Must Read Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Over the summer, I was lent this novel and its stories are still with me. I think of them often, as you would old friends. Initially I was hesitant, as the entire narrative is told through the exchange of letters amongst the characters and I assumed that it would be difficult to engage with the story, but I was sorely wrong. Before I knew it, I was wrapped up in this world, and craving more tales from the charming characters that pour out of the pages. I've included a synopsis below, and I hope that you have a chance to read this novel soon.

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends --- and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society --- born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island --- boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Synopsis from ReadingGroupGuides.com

Must Read Book: The Birth House by Amy McKay

Last year I was taking a trip to Poland for a film festival, and as I was packing to go, a friend stopped by and dropped off this book. I was in a rush, so I thanked her, stuffed it in my carry-on and completely forgot about it. A week later on my flight back to Canada, I was rummaging through my bag for anything edible, and came across the book. Why not give it a bit of a read? Its not like I've got anything to do on the plane? So, I curled up with the scratchy airline blanket and began to read...and read...and read. I was hooked.

The story follows Dora Rare, a young girl growing up in an isolated village in Nova Scotia. The only daughter of seven children, she befriends an eccentric Acadian midwife, Miss Babineau, who has the gift of healing. Soon, Dora begins working with the midwife as an apprentice, helping the women of Scots Bay with all the difficulties that women face with their own bodies - painful labours, unwanted pregnancies, infertility and breech births. As Miss B. and a growing Dora struggle to keep the tradition of midwifing alive, modern medicine is starting to encroach on their little village.

This was an unforgettable story that shows the power and struggles of women, within their own body and within their community. This is a must read for all women, of any age. Its fulfilling, uplifting and at times heartbreaking. This is a great read for book clubs and if you read this, I encourage you to pass it on. For a first novel, Amy McKay's has made a truly wonderful debut. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

For more information on this book, visit Ami McKay's website.
You can purchse it at Indigo in Canada and Amazon in the US.