Welcome to the CFBS book reviews section
CFBS radio receives many types of literature from new and upcoming, as well as established authors to be reviewed and promoted on CFBS radio in both English and in French. If you are an author or publisher who would love to have a book featured in our book review, please send your book to CFBS radio by using the following mailing address:
CFBS radio Blanc-Sablon
Attn. Book Reviews
P.O. Box 8
Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Quebec
CANADA G0G 1W0
Our journalists may also conduct an interview with you upon request.
CFBS radio receives many types of literature from new and upcoming, as well as established authors to be reviewed and promoted on CFBS radio in both English and in French. If you are an author or publisher who would love to have a book featured in our book review, please send your book to CFBS radio by using the following mailing address:
CFBS radio Blanc-Sablon
Attn. Book Reviews
P.O. Box 8
Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Quebec
CANADA G0G 1W0
Our journalists may also conduct an interview with you upon request.
The Moon King by Cara Kansala
Another great children's book by Cara Kansala, this time a bedtime story that is enchanting and magical. The moon king dancing along tips over the night and all the stars blanket the earth. He enlists the help of his animal friends to collect the stars and put them back in the sky. Beautiful illustrations also done by Cara Kansala Published by Break Water Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the publisher's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/the-moon-king/ CFBS Book Review by Abbygail Wellman |
All Around the Circle by Cara Kansala
Uncle Brooklyn, Nan and Poppies, Aunt Bun's Red Dress, the House Next Door and more. All Around the Circle takes you on a poetry adventure for children with poems that is light hearted and entertaining! Funny verses are sure to bring about smile and laughter from the reader. Beautiful illustrations done by Cara Kansala & Max Dorey. Published by Break Water Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the publisher's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/?s=all+around+the+circle&post_type=product CFBS Book Review by Abbygail Wellman |
On the Healing Road by The Poet Dena
This collection of sixty-one poems will take you on the author's journey of healing. From their intricate feelings about being adopted through the pain to healing, then the joy and love that comes when you are open to the beauty that surrounds us. Published by Author House Here is the link to the book on the author's website: https://www.onthehealingroad.com/ CFBS Book Review by Abbygail Wellman |
Inquiries by Michelle Porter
This collection of sixty-two poems deals mostly with poverty. Growing up in a poor Metis family out west, the author often writes about her mama’s kitchen and her relationship with her mother. Porter does not shy away from the harsh realities of hunger and violence. I was especially moved by “The Wire on Tessier Place”, “The Fridge Thinks About Moving Out”, and “The Es”. Published by Breakwater Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the publisher's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/inquiries/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Penney Wellman |
Even Weirder Than Before by Susie Taylor
Susie Taylor gives the reader a very intimate view of a young girl growing up. The novel follows Daisy Radcliffe’s experiences: with her parents’ divorce, her friendships, alcohol, drugs and sex. I would NOT recommend this book for teen reading, it requires a mature reader. You can find a review and questions with the author in the October issue of Downhome Magazine. Published by Breakwater Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the publisher's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/even-weirder-than-before/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Penney Wellman |
Send More Tourists: The Last Ones Were Delicious by Tracey Waddleton
After reading “Send More Tourists: The Last Ones Were Delicious”, I feel pulled in two different directions. When I initially read the title and the description I thought this book would be filled with many short stories that were light hearted, as some of the reviews had called this book both savage and very funny. Saying that, I did enjoy this book, but my interpretation of it is different. It’s a book that surprised me, but not in a bad way. I didn’t think it was funny at all, not in a joking way, but in the sense that life is funny. It’s weird and a lot of messed up things happen. It’s savage in a blunt way, not in a cutting down type of way, but a just how it is kind of way. There were a few fun somewhat absurd shorts, but nothing that ever takes away from the kind of dark tone each story carries. Waddleton’s writing really showcases how well she can create characters with so much depth while keeping her stories concise in a way that never bores you. Some of the works are brutal, but truthful and real to what life is really like. There is no shying away from touchy or taboo, there is an honesty to the works that is something to be admired. Overall I think it is a great thought provoking novel. The title comes from a chapter of the book, but if I had to chose my favourite, the book would be called “Riding with Maurice”. Published by Breakwater Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the publisher's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/send-more-tourists-the-last-ones-were-delicious/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
Write For Life: Communicating Your Way Through Cancer and Chronic Disease by David Tabatsky
Though this book seems like it’s target audience would be those who are going through sickness themselves, this book can be for just about anyone. Whether you’re a doctor, a friend, a caregiver, a person with an illness or even just a person dealing with life’s many anxieties this book is for you. Write for Life helps you to become more thoughtful because it makes you think about your problems and how you can help alleviate them through writing exercises. Moreover, it helps you open up and become more aware and express yourself through writing. There is no wrong way to write. The thing that makes this book special is that although it deals with heavy topics it is lighthearted and can make you feel like you are not alone by reading examples of other people's experiences. Write for life opens up the idea that writing is not just for authors, but for everyone. The reason we read is to experience and feel. To be taken out of our mind frame for just one moment. But writing itself, also helps you to take some of those burdens away and to understand them better. Overall this book expresses the idea that words are a powerful tool. As author Edward Bulwer-Lytton once wrote, “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Published by Legacy Projects Here is the link to the book on the author's website: http://www.tabatsky.com/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
Nanny's Kitchen Party by Rebecca North Nanny’s kitchen party by Rebecca North is an endearing children’s version of a good old fashioned Newfoundland kitchen party, animals included! This book's dynamic and colourful artwork (illustrated by Laurel Keating) of adorable critters make this number counting book pop off the pages. It’s a very happy feel-good book, that will put a smile and a laugh on any young readers face.” Published by Breakwater Books Ltd. Here is the link to the book on the author's website: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/nannys-kitchen-party/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
Special Paws by Tracey Kusinitz Altman
Special Paws, a book for younger readers, is about two shelter dogs, Hunter and Boston. Hunter helps Boston to make a “family list” of what he would like in an adoptive family. Prospective dog owners should consider the criteria on this list to get a good match. If you buy this book, you will be helping dogs like Hunter and Boston. A portion of the profits from the sale of Special Paws goes to animal shelters. Don’t miss the Bark Out from the author on the back cover! Published by: Inspired Forever Publishing Here is the link to purchase the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Special-Paws-Tracey-Kusinitz-Altman-ebook/dp/B07S5B2W1R CFBS book review by Maureen Wellman |
30 Days to Launch! (An Entrepreneur’s Diary to Building a Billion-Dollar Business) by Rick Steele The 30 day timeframe is probably overly optimistic, but this book does contain helpful advice for starting your own business: “stop worrying about being perfect and just do something” Fail forward Write your ideas down and journal Use a whiteboard Win in your mind - “Every battle and challenge in your life is going to be won in your head before it plays out in real life.” Embrace the suck – Who knew cold showers could be so beneficial? Believe in yourself “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others.” I would have liked to have seen more information on patents, calculating production costs, and setting profit margins. As the reader is encouraged to write and journal in the book, a workbook might have been a better choice for the format. The pages are small and the slick paper is not easy to write on. Nevertheless, Dragon’s Den get ready… readers of 30 Days to Launch! are coming! Here is the link to the book: https://www.rickhsteele.com/order-form CFBS book review by Maureen Wellman |
7 days in Russia by M.G. Crisci
7 days in Russia is a tale of an American on a seven day Russian adventure. What really captures you in the beginning is this, that it’s true that what we perceive from other countries is deeply rooted into the media that we consume. What really divides us may be our environments, countries and language, however, deep down if we take the time to get to know each other we aren’t so different after all. As a Canadian, it is like reading a review from your neighbor that you may also not know quite well, but by the end of the book you feel as though you have picked up new international friends along the way. Travel can be scary but so rewarding and the fact that this is a true account prepares others for what life is, a beautiful mess that can still be enjoyed. This book is a nice way to put your toes in the water, for the curious adventurer. Published by Orca Publishing Company Here is the link to the book on the author's website: https://mgcrisci.com/books/7-days-in-russia/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
