FVReader
Fraser Valley Regional Library
FVReader's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
The Acrylic PainterThe Acrylic Painter, BookTools and Techniques for the Most Versatile Medium
by Van Patten, JamesBook - 2016Book, 2016
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2024
The GeneThe Gene, Downloadable AudiobookAn Intimate History
by Mukherjee, SiddharthaDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2024
Comment:
Siddhartha Mukherjee tells the history of our knowledge of the Gene in a relatable and understandable manner. He takes us from the first ideas & thoughts about heredity and methodically takes us to the future of Gene research. It's a fascinating story.
The audio is easy to follow and well narrated.Siddhartha Mukherjee tells the history of our knowledge of the Gene in a relatable and understandable manner. He takes us from the first ideas & thoughts about heredity and methodically takes us to the future of Gene research. It's a fascinating…
The House on Vesper SandsThe House on Vesper Sands, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by O'Donnell, ParaicDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2024
Comment:
A fun and interesting mystery, set in the late 1800s England. There is a supernatural element to this story and a very gothic tone & atmosphere that I really enjoyed.
The characters are interesting and the conversation is witty and fun.
The mystery is well written and interesting. I enjoyed this story and it's witty unfolding.
The narration is well done on the audio version.A fun and interesting mystery, set in the late 1800s England. There is a supernatural element to this story and a very gothic tone & atmosphere that I really enjoyed.
The characters are interesting and the conversation is witty and fun.
The mystery…
Fen, Bog and SwampFen, Bog and Swamp, Downloadable AudiobookA Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis
by Proulx, AnnieDownloadable Audiobook - 2022Downloadable Audiobook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 12, 2024
Comment:
This book describes the differences between fens, bogs and swamps, the various animal & plant life that can be found in each of them and how humans have used changed the land by draining for increased farmlands and agriculture. Most of these changes were done in the earlier days of exploration and pioneering. The destroyed wetlands changed the landscapes, destroyed animal and plant ecosystems and, in the end, were deplenished of rich nutrients.
Today, the restoration of the wetlands is gaining momentum. Let's hope that we can restore enough wetlands to help plants, animals and the World.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It's interesting and informative, in an easy-to-listen to style.This book describes the differences between fens, bogs and swamps, the various animal & plant life that can be found in each of them and how humans have used changed the land by draining for increased farmlands and agriculture. Most of these changes…
Termination ShockTermination Shock, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Stephenson, NealDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
Added Jan 03, 2024
Last ThingsLast Things, Graphic NovelA Graphic Memoir of Loss and Love
by Moss, MarissaGraphic Novel - 2017Graphic Novel, 2017
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2023
Comment:
What a deep, heartbreaking, touching, open, honest story. Watching one's loved one deteriorate (health-wise) in front of one's eyes is a crushing, dark experience. Marissa Moss told her family's story with grace, love, honesty, openness. Her pain, confusion, love and heartbreak came through on every page. Her son's fears, confusion, love and pain were also in these pages. Also, Harvey's journey was included, heartfelt and real. This entire family opened their lives to us in this book.
A beautiful story of love and family in the most difficult of times.
The graphics portrayed the emotions and the characters well.What a deep, heartbreaking, touching, open, honest story. Watching one's loved one deteriorate (health-wise) in front of one's eyes is a crushing, dark experience. Marissa Moss told her family's story with grace, love, honesty, openness. Her pain,…
Our Little SecretOur Little Secret, Graphic NovelA Graphic Memoir
by Carrington, EmilyGraphic Novel - 2022Graphic Novel, 2022
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2023
Comment:
A brave and courageous tale to tell. Emily makes clear that abused children have nowhere to turn and no one to turn to. Their abusers ensure that they feel isolated and alone. The inner turmoil never leaves and the abused suffer for years, perhaps their entire lives.
But Emily is no victim. She wrote this book to fight back and to help other children. That is courage.A brave and courageous tale to tell. Emily makes clear that abused children have nowhere to turn and no one to turn to. Their abusers ensure that they feel isolated and alone. The inner turmoil never leaves and the abused suffer for years, perhaps…
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2023
Comment:
Interesting story told in 2 time-lines; one in the 1859, one in 2009.
I enjoyed the graphics, although some of the characters looked so much alike that I sometimes mixed them up.
It was nice to see Tara growing and becoming more confident and sure of herself. She learned to believe in herself and worked through what she needed.
I'm less sure whether Josey had this same growth. The 1859 storyline, although, more linear and clear, left more open-endedness to what happened to the characters afterwards.
