more than letters on a line today

Our Missing Hearts Celeste Ng 4.8 stars Celeste Ng’s telling of a dystopian world that could be just around our corner was frightening, poetic (like her character), heart-warming and a warning of what could await us.   Margaret is gone because of the stand she chooses to take against the ways of the government and her son Bird (Noah) is searching for her through the memories he has. Abandonment can also mean heart-breaking love.   To let her be alone with her grief, or whatever heavier thing she’d put on top to hold it down. The world is punishing of Asian individuals, and ‘ staying unnoticed is how you survive ’. But Bird has to leave the relative safety of his life and search for her. I am not a strictly religious person but the choice of name Noah which is changed to Bird, did not escape me. I am surprised that other reviewers have not mentioned it. If you are a lover of libraries, the dedication of librarians, and the magic of the order of books that allows you to find the...

  Closer by Sea Perry Chafe 4.5 stars Publish date May 2023 If you’ve never been to the east coast of Canada, this is the book to read. Chafe describes the scenery and history seamlessly within the dialogue and experiences of the characters. He weaves in stories of folklore, facts of soil nutrients and the ceremony for an honorary islander (kissing the cod), all told with a smile of knowledge and sharing that can only be told by someone who loves their life. I learned so much about the fishing industry, terrain, and culture of the people who fiercely defended their life-style on Perigo Island. Another bonus, the author’s words encouraged me to look up more of the history and where the island is situated, which is prime on my list of making a book worthwhile. I feel that I am more familiarized with my country, #Canada is the best! Told through the eyes of a young man, the story is not at all condescending in approach, and would be appreciated by any reader. Spoiler ** However, the s...

  Fit To Die Daniel Kalla 3.4 stars Publish date May 2023   In a world that is concerned about how you look at the expense of all common sense comes Kalla’s book. A #Canadian author tackles the illegal and unethical spread of toxic ingredients to the vulnerable. This book set in Vancouver, Canada and Los Angeles could have been a page-turner but left me a little cold. The wide variety of characters were similar in their emotional striving and upsets which was often confusing. Who are we talking about? should not be a frequent go-to. They often seemed a tad emotionally immature in spite of being well regarded in their careers, which was annoying to me. One saving grace for this book was the backdrop of Vancouver, the description of mountains against water, the surprising downpours, the streaming traffic on well known congestion points, all familiar to me and oh so enjoyed. Kalla is a practising physician and kudos to him for finding the time to also be an author, but I had...