New this week

Dust by Patricia Cornwell Kay Scarpetta is led into the dark world of designer drugs, drone technology, irganized crime, and shocking corruption at the highest levels. Diary of a Wimpy Kid #8 Hard Luck Greg is on a losing streak - hoping for luck he decides to trust in chance - find out if it works!

2014 Friendship Book The favourite gift book year after year - now in stock - don't wait to snap up this little gift book

Christmas puzzles, Advent Calendars, Engagement Books and Christmas books for children and adults arriving daily

NEW THIS WEEK

NEW THIS WEEK One of the best things about working in a bookshop is seeing all the new books the moment they are published – at this time of year there is something new coming in the door every day – it is hard to know what to read first!

Giada’s Feel Good Food by Giada de Laurentiis Healthy recipes and secrets – sharing delicious recipes she uses herself to maximize energy and remain fit.

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield As commander of the International Space Station Chris Hadfield captured our imagination, now with wit and eloquence, he reveals how his impossible dream of becoming an astronaut came true.

A Great Game by Stephen J. Harper The forgotten Leafs and the rise of professional hockey – by a fan of the game (aka Prime Minister).

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith The new No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel – where modern ideas get tanged up with traditional ones.

Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter The surprising truth about wheat, carbs and sugar – your brain’s silent killer according this leader in the use of alternative and conventional approaches to health.

The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan A sweeping evocative epic of two women’s intertwined fates and their search for identity – from the lavish parlors of Shanghai courtesans to the fog-shrouded mountains of a remote Chinese village.

NEW IN PAPERBACK

As Sweet as Honey by Indiri Ganesan I loved this beautifully written book about an East Indian family, and especially Aunt Meterling who is surprised by love – a magical place and story.

No Man’s Nightingale by Ruth Rendell Inspector Wexford is tempted out of retirement – he cannot resist the opportunity to solve a particulary vexing case.

Time Now for the Vinyl Café Story Exchange by Stuart McLean This new book is a collection of favourites from the past ten years.

The Vinyl Café Christmas Pack – 4 CD’s – over 4 hours of stories! The Vinyl Café – New Stories – 4 CD’s – over 5 hours of stories!

NEW FOR THE BIG KIDS

The Rangers Apprentice #12 – The Royal Ranger by John Flanagan This is the final volume in this series that offers pulse pounding adventure for teen readers.

NEW FOR THE REALLY LITTLE ONES

My Turn to Learn – Colors and Numbers by Natalie Marshall Lovely little board books with tabs for early learning – cool & cute.

New this week

The War That Ended Peace – The Road to 1914By Margaret MacMillan – the author of Paris 1919 – this new volume is a fascinating portrait of Europe from 1900 up to the outbreak of World War I.

We Are Water by Wally Lamb This novel is an intricate and layered portrait of marriage, family and the inexorable need for understanding and connection. Set in New England and New York during the first years of the Obama presidency, it is also a portrait of modern America, exploring issues of class, changing social mores, the legacy of racial violence and the nature of creativity and art.

Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin John Rebus is back on the force, re-opening a 30 year old case in which Rebus and his team may be suspected of corruption – and worse.

New in paperback

The Dinner by Herman Koch A brilliant and brutal look at a family – two brothers, their wives and the kids who need their attention. With some much needed comic relief provided by the pretentious restaurant experience. The Harem Midwife by Roberta Rich This is the sequel to The Midwife of Venice, as Hanna and Isaac Levy find themselves living in exile in Constantinople where Hanna becomes the midwife to the Sultan’s daughter.

Back in Stock – Hellgoing by Lynn Coady Shortlisted for the Giller Prize and the Rogers Writer’s Trust Fiction Prize – this is a collection of stories by one of our countries best.

For the big kids

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

The third and final volume in this popular series set in a dystopian world of impossible choices – and courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak About to be released as a major film – this book, read by both teenagers and adults, set in Nazi Germany is a love affair with books and words.

New this week

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton has been announced as the winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize – she is the youngest to win, at the age of only 28, and her book is the biggest at 832 pages. Eleanor Catton is a Canadian by birth but moved to New Zealand as a young child. The Luminaries is also on the list of nominees for this year’s Governor General’s Award, the winner to be announced 13 November. I will admit that I have started this book – found it much like reading Dickens with similar detailed description – in fact the story takes place shortly before the death of Dickens so the writing is typical of the time in which it is set – I found I had to read v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y - so as much as I was liking what I was reading I sat there computing how many days, weeks, perhaps months I’d have to spend with this book - time that could be spent with any number of less demanding books. I think I’ll make a deal with myself that if it wins the GG I’ll put all others aside and commit myself to The Luminaries for as long as it takes - otherwise I might save it for my old age.

Another interesting title nominated for the Giller Award is The Crooked Maid by Dan Vyleta. This is a mystery novel, the sequel to The Quiet Twin, a novel nominated for the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize in 2011. The Quiet Twin was set in Vienna in 1939, and The Crooked Maid returns us to that city in 1948 – a damaged, unrecognizable war-darkened city – the setting for a thrilling, atmospheric story of blame, guilt, and restitution.

TOYS - TOYS – TOYS

Uncle Goose is an American brand of wooden blocks from a managed forest – non-toxic paint and beautifully designed – they have 2 new items this fall Baby Blocks –my new baby shower gift of choice (along with a book of course) Merry Christmas Decorative Blocks – ideal for play or decoration The same supplier has Angel Chimes – remember these?! We have both the chimes and the candles in stock now

NEW THIS WEEK

NEW THIS WEEK It’s that Hockey, Hockey, Hockey time of year – and this fall the old guys have new books.

In Parry Sound “the home of Bobby Orr” we are very excited at the publication of ORR – My Story by Bobby Orr himself. He writes about not only his hockey career, but motivation, values, inspiration – not just what happened on the ice but how he got there, who he met along the way, and what he learned from them.

We also have The Complete Bobby Orr Collection from Sports Illustrated -Number Four Bobby Orr, a celebration of his legacy on and off the ice, from his boyhood in Parry Sound, to his legendary hockey career and beyond.

Also –

Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George A gripping, story of a child in danger that tests Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and her partner Inspector Thomas Lynley as never before.

House of Hades by Rick Riordan The fourth in the Heroes of Olympus series – the demigods face their biggest challenges yet in this hair raising adventure. The Night Before Christmas – illustrated by Barbara Reid This book will be my gift to every little person on my list this Christmas. The classic poem is brought to life by Barbara Reid’s signature plasticine illustrations, full of humour and astonishing detail, making this a Christmas treasure to read year after year.