For those of us “too busy to read” during the school year, the summer, with its longer days and relaxing rhythms, is the perfect time to pick up that long-forgotten book. However, if you’re in need of a new summer read, check out our staff recommendations below!
Emily, Writing Coach
Tom Lake↗ by Ann Patchett –> I took Melinda’s recommendation on this one, and wow, I was not disappointed! This novel is not for everyone, as if you’re not looking, you might miss its importance. Framed by the play Our Town, the novel explores the life of Lara, past and present, and her relationship with her three daughters: Emily, Maisie, and Nell; I found Patchett’s exploration of the mother-daughter relationship incredibly moving. I saw myself and those I love in the characters, and the plot’s mundaneness that some have bemoaned, to me, made these characters real, and I loved it.
The Dune↗ series by Frank Herbert –> I’m an avid fantasy fan, but hadn’t read the Dune series before this year. I absolutely love both films and was eager to experience the story from the written perspective, though the 900 pages of the first book felt daunting. It was worth it. For those unfamiliar, Frank Herbert’s epic series follows House Atreides – a Major House within the inter-galactic Padishah Empire – and their rise to power on Arrakis, the planet more commonly known as Dune. Concerned with politics, religion, and colonization, Herbert, inspired by his time as a speech writer in Washington, D.C. in the 50s, explores the phenomenon of the cult of personality. If you’ve ever wondered where George Lucas concocted Star Wars from, well, read the Dune series.
Kate C, Client Care Specialist
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley –> I read this YA book earlier in the year, and I haven’t been able to forget it since! When Daunis Fontaine witnesses a life changing event, she is forced into a world of drugs, lies and the FBI. While trying to gain acceptance in two communities at the same time, Daunis must use all her teachings in order to keep her loved ones safe. Set in a small hockey town where no one is who they seem, it’s a race to find who is responsible for a deadly new drug before it’s too late. This novel is an emotionally intense, and richly detailed pager turner, keeping readers engaged to the very last twist.
Monika, Senior Educational Consultant
I recently finished Babel↗, written by RF Kuang (who also wrote the interesting Yellowface↗). I loved Babel (recommended by our writing coach Emily!) – it is a work of speculative fiction set in Oxford of the 1830s, about a fictional translation program and its role in maintaining the core of empire. Kuang’s work is so interesting and genre-defying – along the lines of Pullman’s His Dark Materials↗, but totally different in heart and scope.
Jacqueline, Educational Consultant
Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations With A Body of Memory↗ – by Sarah Polley
This is a collection of personal essays by Sarah Polley, an Academy Award-nominated director, screenwriter, and actor. In her debut memoir, Sarah’s clearly written and honest essays capture different chapters in her life, revealing untold stories from childhood to motherhood while evaluating the mutability of memory and the benefits of remembering afresh. The topics covered in the essays range from Sarah’s experience of exploitation as a child actor, sexual assault from a high-profile journalist, enduring a high-risk pregnancy, and her journey of recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Sarah’s straightforward and honest style keeps you reading through the collection, each story offering a new take on the theme – “run towards danger.” This memoir is not a comfortable read, but it prompts the reader to consider some troubling societal issues and to reflect on their relationship with memory. I recommend reading this memoir over an extended period, one essay at a time, so as not to overwhelm the senses and to allow for reflection on the theme and content.
Michelle, Client Care Specialist
I recently read Funny Story↗ by Emily Henry because it came highly recommended from my friends as an easy beach read. Funny Story is a romance book that was honestly such a cute, funny, and quick read. Daphne ends up in a predicament where she ends up stranded without friends and family so she ends up living with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex. In a spur of the moment, they end up with a plan to post misleading photos to make their exes jealous. The book really comes full circle and makes me understand why the title is called Funny Story. It was honestly such a feel good romance book.
Kate W, Writing Coach
Over the past few years, several of my friends have recommended The Song of Achilles↗ by Madeline Miller, so on a recent trip to Munro Books (a must-stop in Victoria), I purchased a copy. Miller’s novel, which I devoured in a weekend, is one I know I will return to every year; her writing style is beautiful, and Patroclus, her protagonist, is easily one of the most memorable and engaging characters.
I love Greek mythology, and in the past decade, several authors have adapted famous myths, retelling them from the perspective of previously underrepresented characters. In The Song of Achilles, we follow Patroclus to Phthia where he befriends and falls in love with Achilles, the infamous warrior and son of the vengeful sea goddess, Thetis. Following this fantastic read, I highly recommend reading “Thetis” by Carol Ann Duffy; this haunting poem provides an entirely different and enlightening view of Thetis.
Melinda, Founder/President
I love cookbooks, and I love Italy. When I checked out At My Italian Table: Family Recipes from My Cucina to Yours↗ from the library in early June, I knew it was going to be my cookbook of summer. Laura Vitale moved to the United States from Italy as a teenager and set out to re-create her grandmother’s recipes. The photos are vibrant and encouraging, and the recipes have been surprisingly easy to follow and full of flavour. Our favourites so far include (all perfect for summer): Prosciutto, Figs, & Melon; Peaches in Wine; Bucatini with Tuna & Bread Crumbs (reminding me of the bucatini Covid shortage!); Halibut alla Napoltana with Olives and Capers; Zucchini Parmigiana; Spinaci al Limone; and Nonna’s Crostata di Frutta.
Happy summer and happy reading from Team Options!
