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Fraser Valley Regional Library
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The Last GraduateThe Last Graduate, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Novik, NaomiDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 28, 2022
GreenwoodGreenwood, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Christie, MichaelDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
FVReader's rating:
Added Jul 22, 2022
Comment:
This story covers about 100 years of the Greenwood family, looking for the fundamental roots of family and connection. What is it? What ties it together? What keeps it moving forward?
I really enjoyed how the trees were a crucial part of not only the Greenwood's lives but for all humanity. The trees stood tall for the Earth. They are an integral part of our necessary structure to survive and they record all our history in their cellulose.
This story unfolded in a wonderful way with fully developed characters, family mysteries & secrets, as well as uncertainty of the future and the truths of what one knows and feels.
A wonderful story. One I really enjoyed a lot.This story covers about 100 years of the Greenwood family, looking for the fundamental roots of family and connection. What is it? What ties it together? What keeps it moving forward?
I really enjoyed how the trees were a crucial part of not only…
The Last Days of the DinosaursThe Last Days of the Dinosaurs, BookAn Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World
by Black, RileyBook - 2022Book, 2022
FVReader's rating:
Added Jul 11, 2022
Comment:
This book has a very different way of telling the story of the disaster that killed off the dinosaurs and its aftermath. At first, I wasn't sure that the story-telling way of telling this history was working for me but as I continued, it grew on me. The story-telling method made the world seem real. I could picture the dinosaurs, the jungle, the meadows, the ponds, the humidity, the organized chaos and Life of that world.
Interspersed in the narrative is a multitude of interesting and new facts. The author pulls in the past as well to show how Nature and Life come together to shape an every-changing world. It's a close look at a lost Time.
The phenomenon of the asteroid, and the fallout from it, is told in an all-encompassing, interesting and understandable way. One can feel the World change, the darkness appear....and not disappear. I could picture the World, it's fall and it's slow, difficult regrowth.
Each chapter occurs at intervals after the disaster. It's amazing that we're all here, really.
The wonder and awe of Life; its diversity, its tenacious hold, its adaptability. Life will never give up on the Earth. It will always be here, even after we are not. That is the lesson of the Dinosaurs, I think.
Note: read the corresponding appendix chapter after each chapter. The author adds a lot of information in the appendix and it is divided into the chapters of the book.This book has a very different way of telling the story of the disaster that killed off the dinosaurs and its aftermath. At first, I wasn't sure that the story-telling way of telling this history was working for me but as I continued, it grew on me.…
Should We Stay or Should We GoShould We Stay or Should We Go, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Shriver, LionelDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
FVReader's rating:
Added Jul 01, 2022
Comment:
Kay and Cyril are a happily married couple. They work in the Health System, Kay's father had dementia. They've seen the indignities that can happen to a person who has declined in body & mind. So they make a pact with each other: on Kay's 80th birthday (Cyril is older) they will commit mutual suicide together.
Lionel Shriver then gives us 12 alternative endings to this situation when this 80th birthday occurs. Each story is fun, thought provoking, and opens up possibilities. I found the way the stories unfolded to be entertaining, fun, as well as poignant and serious.
Very thought provoking.Kay and Cyril are a happily married couple. They work in the Health System, Kay's father had dementia. They've seen the indignities that can happen to a person who has declined in body & mind. So they make a pact with each other: on Kay's 80th…
When Brains DreamWhen Brains Dream, Downloadable AudiobookExploring the Science and Mystery of Sleep
by Zadra, AntonioDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
FVReader's rating:
Added May 16, 2022
Comment:
An interesting look into the history of dream research, current dream research & the findings, as well as the psychology of dreaming and what dreams mean in our every day lives.
Told in an interesting manner, this book tells the newest advances and research going on in dream laboratories, what is being learned, how the knowledge is shaping and what we yet don't know. I enjoyed listening to this.An interesting look into the history of dream research, current dream research & the findings, as well as the psychology of dreaming and what dreams mean in our every day lives.
Told in an interesting manner, this book tells the newest advances and…
Before the Coffee Gets ColdBefore the Coffee Gets Cold, BookA Novel
by Kawaguchi, ToshikazuBook - 2020Book, 2020
FVReader's rating:
Added May 16, 2022
Comment:
Like the first book, I found these stories warm, interesting, and heartfelt. I have grown to really like the main characters working in the cafe and the customers entering the cafe are friendly, warm and welcomed.
