by Debbie Robinson
Canada celebrates her 150th birthday this year. ‘The Island of Canada: How Three Oceans Shaped Our Nation’ by Victor Suthren is an impressive work full of vision. It defines the enigmatic certainty of our being as a distinct nation. Canada has the longest coastline on Earth with lakes and river networks that crisscross the whole country. We are also circled by three great oceans. This book chronicles the saga of Canada’s early Inuit and aboriginal beginnings, the consequences of early exploration, the age of colonialism and discovery and continues right through to present day. It is a revealing biography of our vast country with its far reaching and fascinating maritime legacy.
One of Canada’s most important roles is that of “Peacekeeper.” In ‘Under the Blue Beret’ by Terry Burk, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, chronicles his experiences from nine United Nation tours of duty. Burk’s account of his peacekeeping missions demonstrates the very dangerous aspects and angles of this job. This is a very personal and intuitive overview of the difficult and often futile role of peacekeeping. Political-theologist Benedict de Spinza said, “Peace is not the absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence and true justice.” Let’s keep striving for peace!
Rachel Joyce is a British actor and author. Her first novel, ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ is a novel with great appeal, wit and a truly awesome understanding of human frailty. Joyce delivers moments of hilarity, innate sadness and at times the story is painfully personal. It makes you believe in redemption, salvation of oneself and the conversion of an ordinary man to a hero of the heart. I really loved this book–as I read it, I felt captivated and totally involved from page one!
Following on the heels of her first novel’s success, Joyce gives us another literary gift entitled, ‘The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy.’ It is the story of the remarkable woman at the other end of Harold Fry’s amazing journey. This book is vivid and beautifully written. It illustrates and reinforces the true celebration of friendship–through endurance, faith and compassion–another top rate book from a very talented writer. Enjoy!
Young Adult Pick: ‘Dr. Strange,’ a graphic novel by R.R. Busse.
DVD Pick: ‘The Lobster’–starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz and Jessica Barden–a dark and really unusual take on the future path of romance!
There is free wireless access during Library hours, so bring your device of choice and join us (we also have two public computers available). See you at the Library!
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