Category: The Newsletter

September Bestsellers 1. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett 2. A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny 3. The Illegal by Lawrence Hill 4. The Pigeon Tunnel by John Le Carre 5. Fire in the Stars by Barbara Fradkin 6. Barbarian Lost by Alexandre Trudeau 7. The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall 8. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien 9. The Fortunate Brother by Donna Morrissey 10. The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes

Greetings Book Lovers! October has arrived! We have officially left the slightly undecided weather of September behind and entered into true fall. As the month that brings us the joys of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and innumerable book prizes, October is a real treat for all of our senses. Before we all settle down to a warm and comforting turkey dinner this weekend, why not think about some dinners a little further in the future. We have two great Titles@Table40 events coming up between now and Christmas. On Sunday, November 20, local photographer William McElligott will be joining us at the Table 40 restaurant to talk about his new coffee table book full of unique and colourful images of our Nation’s Capital. Attendees will also be treated to a slide show presentation of some of the images from the book. The following week, on Sunday, November 27, prolific Canadian author Charlotte Gray will be talking about The Promise of Canada, her new book in which she introduces us to a number of Canadians (both famous and lesser known), all of whom have left an indelible mark on our country. Here’s a refresher on how our Titles@Table40 events work: The evenings start at 5:30pm with dinner, followed by the author presentation and book signing. Attendees must reserve their spot through the bookstore with a non-refundable deposit of $20.00 which will go towards the cost of their meal (a set menu with a vegetarian option). The total cost of the meal is $40.00, which includes three courses (family-style). Tax, 18% gratuity, and refreshments are not included. There’s only a handful of tickets left for our November 27 event with Charlotte Gray and are they’re going fast for our evening with William McElligott on November 20, so be sure to call us to reserve your seat today! In addition to our Titles@Table40 events, we have a great lineup of in-store signings on the horizon as well. On Saturday, October 8, local author Elie Nasrallah will be in the store from 1:00pm to 4:00pm to sign copies of his two books, Hostage to History and None of the Above. In addition to being a successful author, Elie Nasrallah was just named one of the “Top 25 People in the Capital” by Ottawa Life Magazine. Check out the whole article here. Mystery author and Newfoundland native, Mike Martin will be in the store to launch his new Sgt. Windflower mystery A Long Ways From Home on Thursday, October 13 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This new east coast mystery finds Sgt. Windflower dealing with not only multiple troubles on the home front, but the messy aftermath of a visit from a large crew of outlaw bikers. On Saturday, October 15 between 11:00am and 1:00pm, be sure to stop by to see Gary Hutchinson who will be here to sign his new children’s picture book Catch Me the Moon. That afternoon, we will be welcoming Mark Foss to the store from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. He will be signing copies of his novel Molly O, a family saga about an Ontario countryside auctioneer, his two sons and his mute daughter. Margaret Virany will be stopping by on Saturday, October 22 from 11:00am to 1:00pm to sign copies of her two family memoirs, A Book of Kells and Kathleen’s Cariole Ride. Rounding out this tenth month of the year, Huguette Young will be paying us a visit to sign copies of her contribution to the Trudeau canon, Justin Trudeau: The Natural Heir. She will be here from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday, October 29. Taking a quick dip into November, Nathan Greenfield will be launching his new book, The Reckoning: Canadian Prisoners of War in the Great War, in the store on Sunday, November 6 at 2:30pm. Finally, on Saturday, November 12, Ken “The General” Grant will be here to sign copies of his new book of laugh-out-loud stories, Oh Great Granteenie. Aside from all the great books taking their place in the literary spotlight thanks to award nominations and book festivals, there are tons of other wonderful treasures to discover on our shelves. Hot off the press, Mad Enchantment is the new art history offering from beloved author Ross King. After writing about Brunelleschi, DaVinci, and The Group of Seven, in this new book, King tackles that giant of impressionism, Claude Monet and his famous water lilies. Jane Urquhart, the prolific author of The Stone Carvers and The Night Stages, has gifted us with A Number of Things, a fascinating exploration of our country’s history through 50 Canadian objects. Not only does it stand up strongly on its own, but when paired with The Promise of Canada by Charlotte Gray, you have the ultimate Canadiana combination on your hands! If you’re in the market for something a little quirkier, why not dazzle and stupefy your friends with What the Dickens?! by Bryan Kozlowski? Full of quips, barbs, and turns of phrase drawn from Dickens’ fifteen novel and innumerable short stories, it is a real treat for book lovers and linguists alike! As we get ready to hunker down for the colder weather to come, it’s the perfect time of year to add a new mystery novel to your shelf. