The Richmond News’ Book Club team from Richmond Public Library — Helen Varga, Steven McCreedy, Rachel Rosenberg, Christine McCrae and Lee Anne Smith — have some festive suggestions for last-minute gifts.
Helen’s pick: The Baker in Me by Daphna Rabinovitch:
In addition to many of those good home cooking recipes you know and love, this book has a lot of practical tips and suggestions for the new and the seasoned baker. Rabinovitch offers a clear and practical guide for cookies, bars, cakes, chocolate, muffins, quick breads, and pastries. This is a great go to for the baker in your house.
Lee Anne’s pick: You Are Here — Around the World in 92 Seconds by Chris Hadfield:
This small format photo story book is the perfect gift for anyone interested in space and the relationship to our planet. Commander Chris Hadfield selected his best photos from the thousands he took while orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. A beautiful family book, all ages will enjoy seeing the photos and learning more about areas of Earth that are far from human eyes.
Christine’s pick: The Promise of Canada: Building A Country One Idea at a Time by Charlotte Gray:
On the eve of Canada’s 150th year, Charlotte Gray examines the people and ideas that have informed our collective view of what it means to be Canadian. Emily Carr, Tommy Douglas, Margaret Atwood and other passionate thinkers have contributed to the Canada of past and present. But Gray also looks to the future, contemplating how we will shape Canada in the years to come; essential reading for the devoted Canadian!
Rachel’s pick: Swing Time by Zadie Smith:
Zadie Smith’s Swing Time is worth the read. The characters feel true to life, their stories simple yet compelling and I was so immersed in the first-person perspective that I didn’t realize until later that our narrator is never named. The narrator becomes an assistant to a pop star after giving up on her own career goals. The globe-trotting novel (UK, US and West Africa, specifically) is about dance, race, class, family and female friendship.
Steven’s pick: Vancouver in the 70s – Kate Bird:
Vancouver has changed a lot in the past half century, going from a sleepy industrial town to a cultural hub and cosmopolitan city. This book examines the beginnings of this change, full of photos of the people and places that changed the city and how the world looks at it. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer, this book will show you how we all came together to turn the city into what we know and love today.
For other popular reading suggestions, check out Richmond Public Library’s web site at YourLibrary.ca/GoodBooks.
