Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and Other Lessons From the Crematory

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

By Caitlin Doughty

In preparation for Caitlin Doughty's second book I thought I would re-read her first. This member of the Order of the Good Death is a YouTube favourite of mine. I regularly enjoy her Morbid Minutes and Ask A Mortician series.

Doughty writes very much like she speaks, making this an enjoyable read. I recommend watching a few of her episodes of Ask A Mortician before you take out this book so that you can get her voice and tone in your mind before you read.

In Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Doughty takes the reader through the beginning of her carrier as a Mortician. From her start at a crematory through her schooling to become a mortician. Readers learn many of the hidden aspects of the funeral industry; from the corporations behind many funeral homes to how the laws and regulations vary from state to state, traditional burial and natural burial, embalming and cremation and so many other topics that some readers may find hard to face. Doughty has written a clear and educated view of this sometimes taboo subject and she has placed her signature lightheartedness onto every page.

Doughty's use of humour and her complete lack of fear on the subject of death helped me understand sides of death that I didn't even know existed. She breaks down the walls and tells it like it is. One of my favourite chapters is right at the beginning when she gets her first job at the crematory. Doughty describes in detail the process and actually helped to put me at ease. I was one of those people that thought a crematory just threw a bunch of bodies in a big oven and gave the family a bag of random ashes, now I know better, thank you Caitlin!

Whether you are a Deathling or just curious about the funeral industry or maybe you just want to prepare for your own death this book as well as Caitlin Doughty's web series are helpful tools to be enjoyed and learned from.

Murder in the Mystery Suite

Murder in the mystery suite

By Ellery Adams

I picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend. She told me that I would love the setting of this mystery novel. Well she was more than right! Set in the countryside near a quaint town is the hotel of every library employees dreams. The resort hotel of Storyton Hall is filled with a variety of libraries. A getaway for lovers of the written word; Storyton Hall offers quiet reading nooks and exquisite tea services to its guests. The opening chapter describes the manager of the hotel, Jane Steward, climbing the rolling ladder of my dreams to run her hands over old copies of leather and linen bound books. With the whimsical descriptions by author Ellery Adams I could almost smell the ink and bindings.

Jane Steward needs to boost business in order to make some much needed repairs on her beloved hotel. She is inspired by a first edition Agatha Christie to host a "Murder and Mayhem" week of activities at the hotel. This murder mystery inspired week brings in many guests and the hotel gets their much needed bookings. All is going well until one of the guests, a unique character by the name of Felix Hampden, shows up dead in the Mystery Suite after winning a copy of a prized rare book.

The story unfolds with Jane doing her best to maintain composure in front of the other guests. Will the mystery be solved before more people pop up dead in her hotel? Let's hope so because I could love to book a stay at this dreamy sounding hotel. Pick up a copy of Murder in the Mystery Suite today in our Mystery Paperback section at your nearest branch or check it out in streaming audio through Hoopla.

Leonard, my fifty-year friendship with a remarkable man

Leonard

By William Shatner

As a child I used to watch old re-runs of Star Trek and wish for the time when there was such a crew of great men and women that would keep peace all over the universe. My two favourite characters have to be the stoic and calm Mr. Spock and the brave and handsome Captain Kirk. Upon Leonard Nimoy’s passing I found I was quite upset, it is strange how a television character can become like a friend, someone that you grow up with. Leonard, My Fifty-YearFriendship With A Remarkable Man is William Shatner telling stories and anecdotes of half a century of television, movies, directing, conventions and great experiences. From their first encounter on the television show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. to decades of Trek stardom. Shatner has done a beautiful job of bringing together heartfelt stories and biographical information about Nemoy and their friendship.

For the Trekker or Trekkie (whichever you prefer) in all of us may this wonderful book ensure that the man behind the iconic character of Mr. Spock will “Live Long and Prosper” for generations to come.

Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black

By Piper Kerman

Usually I like to read the book before I watch the show but in this case I went a little backwards. Orange is the New Black, the Netflix show, is one of my favourites, I had not even thought that it was a book first so when I saw it on our library shelves I snatched it up right away.
My favourite part of the book is that I get more details about Pipers past and readers get a deeper understanding into Piper's thought process. The reality of the situation that Piper found herself in is written out in dreadfully fine points.
For those who have not seen the show Orange is the New Black is the true story of a young woman who's past has caught up with her. When she was in her 20's Piper Kerman was looking for a little adventure after she graduated from college. She found this in a girlfriend who introduced her to international travel, fine dining and the world of drug smuggling. Piper escapes the world of drugs and makes a very different life for herself with a career, boyfriend, and comfortable home until, one day, a knock come to her door. Piper is arrested for a crime that happened a decade prior. This is the story of Piper Kerman and how she deals with life behind bars, the other woman that she meets and the reaction of her family and friends on the outside.
Richmond Public Library also has this book available in many forms, not just hard cover but also; audio book on Hoopla, audio book from Overdrive, Large type, and e-book.