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d by Alan Bradley is the newest addition to the charming Flavia de Luce Series and sees our unflappable sleuth sailing home to England where she finds herself knee-deep in yet more thrilling murder and mayhem. For fans of historical fiction, Sarah Domet‘s debut novel might be just the ticket. The Guineveres is a charming and intriguing story of four girls drawn together by the coincidence of their shared name. After being delivered to a convent by their respective families for various different reasons, the Guineveres are taught by the nuns that faith is about waiting…waiting for the mail, wash day, and the day they turn eighteen and are finally allowed to leave. But when some unexpected visitors arrive at the nuns’ door, the girls see an opportunity to break free that’s too good to pass up. Booker Prize nominee, Orange Prize nominee, and author of How to Be Both, Ali Smith has just released her new collection of short stories, Public Library and Other Stories. In this book, she explores humanity’s love of all things books – how they can shock us, change us, challenge us, and become our friends for life. A real treat of a collection for anyone with an undying adoration for books of all shapes and sizes! No matter what shelves you’re browsing in the store, there are new friends to be found everywhere you look, and our young adult and children’s sections are no exception! Jennifer Niven, the beloved author of All the Bright Places (a staff favourite), has delivered yet another winner! Holding Up the Universe is the story of Libby and Jack, two teens who, despite their determination to fit in, still feel alone. It’s only when they’re brought together by a cruel high school prank that they each realize things may not be as bad as they seem. Kendare Blake’s new fantasy story, Three Dark Crowns, is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard or The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow. With three sisters, only one crown, and a mandatory fight to the death, this novel is bound to be a riveting read for anyone looking for a great heart-pounding adventure. The world of picture books is equally flush with hidden gems this season. Katrina Germein and Judy Watson have joined forces to bring us the beautiful story Thunderstorm Dancing. Charmingly illustrated and full of rhymes to delight children of all ages, this picture book acknowledges that even though storms can be scary, eventually the dark clouds will part and the sun will shine again. Chris Hadfield, of space station fame, has just released The Darkest Dark, a lovely book based on his own life as a young boy. Fascinated by space and the moon, young Chris has to overcome his fear of the dark (and the aliens that appear when the lights go out) if he’s ever going to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut (spoiler alert: Chris learns to appreciate the darkness and realizes his ultimate goal). A love letter to stories, A Child of Books is the newest addition to Oliver Jeffers‘ literary repertoire. Illustrated in classic Jeffers style, this new story follows two children as they celebrate the endless worlds and lives they can explore through books and their own limitless imaginations. Briefly, in prize news, a quick shout-out to a staff favourite of ours: The Hungry Lion or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Not only is it a funny and adorable picture book, but it’s also been nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award for its illustrations! Kudos too to Gary Barwin and Madeleine Thien, both of whom have been nominated for multiple literary awards this fall. Both authors (Yiddish for Pirates and Do Not Say We Have Nothing respectively) are on the shortlists for the 2016 Giller Prize and the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Awards for fiction. Thien can claim yet one more honour in that she is also on the shortlist for this year’s Man Booker Prize. Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to see some of the other great nominees on this year’s prize lists! Despite the amazing array of books that have already come out this fall, there are lots more still to come! Keep an eye out for these exciting forthcoming releases: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down by Jeff Kinney, the 11th book in the series (November 1); Canada by Mike Myers, a patriotic comedian’s love letter to his country (October 22); The Witches of New York by Ami McKay, a novel of three remarkable young women in 19th century New York (October 25); The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories by P.D. James, four serialized Christmas mysteries published together for the first time in a beautiful hardcover package (October 25); The Spy by Paulo Coelho, a novel of celebrated woman and suspected spy, Mata Hari (November 22). From literary festivals and author events, to prize nominations and book reviews, October is a golden age for books of all kinds. As the leaves begin to change colour and the earth prepares for its long winter sleep, the publishing world comes alive with romance, danger, heartbreak, joy, and mystery in order to keep our hearts and minds active during the cold, quiet season to come. Like the children in Oliver Jeffers’ new book, we wish you pleasant sailing “across a sea of words” and lots of happy discoveries in this “world we’ve made of stories.” Happy Reading! –The Staff at Books on Beechwood

