Searching for a new read? Here are 8 of our favourite page turners for long weekend downtime.
Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief
The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.
What’s not to love about 1930s Manhattan with its Jazz Clubs, grande dame hotels, cigarettes and cocktails. That’s why they call it the good old days. First time novelist Towles draws a compelling and entertaining portrait of youth, hi jinx and serendipity surrounding his witty heroine Katey who lands a dream job at Condé Nast. For a period piece, the themes are utterly modern. Love, lust, social climbing and ultimately, fate.$13.99 at Amazon.ca
Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Fashion Editor
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
I usually read books on my Kindle but I bought this at the last minute in an airport, because the cover looked pretty. Luckily, the story was good too, spanning decades and featuring a remote island, a mysteriously ill actress, an Italian inn-keeper, and Richard Burton. $14.43 at Amazon.ca
Sara Samson, Calgary Editor
The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett and Amanda Pressner
This memoir by a trio of 20-something New Yorkers chronicles their decision to quit their demanding jobs and travel the world (think Eat, Pray, Love, but from a younger perspective). A must-read for travelers and those looking to develop a serious case of wanderlust.$12.99 at Amazon.ca
Maria Tallarico, Managing Editor
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life explores the life (or rather, lives) of Ursula, who is born over and over again – each time her circumstances are altered, with far-reaching consequences. The quietest and most convincing heroine we’ve come across in ages, be prepared for some very late nights with the reading light on. $14.97 at Amazon.ca
Kat Tancock, Toronto Contributor
MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
This long weekend I’m curling up with the long-awaited MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood, the third in the trilogy that started with Oryx & Crake. Atwood’s dystopias are chilling because they come so close to reality, but that’s what makes them all the more important to read. $16.47 at Amazon.ca
Julie Whelan, Toronto Contributor
Just Kids (Audio) by Patti Smith
At just under ten hours, listening to Patti Smith read her memoir is no small commitment but there is something amazing about hearing her voice as she describes coming to New York, embracing music and meeting and loving the artist Robert Mapplethorpe. The wild cast of characters includes Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, Edie Sedgewick, Sam Shepard and the Hotel Chelsea of course. At www.audible.com
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The film version of of Adichie’s last novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, is set to screen at TIFF but this weekend I’ll be picking up her latest novel, Americanah, an epic love story that follows its characters from Nigeria to the UK and the States. $18.77 Amazon.ca
Marianne Wisenthal, Toronto Contributor
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl is a rare blend of whodunnit suspense, relatable characters and snappy writing. Warning: Best not read after a fight with your husband! $14.97 at Amazon.ca
share:
Be the first to comment