When God Was a Rabbit

When God Was a Rabbit - By Sarah Winman

This coming of age story follows Elly, a young British girl with a heart of gold, through her life as she moves from suburban Essex to the countryside of Cornwall with her eccentric family and friends. As the story unfolds, the characters grow and change revealing secrets that often force them to go to unexpected, and unavoidable dark places. It is a rich, touching novel about love of family, friends, pets and home. The author explores the special bond between Elly and her brother and reminds us of how deeply we can love our brothers and sisters beyond all rivalries, differences and disappointments. Universal themes of life, love and loss are explored through the richly depicted characters as their lives unfold from chapter to chapter. An amazing first novel that is both sophisticated and tender in its portrayal of all these very real, very human characters.

I was totally drawn to the curious title, wondering what role the rabbit would play in the story. I am a sucker for any coming of age story that celebrates the life journey of a geeky young girl, because I was one. I love to recall the crazy, wonderful, sometimes painful moments of growing up and found many relatable passages.

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the English Oxford Dictionary By Simon Winchester

It is indeed the story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary and two men that were instrumental in its creation, but who never met until its completion. When the dictionary was about to be published the contributors wanted to honour a valued contributor only to find out that he resided in a mental institution. Dr. W.C. Minor, an American Civil War criminal who was considered both a genius and a lunatic had submitted more than ten thousand definitions for the first Oxford English Dictionary. This story details the lives of these two very different but similarly impassioned men.

I found this book to be fascinating. Simon Winchester is an incredible researcher, storyteller and beautiful writer!!! I wish he had been my history teacher. The way he weaves the two men's life stories throughout the book is exquisite and even though you know about the doctor from the beginning you want to read it to the end to see how the professor discovers the truth.

Review by Jan R.

Joyner's Dream by Sylvia Tyson

If you had the opportunity to open the pages of a journal that described your ancestors’ lives would you be intrigued? Leslie Archibald Fitzhelm inherits a written memoir of his family’s history, beginning in mid 1800 England.

Singer songwriter Sylvia Tyson’s gift of lyrical storytelling fills the pages of her first book, Joyner’s Dream, as she describes the eight generations of the Tredwell/Joyner/Fitzhelm clan.

Thieving scoundrels and illegitimacy color Leslie’s past as secrets are revealed and his heritage is unravelled. Joining each generation is a love of music and the intrinsic component that this “universal language” plays in their lives. This was one of the themes that I most enjoyed about the book. Tyson finds a way to link family members together, pre social media/digital access, and she kept me interested in learning about each of the characters. I also enjoyed how well she set the mood of each time period; I felt I was travelling the journey with her.

If reading a spirited tale of family history appeals to you give Joyner’s Dream by Sylvia Tyson a try.

The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg

Never expecting to lose John at this time of life, fifty-something Betta Nolan sets off on a journey they had originally planned together. She discovers comfort and re-connection with three college chums with whom she had lost contact, and makes new friends as well. She is by turns exhilarated, free, grief-stricken, terrified and much more, but she finds solace through her new and old friends, her memories, and the pleasure of ordinary everyday things. And through special, mysterious clues and gifts her husband prepared for her before his death, she finds that her life continues, never quite the same without John, but all the richer for the bond she shared with him that will always be a part of the person she is.

Even though the subject of this book suggests it would be a sad journey, I found instead that it left me with a sense of peace, serenity and comfort that even when we lose our dearest companions in life, we never really lose the way they impacted our lives. And when the worst happens, life can go on and one can find happiness again.

Book reviewed by an avid reader on the Signal Hill Staff.

Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doorneboos

Chloe Parker, a divorced mother in need of money for her failing business, is also a life-long member of the Jane Austen Society. When an opportunity to be a part of a documentary set in England’s Regency era is offered to her, with the potential for her to receive prize money, she can’t believe her luck! Upon arrival, she finds out that the documentary is actually a reality show in which contestants must outperform each other in all the challenges of Regency life to win the handsome and very wealthy Mr. Wrightman and the prize money.

I am a fan of Jane Austen myself, so when I saw the title I knew I had to read this book. I really enjoyed this lighthearted novel and how Doorneboos spread facts and humour throughout the book. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen themed stories with a modern twist, this book is definitely for you.

Book reviewed by Theresa