Tuesday 20 December 2016

The Truth Commision

The Truth Commission

The Truth Commission 

by Susan Juby

There is a saying that the truth will set you free, but sometimes that truth comes with a price. Normandy, Neil and Dusk (who's real name is Dawn) are art students at the Green Pastures Academy in Nanaimo, BC and they decide to ask their classmates some truth seeking questions. 

As they probe their peers, they uncover truths that they may not have been expecting, not only about their targets, but also about themselves. All of this truth seeking starts a domino effect throughout the school and  the student body comes clean in different ways with both positive and negative results. 

The hardest truth to uncover is about what happened to Normandy's famous sister, Keira. Keira, a published graphic novelist has mysteriously returned from college and has shut herself away from everyone. It doesn't help that Normandy's parents are in denial about any issues that Keira's novels have wrought upon the family - the graphic novel characters bear a striking, yet unflattering resemblance to Normandy and her parents. In trying to uncover what has happened to Keira, Normandy is forced to face some unpleasant truths of her own, but with the support of Neil, Dusk, and some unlikely allies, she develops the strength needed to carry on.

The writing style is engaging, written in Normandy's voice, in the format of her final project for class. The tales of the truth commission are dotted with Normandy's own wit and observations, often in the form of amusing footnotes to her teacher. Juby pulls you right into the story and you find yourself caring for and rooting for the characters as they find out truths about themselves and each other.

Friday 16 December 2016

Going Bovine


by Libba Bray

Cameron, a lazy, underachieving, high school pot head is diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease. The disease is terminal, there is no cure, he's done. However, at the hospital, he is visited by a pink-haired punk rock angel named Dulcie who tells him his only chance of survival is to find Dr. X.  Thus begins the craziest road trip every conceived. 

Along with Gonzo, Cameron’s hypochondriac hospital roommate, and a garden gnome who is actually the Norse god Balder, Cameron sets off across America looking for the mysterious Dr. X. Although Cameron is initially not particularly likeable, his character grows throughout the book until you eventually find yourself rooting for this unsuspecting hero. A series of seemingly random, hilarious mishaps later, the story comes to an amazing ending, tying all these random events into a truly unforgettable climax. 

Libba Bray’s humour and wild imagination make for an amazing read filled with churches of perpetual happiness, snow globes, and countless laugh out loud moments. This social satire is well worth the read, carrying with it a clear message to live life to the fullest.  

Warning: Strong Language used. Intended for older teen audience.


Tuesday 6 December 2016

Book of the Month: December - Three Dark Crowns

by Kendare Blake


In every generation on the island Fennbirn, a set of triplet queens are born. Each child has the same claim to the throne, but only one can rule. The sisters must fight to the death, until only one queen remains. 

Torn apart from each other at a young age, the queen sisters are raised by different families and have no memories of their each other. Queen Katherine lives with the Poisoners where she is being taught to withstand the effects of the deadliest poisons. Queen Mirabella lives with the Elementalists who can control the five elements at the blink of an eye. Queen Arsinoe lives with the Naturalists who have the ability to control a pack of wild lions. Each queen should be equal in strength and ability, but only Queen Mirabella appears to have any powers. The Islanders think they have found their new queen and the long reign of poisoner queens is coming to an end. But the Poisoners are ruthless people and they will do whatever it takes to maintain their hold on the island. And although the Naturalists are peaceful people, one cannot discount their wisdom and hunger for change.

The queens are coming up on their sixteenth birthday and the bloody battle for the throne is about to begin... and will not end until only one queen remains....

I first fell in love with Kendare Blake while reading Anna Dressed in Blood, and was eager to read her newest book.Three Dark Crowns did not disappoint. It is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It is filled with likable characters and a unique story line, not to mention a cliff-hanger that will leave you desperate to find out what happens next. A highly recommended read!