The holiday season is here, and there's no better time to cozy up with a good book (or ten!). Open Book's Holiday Book Guide will direct you to some of the most engaging books on store shelves this season. Our Guide will be regularly updated throughout December, featuring a fresh theme with each listing. Today's theme: WORK & PLAY.
Taste Buds and Molecules
by François Chartier |
Book of Big Brothers
by Cary Fagan & illustrated by Luc Melanson
|
Slow Recoil
by C.B. Forrest |
The Little Seamstress
by Phil Hall |
Taking the Ice
by Pj Kwong |
Complete Physical
by Shane Neilson |
Zero Kisses for Me
by Manuela Monari & illustrated by Virginie Soumagnac
|
Splinters
by Kevin Sylvester |
Work & Play:
Planning a holiday party but not sure what wine to serve? Internationally renowned sommelier François Chartier's Taste Buds and Molecules (McClelland & Stewart) is the book for you. Chartier discusses the molecular relationships between wines and food and shows how to create perfect pairings.
Cary Fagan's Book of Big Brothers (Groundwood Books) is a charming story about the good (and the bad) of growing up the youngest of three siblings. Kids and adults alike will love Luc Melanson's retro illustrations.
In C.B. Forrest's Slow Recoil (RendezVous Crime), former Toronto Detective Charlie McKelvey is drawn into locating a Bosnian immigrant who has disappeared. A gripping page-turner for the cold winter nights.
"A book of poems like an Alexander Calder mobile, or a Jean Tingley sculpture." In an interview with Beth Follett, Phil Hall described his remarkable latest book, The Little Seamstress (Pedlar Press), as "for one thing, breath."
In Taking the Ice (BookLand Press), figure skating expert, writer and former Open Book Writer in Residence, Pj Kwong, writes about the people who have contributed to Canada becoming one of the top nations in figure skating.
Complete Physical (The Porcupine's Quill) by poet and physician Shane Neilson contemplates illness and recovery through the eyes of a doctor. An engrossing read, and the book itself is exquisite — from the cover, to the quality of paper, right down to the gorgeous bookmark.
What kid doesn't want a kiss from their mama? The toddler in Manuela Monari's delightful Zero Kisses for Me (Tundra Books), that's who. Or so he thinks until bedtime (a.k.a. Monster Time). The illustrations by Virginie Soumagnac are adorable.
In author, illustrator and sportscaster Kevin Sylvester's children's book, Splinters (Tundra Books), the resourceful and hockey-loving Cindy Waters manages to get on a hockey team only to encounter obstacles in the form of horrible teammates and the coach. What happens to Cindy? You'll have to read Splinters to find out.
Buy these books at your local independent bookstore or online at Chapters/Indigo or Amazon.
Don't miss previous editions of the Holiday Book Guide! Check out the great line up for:
A TASTE FOR CULTURE
CITY LIVING
THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
STAGE, SCREEN & SONG
