islington reads
Islington Reads book club is open to all ages, genders and identities and to members and non-members of Islington United Church.
Islington Reads offers participants the opportunity to read some great books and connect with other readers in a meaningful way.
fall selections
The Innocents by Michael Crummey
SEPTEMBER 14
This book, by best selling award winning Canadian author Michael Crummey, chronicles the lives of a young brother and sister who are left orphaned on the north shore of Newfoundland. Surviving with only the bare rudiments of knowledge passed on to them by their parents, we see the scope of human emotions portrayed with deep sensitivity. Through their travails, we see what love and loyalty can accomplish.
Named one of the best books of 2019 by The Globe and Mail. Shortlisted for the 2019 Giller Prize, the 2019 Governor General’s Literary Award and a finalist for the 2019 Rogers Writer’s Trust Fiction Prize.
Astra by Cedar Bowers
NOVEMBER 2
What if you could see yourself as others see you?
Astra by Cedar Bowers reveals the different faces of one woman, as seen through the eyes of ten people over a lifetime. From a childhood friend to a stranger who rescues Astra from homelessness, this story reveals the profound impact that a woman can have on those around her. Astra explores what we’re willing to give and receive from others, and how well we really know the people we love the most.
Bowers is a Canadian novelist living on Galiano Island, BC. Astra is her debut novel.
Registration
author visits
September 2021: On Sept. 14, 2021, Michael Crummey visited Islington Reads to discuss his novel, The Innocents.
June 2021: An interview with Lesley Crewe, author of The Spoon Stealer
May 2021: An interview with Abi Daré, author of The Girl with the Louding Voice
January 2021: An interview with Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
Previous books
January 2021: The London Restoration by Robin McMillan
October 2020: The Wide Circumference of Love by Marita Golden
August 2020: Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
July 2020: Let Me Be Like Water by SK Perry
Where to find books
WHAT IS THE COST?
There is no cost to participate in the Islington Reads book club. Books can be purchased at A Novel Spot Bookshop in Humbertown Plaza.
If you don’t wish to purchase the books, or aren’t in a financial position to do so, you can still participate. The church library has purchased a limited number of copies of the books and is making them available for lending. Please contact Anne Marriott, the church librarian, (anne.marriott@gmail.com; 416-234-0796) to reserve a copy.
These books may also be available as ebooks through your local library or a partner library. Check online to find out.
more information
If you want more information or have questions, we invite you to contact one of our committee members:
