Chandler's Picks
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What She Said by Elizabeth Renzetti
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About this book: In What She Said, journalist Elizabeth Renzetti passionately tackles the most pressing issues facing women in Canada today, blending humor and empathy. She critiques the unfinished fight for gender equality, addressing challenges like the lack of representation in leadership, pay disparity, and the pervasive threat of sexual harassment. Drawing on her personal experiences and work at The Globe and Mail, Renzetti delves into topics such as reproductive rights, the burden of care, and financial inequality, emphasizing the need for unity among women. The book serves as a rallying cry for a more just and equitable future.
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Why we chose this: Elizabeth Renzetti was the Saturday A2 columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years. Her Saturday column was something I actively looked forward to. Her writing is always deeply insightful, personal, sharp and even witty. We're also lucky that she's coming to our store to talk about her new book November 2nd!
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Release date: October 1, 2024
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The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
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About this book: In The Mighty Red, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich weaves a powerful story of love, fate, and the harsh forces shaping the lives of ordinary people in Argus, North Dakota. At the heart of the novel is a tumultuous wedding between Gary Geist, an anxious young man poised to inherit two farms, and Kismet Poe, a free-spirited woman torn between two men. Their lives intertwine with others in the community, including Kismet's mother, Crystal, who struggles with spiritual visions and fears for their future. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis and the relentless depletion of natural resources, the novel explores themes of time, loss, and the fragile bond between humanity and the earth. With humour, sadness, and deep insight, Erdrich captures the dreams, heartbreaks, and enduring resilience of a prairie community facing overwhelming challenges. The Mighty Red is a poetic meditation on love, survival, and the unpredictable forces that shape our lives.
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Why we chose this: Louise Erdrich is one of my favourite authors. Her ability to build rich characters and histories always draws me deeply into the world of her books. There is a closeness to the characters that you can almost touch. Erdrich's stories are beautiful and deeply human. I can't wait for this one.
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Release date: October 1, 2024
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Jessie's Picks
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The Coming Bad Days by Sarah Bernstein
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About this book: In Sarah Bernstein’s latest novel, a woman leaves her partner and moves to a low stone cottage in a university town, where she joins an academic department and begins researching the poet Paul Celan, despite knowing nothing about him. Isolated in her thirteenth-floor office, she embraces a self-imposed exile, hoping to find dignity in her loneliness amid a city rife with paranoia, worsening weather, and a mysterious curfew that endangers the lives of women. Her life takes a turn when she meets Clara, a confident and productive woman who is her polar opposite. As their friendship deepens, Clara introduces her to a different way of living. However, an act of violence threatens to shatter their bond. Bernstein’s novel is a penetrating exploration of feminine vulnerability and cruelty, marked by intelligence, brutality, and dark humour.
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Why we chose this: I am really looking forward to this! Ever since reading Study For Obedience, I've been a huge fan of Sarah Bernstein's work. This is an intelligent and devastatingly funny read, great for literary fiction lovers and fans of character/emotion driven narratives.
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Release date: October 1, 2024
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The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes
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About this book: In this powerful retelling of Oedipus and Antigone, the New York Times bestselling author reimagines the classic myths from the perspectives of the often-overlooked women. Jocasta, forced into marriage with the much older King of Thebes at just fifteen, dreams of freedom from a life dictated by others. Simultaneously, her sister Ismene, also fifteen, endures a harrowing assault that destroys her sense of safety within the palace. These pivotal events set the stage for a reinterpreted tragedy, offering a fresh and compelling look at fate, family, and the struggles of women trapped by curses and circumstance.
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Why we chose this: I have a love for greek mythology but I'm particularly picky with how it is told, Natalie Hynes is by far my favourite author that writes these retellings. Her versions are well researched and well written, usually with an interesting twist.
