This is my first Library Loot post. I usually buy books rather than borrowing, since book shopping is just about my number one hobby, but living in another country means it’s not such a good idea to buy too much stuff unless you want to pay big dollars to have it sent halfway around the world. That’s where the local library comes in very handy!
My library loot this week is focused on my efforts to complete Canadian Book Challenge:
The Outlander by Gil Adamson
Gil Adamson’s debut novel from 2007 sounds like it will be awesome: a young widow, who has murdered her husband, attempts to escape several pursuers and their bloodhounds across rugged wilderness of Alberta. I’ve already started reading this, and it’s gripping to say the least.
February by Lisa Moore
I am extremely excited to read this book. I picked up Moore’s earlier novel Alligator a few years ago just because I liked the cover, and it ended up being one of my favourite Canadian novels ever. February tells the story of Helen O’Mara, a widow whose husband died during the sinking of an oil rig off the coast of Newfoundland in 1982. I’ve never been to Newfoundland or the Maritimes (they’re on my list of places to visit!) but as book settings they appeal to me so much. Just can’t wait to read this.
Who Has Seen the Wind by W.O. Mitchell
Hmm, no pressure to like this one or anything. It’s only been called “One of the finest Canadian novels ever written” amongst many other things. Set in the prairie of Saskatchewan, this classic tells the story of Brian O’Connal as he grows up during the Depression. As I’m currently living in prairie country myself, I can’t wait to read the descriptions of the landscape.
Tatsea by Armin Wiebe
I came across Tatsea as I was looking for a novel set in northern Canada for the Canadian Book Challenge, and I’m really glad I found it. A ‘McNally Robinson Manitoba Book of the Year’, the story’s subarctic climate will hopefully give me some insight into the hardships endured in that harsh climate by the native people of Canada.
Prairie Journals 
Great loot. I hope you enjoy February more than I did!
Me too! Since I loved Alligator, my expectations are pretty high, which is not always a good thing!
Great picks, and a reminder that I should probably reread some W.O. Mitchell for the challenge! I remember really enjoying Who Has Seen the Wind when I first read it as a child but I think I might appreciate it even more now that I find myself living in prairie country – or at least close to the prairies (I’m in Calgary).
And how exciting to have come across Tatsea – it’s always interesting to read books set in the north. If you’re looking for more books set in the territories, I’ve heard great things about Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay (it’s one of the titles I’m planning to read for the Canadian Book Challenge).
Enjoy your loot!
Thank you! Oddly enough, I just read about Late Nights on Air earlier today and thought I should add that to my TBR pile! I had trouble finding titles set in the north so it’s great to hear there are a few around.
Would you believe that I have yet to read “Who Has Seen the Wind.” I really must add this to my “books to read” list. I share your love for book shopping. Have you had the chance to visit the main Winnipeg Library? I can easily spend an entire day there. 🙂
I haven’t been to the main library but I’ve seen pictures of it and hope to get there next weekend. My sister’s fiance, a fellow book nerd back home in Australia, is eagerly awaiting pictures and a report of said library!
Never heard of any of these but they all sound good. Enjoy!
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by!
Clare: I never finished Late Nights on Air, but I want to give it another go. It might have just been my mood…
Bee: I look forward to hearing about Tatsea. I’ve never heard of it!
Whoops, sorry Claire. I misspelled your name earlier.
I’ve seen the outlander around kinda sounded interesting! Hope you enjoy all your loot!
Thanks Mollie! Yeah the Outlander is terrific so far
I found Tatsea today at the store by accident! I was looking for a book near it and was surprised to see it there. I’ll wait for your input.