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General Recommendations

Staff Picks: Winter 2023

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WVMLStaffPicks

West Vancouver Memorial Library

Staff-created list

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WVMLStaffPicks

West Vancouver Memorial Library

19 items

19 items

Iron Widow

Iron Widow

by Zhao, Xiran Jay

Book - 2021

Described as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale blended with Chinese history and magic-mecha science fiction, Iron Widow is a dark and emotionally deva...Show more Described as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale blended with Chinese history and magic-mecha science fiction, Iron Widow is a dark and emotionally devastating debut fantasy novel from local Chinese Canadian author Xiran Jay Zhao. The story features 18-year-old Zetian, who offers herself to co-pilot a mecha in the hopes of assassinating her sister’s killer. She survives, and despite facing unthinkable odds she might just be able to take down a terribly unequal system. - Sarah F Show less

Described as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale blended with Chinese history and magic-mecha science fiction, Iron Widow is a dark and emotionally deva...Show more Described as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale blended with Chinese history and magic-mecha science fiction, Iron Widow is a dark and emotionally devastating debut fantasy novel from local Chinese Canadian author Xiran Jay Zhao. The story features 18-year-old Zetian, who offers herself to co-pilot a mecha in the hopes of assassinating her sister’s killer. She survives, and despite facing unthinkable odds she might just be able to take down a terribly unequal system. - Sarah F Show less

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This House Is Not A Home

This House Is Not A Home

by Lafferty, Catherine

Book - 2022

Following Kǫ̀, a Dene man, from early childhood to old age, this breathtaking tale highlights the ravaging effects of colonization on Kǫ̀, his family, his...Show more Following Kǫ̀, a Dene man, from early childhood to old age, this breathtaking tale highlights the ravaging effects of colonization on Kǫ̀, his family, his community, and his sacred Northern homelands. Equally heart-wrenching and heart-warming, this beautiful story will stay with you long after you’ve read the last word. - Kendra Show less

Following Kǫ̀, a Dene man, from early childhood to old age, this breathtaking tale highlights the ravaging effects of colonization on Kǫ̀, his family, his...Show more Following Kǫ̀, a Dene man, from early childhood to old age, this breathtaking tale highlights the ravaging effects of colonization on Kǫ̀, his family, his community, and his sacred Northern homelands. Equally heart-wrenching and heart-warming, this beautiful story will stay with you long after you’ve read the last word. - Kendra Show less

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Agent Sonya

Agent Sonya

Moscow's Most Daring Wartime Spy

by Macintyre, Ben

Book - 2020

This non-fiction account of a highly successful Soviet spy reads like a thriller. Ursula Kuczynski was born into a German Jewish family of communist sympa...Show more This non-fiction account of a highly successful Soviet spy reads like a thriller. Ursula Kuczynski was born into a German Jewish family of communist sympathizers. She lived in China, Russia, England, and finally East Germany while passing on secrets including information that helped Russia develop nuclear capability. Despite being married she conducted numerous affairs and led an unconventional life. She was able to avoid detection largely because she was underestimated by the male-dominated intelligence agencies. - Pat Show less

This non-fiction account of a highly successful Soviet spy reads like a thriller. Ursula Kuczynski was born into a German Jewish family of communist sympa...Show more This non-fiction account of a highly successful Soviet spy reads like a thriller. Ursula Kuczynski was born into a German Jewish family of communist sympathizers. She lived in China, Russia, England, and finally East Germany while passing on secrets including information that helped Russia develop nuclear capability. Despite being married she conducted numerous affairs and led an unconventional life. She was able to avoid detection largely because she was underestimated by the male-dominated intelligence agencies. - Pat Show less

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A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN

A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN

by Thomas, Sherry

Book -

When London is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and father, Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, is d...Show more When London is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and father, Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. This suspenseful, humorous, and engaging book offers an intriguing reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes story. Whether you read it for personal interest or for a book club, this novel has a variety of thought-provoking themes that are topics for great discussion. - Ehlam Show less

When London is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and father, Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, is d...Show more When London is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and father, Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. This suspenseful, humorous, and engaging book offers an intriguing reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes story. Whether you read it for personal interest or for a book club, this novel has a variety of thought-provoking themes that are topics for great discussion. - Ehlam Show less

