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28 Rep Picks to Read this Fall

by Brooke
Biography & Memoir + Essays + Fiction + Graphica + Kids + Picture Books + YA Fiction / October 24, 2018

It's fall, which means it's time to cuddle up with some of our favourite titles of the season. Check out these Fall 2018 picks from our sales reps!

(1) Woman World 
by Aminder Dhaliwal

When a birth defect wipes out the planet's entire population of men, Dhaliwal's infectiously funny collection of Instagram comics follows the rebuilding process of the world. Far from the distant past of segway-riding mall cops, Blockbuster movie rental shops, and "that's what she said" jokes, Woman World's residents focus on their struggles with unrequited love and anxiety, not to mention that whole "survival of humanity" thing.

This is an uproarious graphic novel from a very talented and funny new voice.

I have been following Aminder's Instagram for a long time now and I was SO EXCITED to see that her fantastic Woman World comics are being collected. With ample humor and pathos, it is a great balm for the soul in these times of #metoo and global strife.—Dani Farmer

(2) The Dinner List
by Rebecca Serle

At one point or another, we've all been asked to name five people, living or dead, with whom we'd like to have dinner. What if that dinner was to actually happen?

When Sabrina arrives at her thirtieth birthday dinner she finds at the table not just her best friend, but also three significant people from her past, and Audrey Hepburn. As the appetizers are served, wine poured, and dinner table conversation begins, it becomes clear that there's a reason these six people have been gathered together.

Who would be on your dinner list? Rebecca Serle has taken that question and woven the story of Sabrina's coming of age around her dinner list. As the reader we are drawn into the story and see Sabrina's life unfold in relationship to the five people attending her thirtieth birthday dinner. Love, fate and a bit of magic realism combine for a charming read that Canadians are lucky enough to be able to buy in paperback.—Judy Parker

(3) The Piranhas
by Roberto Saviano

Nicolas Fiorillo is a brilliant and ambitious fifteen-year-old from the slums of Naples, eager to make his mark. He and his gang roam the streets on their motor scooters, learning how to cheat, how to steal, and how to shoot AK-47s. Slowly they begin to wrest control of the neighbourhoods from enemy gangs. Roberto Saviano imagines the lurid glamour of Nicolas's story with vividness and insight in this novel about gang warfare and a young man's dark desire to rise to the top.

A novel about the children criminal gangs of Naples, run by teenage boys and one young man's effort to rise to the top of the criminal class. Roberto Saviano is the author of Gomorrah, a non-fiction exploration of the criminal organization the Camorra, which is centred in Naples. The Piranhas is a fictional account of the boy bosses who eclipse their elders in daring and violence. Already a bestseller in Italy with rights sold in many other countries, this book is bound to be an international hit.—Lorna MacDonald

(4) BlacKkKlansman
by Ron Stallworth

In 1978, detective Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in Colorado Springs, joined the Ku Klux Klan, pretending to be a white man, launching one of the most audacious and incredible undercover investigations in American history. A true story that reads like a crime thriller.

The incredible true story of Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the history of the Colorado Springs Police Department, who went undercover to investigate the KKK. This book is sure to get some extra buzz as there's a feature film coming out this fall (directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jordan Peele!).—Jenny Enriquez

(5) Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly
edited by David Spalding;
contributions by Ai Weiwei, David Spalding, Cheryl Haines, Jasmine Heiss

How would you react if you received hundreds of postcards from strangers while you were in prison? During renowned artist Ai Weiwei's recent art installation @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz, visitors sent 92,829 postcards to prisoners of conscience around the world. This book delves into those postcards' lasting impact on five prisoners and their loved ones. Photographs, essays, and a statement from Ai Weiwei also help to contextualize this extraordinary project.

Artist and activist Weiwei engaged over 900,000 visitors through his art installation to correspond with 5 former prisoners on the subject of human rights. The result is this book, which looks at the impact of over 92,000 postcard responses and the impact this has had on the world human rights movement. Pre-addressed, tear-out postcards included, plus photos throughout. An important project and now an equally important archival history.—Karen Stacey

(6) Let Me Tell You My Story: Their Story Is Our Story
edited by Trisha Leimer

Spare, haunting, utterly magnificent, and profoundly human, this inspiring collection creates a portrait of the greatest humanitarian crisis of modern history. From the pregnant mother in the dusty Greek warehouse-turned-refugee-camp to the emaciated child in a mud-filled Bangladeshi tent to the lone Sudanese crouched under an overpass in Italy, this is a remarkable volume of exquisite photography and stories of resilience.

