Author Archives: gplmarcia

About gplmarcia

Hello book aficionados! I am a librarian at GPL’s Main Library. Most of my time at work is spent on the Information Desk helping people with their information needs and, of course, finding a great book to read. I order the fiction books for the Main Library, so I have the inside track on what’s new, and what’s hot. In my spare time, I love to read (no surprise), walk my dogs (an English Setter and an Irish Red & White Setter) in the forest, visit the gym, and plan my next vacation (however humble that may be…I’m happy to go to the Blue Jays game).

Combining the tragic and the comic: All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

Posted on April 10, 2016 by gplmarcia

My book club recently had an engaging and lively discussion about the fiction novel, All My Puny Sorrows. The novel’s plot revolves around a family confronting the potential loss of a beloved member through suicide. Elfrieda (Elf), despite her fame … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged All My Puny Sorrows, assisted suicide, Canadian literature, Miriam Toews, suicide | Leave a comment

Rediscovering An Old Favorite: The Enduring Appeal Of John Grisham’s Legal Thrillers

Posted on March 9, 2016 by gplmarcia

Ever since I watched the movie The Paper Chase, I have been obsessed with the law. It was no surprise to me that after a few years at university I found myself a student at Western Law. After a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged "if you like John Grisham", Gray Mountain, John Grisham, legal fiction, legal thriller authors, legal thrillers | Leave a comment

How To Live A Meaningful Life: The Road To Character by David Brooks

Posted on February 9, 2016 by gplmarcia

If you are a contemplative individual, and are prepared to critically examine all your beliefs and cultural assumptions, you will find much to admire in David Brooks’s original book, The Road To Character. The book is really an account of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged book club discussion questions, book review, bookclub discussion questions, David Brooks, reader's guide, Road to Character discussion questions, The Road To Character | 1 Comment

The Power of Words: If You Find This Letter by Hannah Brencher

Posted on December 22, 2015 by gplmarcia

The Christmas season is a great time to reflect on one’s character and to determine what makes a “life well-lived.” Whether you are young or old, becoming the best version of your self often presents a challenging dilemma. If you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Hannah Brencher, If You Find This Letter, letter writing, power of words | Leave a comment

Literary Award Winners Announced: Perfect Additions To Your Reading List

Posted on November 13, 2015 by gplmarcia

It’s that time of year again…literary award season. Here is a list of some of the recent winners that might intrigue your book club, interest you personally, or make a great Christmas gift for someone special: Man Booker Prize For … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2015 literary awards | Leave a comment

Conquering Overwhelming Obstacles: Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius

Posted on November 1, 2015 by gplmarcia

We all face challenges as we move through the stages of life…whether it be losing weight, buying a new house, or the stress of a new job. Few of us, however, can imagine facing the obstacles that confronted Martin Pistorius and his … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Ghost Boy, inspirational memoir, Martin Pistorius | Leave a comment

Worthy Of All The Accolades: The Back Of The Turtle by Thomas King

Posted on October 3, 2015 by gplmarcia

The Guelph community is definitely proud to boast that one of our local authors, Thomas King, was the winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction. King is considered to be one of Canada’s most prominent writers, and he is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Back of The Turtle, Back of the Turtle discussion questions, discussion questions, Guelph author, Guelph authors, reader's guide, The Back Of The Turtle, thomas king | Leave a comment

One Crazy Coot: Sweetland by Canadian author Michael Crummey

Posted on September 1, 2015 by gplmarcia

This summer my book club kept finding irresistible gems to read. Last month it was The Martian by Andy Weir, and this month we were lucky enough to discuss Sweetland by Michael Crummey. The plot of this story is quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged book club questions, discussion questions, Eden Mills Writers' Festival, Michael Crummey, Rare Birds, Sweetland | Leave a comment

A Book Club Title Soon To Achieve Movie Fame: The Martian by Andy Weir

Posted on July 24, 2015 by gplmarcia

Last night I went to see a movie at the theatre and I saw the preview for the movie The Martian directed by Ridley Scott, which features Matt Damon as the lead character. My summer book club discussed the book The Martian … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Andy Weir, recommended bookclub title, science fiction, The Martian | 1 Comment

A Deceptively Simple Tale: Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper

Posted on June 26, 2015 by gplmarcia

Fans of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will enjoy this debut novel by Emma Hooper, which follows 83 year-old Etta Vogel’s walk from Saskatchewan across Canada to see the ocean. Etta and Otto and Russell and James is a quietly powerful … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Canadian fiction, Emma Hooper, etta and otto and russell and james | Leave a comment