Friday Reads is a new weekly feature here on
Cityline.ca, where we give you a behind-the-scenes look at what
Cityline guest experts and staff members are reading. Each week we’ll
put the spotlight on the “Friday Reads” of two of our crew. This week,
we’re taking a peek at the bookshelves of Suzanne Gardner and Thea Whyte.
Suzanne Gardner, web content coordinator:
When I noticed Camilla by Madeleine L’Engle (Square Fish) on my local library’s shelf, I knew I had to pick it up because I adore her Time Quartet series featuring A Wrinkle in Time. And when I read the back cover copy and learned that it was about a 15-year-old girl figuring out her place in the world while walking the streets of New York City with her first boyfriend and discussing life, death, religion, and their deepest secrets and dreams, I knew that I had to read it immediately. I love novels set in the Big Apple, and the premise just sounded so lovely – I wish I could have had intellectual conversations with my first crush while exploring NYC!
Although it was originally published in 1965, this novel has an incredibly timeless quality to it – some of the references may be dated, but Camilla’s story could just as easily be transposed into the current day. Camilla’s NYC adventures stem from her need to spend as much time away from her home as possible as she attempts to avoid witnessing her parents’ marital problems. While her parents are busy focusing on their own affairs, they’ve begun to neglect their roles as parents, and Camilla is shocked to realize that they are more than just her mother and father. Until now, Camilla has lived the sheltered life of a wealthy only child, but her parents’ crumbling marriage forces her to grow up fast and question so much more about the world around her than she ever has before. I’m loving how this book is exploring so many important questions about life, all through the ever-curious mind of a teenaged girl.
Thea Whyte, intern:
Behold what is likely the only book written by Stephen King that will not make your stomach churn and leave you wide awake at night. King’s memoir, On Writing (Scribner), begins in his days as a restless student trying to get his stories published and goes on to tell of the lessons and experiences that have made him the renowned author he is today.
I have to admit, I was shocked at how normal King comes across despite being the mastermind behind some of the world’s most terrifying novels. Although this book is, in typical King fashion, littered with some short stories that may make you squirm (including one involving a particularly long needle), do not let this deter you. On Writing is a heartwarming and inspiring book perfect for anyone interested in writing or Stephen King, or anyone who can appreciate a good memoir now and again.
What are you reading this Friday? Tell us in the comments what books are currently residing on your bedside table!