In an exhilarating YA novel, Gold Rush riches are the goal for Scottish teenager Callum McBay. With theft, attacks, miscreants, shambling outposts, and one “toad-faced abomination,” there’s plenty of hardship before any reward. —Ron Verzuh reviews The Cariboo Trek of Callum McBay, by Colin Campbell (Vancouver: Tradewind Books, 2025) $14.95 / 9781990598333
“[F]or those who want to understand something of human journeys—and how to mourn, how to live with grief—” this YA novel “is a study in how we might navigate.” —Alison Acheson reviews Where Was Goodbye?, by Janice Lynn Mather (Toronto: Simon & Schuster Canada, 2024) $23.99 / 9781665903950
First published Dec. 10, 2017. From Scratch by Gail Anderson-Dargatz Victoria: Orca Books, 2017. $9.95. / 9781459815025 Reviewed by Carol Anne Shaw * Gail Anderson-Dargatz’s From Scratch is a recent release from Orca Books’ Rapid Reads Program — a genre of short, high-interest novels penned by bestselling authors with the aim of helping adults to…
Read more #217 Batter matters
Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson Toronto: Penguin Random House Canada, 2017 $32.00 / 9780345810786 Reviewed by David Stouck First published June 11, 2017 * In 1997 a book of remarkable short stories by a young Haisla/ Heiltsuk woman came across my desk. It had been selected as Editor’s Choice and Notable Book of…
Read more #138 The incredible deftness of being
Deadpoint by Nikki Tate Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2017 $9.95 / 9781459813526 Reviewed by Carol Anne Shaw First published May 31, 2017 * In Deadpoint, Ayla, a reluctant rock-climber, finds herself with two experienced injured climbers on the side of Black Dog Mountain. Reviewer Carol Shaw finds much to admire in the steep learning curve…
Read more #133 Black Dog desperation