June Bestsellers
1. Albert and Ettore by Mark Curfoot-Mollington
2. The Idea of Canada by David Johnston
3. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
4. A Hero of France by Alan Furst
5. The Ashes of London by Andrew Taylor
6. How to Run a Government by Michael Barber
7. The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes
8. Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
9. The Green Road by Anne Enright
10. The Call of the World by Bill Graham
Greetings Book Lovers!
Now that the kids are finished school and we’ve entered prime holiday season, it’s time to crack down and get serious about our summer reading. If you haven’t yet compiled your book list for the next couple of months, never fear! Books of all kinds are still pouring into the store, your ultimate summer read no doubt among them.
Forget ghost stories around the campfire, for this year’s trip to the deep dark woods, why not scare yourself silly with The Hatching by Canadian author Ezekiel Boone? A creepy, crawly horror debut starring everyone’s favourite type of arachnid: the ancient man-eating kind. This seriously spine-tingling novel is definitely not for the faint of heart! For a different kind of chill, Susie Steiner‘s Missing, Presumed will grant you all the twists and turns you could possibly want in a missing person mystery. Already making waves in independent bookstores across the country, the adventures of Detective Manon Bradshaw are perfect for fans of Kate Atkinson (Case Histories) and Tana French (Faithful Place).
While winter makes us want to curl up and read stories that wrap themselves around us like a warm woolen blanket, summer tends to instill in us a desire for tales of adventure, self-discovery, and grand sweeping historical epics. In this vein, Isabelle Allende‘s newest novel (just released in paperback) fits the bill perfectly! The Japanese Lover is a heart-wrenching story of forbidden love in a time of war. Torn apart again and again by time and circumstance, Alma and Ichimei’s story will keep you glued to your deck chair to the very last page. Hot on the heels of her charming debut, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Amy E. Reichert has delivered yet another sweet treat of a novel about love and friendship. Love, Luck & Lemon Pie follows the story of a woman eager to reconnect with her husband through his love of gambling…a plan that, as you can imagine, doesn’t turn out the way she expects. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any cool poolside refreshment!
Everything Explained that is Explainable by Denis Boyles is a fascinating new book about the publication of the 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Published in 1911, the 11th edition encapsulates a unique perspective on where the world was heading before hopes and beliefs were dashed by the sinking of the “unsinkable” Titanic, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and the outbreak of the Great War. It’s the perfect read for history buffs and book enthusiasts alike. Looking at life from a different perspective is the task Robert Moor takes on in his new book On Trails. Part philosophical essay, part social history, part scientific treatise, Moor looks for answers to life’s big questions on the long-forgotten trails of the Cherokee, the endlessly twisting networks of the internet, and the well-trodden path of the Appalachian Trail. It’s an intriguing, in-depth look at how placing our feet on a certain path can shape not only our own experiences, but our outlook, and society as a whole.
Whether the kids in your life are heading off to camp, going to visit family in a far off land, or lazing away the summer days at home, it’s essential for them to be armed with enough reading material to get them through any and all eventualities. A thrilling teen debut from Canadian author Catherine Egan has just landed on our shelves and promises to be a real treat! Julia Vanishes follows the adventures of Julia, a spy and a thief who uses her magical talent to evade authorities and complete her surreptitious tasks. However, Julia soon finds herself in over her head and struggling to escape evil forces more powerful than she could ever imagine. Laura Marx Fitzgerald, the author who brought us Under the Egg, takes her readers back to the roaring twenties in her new book, The Gallery. Featuring an eccentric recluse, a self-absorbed newspaper magnate, and a shady footman, the secrets hidden in the gallery of the mysterious Sewell House can be solved by only one person – twelve year old maid, Martha. Written with spunk and spark, this charming historical mystery makes for a great summer read! Finally, a shout-out to a well-deserving, timeless classic that’s just come out in a brand new edition! Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a beautiful, captivating story about a boy and his dogs. In the tradition of The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford, Rawls’ story is perfect for anyone who’s ever owned a dog, wanted a dog, or simply loved a dog.
Now for some exciting summer sale news for the month of July! In partnership with Penguin Random House, we’re happy to present the BYOB (#BringYourOwnBook) promotion! Featuring a selection of great paperback fiction titles, we will be offering a 10% discount on these books from now until Sunday, July 31. Visit us to check out the full list of titles included in this offer. So whether you’re spending these hot, hazy days on the beach, at the cottage, on a plane, on your hammock, or in the backyard, don’t forget to BYOB!
We don’t have any store signings to tell you about this month, but looking ahead to the fall, there will be some exciting Titles@Table40 evenings on our roster. Tickets aren’t available yet, but here’s a sneak peak at some of the events you can look forward to: Steve Patterson (The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send) on Wednesday, October 26, William McElligott (Ottawa) on Sunday, November 20, and Charlotte Gray (The Promise of Canada) on Sunday, November 27. We’ll keep you apprised of the details through our newsletter and website as we get a closer.
As exciting as the fall book releases and events will be, let’s make sure we don’t wish our time away. So, unfold that deck chair and pour yourself another glass of lemonade! With a little sun, some snacks, and a book (or two) on the side, your summer is set to be a great one!
Happy Reading!
– The Staff of Books on Beechwood