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Release date: October 22, 2024
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Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
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About this book: In this standalone dark fantasy, Sciona becomes the first woman admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry after decades of dedication. However, her success is marred by hostile colleagues who assign her a janitor instead of a proper assistant. Unknown to all, this seemingly lowly janitor was once a nomadic hunter who lost his family on a perilous journey and now seeks answers about the forces that destroyed his tribe. Though initially at odds, Sciona and her assistant join forces and uncover a conspiracy that could change magic forever. But revealing the truth comes with deadly risks, and their pursuit of justice might cost them everything.
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Why we chose this: This is one of the better fantasy novels that I've read in the past year, M.L. Wang is an expert at crafting interesting fantasy worlds, unique magic systems, and characters that you get attached to. This is a must read for fans of R.F. Kuang, John Gwynne, or Brandon Sanderson!
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Release date: October 29, 2024
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Morgan's Picks
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The Striker by Ana Huang
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About this book: Asher Donovan, a Premier League superstar known for his talent and reckless behaviour, finds himself forced into off-season cross-training to mend his feud with a rival-turned-teammate. The situation takes an unexpected turn when he meets their new trainer, Scarlett DuBois—a former prima ballerina and his rival’s sister, making her completely off limits. Scarlett, still grappling with the loss of her dance career, reluctantly agrees to train Asher but is determined to keep her distance. As sparks fly between them, both must navigate their growing attraction, knowing that falling for each other could lead to heartbreak.
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Why we chose this: So far I have loved almost all of her books that I've read and have heard so many good things about this, all her books are so entertaining and have a fun story to follow.
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Release date: October 22, 2024
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Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco
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About this book: Gabriel Axton, the notorious Prince of Gluttony, revels in indulgence and danger until a deadly turn in his adventures reveals a threat to his demon court. To uncover the truth, he reluctantly teams up with Adriana Saint Lucent, a determined journalist who has spent years trying to expose him. As Adriana investigates a terrifying rumor of restless ice dragons, she’s drawn into Axton’s treacherous world. Forced to work together against an escalating danger, the pair must confront their secrets and growing attraction in this dark, twisted fairy tale where their rivalry may not be as clear-cut as it seems.
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Why we chose this: This book is connected to the Kingdom of the Wicked series which I was interested in, I am super excited to see how she continues the story and the character development.
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Release date: October 29, 2024
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Hollace's Picks:
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Heir by Sabaa Tahir
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About this book: In this tale of power, vengeance, and sacrifice, three young lives intertwine as they navigate a treacherous empire on the brink of collapse. Aiz, an orphan from the Kegari slums, burns with a desire for revenge and justice for her people, but one reckless act lands her in an inescapable prison. Sirsha, a disgraced tracker with magical abilities, takes on a dangerous mission to hunt down a child killer, only to find her path complicated by unexpected attraction and impossible choices. Quil, the crown prince of the Empire, struggles with the weight of his legacy and the corrupting nature of power. As a new enemy rises, they must confront their deepest fears and desires, risking everything—including their lives and hearts—to save the Empire from ruin.
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Why we chose this: Young adult fantasy is a favourite genre of mine and Sabaa Tahir is a trusted author when it comes to YA books. It should be an action packed and fun read.
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Release date: October 1, 2024
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The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Penaranda
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About this book: Astraea is trapped by both her fragmented memories and the tyrannical king who holds her captive. Determined to reclaim her past, she enters the Libertatem, a brutal competition among five human lands for a cycle of safety from bloodthirsty vampires. However, victory alone won’t protect Astraea, as she’s entangled in a dangerous bargain with Nyte, a seductive vampire who haunts her dreams and reality. Despite her mistrust, she’s drawn to him, blurring the lines between enemy and ally. Torn between winning the Libertatem for her kingdom and unraveling the truth of her past, Astraea must decide what she truly desires—and what she’s willing to sacrifice.
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Why we chose this: A vampiric fantasy perfect for the fall season, I feel like this book will have you questioning who you can trust while also falling in love at the same time.
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Release date: October 8, 2024
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