In the vein of Humans of New York, Let Me Tell You My Story captures the stories of refugees who fled from crisis in the Middle East. Some stories are tragic, some more light-hearted, and all accompanied with stunning visuals from award-winning photographers and visual artists. This beautiful collection was created by a German non-profit group of artists and volunteers, and royalties go to help refugees in Europe to find homes.—Laurie Martella

(7) The Rain Watcher
by Tatiana de Rosnay

The Malegarde family is gathering in Paris for their father's 70th birthday, each afraid that one wrong move will shatter their family's delicate harmony. Their hidden fears and secrets slowly unravel as a natural disaster visits the City of Light and the Seine bursting its banks and flooding the city. All members of the family will have to fight to keep their unity amid tragic circumstances in this profound and intense novel of love and redemption.

"In the tradition of The Nest, de Rosnay has written a moving and powerful family drama. Set in Paris against the backdrop of a natural disaster, the Malegarde family gather to celebrate the father's 70th birthday. A planned night of celebration turns into an evening of turmoil and fear."—Laureen Cusack


(8) Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea 
by Guy Delisle

Guy Delisle's Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea is the graphic novel that made his career, an international bestseller for more than ten years. While living in the nation's capital for two months on a work visa, Delisle observed everything he was allowed to see of the culture and lives of the North Koreans he encountered, bringing a sardonic and skeptical perspective on a place rife with propaganda. Pyongyang is an informative, personal, and accessible look at a dangerous and enigmatic country.

This book is even more relevant than when it originally came out. An amazing insight into what life is like inside 'The Hermit Kingdom.'"Rain Watcher—Saffron Beckwith

(9) The Best Bad Things
by Katrina Carrasco

It is 1887, and Alma Rosales is on the hunt for stolen opium in disguise as a man, the scrappy dockworker Jack Camp. It should be easy for her,
that is, if she can muscle her way into the trust of the magnetic local boss,
win back the trust of her mastermind ex-boyfriend, and keep them all from uncovering her secrets.

Alma, a badass female spy, is dismissed from her agency for bad behaviour and a penchant for going undercover as a man. Naturally, her next move is to go to work for her ex-lover, Delphine Beaumond, the mastermind behind a huge opium smuggling operation. A swashbuckling, queer,
historical crime novel... need I say more?? Best Bad Things—Laura MacDonald

(10) The Best Moment of Your Life
by Lonely Planet

In this book, read about 100 life-changing travel experiences—remarkable, poignant, and memorable moments that reshaped the perspective of the writers on the world, including an encounter with a Rwandan gorilla, riding horses with Patagonian gauchos, witnessing Nelson Mandela's first free speech, exploring reincarnation on the Ganges, watching a space shuttle launch, crossing the Gobi desert on foot, and a son journeying with his mother back to Alexandria.

Travel has the power to transform your life. Every place you visit impacts you and can change you in big or small ways. All you have to do is be open to it. Be inspired by these travel stories and gorgeous photos and learn to experience each moment yourself.—Evette Sintichakis

(11) The Shadow World
by Shan Jiang

London, 1900. A brilliant scientist leaves the world above to create his own world below, determined to prove his radical theory - that gravity is a geometric property of space-time. What happens when time is bent, space is collapsed, and dimensions overlap? With many games to play and millions of stories to tell, each turn of the card is a new adventure. Where will the story take you?

In The Shadow World, players are provided with 20 picture cards inspired by science-fiction art to craft and imagine their own story. Each game will be different, as millions of stories can be invented! All card decks from the Magical Myriorama series can be played individually, or with a group of co-creators. This wordless card game is a great way to stimulate the imagination!—Louis-Marc Simard

(12) Wellness Escapes
by Lonely Planet

From yoga, tai chi, and meditation to mindfulness, spa treatments, and creative writing, discover the world's most energizing, inspiring and relaxing well-being retreats, whether you're in the mood for a seaweed bath in Ireland, surfing in Morocco, meditation in Bali, or a sauna in Finland.