The Memory of Light

The Memory of Light

By Francisco X. Stork

I just finished reading an advanced copy of this book. I know that it is a YA book but I wanted to recommend it for parents and adults as well. Francisco Stork has tackled the world of mental illness in a very real and sensitive way. I would recommend this to teens and parents alike. The Memory of Light gives insight into the minds of teens dealing with mental illness. In a world where mental illness is not always taken seriously Stork has written a novel that delves into the reality of depression, schizophrenia and substance abuse in teen life. Friends brought together during their stay at a hospital learn ways to cope and strategize in order to make it through each day. Our main character, Vicky, seems to have it all and according to the outside world she has no reason to be depressed or suicidal. Stork shines a light on the fact that depression is an illness like diabetes and may need treatment and medication, it should not be ignored or belittled. There are also some helpful tips and hotlines for readers to contact if they need. The Memory of Light is available as an audio book on Hoopla and I have ordered a copy of the book for our shelves.

Cross-Stitch Before Dying : an Embroidery Mystery

By Amanda Lee

When a Bollywood starlet is found murdered all suspicion is on Beverly, the costume designer. What does this have to do with our main character Marcy, you might be asking yourselves. Well Beverly just happens to be Marcy's mother. Set in quiet Tallulah Falls; Beverly suggested the location for the filming of a big Bollywood production. The whole town was excited until the tragedy struck. There was some tensions between the diva starlet and Beverly over costume choices and decisions so the town has decided that Beverly is the main suspect. It turns out there were many people that didn't like the starlet so the list of suspects is long and Marcy is up for the task so from her little embroidery shop she will solve the crime.
This is a fast read, great for these hot summer days. I read this while summing myself at the beach this weekend; a light read just right for helping to get your mind off the stresses of the day. Amanda Lee, author of the Embroidery Mystery series, has created an interesting mystery with a little bit of a love story and of course the mention of Angus the dog. Angus is, by far, my favourite character in this book. So pick up Cross-stitch Before Dying today, sit back and enjoy.

How to be a Parisian Wherever You Are

by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, and Sophie Mas

I studied fashion and even received a degree in it but I still feel like my style is lacking that certain "je ne sais quoi." I picked up this book on a recommendation from one of our customers here at the library. She is a very stylish woman, you know the kind; elegant, beautiful posture and bold lipstick. My hopes were high for this book; "was I finally going to look as elegant as those Parisian women in the movies?" I read through "How to be a Parisian wherever you are" in one sitting. The four authors have broken up the book into sections which give the reader a French woman's view on style, attitude, relationships, and culture. This romp through the life of a true Parisienne is filled with humour and I found myself giggling out loud quite a few times. There are many tips and tricks including; "Parisian Snobbism," "Classic (and foolproof) French Recipes," and at the back of the book lies a special treat a, address book filled with wondrous places all over Paris. Places where one should take a late night stroll, grab a home cooked meal or shop for vintage treasures. I enjoyed this light read but I have to admit I may still be lacking that certain "je ne sais quoi."

And Then There Were None

By Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None is one of our Book Club Favourites. As some of you already know I am a fan of a good mystery and this is a classic. I remember watching the movie when I was little and listening to the BBC radio version as a teen; so now I have decided to re-read this time-honoured classic and share my thoughts with you. I enjoyed stepping back in time to a place where there are no cell phones. Agatha Christie's award winning mysteries are time honoured for a reason. This tale is filled with twists and turns and is sure to keep you interested until the end.
Ten strangers have been invited, for the weekend, to be guests at a private estate on a private island by a mysterious host. This sounds like a lovely and exciting getaway but these ten strangers are in for a terrible surprise. As the guests arrive they are led to their rooms but the host is nowhere to be found. On the wall of each room is a nursery rhyme, "Ten Little Soldier Boys." On the dinning table are ten strange figurines of soldiers. The guests settle in for the first evening when a voice, seemingly coming from nowhere, begins to tell of the secret pasts of the guests. It turns out that these guests all have a terrible, murderous secret in their pasts. As the story unfolds our guests begin to die, the soldier figures begin to disappear and our murderer remains a mystery. Is there anyone else on the island? Does the nursery rhyme hold a clue? Who is the host of this morbid party, U.N. Owen?
"Ten little soldier boys went out to dine, one went and choked himself and then there were nine ..."

