Today, September 21, 2024, is the fifth annual I’m Buying a New Brunswick Book Day, coordinated by the Frye Festival. It seeks to encourage people to head to a local bookstore and pick up a title by a New Brunswick author. More information is available on the Frye Festival website.
The TMR editorial team, with its bevy of New Brunswickers, transplanted New Brunswickers, and honorary New Brunswickers (and of course, people who just like reading books from authors all across Canada), have selected some books to help you in your trip today to pick up an NB book. We naturally have more books to suggest than we can reasonably fit in a post, and have even added a few bonus suggestions at the end. Happy Buying a NB Book Day!
With literature as with food, buying local has a positive impact on the vitality and growth of our community. We invite readers and the literary sector to participate in I’m Buying a NB Book day in their own way.
Hair for Men by Michelle Winters
Reviewed by Alison Manley, 2024
Hair for Men is quirky. Winters is sharp with her commentary on the damage of patriarchy; even as Lou tends to be all-or-nothing, there are multiple enraging and tender layers to the men who walk through Lou’s life. Forgiveness and how to make yourself want to give it is a major thread in this novel too, but what shines the most is the fully realized characters.
Collected Poems by Raymond Fraser
Reviewed by Alison Manley, 2024
Fraser’s poems are rough around the edge, never shying from the griminess of life. His work put me in mind of much of the work done out of Montreal in the 1960s and 1970s – only for me to verify that I was right, he was in Montreal then, writing and working with the greats. Moving between the urban and rural, the two major landscapes of Fraser’s life, these poems are evocative and accessible. I followed Fraser around Montreal, back home to Chatham, in taverns for a pint or two, through arguments and also tender moments. The language is simple, but the cadence is often musical and soothing.
Standing on Neptune by Valerie Sherrard
Reviewed by Ella Breau, 2023
Over the course of the week, we learn a bit about Brooke’s life and the important people in it. As each day comes, and her period doesn’t, she begins to worry more. The whole week has been a wreck, but by Saturday, Brooke decides she needs to find the answer to the question that has been haunting her since Monday.
These Are the People in Your Neighbourhood by Jordan Tretheway
Reviewed by Mala Rai, 2024
To turn these strangers into neighbours, Trethewey crafts each poem with a unique voice to represent the recipient of its dedication. In “Passion Begets (for Matt Carter)”, we can hear Matt listening to CBC’s Brave New Waves in the 80s, making that first perhaps grudging realization when we notice a bit of our parents in our teenage selves. In “Sitting Outside a Bank Kiosk, Embarrassing Money in My Hand (for Keegan Burgess)”, we feel Keegan’s guilt as he puts his own worries aside and acknowledges a street busker and addict with the gift of attention. We see Caelia Sutton in “Twin Flames from Dying Embers”, an abusive relationship survivor making meaningful reconnection on a new path to love.
The Widow & The Will by Rhonda Bulmer
Reviewed by Sarah Butland, 2024
Bulmer’s term “darkly-ethereal,” about a woman at the funeral and following Lindy back to the reception, haunts the storyline while adding to its allure. With a harmony of faith, miracles and serious characters that bring the reader, and the story’s characters down to earth, we can’t help but look to the widow’s watch for guidance.
We have several other recommendations, too! We’re always reading New Brunswick books, and maybe we read more than we can review properly…regardless, check these ones out too!
- Sue recommends Wright Retreat by Susan White
- Emma recommends Bec and Call by Jenna Lyn Albert
- Carrie recommends Shattered Lives: A Joy Naylor Adventure by Allan Hudson
- Alison recommends Imaginary Line by Jacques Poitras
What New Brunswick books are you planning to get today? Or what do you think we should add to our reading lists?
