Canada Reads 2023 Long-List Discussion

[Allison ༻hikes the bookwoods༺]

Allison wrote: "Just went through some old reviews and realized that Station Eleven was on the CR long list in 2016! That’s when I read it."

That's the nail in the coffin for me. Definitely the pick of one of the defenders!

Ugh. I didn't really enjoy it.

[Allison]

Yup, I think you're 100% right, Allison. And I didn't like it much either. In fact, I looked last night, and I obviously decided years ago not to keep it, which means I'll have to buy it again! (I keep most books.)

On another note, my hubs and I watched the first episode of the series on Crave last night, just out of curiosity. It did keep my attention (which most TV doesn't) but I had no memory of it at all, so not sure how much it's sticking to the plot and details of the book...

[Rainey]

I also didn't enjoy Station Eleven at all. I hope it doesn't make the shortlist.

[Heather]

Surprised by so many older publications. Also surprised, shamefully, that I did not realise Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a Canadian author! Greenwood was not all I expected or hoped, but still good. Have not read Station 11, and not sure about it, based on other comments, but do want to read Sea of Tranquility! Have had All the Seas of the World on my TBR for a while, so now seems like a good time!

I always look forward to the Canada Reads debate, can't wait!

[Wanda]

Hi all, Station 11 is an interesting story, I found I hate a love hate relationship with that book. It is hard to follow with lots going on, the television series is rather weird although I did watch it to the end. The author is very intelligent, I've watched her speak multiple times. Her stories each have recurring/connected characters subtly left along the way. I'd give it an honest chance if you haven't read it.

[Connie]

Many titles on this list that I have never heard of. Always fun to pick up a new author.

I have only read Greenwood and Station Eleven. I enjoyed both. Having been born and raised in New Brunswick the lumber baron story was familiar and had the pleasure to visit some old growth forest in Northern BC shortly after reading this story.

Needed a new audio book this morning so decided to see what was available on my scrib'd account and was surprised to find 8 of the books available. After some dithering decided on Dandelion.

[Karin]

Heather wrote: "Surprised by so many older publications. Also surprised, shamefully, that I did not realise Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a Canadian author! Greenwood was not all I expected or hoped, but still good. Hav..."

I have read three of Emily St. John Mandel's books and am happy that it's this one that's on the list. My ratings (and I've read the 4 star one twice) are as follows:

Station 11 - 4 stars
The Glass Hotel - 2 stars
Sea of Tranquility - 3 stars

If you're interested in the whys and wherefores, I'll include my review links since it's a lot to put into this post, especially since I have both reviews together for Station Eleven.
In order above but my other ones are much shorter.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[❀ Susan]

Good morning!! I just finished Revery: A Year of Bees and although I learned a lot about the ecosystem supporting bees, the challenges of farm life, the calming effect of the hive and enjoyed this book. thinking of Greenwood and Station 11, t his book would add to an interesting discussion on climate change and the impacts we are having on our environment. After finishing Locavore, it reinforces the importance of buying local and knowing what you are eating!!

also - I did not know that Alberta was Canada's largest honey producing province or that canada is the 5th largest producer in the world!!

[Susan]

I finished Hana Khan Carries On from the longlist. I enjoyed it, as I enjoyed her previous novel Ayesha at Last, but I don't expect to see this on the shortlist. It is a rom com with a few serious issues thrown in, but I see this as being too light for a Canada Reads debate.

[❀ Susan]

sometimes we all need a bit of light reading as palate cleansers or to balance our busy lives. my book outlet deals came today... so much reading and too little time!

[Allison ༻hikes the bookwoods༺]

I can't wait for the short list!

[Anastasia]

I am disappointed that We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu did not make the short list. I just finished the audiobook and highly recommend it.