Richmond, Child of the Fraser: 1979-1989

By Leslie J. Ross

I enjoy looking into the past, reading about times gone by, looking at pictures of historical events, I have spent time volunteering at both the City of Vancouver and the City of Richmond Archives, flipping through historical documents and scanning images. I especially love learning about places that I have lived. I have lived in Richmond for most of my life and Child of the Fraser is a treasure that all Richmond-ites should check out.
First published to mark Richmond's Centennial, it is filled with a collection of photographs, letters, and primary documents. For those who have ever done or ever need to do a project about Richmond or want to research Richmond, this is a wonderful resource. This book is a fun blast from the past and lets readers see how much Richmond has changed in such a short time. My favourite image is on page 12; an aerial of Steveston Harbour, my my my how things have changed. After you take the time you enjoy this short read you may also want to venture over to the City of Richmond Archives, make an appointment today!

The Museum at Purgatory

By Nick Bantock

Want to try something a little different? Want to try something that is part narrative story and part wonderful collection of art? Then may I reccomend picking up one of Nick Bantock’s books. Nick Bantock is probably best known for the Griffin & Sabine series. His books are filled with his collage style artwork; he combines art mediums to produce beautiful pieces that help to tell the tale. In The Museum at Purgatory Bantock takes the reader into a curious museum currated by the mysterious Non. Non will take us through various rooms of the museum filled with art, curriousities, objects and stories. While readers learn about the curriosities housed within this museum Non learns many things about his own forgotten past. So if you want to try something different please pick up one of Nick Bantock’s books today.

Small Plates

By Katherine Hall Page

Here is another collection of short stories for you, Small Plates. All mysteries and a little on the creepy side. I have read a few of Katherine Hall Pages novels but I had not tried her short stories. I am really glad that I picked this one up. I love a creepy little short story and Katherine Hall Page did not disapoint. There is one story in particular that I just loved; a husband is tired of his wife and wants to get rid of her. He is plotting to murder her. He plots and plots and all along readers are feeling like his innocent wife is oblivious and in love, well lets just say I laughed so hard at the surprise ending of this short tale.
I really like Katherine's style and humour. I also like her plot twists and surprise endings. She is also not afraid of a cliff hanger. She has won many awards including the Agatha award for her mysteries.

Fragile Things

By Neil Gaiman

Here is a collection of short stories and poems by award winning author, Neil Gaiman. This book is filled with some fun and quick reads. I found this book after Neil Gaiman showed up on my YouTube feed reading one of his stories. I was drawn in by the fact that the author wrote in so many different styles within this one book. Gaiman has a wonderful sense of humour and has a way of creating a whole and complete story in just a few pages. Gaiman ensures that readers have an understanding of all of the characters simply by ensuring the characters are relatable. One story in particular that really hooked me is  “How to talk to Girls at Parties,” an interesting tale of two friends. Our main character and his friend Vic are typical highschool boys obsesed with girls and hooking up. Vic has found out about a party and the two head off to crash it. Unfortunatally Vic does not know the exact address. The two head in the general direction and when they hear party sounds coming from a house in the right neighbourhood they feel they must have the right party, or do they. The party is filled with friendly, pretty girls and the two feel they have hit the jackpot. Alcohol is flowing and conversation is going well but readers will soon realize that the boys may have wandered into the wrong party.

If you are looking for something a little different, some variety in your reading, then I recommend you pick up FragileThings today.

 

Blood Work, a take of medicine and murder in the Scientific Revolution

By Holly Tucker

Here is a dark little bit of human history. In Blood Work the facts about bloodletting and vivisection are brought to life. Holly Tucker brings the world of medicine practices in the 1600's to light. You might be asking yourself why did I pick up this book to begin with? Well I had just read Megan Shepherd's "The Madman's Daughter" and I was curious to know about real medical practices of the past, in particular blood transfusions and vivisection. Blood Work tells the facts about early blood transfusions, blood letting, vivisection and more. This educational look at the evolution of medical science sheds light on a time when anyone could call themselves a doctor, where morality and experimentation still haunt the medical science community to this day.

Face Off

Edited David Baldacci

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your favourite mystery detectives met and worked together? Well this collection of short stories gives readers a chance to see into a world where thriller and mystery writers come together along with their most popular characters. Face Off is a collection of stories where in two authors collaborate. The authors have taken some of their most famous characters and brought them together to create a short, thrilling tale. Edited by David Baldacci this collection of short stories features such authors as Lee Child, Heather Graham, Michael Connelly and even R.L. Stine. Readers get to see into a world where characters like Jack Reacher meet up with Nick Heller and work together. For those that love short fiction and a good thriller this is a wonderful read.