August Bestsellers

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J K Rowling
2. The Illegal by Lawrence Hill
3. Barkskins by Annie Proulx
4. Albert and Ettore by Mark Curfoot-Mollington
5. Black Widow by Daniel Silva
6. Dead Ground in Between by Maureen Jennings
7. The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
8. A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
9. Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner
10. History’s People by Margaret MacMillan

Hello Book Lovers! It’s that time of year again! That’s right, time to hit the books – figuratively speaking, of course! Whether you’re going back to school, starting a new job, or just getting back into the swing of things after a hot, hazy summer off, there’s no doubt that September carries with it a certain “new beginning” kind of feeling – new school year, new job, new exercise regime…new books! So, break out your corduroys, breath in that unique fall air (mmm…drying leaves and pencil shavings), and prepare yourself for a great fall! In the tradition of new beginnings, we are pleased to announce that Titles@Table40 is back for the fall season! We have a fabulous lineup for you with everything from humour to history. First up, we will be welcoming cherished local restaurant reviewer Anne DesBrisay on Sunday, September 18. A bit of a switch from her Capital Dining books, Ottawa Cooks is a beautiful cookbook featuring recipes and stories from some of the finest chefs in our Nation’s Capital. On Wednesday, October 26, Steve Patterson, the host of CBC’s The Debaters, will be here to tickle our funny bones with his new book The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send. A collection of grievances against everything from gluten to spandex, this book is touching and delightful in equal measure. In the lead up to Christmas, we have two events back-to-back. On Sunday, November 20, local photographer William McElligott will be at Table 40 to present his new coffee table book, Ottawa, Canada II and Charlotte Gray will be joining us on Sunday, November 27 for our last Titles@Table40 event of 2016. Her new book, The Promise of Canada, explores what it means to be Canadian and celebrates all the ups and downs of our rich 150 year history. Here’s a refresher on how our Titles@Table40 events work: The evenings start at 5:30pm with dinner, followed by the author presentation and book signing. Attendees must reserve their spot through the bookstore with a non-refundable deposit of $20.00 which will go towards the cost of their meal (a set menu with a vegetarian option). The total cost of the meal is $40.00, which includes three courses (family-style). Tax, 18% gratuity, and refreshments are not included. Tickets are now available in-store for our September and October dinner events. Tickets for our November events will go on sale Friday, September 30. In addition to Titles@Table40, we have a few in-store author signings to tell you about. On Saturday, September 10 from 12:00-2:00pm, local author Lyse Champagne will be here to sign copies of her new book The Light That Remains, a collection of short stories about refugees. Ottawa mystery author Linda Wiken (a.k.a. Erika Chase, the author of the Ashton Corners Book Club series) will be in the store on Saturday, September 24 from 1:00-3:00pm signing her new novel, Toasting Up Trouble, the first book in the Dinner Club Mystery series. Just peaking into October, be sure to swing by on Thursday, October 6 at 5:00pm for Margaret Southall‘s launch of her new book A Jacketing Concern. Rounding out that first week, Elie Nasrallah will be here from 1:00-4:00pm on Saturday, October 8 to sign copies of his two books, None of the Above and Hostage to History. We look forward to seeing you at some of these great events! Like the return to work and school, September marks a new beginning for bookstores as well. While we receive new books throughout the whole year, September ushers in the fall book season, also known as the lead up to that most joyous (and busy) time of the year, Christmas. This year, we’re off to a great start with the brand new release of Louise Penny‘s A