There's a lot of Canadian words throughout. I've actually not heard Tim Horton's referred to as "Tim's". Perhaps this is an East Coast expression? Tim Horton's is always referred to as "Timmy's". Perhaps that's a West Coast expression...LOL.Interesting story told in 2 time-lines; one in the 1859, one in 2009.
I enjoyed the graphics, although some of the characters looked so much alike that I sometimes mixed them up.
It was nice to see Tara growing and becoming more confident and sure…
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2023
Comment:
I did not know this story before reading this book. Despite the pain of learning Laika's fate, I'm glad that her story is told and that she lives on in that way.
My heart bled throughout this story reading of the fictionalized life she had before her life with the Russian Space Program. This loving, friendly, kind dog wanted a home that loved & wanted her; she never stopped looking for that.
The graphics in this novel were well done to portray the passing of time, the emotions of the people and the dogs.
I will remember Laika always. Although I'm sad now, I'm glad to know her story. She'll not be forgotten. I think of her every time I look up to the stars.I did not know this story before reading this book. Despite the pain of learning Laika's fate, I'm glad that her story is told and that she lives on in that way.
My heart bled throughout this story reading of the fictionalized life she had before…
Our Woman in MoscowOur Woman in Moscow, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Williams, BeatrizDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
Added Aug 24, 2023
Of Women and SaltOf Women and Salt, Downloadable Audiobook
by Garcia, GabrielaDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
Added Aug 24, 2023
Mindful SketchingMindful Sketching, BookHow to Develop A Drawing Practice and Embrace the Art of Imperfection
by Dean, PeggyBook - 2022Book, 2022
FVReader's rating:
Added Jul 30, 2023
Comment:
I enjoyed this book on art, mindfulness and personal awareness.
The author starts with art concepts of perspective, details & lack of them, vanishing points, etc. She takes us through "seeing" these concepts and applying them to paper.
She then moves into the mental awareness aspect of art: feeling something about our drawing, finding a subject matter that excites us and makes us feel something. The feeling will add life to the art.
The author discusses the importance of bringing our Selves to any artwork and make the art a part of ourselves. Art is a form of self expression and one should lose oneself in the making of art. This losing of oneself in the art brings life to the art.
The ideas and concepts are solidified with exercised of practice for the reader.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and hope to bring some of the concepts forward.I enjoyed this book on art, mindfulness and personal awareness.
The author starts with art concepts of perspective, details & lack of them, vanishing points, etc. She takes us through "seeing" these concepts and applying them to paper.
She then…
The Plague DogsThe Plague Dogs, Downloadable Audiobook
by Adams, RichardDownloadable Audiobook - 1978Downloadable Audiobook, 1978
FVReader's rating:
Added May 30, 2023
Comment:
Loved this story, as much as I hated it. It's a difficult read at times. The animals in the Research Station are poorly treated and the experiments are horrific. It makes for hard reading.
The plight of Snitter and Rowf is one that the reader truly gets behind and wishes these two well. Their journey, though, is hard and survival is not guaranteed.
The story is told well and kept me rivetted. I felt for these dogs, for all the animals in the story. Their story matters. I think this is what the author wanted to say: these animals deserve better, they matter.
A difficult read but a good one, with wonderful animal characters. This story touches the heart.Loved this story, as much as I hated it. It's a difficult read at times. The animals in the Research Station are poorly treated and the experiments are horrific. It makes for hard reading.
The plight of Snitter and Rowf is one that the reader truly…
Louis RielLouis Riel, Graphic NovelA Comic-strip Biography
by Brown, ChesterGraphic Novel - 2017Graphic Novel, 2017
FVReader's rating:
Added May 25, 2023
Comment:
An interesting telling of Riel's story. Although the author took a few liberties with history, the storyline seemed true in scope and intention. The story got a bit long in the middle section but otherwise is quite interesting and entertaining.
The graphics are simple black & white, but it's easy to tell the characters apart and they portray the actions well, if simplistically.An interesting telling of Riel's story. Although the author took a few liberties with history, the storyline seemed true in scope and intention. The story got a bit long in the middle section but otherwise is quite interesting and entertaining.
The…
Royal CityRoyal City, Graphic NovelThe Complete Collection
by Lemire, JeffGraphic Novel - 2020Graphic Novel, 2020
FVReader's rating:
Added May 25, 2023
Comment:
A heart wrenching story of a family caught in the past and their journey to healing and moving forward. I enjoyed how Lemire told this story, letting bits of it come out slowly as we get to know the family members in their current time.
