Life is full of twists and turns, struggles, triumphs and what ifs. Unpredictability is a part of life, but wouldn’t it be nice to know that everything is going to turn out well in the end, whenever that is? Today we’re helping you cheat this troublesome feature of existence, and are here to recommend eight books that are full of uncertainty, but (spoiler alert) come to conclusions we think you’ll find hopeful and uplifting.
Sea Change: Charting a Sustainable Future for Oceans in Canada edited by Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Derek Armitage, Megan Bailey, and William W.L. Cheung (UBC Press)
With a focus on finding solutions, the contributors to this book outline the implications and obstacles for legislation, make suggestions for further research, and offer policy recommendations. Increasingly, civil society will bear the responsibility to advocate for oceans, and Sea Change will empower the voices of those who take up that task.
Out now!
One Second at a Time: My Story of Pain and Reclamation by Diane Morrisseau, with Elisabeth Brannigan (UBC Press)
This book is the story of how the author rescued herself and her children she did so, and how she rebuilt a life beyond her abuser. Through Al-Anon, Anishinabe traditional healing ceremonies, counselling, and care for others, Diane found a new path illuminated by compassion and purpose.
Diane Morrisseau recounts her traumatic history with one aim: to help other victims of violence know they are not alone, and that escape is possible. The author’s entire career, and this book, testify to her desire to extend to others the hope that eluded her in the depths of her desperate circumstances.
Out now!
Jigsaw: A Puzzle in Ninety-Three Pieces by M.A.C. Farrant (Talonbooks)
By turns whimsical, insightful, meditative, funny, and factual, the “pieces” of Jigsaw touch on themes readers of the celebrated humorist and fiction writer M.A C. Farrant have encountered before: existence, love, joy, science, history, aging, roads, and Buddhism – and our seemingly universal love of jigsaw puzzles.
Out now!
Dancing in Small Spaces by Leslie A. Davidson (TouchWood Editions)
In this personal and unstintingly honest memoir, Leslie A. Davidson recounts the years that follow her and her husband’s parallel diagnoses—her Parkinson’s and Lincoln’s Lewy body dementia. At once poignant and unflinchingly frank, Dancing in Small Spaces is the story of a long and adventurous marriage, of deep gratitude, and, ultimately, of writing one’s way toward understanding and acceptance.
Out now!
Gumboot Guys: Nautical Adventures on British Columbia’s North Coast edited by Lou Allison with Jane Wilde (Caitlin Press & Dagger Editions)
Gumboot Guys chronicles the fascinating 1970’s migration of people seeking a new way of life on BC’s West Coast, from Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Stories of buying, fixing, building and running boats; learning to navigate the ocean’s many moods; describing the abundance, and subsequent decline, of salmon stocks; and many, many tales of the unpredictable nature of life on the sea paint a vivid picture of the thrilling, adventurous, occasionally dangerous but ultimately inspiring world.
Out now!
Brave Like the Buffalo by Melissa Allan, illustrated by Jadyn Fischer-McNab (Rocky Mountain Books)
Written by Melissa Allan and illustrated by Cree illustrator Jadyn Fischer-McNab, this story uses a powerful animal, the buffalo, as a symbolic message and connection to Indigenous ways of knowing and being that helps to create a wonderful narrative rich with Indigenous ties and a heartwarming message around facing adversity.
Baby buffalo is surprised and scared when a storm on the prairies passes through. Mama buffalo puts on a brave face and demonstrates how to use courage and bravery to get through the literal and metaphorical storms we may face in life.
Out now!
You Hold Me Up / Tú me sostienes by Monique Gray Smith (Orca Book Publishers)
Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens. Now in a new bilingual edition, with full text in English and Spanish.
Out now!
My Heart Fills With Happiness / Mi corazón se llena de alegría by Monique Gray Smith (Orca Book Publishers)
This bilingual edition of Monique Gray Smith’s bestselling picture book is a celebration of the little things that make life magical. Smith wrote My Heart Fills With Happiness with the intention of creating a story that will support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.
Out now!