A tasty reading list for autumn

Around this time of year, I enjoy putting together a suggested book list for fall, and pair each selection with a bite or sip (or both), to enjoy while reading. This season’s choices are an eclectic mix of fiction and non-fiction.

For fun, I asked my parents to each select a book to include, but before we get to their picks, let’s begin with one of mine.

Adventures in Desolation Sound – Grant Lawrence, with illustrations by Ginger Ngo

You may recognize the author’s name as the host of the CBC Music Top 20 or his four bestsellers for adults. His first children’s book was released in 2021 and while this one is also for kids, anyone who’s taken a family road trip on a twisty B.C. highway with the ‘rite of passage’ that often occurs with kids in the back seat, will adore this story and its illustrations. Pair with a DIY hot chocolate bar in the kitchen with the entire family. (Harbour Publishing)

The Wedding: A Novel – Gurjinder Basran (reviewed by Evelyn Markin)

Order in something sweet and sour, have some dark chocolates with unusual centres on hand or a handful of candies to pair with the twists and turns in this novel. Several themes wrap around each other like Twizzlers. Some characters are involved in nefarious activities—a son who his paralyzed after an “accidental” shooting, a distraught father who seeks answers by traveling to a retreat in India and mothers who want the best for their children but who only tolerate each other. Enjoy with a wine that has many layers, like Rover, a Shiraz Viognier blend from See Ya Later Ranch. (Douglas & McIntyre)

Never Boring: The Up and Down History of the Vancouver Canucks – Ed Willes

Veteran Vancouver hockey writer Ed Willes tells the story of a “uniquely confounded franchise and its obsessive followers, who have thus far been denied the thrill of a Stanley Cup championship. Their consolation has been the dubious comfort of wallowing in collective misery.” That about sums it up, courtesy of the publisher’s notes. Do we love to hate them, or hate to love them? Hard to say, but sports fans and longtime Canuck loyalists might enjoy having this debate. Pair with a King Eddy Pilsner from Okanagan Spring. (Harbour Publishing)

Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship - Ken McGoogan (reviewed by Allan Markin)

Using a masterful blend of history and biography (many names will be familiar to most readers), McGoogan has penned an evocative narrative of how dictators (Franco, Hitler, Stalin), rose to power and how we must be ever vigilant to prevent current dictatorial aspirants such as (former U.S. president and current Republican presidential nominee) Donald Trump from achieving his goal to be “tyrant in chief.” The book is very well researched and documented, but the details do not overpower the reader. Despite its dark content, Shadows of Tyranny is a pleasurable read. Pour a glass of something bold and brooding, such as a Merlot from Black Sage Vineyard. (Douglas & McIntyre)

O Canada Crosswords, Book 25 - Gwen Sjogren

Fan of crosswords? Think you know a lot of Canadian facts and trivia? Grab a bag of Hawkin’s Cheezies and a can of your favourite Cove Soda, and have at it. (Nightwood Editions)

Coming soon, keep an eye out for Vernon author jaz papadopoulos and their debut poetry title, I Feel That Way Too.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.