Book Blogger Appreciation Week Day 4: Book Recognition


Day 4 of Book Blogger Appreciation Week is all about showing love to and getting the word out about books we think deserve more recognition.  

In case you don't know, I'm a fiercely proud Canadian.  But up until a few years ago, I didn't read much Canadian literature (I was rebelling against high school English classes all those years.)  When I finally did start reading it, I discovered a wealth of amazing authors and stories.  And I decided then that I wanted my blog to do its part getting the word out about the awesome Canadian talent we have.

So to showcase our wonderful talent I've picked two amazing books that I think everyone the world over should read.  Below you'll find a link to the book and excerpts from my reviews.



The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair
The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair is a fantastic, fast-paced mystery set in the beautiful landscape of Castro's Cuba.  It is engaging, educational and well-researched, full of danger, intrigue and surprise.  This is a novel that will have you immediately wrapped up, wanting to rush to turn the page to find out what happens next yet wanting to slow down to savour every drop of its beauty and richness.  I personally cannot find fault with this book, it is everything I want my mysteries to be.

Touch by Alexi Zentner
Alexi Zentner's Touch is a beautiful story of a pioneering family, the three generations that carved their place in the wilderness and the ways in which the wilderness remains forever imprinted on their lives.  Monsters, witches and golden caribou roam the woods as the townspeople face love and death amidst the crippling cold of the logging town.  Evocative, stunning, haunting, page-turner - the perfect words to describe Zentner's debut novel.  His writing does what we ask of books, to transport us to new places and make those places a part of us.

And now to something a little different......

I've always been a little hesitant when it comes to reading self-published books, especially e-books.  I know it's silly, because there are a lot of great unsigned writers out there.  Recently, I read two brand spanking new self-published chick lit novels which I think were fantastic so I definitely want to give them shout-outs in this post.

 

Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood
Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood is an irresistible debut novel.  I immediately took to the character of Natalie.  I love the concept of a girl who has trouble speaking up being hypnotized into never telling a lie.  There is tons going on in this book - crazy family members, family secrets, wannabe pop stars, pubs in danger of closing down, snowstorms, controlling boyfriends, gangsters, tacky weddings - but it all fits together wonderfully to create one funny story.  There were many laugh out loud moments.

The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp by Poppy Dolan
The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp is the debut novel from Poppy Dolan and is a funny, enjoyable story.  The fact that I was laughing out loud from the very first page (and my husband laughed when I read it to him) was a very good sign.  It has a great combination of laughs and romance, a main character who is loveable, and all-around charm.  It is an incredible first novel, one that fans of chick-lit will enjoy and find unique, and I look forward to what else Ms. Dolan has to offer.

I hope that at least one of these books stands out to you and you'll give it a chance, they are all very worthwhile reads.

Comments

  1. Tanya PatriceSeptember 13, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    Wow - all these books sound awesome and I'm especially liking the last 2.

    ReplyDelete
  2. gautami tripathySeptember 13, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    All sound so good! I will check those out. Thanks!!

    BBAW: Time to read Feynman

    ReplyDelete
  3. Literary FelineSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    That's quite a variety! The Beggar's Opera sounds right up my alley, but you've made the others sound good as well--so I'll have to give them all a look.

    On the subject of Canadian authors, have you read The Outlander by Gil Adamson? I am considering reading that one soon. It sounds like it will be good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShanSeptember 13, 2012 at 2:03 PM

      I haven't read The Outlander though I've heard so much about it, I probably should pick it up soon.

      Delete
  4. ElizabethSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    Love mysteries....going to check out THE BEGGAR'S OPERA.

    Have a fun day!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    http://silversolara.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-blogger-appreciation-week-day-4.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShanSeptember 13, 2012 at 2:03 PM

      The Beggar's Opera was one of the first mysteries I read, it's fantastic.

      Delete
  5. SuziQoregonSeptember 13, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Oh both Touch and The Beggars Opera sound intriguing!! Thanks for talking about these!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Peggy BlairSeptember 14, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks so much for mentioning The Beggar's Opera -- it's blogs like this one that authors live for! Made my day! Cheers, Peggy

    ReplyDelete
  7. PerogyoSeptember 14, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Great Canadian selections! I am going to look for both!

    ReplyDelete
  8. KirstySeptember 15, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    Thanks a million gazillion for including Yours Truly in your list!

    Kirsty x

    ReplyDelete

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