My favourite book of 2013…so far!

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Recently retired, Harold Fry receives a letter from Queenie Hennessy, an old friend, who he hasn't heard from in twenty years. Queenie is in a hospice and has written to Harold to say goodbye. He leaves his bitter wife, Maureen, to her chores, for an intended quick jaunt to the mailbox to post a letter in reply. With nothing but the clothes on his back, no cell phone or rain gear, Harold begins his unlikely pilgrimage across the English countryside. As each day dawns Harold convinces himself that the only way Queenie will live is if he delivers the letter in person. Along the way strangers stir up memories--of his marriage, which was once full of promise and now is tense and uncomfortable, and of his shortcomings as a husband and father.

Ironically, his wife, shocked by her husband's sudden absence, begins to long for his presence. Will Harold and Maureen be able to find a way to come together again? What will happen when Harold reaches Queenie?

I really enjoyed this book for its sweet, sometimes sad, quirky characters. It was very reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and A Spot of Bother both by Mark Haddon.

Try it—I think you’ll like it!

Submitted by Maureen

With the success of the Hunger Games, the first book in Suzanne Collins trilogy Mockinjay, there has been a resurgence of interest in dystopian novels. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to fictional societies that are undesirable and/or unpleasant. There are some excellent titles dealing with dystopian societies both old and new.

Divergent series by Veronica Roth reveals Tris Prior’s world. Tris, at the age of sixteen, must choose the faction she will dedicate the rest of her life to. The society is made up of five factions that maintain a balanced society; Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Now, the line between factions and its balance has begun to disintegrate and Tris finds herself not only a part of the fray, but one of the central characters. (YA ROT)

The Unwanteds series by Lisa McMann is another good read which is for tween readers. Thirteen year old twins Alex and Aaron await their fate during the ceremony which will reveal if they are wanted, necessary or unwanted. The outcome for those who are unwanted is grim indeed. (J MCM)

The Giver by Lois Lowry is an award winning title of Jonas whose world is organized, passive, and calm. All is well until Jonas is selected for another purpose, a purpose that changes his understanding of everything. (J LOW)

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is the story of a city created to ensure the survival of a population that once faced extinction. Many generations have gone by and the history of the city has been kept a secret being passed down from mayor to mayor. The secret is to be revealed only when the effects of a disaster has passed. But the chain has been broken, the secret lost and now the city that was once intended to keep its citizens safe has begun to crumble. (YA DUP)

1984 by George Orwell is the beginning of the party slogan “Big Brother is watching you”. A society where every move is seen, every fear and action is known, and dominance by the ruling Party reaches into every corner of your life. (FICTION ORW)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is the story of a new awakening for fireman, Guy Montag. He lives in a world where lives are meant to be meaningless and shallow and it is his job to ensure that anything that encourages depth is destroyed …by fire. It is not until several incidents challenge his understanding of the world that a new world is opened to him. (SCIENCE FICTION BRA)

This is a great way to spend your days before Thanksgiving. It will give you a whole new spin on being thankful.