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

Consolation by Michael Redhill

Set in Toronto- moves between past and present ( better job with the past) Brings in the fateful nature of photography.jjj

The Almost Moon, by Alice Sebold

Explores complex( and somewhat horrifying) ties of a mother and daughter in totally disfunctional family.Seems not quite real- quick read jj

The Bird Artist by Howard Norman

Recommended by Kevin! What a fabulous read. Set in Witless Bay, Newfoundland- a really wonderful story.jjjjj

The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy

Set in Chinatown Vancouver in the 30's and 40's. Told through reminiscences of 3 children of an immigrant family...neither Canadian or Chinese. Great read- brings Vancouver to life. jjjj

Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan

Lots of fun, may appeal especially to anyone who has travelled with a group of tourists. Accurate depiction of current drastic political situation in Burma. jjjjj

A Thousand Splendid Suns

The Gravediggers Daughter by Joyce Carol Oats

Story of the daughter of an immigrant family escaping to the US from Nazi Germany.Astonishing Young woman who overcame incredible tragedy to re-invent herself.Not the usual bleak JCOates read jjj

About Jane

Jane has been reading books forever and goes through them with remarkable speed. Over time, Jane's friends and family have come to rely on her discerning, quality literary recommendations. This blog, started with the help of her daughter (the author of this biography), is designed to share Jane's recommendations and reviews with the wider world. Enjoy!