Great Reckoning, the twelfth Inspector Gamache novel. In that same mystery vein, local favourite Barbara Fradkin‘s new novel has just hit our shelves. As the first installment in a thrilling new series, Fire in the Stars introduces readers to international aid worker Amanda Doucette who, after surviving a horrific trauma in Nigeria, returns to Canada and joins forces with an RCMP officer in order to find a friend who has gone missing in Newfoundland. If you were one of the many readers who couldn’t put down Missing, Presumed by British writer Susie Steiner over the summer, why not follow it up with Canadian Shari Lapena‘s The Couple Next Door? A captivating vortex of lies, betrayals, and secrets, this psychological thriller will keep you hooked to the very end. On the historical front, Steven Price has given us a true gift in By Gaslight, a mysterious thriller set in Victorian London, and Kate Taylor‘s debut novel, Serial Monogamy affords us an intriguing look into the life and affairs of Charles Dickens and his young mistress, Nelly Ternan. Since the kids are heading back to school, parents are going to have to get back into the routine of packing lunches and snacks to get their little ones (and big ones) through the day. This year, instead of the traditional ham and cheese with an apple on the side, how about stepping outside the lunchbox a bit with some Cybermelts or Timey-Wimey Watch Scones? Those are just two of the forty wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey recipes in Doctor Who: The Official Cookbook by Joanna Farrow – the perfect addition to any Time Lord’s kitchen (or Tardis). Not to be left out, we’ve had a great start to the month in our children’s section as well. For readers aged twelve and up, Riverkeep by Martin Stewart is a dark, magical coming of age adventure about a boy who must conquer a wild, treacherous river and a monstrous sea creature in order to save his father’s life. British author Justin Fisher has just released his debut novel for the middle-grade set, Ned’s Circus of Marvels. When young Ned realizes that everything magical that he’s every read about is real, he suddenly finds himself on a quest to save the world with the help of a robot mouse, a girl witch, and an amazing flying circus. There are also some real treasures right now in our children’s picture book section. Here are a few of our favourites: The Cranky Ballerina by Elise Gravel – a funny story about discovering the things you really love; They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel – a lovely book about how everyone sees things from different perspectives; King Baby by Kate Beaton – a hilarious look at how life changes with the arrival of a baby; and Waiting for the Whales by Sheryl McFarlane and Ron Lightburn – a gorgeous reissue of a twenty-five year old classic about love, life, and family. Looking a little further ahead into September, there are lots of great books still to come. Ann Patchett follows up the success of Run, Bel Canto, and State of Wonder with a new family saga, Commonwealth (September 13). Nutshell by Ian McEwan (September 13), a novel of deceit, murder, love, and betrayal, is bound to be a real treat for steadfast McEwan fans and newbies alike. Canadian treasure Kenneth Oppel, makes his first foray into the teen market with Every Hidden Thing (September 20), a riveting story of romance, science, history, and paleontology. Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer (September 20) is a fascinating gift book which celebrates over 700 curious, hidden wonders of the world. Keep an eye out for these (and countless other) wonderful books as they make their way onto our shelves and into your hands! The nights are getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and Mother Nature has decided it’s time for a makeover. While you’re switching over your closet and getting school and work supplies all sorted for the fall, don’t forget to give your bookshelf a bit of TLC. As the seasons change around us, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the constant companionship of a book. Happy Reading! -The Staff at Books on Beechwood