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Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue

by Jason June

Book - 2022

If you’re looking for a fun fish-out-of-water tale, look no further! With engaging characters, multiple POVs, and a fake dating scheme that inevitably lea...Show more If you’re looking for a fun fish-out-of-water tale, look no further! With engaging characters, multiple POVs, and a fake dating scheme that inevitably leads to complications, this is a highly entertaining and poignant summer romance that is sure to put a smile on your face whilst making your heart glow. It also has some beautifully done discussions regarding gender and helps to normalize non-binary representation. - Jude Show less

If you’re looking for a fun fish-out-of-water tale, look no further! With engaging characters, multiple POVs, and a fake dating scheme that inevitably lea...Show more If you’re looking for a fun fish-out-of-water tale, look no further! With engaging characters, multiple POVs, and a fake dating scheme that inevitably leads to complications, this is a highly entertaining and poignant summer romance that is sure to put a smile on your face whilst making your heart glow. It also has some beautifully done discussions regarding gender and helps to normalize non-binary representation. - Jude Show less

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We Were Dreamers

We Were Dreamers

An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

by Liu, Simu

Book - 2022

In his funny and relatable memoir, Simu Liu reflects on his bumpy road to success in the entertainment business and his difficult and sometimes toxic rela...Show more In his funny and relatable memoir, Simu Liu reflects on his bumpy road to success in the entertainment business and his difficult and sometimes toxic relationship with his parents. Liu shares the challenges his parents faced growing up in communist China, emigrating to Canada, and raising a son who straddled two cultures. Liu tackles difficult topics including parental neglect and anti-Asian discrimination with honesty and compassion. - Andrea Show less

In his funny and relatable memoir, Simu Liu reflects on his bumpy road to success in the entertainment business and his difficult and sometimes toxic rela...Show more In his funny and relatable memoir, Simu Liu reflects on his bumpy road to success in the entertainment business and his difficult and sometimes toxic relationship with his parents. Liu shares the challenges his parents faced growing up in communist China, emigrating to Canada, and raising a son who straddled two cultures. Liu tackles difficult topics including parental neglect and anti-Asian discrimination with honesty and compassion. - Andrea Show less

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Cultish

Cultish

The Language of Fanaticism

by Montell, Amanda

Book - 2021

In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, linguist Amanda Montell demystifies the insidious ways words can be used to persuade and influence society. Rangin...Show more In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, linguist Amanda Montell demystifies the insidious ways words can be used to persuade and influence society. Ranging from the seemingly innocuous Crossfit and Soul Cycle lexicon to its extreme perversion among cult leaders like Jim Jones, Montell makes it clear just how much power words hold. Upon finishing the book, readers will undoubtedly filter the language around them from a brand-new prism of vigilance towards all things cultish. - Sara K. Show less

In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, linguist Amanda Montell demystifies the insidious ways words can be used to persuade and influence society. Rangin...Show more In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, linguist Amanda Montell demystifies the insidious ways words can be used to persuade and influence society. Ranging from the seemingly innocuous Crossfit and Soul Cycle lexicon to its extreme perversion among cult leaders like Jim Jones, Montell makes it clear just how much power words hold. Upon finishing the book, readers will undoubtedly filter the language around them from a brand-new prism of vigilance towards all things cultish. - Sara K. Show less

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The Language We Were Never Taught to Speak

The Language We Were Never Taught to Speak

by Lau, Grace

Book - 2021

I keep returning to this collection of poems by Chinese Canadian poet Grace Lau. Every time I open this slim volume, I find a new poem that resonates in a...Show more I keep returning to this collection of poems by Chinese Canadian poet Grace Lau. Every time I open this slim volume, I find a new poem that resonates in a profound way. Her poems speak of finding and celebrating oneself while still honouring where we were made. Her love and understanding for her culture, family, and growth blossom on each page. Pick up this book, open to any page, and enjoy the love she has placed there. Show less

I keep returning to this collection of poems by Chinese Canadian poet Grace Lau. Every time I open this slim volume, I find a new poem that resonates in a...Show more I keep returning to this collection of poems by Chinese Canadian poet Grace Lau. Every time I open this slim volume, I find a new poem that resonates in a profound way. Her poems speak of finding and celebrating oneself while still honouring where we were made. Her love and understanding for her culture, family, and growth blossom on each page. Pick up this book, open to any page, and enjoy the love she has placed there. Show less

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Kindred

Kindred

by Butler, Octavia E.

