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The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue

4 days ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

Perhaps you’re ignorant of many famous historical events, like I am. I’m always astounded at what I don’t know and continue to learn as I age. Books are (of course) a wonderful way of educating myself which is why I’m always recommending them. The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue is a great example of why fiction can be so educational; it’s a fictional take on a famous historical event, written expertly enough to keep our attention while transporting us to another time and place.
Welcome to the Neighbourhood by Clea Young

1 week ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

It’s been a few years since I read Clea Young’s first short story collection, Teardown, which I don’t recall much of, but luckily I can read my full review of it here when I forget again. Without needing to refer to my archives, I’m happy to say I really enjoyed her next collection, titled Welcome to the Neighbourhood, published just a few weeks ago. It’s a subtle book that needles at the social and societal expectations we find ourselves working within, in white, middle class Canada.
Other Worlds by Andre Alexis

2 weeks ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

I finally got around to a Canadian author I’ve been meaning to read, wanting to read, feeling like I was the only book lover who hadn’t read him yet: André Alexis. His latest collection of short stories Other Worlds was released just a few weeks ago, and as May is short story month, I dove right in. He is best known for his award-winning novel Fifteen Dogs which won a TON of awards.
Good Victory by Mikka Jacobsen

3 weeks ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

May is short story month, so I’m going to be reviewing a few here in the next few weeks, and I’m starting with a local Calgary author.
Priscilla Tempest Mystery by Ron Base and Prudence Emery

1 month ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

Canadian publisher Douglas & McIntyre must be aware of my love of cozy mysteries, because they very kindly sent me all four books in the Priscilla Tempest Mystery Series, including the most recent, published only a few months ago, Curse of the Savoy, by Ron Base and Prudence Emery. I gobbled up all four books in a row, enjoying my trip to the swinging 60s of London set within the glamorous and world famous Savoy Hotel.
The Capital of Dreams by Heather O'Neill

1 month ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

This is the first Heather O’Neill book I’ve ever read, and as a Canadian who prides myself on reading widely, I’m embarrassed to admit that! O’Neill has written a few works of fiction, many of them award-winners, so I was delighted when I could join the band of O’Neill fans after I read her latest release, The Capital of Dreams. Similar to her other writing this book includes magical elements but with a strong thread of characterization and personal development.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

2 months ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

I’ve squirreled away David Sedaris books in my home, ready to read when I feel I need them most. As I’ve said many times on this blog, David Sedaris is my favourite writer, and I savour his stories like a delicious chocolate bar I’ve been pining for. I don’t read his books in order so I’m still getting through his impressive backlist.
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

2 months ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

I’d like to say I planned ahead of time to read and write the reviews of one of Ireland’s most famous authors in the month of March, but I’ll admit to this all happening by happy accident instead. Last year, a publicist sent me the latest release from Colm Toíbín, excited that he had finally released a sequel following his beloved character Eilis.
How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron book

2 months ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

It’s been awhile since I read Canadian author Claire Cameron. I last read and reviewed one of her books of fiction, The Last Neanderthal in 2019 and I recently picked up her memoir How to Survive a Bear Attack with an open mind because it’s a work of non-fiction, so very different from what I was used to. This latest book is about the skin cancer that runs in her family, plus a deadly bear attack she became fixated on as she grew older.
The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan Book Review

2 months ago | ivereadthis.com | Anne Logan

As you can tell by my tropical photo above, I was visiting warmer climes as of late. When I find myself in a dreaded airport, I always make sure to check out the books on sale because I’m curious to see what’s popular, and what constitutes a ‘beach read’ for most.