This is the second instalment in our holiday book picks series. We hope you are enjoying reading about our favourite books of 2024, gifts we are excited to share and books we can’t wait to read! Check out last week’s blog here, and visit again next week for our third list.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
As an Indigenous Scientist, Kimmerer dives into her Potawatomi cultural and spiritual heritage with her knowledge as a botanist to weave together a new perspective on how plants and the current ecosystem communicate with each other here on Turtle Island. She also reflects on the forces threatening growth and connection to the earth. How in our modern world can we find our way to understand the earth as a gift again?
I'll be gifting this book to my daughter this holiday season and would recommend it to anyone interested in ecology and the relationship between us and the land.
- Uma Sivakumar, Project Specialist -- Community Connections
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
This was by far one of my favorite reads of 2024. I devoured this book… and then proceeded to recommend it to everyone I know for months on end in hopes of growing a network to discuss it with.
Yellowface is an immersive narrative from the perspective of a budding author, June Hayward, who comes into possession of a manuscript written by her late frenemy Athena Liu.
Being equal parts satirical, cringey, and critical, the book quickly captivated me as the suspenseful plot thickened with each turning of the page. Kuang masterfully uses a casual and easily consumable writing tone, shedding light on themes of racism, identity, authenticity, and cultural appropriation. This fast-paced book elicited that conflicting feeling of trying to look away from a trainwreck while also needing to know what happens next. I couldn’t put it down! It was fun, and more importantly, thought-provoking.
- Nicole Sharp, Project Specialist -- Three for Change
The Ribbon Skirt: A Graphic Novel by Cameron Mukwa
My daughter and I recently picked this book up while shopping at Yellowknife Books, and we are planning to read it together over the holiday break. She has recently discovered graphic novels, and these have been a great way to help her address a reluctance to read. We are looking forward to reading this story about a Two-Spirit, non-binary person around her age navigating sewing and wearing a Ribbon Skirt that is typically worn by Anishinaabe girls. My daughter has recently discovered a passion for sewing and clothing design, as well as learning about clothing of many cultures. I think she will be very interested to learn more about the story and significance of the Ribbon Skirt. I look forward to reading this with her!
- Katie Johnson, Program Director
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection is one of my picks this season. Reading it feels like being wrapped in a comforting hug, reminding you to embrace your imperfections and let go of the relentless pursuit of perfection that so often holds us back from living a more fulfilling and connected life. Through heartfelt insights throughout this book, I was encouraged to accept my authentic self—flaws, quirks, and all—freeing myself from the heavy burden of self-judgment. This book resonates deeply with anyone who tends to be overly critical of themselves. It offers gentle reminders to approach life with grace, self-kindness, and self-acceptance because, collectively, this is where really our true strength lies. As we approach a new year, a time of failed resolutions, this is a must-read. It invites us to welcome a fresh perspective on embracing who we truly are as we focus on progress over perfection.
- Gracye Patino, Project Specialist -- HIPPY
Riding the Bus With My Sister – A True Life Journey by Rachel Simon
In the fall, I was asked to facilitate a book night of the Literacy Council’s Moms and Feminine Caregivers’ of Children with Disabilities Book Club.
The book for that month was Riding the Bus With My Sister, which explores the relationship between Beth, a woman with an intellectual disability, and her sister, Rachel, who is a busy writer and professor.
Beth’s daily routine involves riding the city bus, and the story explores her life. She is joyfully exuberant and lives her life out loud, much louder than Rachel, who reluctantly agrees to accompany her on the bus rides for a year.
The result of this bus-riding odyssey is life changing for Rachel. This story is thought provoking. It challenges perceptions of those with disabilities and their place in society, and encourages the reader to think about slowing down and enjoying the small things in life that are truly meaningful.
I will gift this book to a friend who I know will enjoy the story and its message.
- Kathryn Barry Paddock, Executive Director
Any book by Mo Willems
Author Mo Willems has written a number of different series. Many people are familiar with the Pigeon Series, but he has also written Knuffle Bunny, Unlimited Squirrels and the Elephant and Piggie series. Mo began as a writer and animator for Sesame Street. His books are lots of fun … kids love them.
- Helen Balanoff, Project Manager
The Soul Spill by Tori Deal & Vira
As a longtime fan of MTV’s The Challenge and Tori Deal’s writings, I rushed to pick up a copy of her self-published poetry and short story collection, The Soul Spill.
The unique and ethereal illustrations in this book, by Vira Becker, perfectly complement Tori’s writings and poems, which explore mental health, spirituality, identity, healing, and mindfulness.
While the physical copy of the book has incredible artwork, I recommend checking out the unabridged audiobook, which feels like a cozy and intimate conversation between the author and a friend. The Soul Spill would be a great gift for young adult readers and poetry lovers this holiday season.
- Belinda Breadmore, Project Specialist – Youth Literacy and Communications
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
I have been a huge Gilmore Girls fan since 2000, loving and connecting to the characters and stories through many phases of my life from high school, university, early adulthood and now parenthood. When I spied this book in the window of Yellowknife Books last month, I was so excited and ran right in to buy it. I can’t wait to read Kelly Bishop’s memoir, the story of a multi-faceted life of 60 years in show business. This book has been waiting for me to have time to read it, and I will definitely be cozying up with it and a cup of tea over the holiday break!
- Katie Johnson, Program Director