Book - 2003

Set in 1976 California, Kindred is the story of a 26-year-old Black woman who disappears from her home and is transported to 1819 Maryland. She saves a wh...Show more Set in 1976 California, Kindred is the story of a 26-year-old Black woman who disappears from her home and is transported to 1819 Maryland. She saves a white boy named Rufus from drowning then is immediately brought back to her present. Dana returns to the past again and again, each time staying for longer and under more dangerous circumstances. - Cathy Show less

Set in 1976 California, Kindred is the story of a 26-year-old Black woman who disappears from her home and is transported to 1819 Maryland. She saves a wh...Show more Set in 1976 California, Kindred is the story of a 26-year-old Black woman who disappears from her home and is transported to 1819 Maryland. She saves a white boy named Rufus from drowning then is immediately brought back to her present. Dana returns to the past again and again, each time staying for longer and under more dangerous circumstances. - Cathy Show less

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Ducks

Ducks

Two Years in the Oil Sands

by Beaton, Kate

Book - 2022

This graphic memoir by cartoonist Kate Beaton (of Hark! A Vagrant fame) is a look at her time working in the Alberta oil sands as a new grad and a Nova Sc...Show more This graphic memoir by cartoonist Kate Beaton (of Hark! A Vagrant fame) is a look at her time working in the Alberta oil sands as a new grad and a Nova Scotian. Beaton’s deft skills with expressions and body language clearly show the challenges that she, as a young woman, experienced at the time—while the tensions of handling personal debt, the environment, harassment, friendships and community, and pride are clearly portrayed. - Sarah F. Show less

This graphic memoir by cartoonist Kate Beaton (of Hark! A Vagrant fame) is a look at her time working in the Alberta oil sands as a new grad and a Nova Sc...Show more This graphic memoir by cartoonist Kate Beaton (of Hark! A Vagrant fame) is a look at her time working in the Alberta oil sands as a new grad and a Nova Scotian. Beaton’s deft skills with expressions and body language clearly show the challenges that she, as a young woman, experienced at the time—while the tensions of handling personal debt, the environment, harassment, friendships and community, and pride are clearly portrayed. - Sarah F. Show less

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Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad

Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad

Short Stories

by Kuku, Damilare

Book - 2021

A collection of short stories mostly from the points of view of women—each betrayed in a different way by a lover. Each story gives new meaning to the aph...Show more A collection of short stories mostly from the points of view of women—each betrayed in a different way by a lover. Each story gives new meaning to the aphorism “hell has no fury like a woman scorned.” From the woman with intentions to create her own Lorena Bobbitt story to a group of powerful wives banding together to hide their closeted husbands’ indiscretions, these stories are painful and raw. Under the guidance of Kuku, they are also feminist, funny, entertaining, and incredibly sexy. - Keli Show less

A collection of short stories mostly from the points of view of women—each betrayed in a different way by a lover. Each story gives new meaning to the aph...Show more A collection of short stories mostly from the points of view of women—each betrayed in a different way by a lover. Each story gives new meaning to the aphorism “hell has no fury like a woman scorned.” From the woman with intentions to create her own Lorena Bobbitt story to a group of powerful wives banding together to hide their closeted husbands’ indiscretions, these stories are painful and raw. Under the guidance of Kuku, they are also feminist, funny, entertaining, and incredibly sexy. - Keli Show less

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I Am Not your Perfect Mexican Daughter

I Am Not your Perfect Mexican Daughter

by Sánchez, Erika L.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2017

Julia is not the perfect Mexican daughter—that was her sister Olga. When Olga dies unexpectedly, Julia is left to pick up the pieces of her rapidly unrave...Show more Julia is not the perfect Mexican daughter—that was her sister Olga. When Olga dies unexpectedly, Julia is left to pick up the pieces of her rapidly unravelling family. As she uncovers her sister’s secrets and learns of her parents’ extremely violent journey to America, her world changes forever. With themes of loss, suicide, relationships, family, cultural identity, and love, this book will take you on a remarkable journey. - Kendra Show less

Julia is not the perfect Mexican daughter—that was her sister Olga. When Olga dies unexpectedly, Julia is left to pick up the pieces of her rapidly unrave...Show more Julia is not the perfect Mexican daughter—that was her sister Olga. When Olga dies unexpectedly, Julia is left to pick up the pieces of her rapidly unravelling family. As she uncovers her sister’s secrets and learns of her parents’ extremely violent journey to America, her world changes forever. With themes of loss, suicide, relationships, family, cultural identity, and love, this book will take you on a remarkable journey. - Kendra Show less

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THE PRESIDENT'S HAT

THE PRESIDENT'S HAT

by Laurain, Antoine

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Set in 1980’s Paris, The President’s Hat is a charming story about the hat of President François Mitterrand. One evening Mitterrand accidentally leaves hi...Show more Set in 1980’s Paris, The President’s Hat is a charming story about the hat of President François Mitterrand. One evening Mitterrand accidentally leaves his hat in a restaurant where it is picked up by Daniel Mercier, a man who dined next to him. When Daniel wears the hat, he becomes more successful than he ever imagined, which he attributes entirely to the hat. Eventually Daniel loses the hat and is consumed with finding it again so that he may return to the life it provided him. - Cathy Show less

Set in 1980’s Paris, The President’s Hat is a charming story about the hat of President François Mitterrand. One evening Mitterrand accidentally leaves hi...Show more Set in 1980’s Paris, The President’s Hat is a charming story about the hat of President François Mitterrand. One evening Mitterrand accidentally leaves his hat in a restaurant where it is picked up by Daniel Mercier, a man who dined next to him. When Daniel wears the hat, he becomes more successful than he ever imagined, which he attributes entirely to the hat. Eventually Daniel loses the hat and is consumed with finding it again so that he may return to the life it provided him. - Cathy Show less

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Across the Desert

Across the Desert

by Bowling, Dusti

Book - 2021

Across the Desert is a gripping story of friendship and determination. Readers meet twelve-year-old Jolene as she watches her favorite livestream “The Des...Show more Across the Desert is a gripping story of friendship and determination. Readers meet twelve-year-old Jolene as she watches her favorite livestream “The Desert Aviator” that captures the real-time aerial adventures of twelve-year-old “Addie Earhart”. Suddenly, Addie’s airplane stalls and she falls from the sky, landing somewhere in the scorching-hot desert. Jolene, whose mother struggles with opioid addiction, embarks on a solo rescue mission to find her only friend. - Andrea Show less

Across the Desert is a gripping story of friendship and determination. Readers meet twelve-year-old Jolene as she watches her favorite livestream “The Des...Show more Across the Desert is a gripping story of friendship and determination. Readers meet twelve-year-old Jolene as she watches her favorite livestream “The Desert Aviator” that captures the real-time aerial adventures of twelve-year-old “Addie Earhart”. Suddenly, Addie’s airplane stalls and she falls from the sky, landing somewhere in the scorching-hot desert. Jolene, whose mother struggles with opioid addiction, embarks on a solo rescue mission to find her only friend. - Andrea Show less

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Manyoshu saijiki

Manyoshu saijiki

by Yoshino, Masami

Book -

万葉集の中から季節ごとの風物を詠んだ歌、百首を掲載。見開き１ページで1首ずつ、左に写真、右にユーモラスな解説と風物や作者にまつわるエピソードを紹介。千数百年前の人々が今と同じように大事な人を思ったり、冗談やお世辞を言ったりしているさまを想像しながらゆっくりページをめくっていると穏やかな気持ちになる。長意吉麻呂の洒落の利いた歌がおすすめ。- Keiko 万葉集の中から季節ごとの風物を詠んだ歌、百首を掲載。見開き１ページで1首ずつ、左に写真、右にユーモラスな解説と風物や作者にまつわるエピソードを紹介。千数百年前の人々が今と同じように大事な人を思ったり、冗談やお世辞を言ったりしているさまを想像しながらゆっくりページをめくっていると穏やかな気持ちになる。長意吉麻呂の洒落の利いた歌がおすすめ。- Keiko Show less

万葉集の中から季節ごとの風物を詠んだ歌、百首を掲載。見開き１ページで1首ずつ、左に写真、右にユーモラスな解説と風物や作者にまつわるエピソードを紹介。千数百年前の人々が今と同じように大事な人を思ったり、冗談やお世辞を言ったりしているさまを想像しながらゆっくりページをめくっていると穏やかな気持ちになる。長意吉麻呂の洒落の利いた歌がおすすめ。- Keiko 万葉集の中から季節ごとの風物を詠んだ歌、百首を掲載。見開き１ページで1首ずつ、左に写真、右にユーモラスな解説と風物や作者にまつわるエピソードを紹介。千数百年前の人々が今と同じように大事な人を思ったり、冗談やお世辞を言ったりしているさまを想像しながらゆっくりページをめくっていると穏やかな気持ちになる。長意吉麻呂の洒落の利いた歌がおすすめ。- Keiko Show less

