! If you ever find yourself wondering what to read next, look no further: Your Next Great Read – Info Guides at Winnipeg Public Library. You can also find great titles by filling out the “Five-in-Five Book List” form on our website. One of our librarians will curate a list of five new titles – just for you.

Many books make the leap from printed page to the big (or small) screen. Some are well-adapted and others, not so much. This humorous t-shirt from my husband says it well:

One example that stands out for me is the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, a fantastic set of books by author Rick Riordan, which begins with “The Lightning Thief”. My kids and I loved these books, but we thought the movies were terrible. The series has since made the jump to TV, courtesy of Disney and though I haven’t had a chance to see it, the reviews have been good. Browse our catalogue for the series and movies and put my t-shirt to the test for yourself.

At least a few times a week the basket on my desk fills with a pile of new books. For every book I return to the library, it seems I take 3 or 4 (or 6) more home with me. Did I mention my bookshelves are always full? It’s fitting that this t-shirt arrived under the tree for me last Christmas:

By strange coincidence, over the weekend while I was reading “Aria’s Travelling Bookshop” by Rebecca Raisin, the main character Aria dons a shirt with the same phrase, as she plucks up the courage to ask the (possible) man of her dreams out for a drink. The “Travelling Bookshop” is a companion book to the author’s prior novel, “Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop”. The series follows a group of nomadic “van-life/travelers”, who hit the road and stop at local fairs and festivals, selling a variety of wares from their converted vans and campers. The light-hearted semi-romance novels are a treat. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to adopt the van-life too.

If you do find yourself like me, with too many books arriving at once, did you know that you can suspend your library requests online, or with the newly restored Winnipeg Public Library app? Simply select a title from your holds list and click the box that says, “Edit/Suspend Hold(s)”. This will temporarily place your request on pause, until the date you specify. Once that date arrives, your request becomes active and your place in the queue is restored. For example, if you were 8th in line for the newest book by Kristin Hannah, “The Women”, suspending your request until June 15 means your request becomes active June 16, and you will still be 8th on the waiting list. If you are lucky enough to be number 8 for “The Women”, lucky you! The last time I checked, 520 people were waiting to read it.

When I’m not at work, I take this t-shirt’s saying very seriously:

You can find me curled up in the corner of my favourite chaise, reading for hours – periodically getting up to boil the kettle for another cup of Earl Grey, if I can successfully remove one of the cats from my lap. If this sounds like you, check out “I’d Rather Be Reading – The Delights and Dilemmas of The Reading Life” by Anne Bogel. With chapters like “Confess Your Literary Sins”; “Bookworm Problems” and “The Books That Find You”, she guides us through memories of the book that broke your heart; reassures us the “Book Police” won’t show up if we’re not reading the “right” type of books; and asks us, “if there were no due dates, would we read our library books as quickly”? Would we read them at all, or do we need that sense of urgency to motivate us?

Do you have a collection of book-themed tote bags, shirts, throw pillows or fridge magnets? We’d love to hear about them in the comments or on any of our social media platforms. Happy Reading and remember,

~ Joanne

Online Teen Book Club

If you (or a teen in your life) are interested in joining a book club, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, you’re in luck! We have an online book club for teens (grades 7-12) that meets once a month. The next three books are chosen and are across a variety of genres so hopefully there is something for everyone.

For the March meeting on Wednesday March 20^th at 6:30 p.m. the pick is Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes. Snarky seventeen-year-old Josslyn Drake gets infected by a dangerous piece of forbidden magic and teams up with wanted criminal Jericho Nox to remove the spell corrupting her soul. This is a fast-paced, epic fantasy that would be good for fans of Furyborn by Claire Legrand.

In April we are reading the much beloved Heartstopper, Volume 1 by Alice Oseman. This coming of age, romance graphic novel follows Charlie and Nick who are at the same school, but they’ve never met until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised. With the TV show adaptation recently getting a second season, and with the fifth volume having just come out, now is the perfect time to get into this series.

Finally, in May the pick is Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers, a sci-fi retelling of Cinderella. Delia must marry in order to secure an alliance and save her failing planet but, hoping for true love, she steals a spaceship and finds Aidan, a handsome stowaway, aboard in this retelling of Cinderella. This one would appeal to fans of Victoria Aveyard or Holly Black’s work.