July Bestsellers 1. Barkskins by Annie Proulx 2. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 3. The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende 4. The Night Stages by Jane Urquhart 5. The Pleasure of Reading by Antonia Fraser 6. Albert and Ettore by Mark Curfoot-Mollington 7. The Idea of Canada by David Johnston 8. The Black Widow by Daniel Silva 9. Umbrella Man by Peggy Blair 10. Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

The days are getting shorter, the sun is beaming down, and the cicadas have taken center stage to perform their seasonal evening set – it’s not hard to tell it’s August. After all the jet-setting and world-traveling that you no doubt did in the first couple of months of the summer, that backyard hammock and dockside Adirondack chair are looking like pretty nice places to just sit, relax, and enjoy the summer breeze. While that scenario sounds wonderful, we can think of one tiny addition that would make it absolutely ideal – a great book! The summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean that book releases are slowing down at all. We’re still getting lots of new, exciting, titles tumbling into the store every day. When sweetness and romance are the order of the day, Jeffrey Bartsch’s Two Across is the perfect fit. Full of the trials and tribulations of first love, Stanley and Vera will charm any reader with their wit, their intelligence, and their undying love of crossword puzzles. Sarah Maine, a debut author who spent part of her childhood in Canada, has a style that’s been described as “Kate Morton meets Daphne du Maurier.” The House Between Tides features not only an old family estate, some unidentified human remains, and the forgotten history of an intriguing turn of the century artist, but our heroine inevitably stumbles across a hundred year old mystery that will cause more than ripples in the surrounding community. Mystery fans rejoice! It is almost time for the new Louise Penny book to hit our shelves! While you’re waiting for A Great Reckoning to arrive towards the end of August, why not take comfort in Penny’s newest paperback Gamache novel, The Nature of the Beast? Alternatively, Maureen Jennings’ new Inspector Tom Tyler mystery has just arrived, hot off the press. Dead Ground In Between is the fourth book in the series, appearing hard on the heels of its predecessor, No Known Grave. On the adventure side of things, Dave Eggers’ new novel, Heroes of the Frontier, is a contemporary family story which takes us on a journey through wildfire-plagued Alaskan wilderness. With a beautiful jacket sure to catch your attention, Dancing with the Tiger is Lily Wright’s debut novel after years of non-fiction writing. Set in Oaxaca, this witty, thrilling, sophisticated novel is full of discredited art collectors, sinister artifact dealers, mysterious painters – the perfect story to get lost in. For some of us, it can be just as satisfying to get lost in a good non-fiction book instead of a novel. If you can’t physically get lost among the glens, hills, and vales of the British Isles, why not let Robert Macfarlane help your mind do the wandering instead? Landmarks, the newest release from this bestselling author of The Old Ways, takes us on a meandering linguistic tour through the various communities and cultures that make up this multi-faceted European gem. With a slightly more concentrated eye, Ted Sandling’s newest book, London in Fragments, carries readers along the banks of the mighty Thames, uncovering precious bits and pieces of London’s history – from ancient Roman tiles to Georgian pottery. Skipping across the Channel, Van Gogh’s Ear by Bernadette Murphy is a brand new book that sets out to discover the mystery behind this beloved artist’s most famous act: the severing of his own ear. A compelling story of love, madness, and obsession, this is a great read for art and history lovers alike! Of course, no newsletter would be complete without mentioning the highly anticipated (and hot off the press) addition to the Harry Potter canon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Unlike its predecessors, this new Potter book is in fact a bound screenplay of the new play by John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, and J.K. Rowling that just debuted in London. As such, it offers not only the same appeal as Harry’s previous adventures, but gains a certain sophistication that Potter fans will surely appreciate. Here are some more titles to keep an eye out for as the month progresses: Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory, the newest historical novel about Henry VIII and his many wives; By Gaslight by Steven Price, an intriguing historical thriller for fans of Eleanor Catton’s The Luminaries and Patrick DeWitt’s The Sisters Brothers; and Serial Monogamy by Kate Taylor, a novel about a woman who finds comfort in her newest writing project even as she tries to deal with a cancer diagnosis and mend the rifts in her marriage – it hasn’t even been published yet, and it’s already a staff pick! Even though we’ve only just entered the eighth month of the year, some of us have already turned our eyes to 2017. If you count yourself as part of that group, why not come by the store to see the 2017 calendars that are already gracing our shelves? From New Yorker Cartoons to Edward Gorey Art, Mom’s Family Calendar to Inuit Art of Cape Dorset, there’s a little something for everyone! Whether you’ll be spending these dog days of summer hiking through a national park, lounging by a pool, or just hanging out in the dappled sunshine with your pooch, we hope your backpack and beach bag are playing host to at least one reasonably-sized tome of infinite knowledge and entertainment. Be prepared for any eventuality – pack a book! Happy August and Happy Reading! -The Staff of Books on Beechwood

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

May Bestsellers

1. The Call of the World by Bill Graham
2. The Idea of Canada by David Johnston
3. The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
4. The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
5. The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes
6. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
7. Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
8. How to Run a Government by Michael Barber
9. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
10. A Rage for Order by Robert F. Worth

Greetings Book Lovers and welcome to June!