These stories show that we may not be able to change the past but with understanding we can change the future.
I have enjoyed both books in this series.Like the first book, I found these stories warm, interesting, and heartfelt. I have grown to really like the main characters working in the cafe and the customers entering the cafe are friendly, warm and welcomed.
These stories show that we may not…
When Brains DreamWhen Brains Dream, BookExploring the Science and Mystery of Sleep
by Zadra, AntonioBook - 2021Book, 2021
FVReader's rating:
Added May 16, 2022
Comment:
An interesting look into the history of dream research, current dream research & the findings, as well as the psychology of dreaming and what dreams mean in our every day lives.
Told in an interesting manner, this book tells the newest advances and research going on in dream laboratories, what is being learned, how the knowledge is shaping and what we yet don't know.An interesting look into the history of dream research, current dream research & the findings, as well as the psychology of dreaming and what dreams mean in our every day lives.
Told in an interesting manner, this book tells the newest advances and…
FVReader's rating:
Added Apr 25, 2022
FVReader's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2022
Comment:
I enjoy a retelling because, good or bad, it gives another dimension or perspective to the original story. A retelling can make us think about another side to a story; adding to the whole.
Circe does just that. It tells us Circe's story from her point of view. Her childhood, disappointments, how her banishment came to be and how she spent her banishment before and after the time of Odysseus' visit.
Overall this story gives us the story of a strong woman in exile. Her growth is one of strength and a realization of what is important to her.I enjoy a retelling because, good or bad, it gives another dimension or perspective to the original story. A retelling can make us think about another side to a story; adding to the whole.
Circe does just that. It tells us Circe's story from her…
The Fifth SeasonThe Fifth Season, Downloadable Audiobook
by Jemisin, N. K.Downloadable Audiobook - 2015Downloadable Audiobook, 2015
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2022
Comment:
This kept me involved throughout. The story is deep, interesting, and dark. The world building was well done and the levels of society and tyranny kept the people separated and isolated, each in their own way.
This is the first of a trilogy and it leaves many unanswered questions and possible outcomes. I look forward to continuing this series to find out what happens.
Very well told and written. Keeps you guessing.This kept me involved throughout. The story is deep, interesting, and dark. The world building was well done and the levels of society and tyranny kept the people separated and isolated, each in their own way.
This is the first of a trilogy and it…
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 12, 2022
Comment:
A very different sort of story.
This kept me intrigued throughout, even when I wasn't keen on the story itself. That says a lot. This is such a strange story to follow and think about. What's happening? Where is this story going? What's going to happen to the students?
But I came to appreciate the message (as I understood it) of maturing, growing and becoming more than one's Self.
It's not often that one comes across a story as original as this one. Original in a good way, although sometimes confusing way.
Slower moving than I would have liked at times, a bit philosophical at times, but with enough enticing, curious activities to lure one into the story. This story is so different that it's difficult to review. Worth picking up.A very different sort of story.
This kept me intrigued throughout, even when I wasn't keen on the story itself. That says a lot. This is such a strange story to follow and think about. What's happening? Where is this story going? What's going to…
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 03, 2022
Comment:
Was Grace guilty of murder? That question hangs in the air on every page of this book. She's a wonderful character with many aspects and variations. The reader is never sure whether she's telling the truth, entirely, or not.
Behind Grace's story we see how difficult times were for the poor. Servants treated as property, afraid to lose their positions, the lack of options.
Simon, too, is an interesting person. He, too, is held in the boundaries of Society, expected to marry, be wealthy & prosperous. The pressures are constant.
Margaret Atwood has researched this story thoroughly, digging out every scrap of information possible and writing a plausible story around the mystery that is not solved, even today.Was Grace guilty of murder? That question hangs in the air on every page of this book. She's a wonderful character with many aspects and variations. The reader is never sure whether she's telling the truth, entirely, or not.
Behind Grace's story we…
A Deadly EducationA Deadly Education, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Novik, NaomiDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 3 on 1 copy
Holds: 3 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 03, 2022
Comment:
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are engaging and interesting, the story lures one in and the world that is portrayed is interesting, dangerous and enticing. I got sucked right into this book.