The graphics were well done and added to the story.A heart wrenching story of a family caught in the past and their journey to healing and moving forward. I enjoyed how Lemire told this story, letting bits of it come out slowly as we get to know the family members in their current time.
The…
What Happened to PaulaWhat Happened to Paula, Downloadable AudiobookOn the Death of An American Girl
by Dykstra, KatherineDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
FVReader's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2023
Comment:
Where's Paula?! Paula and her story are missing from a lot of this book. While I see, and can appreciate, what the author is trying to do, it misses the mark because the author puts herself and her family foremost in the story.
Paula Oberbroeckling was an 18-year old girl, just starting her life, when she was murdered. The details are sparce, the murder never solved. There's no clear cause for Paula's death, the possibilities are numerous. The author explores every possibility.
The author expands the story to include all murdered women. This is an important inclusion. Paula stands for all the women who have died for the various possibilities explored for Paula's death.
Paula's story is important, as is the story of every missing and murdered woman. The author muses over sexism, "blame", privilege, violence against women, disadvantages, etc. These are powerful and needed conversations. ....yet every time, the author delves into her history and her family's history. This took away the power of the story; the author inserts herself into this story too much.
An interesting read about the dangers women can face each day due to stereotypes and sexism. Too much inclusion of the author's family history.Where's Paula?! Paula and her story are missing from a lot of this book. While I see, and can appreciate, what the author is trying to do, it misses the mark because the author puts herself and her family foremost in the story.
Paula Oberbroeckling…
How to Have Impossible ConversationsHow to Have Impossible Conversations, eBookA Very Practical Guide
by Boghossian, Peter G.eBook - 2019eBook, 2019
All copies in use
FVReader's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2023
Comment:
First the good:
This book emphasizes listening to the people one is conversing with, trying to understand where they are coming from and encouraging them to feel comfortable with the discussion. It also encourages one to listen to oneself, to delve into one's own beliefs and be open to change and adaptation.
It encourages empathy and caring when listening and responding.
But then it continues......
Use the information one has gained using the above tools and change the minds of those one is conversing with. Show them they are wrong, make them unsure of their thoughts and positions. The aim is to show others that one is right and they are wrong.
I found this very uncomfortable. I find this would lead to the opposite of communication.
While each chapter delved deeper into how to manipulate the conversation, the techniques were the same. Therefore, there was a lot of repetition.First the good:
This book emphasizes listening to the people one is conversing with, trying to understand where they are coming from and encouraging them to feel comfortable with the discussion. It also encourages one to listen to oneself, to delve…
She Who Became the SunShe Who Became the Sun, Downloadable Audiobook
by Parker-Chan, ShelleyDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 01, 2023
Comment:
An interesting tale of the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. China has an interesting history and this ambitious book focusses on this time in History. It's a turbulent time of intrigues and plots, alliances and choices. It wasn't an easy time to maneuver through Life.
Zhu begins life in the poorest of peasant families and grabs an opportunity to try to rise and survive. Throughout the book, she sees opportunity and takes it, believing in destiny and fate. Although the story is told from her point of view, I didn't get a good feel for who or what she was. Her true self remained hidden.
The character I became most interested in was General Ouyang. His life was filled with horror and pain. We get a feel for that and his character, his trials and sorrow.....more so than we do of Zhu, the main character. He portrayed more internal struggle than she did.
The actions of the country and the parties as the power struggles continue are action packed and will keep the reader interested. There's a lot of intrigue throughout. Destiny plays a large part.An interesting tale of the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. China has an interesting history and this ambitious book focusses on this time in History. It's a turbulent time of intrigues and plots, alliances and choices. It wasn't an easy time to…
The Rainbow Comes and GoesThe Rainbow Comes and Goes, Downloadable AudiobookA Mother and Son Talk About Life, Love, and Loss
by Cooper, AndersonDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
Available
FVReader's rating:
Added Jan 01, 2023
Comment:
I didn't know the history of Gloria Vanderbilt. Her feeling of isolation and abandonment were portrayed well and were, at times, heartbreaking. I felt for her as she described her lack of guidance and how that led to some poor decisions in her early days. She learned the hard way to find a Life of happiness and peace. It took her awhile, but she made it.
Mother and son talk through their feelings of loss. I felt for both of them throughout this book.