The must-have guide to the best retreats, spas and wellness resorts
from around the world that will have you returning from your next vacation feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired (and who doesnn't want that?!).—Jessica Price

(13) How to Raise a Plant
by Morgan Doane and Erin Harding

This beautiful little book is ideal for the novice 'plant parent', providing tips on how to choose plants, where to place them, and above all how to care for them and keep them thriving. Indoor-plant experts and Instagrammers Erin Harding and Morgan Doane bring the subject to life alongside their beautiful photographs of happy plants in the home.

From the team behind the Instagram account @HousePlantClub, comes a book about how to keep all your pretty plant friends thriving. I can't wait for the chapter about citrus trees, because I'm on my third, and it's starting to look iffy...—Ali Hewitt

(14) Messages
by Matthew McKay, PhD; Martha Davis, PhD; and Patrick Fanning

Messages has already helped thousands of people build communication skills and cultivate better relationships with friends, family members, coworkers, and partners. This fully revised and updated fourth edition features a much-needed chapter on digital communication. You'll discover new skills to help you communicate your ideas more effectively and become a better listener.

We are all aware of the importance of effective communication skills, both in our personal and professional lives. This updated 4th edition teaches readers to become active listeners, read body language, identify communication styles, practice conflict resolution, improve public speaking skills and even has an entire chapter devoted to effective digital communication skills. Messages is not just for professionals; it is for all of us.—Morgen Young

(15) Crafty Llama 
by Mike Kerr, illustrated by Renata Liwska

One lovely day, Llama is having fun making special, lovely things, like gifts for her friends. But Beaver needs to think about what Llama is making. What useful thing can he do with it? With lots of craftiness and fun, this is a delightful story about how the best gifts are the ones that bring us together.

100% adorable! Crafty Llama is inspired to make crafty gifts like knitted scarves and quilted blankets for her woodland friends and learns that they can be useful gifts too.—Laureen Cusack

(16) Up the Mountain Path 
by Marianne Dubuc

One day, Mrs. Badger, an avid collector and naturalist, meets Lulu, a very small cat, on her weekly journey up to Sugarloaf Peak. Rich in wisdom and beautifully illustrated, Up the Mountain Path offers a profound story full of lessons about love, generosity, and following one's heart.

 I love Marianne Dubuc's work and Up the Mountain Path doesn't disappoint! Her trademark warmth and gentleness are on display in this lovely story of intergenerational friendship and the importance of listening to your heart.—Judy Parker

(17) Fourteen Animals (That Are Definitely Not An Octopus)
by Gabe Pyle

In this hilarious book of animals, artist Gabe Pyle presents 14 beloved animals who are definitely not a cleverly-disguised octopus - or are they? This is a fresh, witty romp through the animal kingdom that even adults will find hard to resist.

I love that this board book has ostriches and rhinos and squids and all kinds of creatures! Good thing none of the animals are actually just an octopus playing a trick on us... right?—Dani Farmer

(18) Night Play
by Lizi Boyd

Arlo and his stuffed animal friends like to put on pretend-plays. But after Arlo falls asleep, his friends don't want to stop. Lizi Boyd has once again tapped into the imaginary world of children. Her hallmark use of die-cut pages, along with a show-stopping gatefold, will have readers of all ages shouting Bravo!""

My favourite author/illustrator, Lizi Boyd, is back! This time Arlo is ready for bed, but his animal friends are wide awake and ready to put on a play. Will Arlo be able to sleep through the noise? Will the play be a success? Full of charming illustrations, and a fun, teamwork message, this book is Boyd at her best.—Ali Hewitt

(19) I Hate My Cats (A Love Story)
by Davide Cali, illustrated by Anna Pirolli

Ginger is the weird one. Then there's Fred. His greatest talent? Sleeping. Oh, and conspiring with Ginger to destroy the house! Such is life with cats... can't live with them, can't live without them. From internationally bestselling author Davide Cali, this humourous picture book about a cat owner and his beguiling felines celebrates quirky cat companions, im-purr-fections and all.

Spectacular! For all of us who love (and hate) to live with cats, this is for you. And for those who don't (why wouldn't you?), it's a wonderful funny story of how animals often have the upper hand in the household!—Karen Stacey

(20) Not Even Bones 
by Rebecca Schaeffer

Nita doesn't murder supernatural beings and sell their body parts on the Internet-er mother does that. Nita just helps. But when her mom brings home a scared and very much alive teenage boy, Nita decides this is a step too far and puts her own life on the line to save him.

The first book in a dark, twisty, YA fantasy trilogy set in a present day, alternate version of Peru! Not Even Bones is the story of a girl who sells magical body parts on the market until she's betrayed and has to fear for her own life. Perfect for anyone who loves the darker side of fantasy!—Jenny Enriquez

(21) Star in the Jar
by Sam Hay, illustrated by Sarah Massini

What would you do if you found a fallen star? When a little boy stumbles across a lost star, he decides to take care of it, putting it in a jar and carrying it with him everywhere. But when the sky calls out for its missing star, the little boy and his sister try to figure out a way to return the star to its friends in the sky.

When a young boy finds a star fallen from the sky, what else is there to do but put it in a jar for safekeeping? But when the little star's family sends a message looking for their lost one, the young brother and sister duo have to make a very hard decision and help the star they found return to their family. Star in the Jar is a very cute story helping us understand that we can be friends, even from far away.—Louis-Marc Simard

(22) A Cat's Guide to the Night Sky
by Stuart Atkinson, illustrated by Brendan Kearney

If you look up at the sky on a dark night, what do you see? This beautiful, fun book will introduce you to the beauty of the night sky and show you the stars like you've never seen them before.

Follow Felicity—a streetwise cat who spends her nights on rooftops, gazing at the night sky—as she learns about the planets, the phases of the moons, constellations, the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. Fully illustrated and with an awesome glossary, the book will be sure to get any reader stargazing.—Morgen Young

(23) The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's nearly another member of their family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have 11 days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince
the dreaded landlord just how wonderful they are.

Funny, sweet and genuinely heartwarming. Sure to be a classic!—Saffron Beckwith

(24) The Dreamer
by Il Sung Na

Once, there was a pig who admired birds, but who knew he could never join them. Or could he? Thus begins the journey of a pig with big dreams. He develops flight plans, builds experimental contraptions, and has far-flung adventures. Il Sung Na creates a world at once whimsical and aspirational, where anything is possible and, yes, even pigs can learn to fly.

Pigs can't fly... or can they?! The heartwarming, beautifully illustrated story about a pig with big dreams.—Jessica Price

(25) Winter Dance
by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones

Snow is coming, and every animal seems to know how to prepare—except the fox! Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that the fox finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall. This gorgeous book by celebrated author Marion Dane Bauer and exciting new illustrator Richard Jones reveals that each animal has a unique way of welcoming a new season.

Who doesn't love foxes?! New in board book format, a young fox learns how other animals prepare for winter. When he meets another fox, they plan their winter adventures, including dancing on their hind legs—an authentic behaviour of red foxes. Filled with facts about animals winter habits and beautiful illustrations, this is a book to please both babies and parents."—Lorna MacDonald

(26) Girls Thinks of Everything:
Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. This updated edition of the best-selling Girls Think of Everything features seven new chapters and offers stories about inventions that are full of hope and vitality - empowering readers to think big, especially in the face of adversity.

I love hearing stories of how things came to be, and the influences behind creations. This collection of things that save lives or make quality-of-living better is a fun read, and something to inspire everyone!—Laurie Martella

(27) Potato Pants!
by Laurie Keller

Potato is excited because today - for one day only - Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store is selling... POTATO PANTS! Potato rushes over early, but just as he's about to walk in, someone makes him stop. Who could it be? Find out in this one-of-a-kind story about misunderstandings and forgiveness, and
-of course- Potato Pants!

What's a potato to do when, on the ONE day that Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store is selling potato pants he has a run in with his nemesis Eggplant (what's he doing at Lance Vance's Fancy Pants store anyway—eggplants don't even wear pants?!). Aside from being adorable, Potato Pants is a picture book that touches on childhood anxiety, confrontation, and forgiveness.—Laura MacDonald

(28) The Darkdeep
by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs

Everyone in Timbers knows Still Cove is off-limits. But when a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland into Still Cove's icy waters, friends Tyle, Emma, and Oppal rush to his rescue . . . and discover in the murky, swirling mists an abandoned houseboat filled with all sorts of curiosities. In its lowest depths churns a dark, deep secret. Something ancient has awakened . . . and it can detect not only their wishes and dreams, but also their darkest, most terrible imaginings.

This middle-grade book is Stranger Things meets The Goonies! The world is eerie and the story is action-packed. This is sure to be one thrilling series by two powerhouse authors.—Evette Sintichakis

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