I will be looking for the next in the series. I like how the characters were portrayed and their situations & circumstances explained. It's a scary, unsure world for these teenagers.I really enjoyed this story. The characters are engaging and interesting, the story lures one in and the world that is portrayed is interesting, dangerous and enticing. I got sucked right into this book.
I will be looking for the next in the series.…
A Killer in King's CoveA Killer in King's Cove, Downloadable AudiobookA Lane Winslow Mystery
by Whishaw, IonaDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 27, 2022
Comment:
I enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and flawed, some have secrets of their own.
Lane comes to King's Cove to start over after the war, but she cannot quite leave it behind. The experiences plague her. She hopes that King's Cove will bring her peace.
But when a body shows up and she becomes the main suspect, she's determined to clear her name.
I look forward to continuing with this series. It appears to be character driven, which I like, and I look forward to meeting with these characters again and learning more about them.I enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and flawed, some have secrets of their own.
Lane comes to King's Cove to start over after the war, but she cannot quite leave it behind. The experiences plague her. She hopes that King's Cove will…
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 18, 2022
Comment:
I enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and flawed, some have secrets of their own buried in the past.
Lane comes to King's Cove to start over after the war, but she cannot quite leave it behind. The experiences plague her. She hopes that King's Cove will bring her peace.
But when a body shows up and she becomes the main suspect, she's determined to clear her name.
I look forward to continuing with this series. It appears to be character driven, which I like, and I look forward to meeting with these characters again and learning more about them.I enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and flawed, some have secrets of their own buried in the past.
Lane comes to King's Cove to start over after the war, but she cannot quite leave it behind. The experiences plague her. She hopes…
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 18, 2022
Comment:
The graphics in this novel are of the simpler kind that shows the actions and emotions and is quite effective. I found it difficult to separate the characters. Their black & white drawings and their stories were all very similar.
I was perturbed by the situations portrayed for these 50-odd year old women. Every one of them has only one wish: to marry a rich man who will take care of them.
These women work hard, demeaning jobs with poor working conditions. It's sad that they work so hard and spend the money on loser boyfriends who don't seem to respect or value them.The graphics in this novel are of the simpler kind that shows the actions and emotions and is quite effective. I found it difficult to separate the characters. Their black & white drawings and their stories were all very similar.
I was perturbed by…
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 18, 2022
Comment:
Another good episode with Inspector Gamache. I especially like how the Gamache family is expanding and tightening; becoming a wonderfully expanded group that stand together.
This story had a horrific premise that seems impossible to believe but the premise is out there, so needs exploring.
The characters remain true to form and we learn more about them and their thoughts.Another good episode with Inspector Gamache. I especially like how the Gamache family is expanding and tightening; becoming a wonderfully expanded group that stand together.
This story had a horrific premise that seems impossible to believe but the…
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 18, 2022
Comment:
A well done adaptation of the novel.
I enjoyed the graphics. They were detailed and enhanced the bleakness of the Society that Winston lives in.
The storyline is well told. The novel is so well known that I don't know what else to add. This adaptation follows the original closely.A well done adaptation of the novel.
I enjoyed the graphics. They were detailed and enhanced the bleakness of the Society that Winston lives in.
The storyline is well told. The novel is so well known that I don't know what else to add. This…
Convenience Store WomanConvenience Store Woman, Downloadable Audiobook
by Murata, SayakaDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
FVReader's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2021
Comment:
I enjoyed this little novella. Keiko is a smart, interesting person.....but she doesn't meet the conformities of Society. She sees things just a bit "off" of "normal". This puts her in an uncomfortable spotlight where others want her to "fit" or "change" or "act" like everyone else so that she becomes a full member of Society.
But she's happy. Yet, as she ages, there is more pressure to "be normal".
Keiko searches for ways and tries to fit in. She looks for a way to make all around her happy. Along the way, she finds her own meaning and definition of "happy".I enjoyed this little novella. Keiko is a smart, interesting person.....but she doesn't meet the conformities of Society. She sees things just a bit "off" of "normal". This puts her in an uncomfortable spotlight where others want her to "fit" or…
FVReader's rating:
Added Dec 03, 2021
Comment:
This is an interesting story of religious devotion, intentions, exploitation and more. Set in an ancient world the story follows Kelderek, a simple hunter and a person ridiculed by the villagers as simple, who witnesses a larger than usual bear in the forest. He interprets this bear as being the return of the great Bear God, Shardik, and takes this news to the priestess.