Well paced, this series of email communication between mother and son is open, honest and true. It was nice that they could talk about these topics together and openly.I didn't know the history of Gloria Vanderbilt. Her feeling of isolation and abandonment were portrayed well and were, at times, heartbreaking. I felt for her as she described her lack of guidance and how that led to some poor decisions in her early…
The Yellow WifeThe Yellow Wife, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Johnson, SadeqaDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
FVReader's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2022
Comment:
Pheby was raised to believe that at 18 she would be given her freedom papers. Her upbringing was one of relative comfort. Then Life turned things sideways, and she was thrown into the seedier, uglier, crueller side of slavery. She has to learn quickly to survive. And survive she does. But never does she give up her Self.
A fictional account based on real life people and lives. Well told and thought out.Pheby was raised to believe that at 18 she would be given her freedom papers. Her upbringing was one of relative comfort. Then Life turned things sideways, and she was thrown into the seedier, uglier, crueller side of slavery. She has to learn…
Seeing GhostsSeeing Ghosts, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir
by Chow, KatDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
FVReader's rating:
Added Oct 12, 2022
Comment:
This memoir has the mother at the centre but the focus is on family, history, coming to a peace within oneself, understanding the past. It's a story of connectivity with a family's past and looking towards the future.
I enjoyed how Kat Chow looked at her family and herself and told a warm story of love, family and understanding. The tone is warm and caring.This memoir has the mother at the centre but the focus is on family, history, coming to a peace within oneself, understanding the past. It's a story of connectivity with a family's past and looking towards the future.
I enjoyed how Kat Chow looked…
FVReader's rating:
Added Oct 12, 2022
Comment:
The message of this story is a good one. Mental illness being discussed and brought into the open is a good thing.
However, this book was simplistic, "sweet", unrealistic. The mother, Ashley, was so self-absorbed. The dialogue didn't sound real.
I'm sorry that this wasn't a more interesting story. The subject matter is important.The message of this story is a good one. Mental illness being discussed and brought into the open is a good thing.
However, this book was simplistic, "sweet", unrealistic. The mother, Ashley, was so self-absorbed. The dialogue didn't sound real.…
Death in A Darkening MistDeath in A Darkening Mist, Downloadable AudiobookA Lane Winslow Mystery
by Whishaw, IonaDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
FVReader's rating:
Added Oct 12, 2022
Comment:
A light, fun murder mystery. Set in the outskirts of Nelson, British Columbia, and in the first years after WWII, this series is an interesting look at how the war impacted people's thinking and fears. The war may be over but what was experienced by the individuals lives on.
Lane is looking for peace and is finding on her property outside of King's Cove. Murder does seem to find her and she helps in the solving of the case.
The characters have grown from the first book. This appears to be a character-driven series. Each book could be read as a stand-alone.
A fun read and entertaining. I look forward to the next in the series.A light, fun murder mystery. Set in the outskirts of Nelson, British Columbia, and in the first years after WWII, this series is an interesting look at how the war impacted people's thinking and fears. The war may be over but what was experienced by…
Two Trees Make A ForestTwo Trees Make A Forest, Downloadable AudiobookOn Memory, Migration and Taiwan
by Lee, Jessica J.Downloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
FVReader's rating:
Added Sep 15, 2022
Comment:
Part travelogue, part history, part family memoir and part nature. A really nice mix of all these and more. I enjoyed listening to the story of Taiwan; it's land, plants, animals, life and history.
As the author hikes through Taiwan, exploring it's mysteries and beauties, she ponders her family's roots, emigration to Canada, and how her family's history shaped her life and outlook.
The writing is full of beautiful prose and lovely descriptions. The audio was wonderfully narrated and paced. The author brought me into her story.Part travelogue, part history, part family memoir and part nature. A really nice mix of all these and more. I enjoyed listening to the story of Taiwan; it's land, plants, animals, life and history.
As the author hikes through Taiwan, exploring it's…
The PushThe Push, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Audrain, AshleyDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 2 copies
Holds: 4 on 2 copies
FVReader's rating:
Added Aug 28, 2022
Comment:
A book that kept my attention rivetted. Blythe's story was enticing and mysterious.
Blythe questions her observations and thoughts. She's unsure of her capacity and ability to mother and to understand mothering as a process. Not having had this from her own mother, she's unsure of what to expect.
Well told, well paced and interesting on every page.A book that kept my attention rivetted. Blythe's story was enticing and mysterious.
Blythe questions her observations and thoughts. She's unsure of her capacity and ability to mother and to understand mothering as a process. Not having had this from…
Comment: