The Causeway,A Passage from Innocence by Linden McIntyre

Autobiography.Linden(of CBC fame) tells his story of growing up at a crucial time in Nova Scotia's history- just as the Causeway from Cape Breton to the Mainland is being built.He has a very special relationship with his father ( who never attended school) and describes a very different way of life.
Really enjoyed this book- he is a great story teller.jjjjj

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

OK, I admit it, I got 'caught' by this VERY long tale.Takes place over 40 years during the building of a cathedral in England.Lots of characters- some good action, intrigue, lust, gossip,political manoeuvering,and bloody fighting. The writing is pretty ho hum but it's a good read for those long winter nights.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith

One of a series of novels in the No1 Ladies Detective Agency Series.Let me confess that I've also read: The Good Husband of Zebra Drive,Tears of The Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, The Kalahari Typing School for Men, Blue Shoes of Happiness, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies etc.
Perhaps these are books for women of a certain age? The reviews are right on.....the writer has created a stunningly moral and intelligent woman detective whose view of life in Botswana are simple yet profound.She solves the questions of love, life ,happiness and human kindness.Innocent and charming .
For me- perfect for a rainy afternoon, quite sweet and a lovely escape. jjj

Elegy for Iris by John Bayley

Non fiction. John Bayley describes his life with Iris Murdoch ( a great contemporary British writer). A wonderful memoir and a testament to a love that endured from youth to old age and indeed , at the end through the ravages of Alzheimers. jjjjj

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

European novel- story of a teacher of classical languages who in an instance makes a life change, leaves teaching, and spends some time tracking down the family and associates of a philosopher. All wrapped up with the resistance movement during Salazars dictatorship in Portugal.
Call me superficial but I found it desperately boring. I'll take it up to the cottage (a hard copy!) and perhaps someone else will give it a try before I take it to the second hand bookstore. j

The Boys in The Trees by Mary Swan

Tragic story of an immigrant family coming to Canada at the turn of the century and struggling in so many ways to make their way. Intricate and unexpected connections in a close knot community- all of whom are linked to an unthinkable crime.Quite mesmorizing. jjjjj

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Post apocalyptic tale of a father and son travelling across the land hoping to find a safe haven .Dreadful bleak landscape and some very scary encounters.Their sweet relationship saved us from total despair at what we can potentially do to each other. Religious symbolism?Not for the faint of heart JJJJJ