If you’re interested in joining the Online Teen Book Club there is still time read the book and join March’s meeting. You can find the link to register here.

Happy Reading,

Hannah

Mobilize for MYRCA

A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest. 

C.S. Lewis

There’s no doubt that any time is a great time to read, but there’s something extra special about this time of year. It’s the lead up to the Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award voting period, when students in Manitoba make their voices and choices heard across the country. This year, the voting takes place from April 12 – 19 and the winners will be announced at a special celebration event on April 26.

While it’s true that only Manitoban students in grades 4 – 9 are able to vote that’s no reason to not take part in reading any or all of the terrific titles on the Sundogs and Northern Lights lists. Titles on the Sundogs lists are recommended for students in grades 4 – 6, and Northern Lights titles are recommended for students in grades 7 – 9. Canadian children and YA authors write some amazing books, and the ones that make it onto the MYRCA lists are among the best of the best. Picking up a MYRCA nominated book will give you an enjoyable reading experience, no matter how old you are.

The U-nique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael

Lou’s brain is always super busy, brimming with ideas and inspiration, so much so it’s hard for her to pay attention to what’s going on around her. Her ADHD is further complicated by dyslexia, but Lou is a big dreamer, and she’s determined to find a way to make her dreams come true. Jodi Carmichael writes from personal experience, as someone who lives with ADHD and dyslexia.

Berani by Michelle Kadarusman

Malia is an activist who is ready to do whatever it takes to further her cause – to stop the devastation of the rainforest. Ari is willing to help, but he’s not sure he can go as far as Malia, and Ginger Juice is struggling to stay alive and sane in a tiny cage. In the end, whatever they decide to do will have outcomes they could never have predicted. Michelle Kadarusman writes to inspire readers to make a difference in the world.

Fly by Alison Hughes

Can a kid who uses a wheelchair realize his dreams of becoming a knight? Felix is secretly in love with Daria, who is involved with a nasty piece of work named Carter. Felix dreams of the day when he can prove his devotion to Daria and conquer the villain. This novel in free verse that will evoke tears of laughter and sadness.

Winterkill by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Nyl had faced hard times before, but nothing could prepare him for the Holodomor; Stalin’s plan to starve the Ukrainian people and take over their land. It’s impossible to know what to do and who to trust, but Nyl must do his best to survive and share his story with the world. This part of history is not well known as even today the Holodomor is a forbidden topic in many places.

These are just a few of the super stories you’ll discover on the MYRCA 2024 lists, so don’t delay, start reading today!

-Lori

Bel Canto

If you listen to the podcast, you’ll know that I’ve committed to doing more re-reading this year. I read a lot of books and, consequently, I forget a lot of books. Even Bel Canto, one of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors, is a vague haze of words that includes terrorists, hostages, Japanese businessman, and opera singer.

Bel Canto was my first introduction to Ann Patchett and the book that put her on the literary map. Published in 2001, it won the Orange Prize and PEN/Faulker Award and was on many top book lists. Set in an unnamed South American country, the novel begins at a birthday party that is at the home of the country’s Vice President. Terrorists break into the party intending to take the President hostage. He’s not there, so instead they take the entire party hostage. One of the hostages is an opera singer, hence the title, which means “beautiful singing”.

This novel was inspired by the Japanese embassy hostage crisis in 1996 and 1997 in which 14 Peruvian terrorists took hostage hundreds of people who were attending a party at the residence of the Japanese ambassador. The situation lasted for 126 days and gained worldwide media attention.

Like French Exit, I am excited to re-read this one, but also a little nervous. What if I don’t like it as much as I remember? What if Dennis and Trevor hate it? Will they let me stay on the podcast? Only one way to find out.

While you’re anxiously awaiting our thoughts on Bel Canto, why not check out the latest episode where we discussed Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice. We were joined by writer-in-residence, Susie Moloney, and for a book about the end-of-the-world, a lot of laughs were had.

And, of course, until next time, make sure you find TIME TO READ.

-Toby