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Foster

Foster

by Keegan, Claire

Book - 2022

The story of a young Irish girl who is sent to live with another family. Withdrawn and quiet, she soon begins to blossom in the warmth and care of her new...Show more The story of a young Irish girl who is sent to live with another family. Withdrawn and quiet, she soon begins to blossom in the warmth and care of her new home, but the seasons change all too quickly. A beautifully warm story showing how community, compassion, and kindness can help a child grow and flourish. Though Foster deals with difficult subjects, Keegan's writing flows like warm healing water, and is a welcome break from stories with "hard" edges. - Morgan Show less

The story of a young Irish girl who is sent to live with another family. Withdrawn and quiet, she soon begins to blossom in the warmth and care of her new...Show more The story of a young Irish girl who is sent to live with another family. Withdrawn and quiet, she soon begins to blossom in the warmth and care of her new home, but the seasons change all too quickly. A beautifully warm story showing how community, compassion, and kindness can help a child grow and flourish. Though Foster deals with difficult subjects, Keegan's writing flows like warm healing water, and is a welcome break from stories with "hard" edges. - Morgan Show less

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The Daughter of Doctor Moreau

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau

A Novel

by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia

Book - 2022

Wells’ Island of Doctor Moreau is masterfully reimagined as a multiple genre work of science, gothic, romance, historical fiction, and as a coming-of-age ...Show more Wells’ Island of Doctor Moreau is masterfully reimagined as a multiple genre work of science, gothic, romance, historical fiction, and as a coming-of-age story of Carlotta, the doctor’s daughter. They live in a secluded estate in the Yucatan peninsula. She knows little of the outside world and of her father’s work, his hybrid creations, her true nature, and his plans to use her to secure funding for his scientific research and work. - Steve Show less

Wells’ Island of Doctor Moreau is masterfully reimagined as a multiple genre work of science, gothic, romance, historical fiction, and as a coming-of-age ...Show more Wells’ Island of Doctor Moreau is masterfully reimagined as a multiple genre work of science, gothic, romance, historical fiction, and as a coming-of-age story of Carlotta, the doctor’s daughter. They live in a secluded estate in the Yucatan peninsula. She knows little of the outside world and of her father’s work, his hybrid creations, her true nature, and his plans to use her to secure funding for his scientific research and work. - Steve Show less

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Heartbreak

Heartbreak

A Personal and Scientific Journey

by Williams, Florence

Book - 2022

A fascinating book on the effects of grief and heartbreak on the human body. Williams, a journalist, uses herself as a test subject for her newest book. R...Show more A fascinating book on the effects of grief and heartbreak on the human body. Williams, a journalist, uses herself as a test subject for her newest book. Recently and unexpectedly divorced she undergoes a series of experiments designed to help her understand and heal from the experience. One part science, one part memoir, this is a hopeful story of the healing power of nature and human connection. - Kelly W Show less

A fascinating book on the effects of grief and heartbreak on the human body. Williams, a journalist, uses herself as a test subject for her newest book. R...Show more A fascinating book on the effects of grief and heartbreak on the human body. Williams, a journalist, uses herself as a test subject for her newest book. Recently and unexpectedly divorced she undergoes a series of experiments designed to help her understand and heal from the experience. One part science, one part memoir, this is a hopeful story of the healing power of nature and human connection. - Kelly W Show less

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In Praise of Paths

In Praise of Paths

Walking Through Time and Nature

by Ekelund, Torbjørn Lysebo

Book - 2020

A beautiful, poetic take on the role of walking trails in the human experience. When walking unexpectedly becomes Ekelund’s primary mode of transport, he ...Show more A beautiful, poetic take on the role of walking trails in the human experience. When walking unexpectedly becomes Ekelund’s primary mode of transport, he rediscovers the many joys and benefits of a walking life. He shares personal stories of the paths of his Norwegian childhood and tells of how they have shaped him into the human he is today. An ode to bipedalism, In Praise of Paths will appeal equally to both the armchair traveler and the avid hiker. - Kelly W Show less

A beautiful, poetic take on the role of walking trails in the human experience. When walking unexpectedly becomes Ekelund’s primary mode of transport, he ...Show more A beautiful, poetic take on the role of walking trails in the human experience. When walking unexpectedly becomes Ekelund’s primary mode of transport, he rediscovers the many joys and benefits of a walking life. He shares personal stories of the paths of his Norwegian childhood and tells of how they have shaped him into the human he is today. An ode to bipedalism, In Praise of Paths will appeal equally to both the armchair traveler and the avid hiker. - Kelly W Show less

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