While it might be a little premature to start celebrating the arrival of summer, it’s never too early to start putting together your summer reading list. Whether you plan on heading off to explore foreign shores or just relaxing in the sun a little closer to home, having a book by your side is the best way to be prepared for any and all eventualities.

Even though we’re barreling our way towards prime holiday and vacation time, before you finalize your summer getaway plans, be sure to check out some of the great store events we having coming up. If you’ve been searching for the perfect gift for that special diplomat in your life, pop by the store to meet local author, Helen McCuaig on Saturday, June 18. She will be here from12:00-2:00pm to sign copies of her new book Global Highlights: External Affairs 1954-1965. Rounding out the month, local mystery writer Rick Houlewill be in the store on Saturday, June 25 from 1:00-3:00pm to launch his new book, Violet Shoal, the sequel to Affable Scavengers.

One quintessential summer activity which we never seem to tire of is the road trip. There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, picking your tunes, stocking up on snacks, and hitting the open road to see where the wind will take you. Whether you plan on being a road warrior or simply letting your mind do the traveling, Kim Wright’s third novel, Last Ride to Graceland, is the perfect companion to have riding shot gun. Since family drama always makes for an exciting read, why not try We’re All In This Together by Thunder Bay author Amy Jones. Due to win you over with its charm and wit, this quirky debut novel kicks off with a woman flying over a waterfall in a wooden barrel – the perfect setup for a wonderful read! In the tradition of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais and Delicious! by Ruth Reichl, comes another debut by J. Ryan Stradal. Kitchens of the Great Midwest is at once funny, joyful, and a treat for your senses, as it celebrates life, love, and our endless passion for food.

If you enjoy getting a few chills and thrills while basking in the warm summer sun, one of these great new novels might fit the bill: Foxlowe by Eleanor Wasserberg, Twain’s End by Lynn Cullen, Umbrella Man by Peggy Blair, and A Hero of France by Alan Furst. From the dark and haunting life of a young girl growing up in a cult, to the lies and betrayals surrounding a volatile love triangle, deaths predicted by a Cuban witch doctor, and the shrouded world of spies and rebels in wartime France, these stories come pre-packaged with enough horror, hysteria, Havanese hostiles, and harrowing history to give even the bravest souls a case of the heebie-jeebies.

Thankfully, chill-inducing stories aren’t reserved only for adults – our children’s section is also rife with the spooky and supernatural. Rick Yancey’s amazing series that began with The 5th Wave, is now a complete trilogy! The Last Star is the third and final volume in this thrilling story of alien invasion, betrayal, and the fight for survival. Canadian author Shane Peacock has just made his first foray into the teen market with The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim. Perfectly set in the Scottish moors, 16 year old Edgar must overcome his childhood fears in order to defeat terrifying literary monsters that have escaped the pages of their novels. For fans of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and the Warriors series by Erin Hunter, why not try Argos by Ralph Hardy. Narrated by Argos, Odysseus’ dog, this book is a lovely re-imagining of the adventures famously told by Homer in The Odyssey.

On the non-fiction front, we have a brand new history of North America by James Laxer, the Canadian author who brought us Tecumseh and Brock. In his new book, Staking Claims to a Continent, Laxer explores how North America came to be, as well as the relationships between Sir John A. Macdonald, Abraham Lincoln, and Jefferson Davis. Grunt by Mary Roach (of Stiff,Spook, Bonk, and Gulp fame) is a quirky and engaging exploration of humans at war. Part science, part social history, it takes readers on a tour of duty that answers fascinating questions like: How is a wedding gown like a bomb suit?and Why are shrimp more dangerous to sailors than sharks? Hot off the press and garnering a lot of attention is Sharp Wits & Busy Pens. A celebration of 150 years of Canada’s Parliamentary Press Gallery, this would be the ideal book for anyone who likes to keep their finger on the pulse of all the comings and goings on Parliament Hill.

So, wherever your feet are planted this summer, just remember that you can travel anywhere you want to go. With the right book by your side, you could solve a mystery in fire-plagued London, attend a magical circus that’s only open at night, or follow a Jacobite from the wild cliffs of Scotland to the glittering halls of Russia – all without leaving your hammock or beach chair! Anything is possible between the covers of a book!

Happy Reading!

–The Staff of Books on Beechwood