Through a number of events, Kelderek grows to become seen as a prophet and speaker for Shardik, the God. He's a good man, at heart, and trusting. Before long, the leaders of Ortelga see that Shardik can be manipulated. Things get dark quickly after this.
Kelderek goes through much soul searching about Shardik and the meaning of his return to the people and the meaning of Life. It is, in it's way, like Dante's Inferno, with many levels of difficulties, revelations & insights and personal journey of the soul.This is an interesting story of religious devotion, intentions, exploitation and more. Set in an ancient world the story follows Kelderek, a simple hunter and a person ridiculed by the villagers as simple, who witnesses a larger than usual bear in…
Before the Coffee Gets ColdBefore the Coffee Gets Cold, Downloadable Audiobook
by Kawaguchi, ToshikazuDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
FVReader's rating:
Added Nov 23, 2021
Comment:
If you could go back in Time to a specific moment, knowing that no matter what happened, the original event of the moment could not be changed, would you go back? And for what purpose? These stories tell why and how we are all woven into our pasts and presents for all time. I found these stories charming, warm and interesting.If you could go back in Time to a specific moment, knowing that no matter what happened, the original event of the moment could not be changed, would you go back? And for what purpose? These stories tell why and how we are all woven into our pasts…
GileadGilead, Downloadable Audiobook
by Robinson, MarilynneDownloadable Audiobook - 2004Downloadable Audiobook, 2004
FVReader's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2021
Comment:
Written as a loving, elderly father's letter to his young son, to be read when the son was an adult, this is a touching and heartfelt story of the old man's life. John Ames is dying and speaks to his son through the letter about Life, family, faith, friendship.
This is a quiet story of a man reflecting back and looking forward as well. The "passing of the torch" between generations, in a way. He reflects on father-son relationships through 4 generations of his family and through the other families that he guides and preaches to over the years (John is a preacher).Written as a loving, elderly father's letter to his young son, to be read when the son was an adult, this is a touching and heartfelt story of the old man's life. John Ames is dying and speaks to his son through the letter about Life, family, faith,…
The Glass HotelThe Glass Hotel, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Mandel, Emily St. JohnDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 2 copies
Holds: 0 on 2 copies
FVReader's rating:
Added Sep 19, 2021
Comment:
Great story! When I finished, I immediately went back to listened to the first chapter again.
I'm not usually a fan of financial stories but it worked well in this instance. There are many circles in this story....circles that ripple out, affecting other circles, throwing them out of symmetry.
In another sense, this is a story of people's choices and the repercussions. There's guilt, sorrow, remorse and more. This seems a story of how one manages the fallout of these choices we make.
I found this an engaging and interesting story. It's well written and well told.Great story! When I finished, I immediately went back to listened to the first chapter again.
I'm not usually a fan of financial stories but it worked well in this instance. There are many circles in this story....circles that ripple out,…
Hamnet and JudithHamnet and Judith, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by O'Farrell, MaggieDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 31, 2021
Comment:
A lovely story. This book revolves around Agnes, a free-spirit who sees and feels what many do not. This ability adds a level of intuition into the story that is real and touching.
This story centres around a family living through hard times. There is a drive and talent that needs nurturing, children that need raising. They work, love, manage and stand together.
When tragedy hits, the grief is devastating.
The final words of this book were poignant and a tribute to the love for a child.A lovely story. This book revolves around Agnes, a free-spirit who sees and feels what many do not. This ability adds a level of intuition into the story that is real and touching.
This story centres around a family living through hard times. There…
Japanese SoupsJapanese Soups, Book66 Nourishing Broths, Stews and Hotpots
by Iwasaki, KeikoBook - 2020Book, 2020
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 24, 2021
Comment:
Very nice cookbook. Each soup has a colour picture accompanying it (they all look delicious). The directions are clear and simple. I will be making these broths this coming fall & winter seasons and beyond.
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