Library of the Dead

By Glenn Cooper

This is the first in the Will Piper series by Glenn Cooper. In Library of the Dead Cooper has demonstrated that, through a great deal of research, he can put together a novel full of twists and turns and span the depths of time. I very much appreciate an author who can create a world that the reader can get completely lost in. Because of all of the real life facts and people throughout this story there were times when I felt that this ride I was on could be based in reality. I loved all of the conspiracy theories that are mentioned. Our main character isjust about to retire when he is given an interesting case to investigate. The FBI have asked Will Piper to investigate the Doomsday Killer; a mass murderer who is on the loose in NYC. Piper begins to unlock closely guarded government secrets that bring him to an underground library filled with centuries old truths.


I have to admit that the reason I picked up this book was the title. I am glad that I did. This mystery/thriller moves fast and kept me up researching many of the theories that Cooper references.
Other Will Piper mysteries include; Book of Souls and The Keepers of the Library.

Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef

By Shauna James Ahern and Daniel Ahern

I love to cook and I am celiac so I though that this book would be a helpful tool for me in my kitchen. I am very visual and I like to see what I am going to create; So I was a little disappointed when I found there was so few images of the dishes, instead there are lovely images of some of the ingredients in the dishes interspersed with images of some of the finished products. There are some interesting stories and anecdotes interspersed as well, I was not interested in knowing about the authors "Sunday Morning" but I did appreciate the information about gluten free baking and the tips on French cooking. Overall there are a few recipes and tips that I will use in the future but I probably will not take this book out again.

Water for elephants

By Sara Gruen 

This is one that outdid the movie. I loved this book. I found that the author really did her homework in researching the life of a circus employee. The circus is a tough life. Living on the road always on the go; traveling from town to town. This book describes what it was like for people of the circus. What might look like a glittery and glossy life of entertainment and excitement is actually filled with blood, sweet and tears. But through it all our main character prevails and even finds love on the road. I especially liked the ending, without spoiling anything our hero follows his heart. I found that the moral of Water for Elephants was dream, follow your heart and be strong. I felt empowered after reading this. There are wonderful images throughout that help with the story. I liked that the story felt as if it was a non-fiction piece.

I Spy DIY Style; find fashion you love and do it yourself

I spy DIY style

By Jenni Radosevich

I am a lover of DIY. I also appreciate a great deal and this book helps to show you how to create some fun fashion looks for less. With my degree in fashion and my love of sewing I find it easy to transform my thrift store finds into great looks for work and play. I Spy DIY Style has given me some inspiration and helpful tips for my next outfit. Radosevich has brought together a collection of fashion trends from past and present and through simple instructions and easy to follow diagrams readers can recreate these looks. One of my favorite tips from this book is to take a metallic permanent marker and use it to decorate the frame of your sunglasses; so effective and looks great. Radosevich has used easy to find, inexpensive supplies to recreate some wonderful designs. From clothing to accessories you will be able to upgrade your wardrobe at a fraction of the price. And when people ask you, "Where did you get that great piece?" You get to say, "Oh this? I made it!"

Heads in Beds: A reckless memoir of hotels, hustles, and so-called hospitality

By Jacob Tomsky

I picked up this book all because of the title. I could not resist a look behind the scenes of the hotel industry. Jacob Tomsky has worked in the hotel industry for most of his life and this book is a funny and intriguing account of his experiences. There were times when I laughed and times when I cringed. I felt like I was not supposed to be reading some of his stories as if there should be some sort of code of silence for that industry; at the same time I could not stop reading. There are insider tips for the outsider and there is even some Hollywood intrigue. All of this in a well written account of the hotel industry.

To Fudge Or Not To Fudge

By Nancy Coco

From the “Candy-Coated” series of mysteries comes “ToFudge or Not to Fudge.” Do not be fooled by the playful title. This is a great little mystery. The characters are intelligent and relatable. The mystery is not dumbed down at all, there was two points that I was taken by surprise and did not see that coming. In today’s world where everyone is appearing on a reality show; myself included, the Island of Mackinac and our main character Allie are not safe from the cameras. Her mentor, Chef Peter Thomas comes to town to film a reality show and convinces Allie to appear.  Things seem fine at first until the body count begins to rise and Allie finds herself working to solve the mystery. There is even a love triangle and fudge recipes included.