Spring Edition

By Michela Gittens

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Happy Spring! I hope you enjoyed the books in the previous reading list as much as I did. In this article, along with my picks for this season, I would like to introduce you to two notable reading resources and activities I recently stumbled upon.

CBC Books is a great tool for the avid reader and writer. It has content ranging from writing tips and writing competitions to themed reading lists by Canadian authors (but not limited to) such as ’10 Bestselling Canadian Books of 2019’ and ‘18 Book-to-Screen Adaptations to Watch in the First Half of 2020’. It is also a good source to keep abreast of new and upcoming releases. If, however, you are looking for a way to diversify your book selection or are looking for a new venture, the Toronto Public Library has established a 2020 Reading Challenge which encourages persons to read 12 publications outside of their comfort zone in 12 unique categories (some more so than others). There is also an advance undertaking where you are required to read 14 additional titles from 14 additional classifications. This is a very fun approach to a reading exercise and there is also a chance to win prizes at the end of the year in the event you share your completed reading list. Visit the website to see the varying categories which are sure to expand your reading purview. There is a Facebook group, where fellow readers share their recommendations based on the required categories, as well as Reading Challenge Meetups at various library locations where you can meet other book enthusiasts, discuss literary works and obtain suggestions. 

2020 is shaping up to be a book-filled year and these 2 resources will most certainly keep you and myself engaged. I have read some interesting pieces over the past couple of months. Below are my top picks for Spring. Happy reading. 

• More than Enough by Elaine Welteroth 

• Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner 

• Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng 

• Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

• One plus One by Jojo Moyes

• Born Bright by C. Nicole Mason

• Washington Black by Esi Edugyan