Paint the Town Pink by Lori Doody Did you know that flamingos have been spotted in Siberia, Ottawa and Newfoundland? In this story a flamingo arrives in a Newfoundland town and everyone goes out of their way to make “this come from away” welcome. Townspeople start wearing pink, painting buildings pink and even knit her pink legwarmers. (Shades of Gander 9-11.) Readers will be “tickled pink” by this story and the humour of the illustrations. Published by: Running the Goat Books and Broadsides http://runningthegoat.com/paint-the-town-pink/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Wellman |
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Beautiful Disaster: A Collection of Reflections from My Heart and Soul to Yours By Samantha Caroline Lavallee As the butterfly flits through this book’s 365 reflections, the reader is reminded to love themselves, to be grateful and to be kind. Ms. Lavallee is originally from Blanc-Sablon. Samantha’s disaster and recovery have led her to give advice and encouragement to others. Some readers may be inspired by her words. Photos by Maygan Wellman Check out her website at: https://samanthacarolinelavallee.com/book/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Wellman |
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Flying Ace: Errol’s Gander Adventure By Sheila (Roberts) Lukins This is Errol, the talking mouse from Beachy Cove’s, second adventure. In this easy reading chapter book, he rides in a model plane and visits the Gander Aviation Museum. Then Errol becomes a Flying Ace during World War II and flies from Gander to Ireland or does he? Young readers will enjoy Errol’s latest adventure and the delightful illustrations by Laurel Keating. Published by Breakwater Books http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/flying-ace-errols-gander-adventure/ You can also visit Errol at his website: http://errolthemouse.com/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Wellman |
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DIG by Terry Doyle "DIG is filled with stories that will tug at the heart. With different situations, and real life burdens of an everyday person just trying to get by, this collection of short stories highlights that we all carry struggles within us. Sometimes we fail to realize that we are not the hero in the story, but rather another person just trying to get by, dealing with the cards we’re dealt. This book is very poetic and above all leaves you feeling hopeful, as the characters continue on despite the setbacks of life. This book has no elaborate plot, or is something out of a sci-fi novel. It is a collection of stories that anybody will connect to, and they will not feel left out.” Published by Breakwater Books http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/dig/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
An Unorthodox Guide to Wildlife By Katie Vautour Katie captures you in each poem descriptively, giving you the feeling of being there and watching it all unfold. Truly an unorthodox approach and very enjoyable! Published by Breakwater Books: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/an-unorthodox-guide-to-wildlife/ CFBS Book Review by Janice Letemplier |
ABOUT FACE EDITED by Douglas Gosse
About Face is a compilation of essays by Canadian addicts and therapists. It addresses addiction to: smoking, drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, video games, gambling, body dysphoria, and eating disorders. This book provides a better understanding of the problem and possible prevention and treatments. About Face is interesting and informative and helps the reader to realize that “Addiction is not a phenomenon of the “other” but affects us all. We are just as obligated to treat a broken mind as we are a broken bone.” To this end, the book includes a section on service providers and many articles list several references. Published by Breakwater Books: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/about-face/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Wellman |
Land Beyond the Sea by Kevin Major
Major’s story creates a different perspective of the destruction during World War 2, a war that not only took place on the lands but also between them. Following the perspectives of two main characters on opposite sides during war, we get a glimpse into the lives and the places that they develop in. Like war, it gives an unfiltered and unapologetic glimpse that shows violence does not discriminate, but also that we all make choices to survive. One of the strongest points this book depicts is the conviction and belief that the characters have and what they are willing to do to protect the ones they love. Published by Breakwater Books: http://www.breakwaterbooks.com/books/land-beyond-the-sea/ CFBS Book Review by Becky Lynn Lavallee |
Dancing with Daisy by Jan L. Coates
A little boy finds a photo of his grandpa as a younger lobster fisherman. He asks his grandpa, "Was this you, Grampy? With your boat, before you got old?" And so begins grandpa's tall tale of how he became an old man with the persistent "Daisy" who would not let grandpa have a minute's rest. A fun children's story book that is sure to catch a few giggles from the reader. Beautiful illustrations provided by Josée Bisaillon Published by Running the Goat, Books and Broadsides: http://runningthegoat.com/dancing-with-daisy/ CFBS Book Review by Abbygail Wellman |
Only in New York by M.G. Crisci
M.G. Crisci has led an extraordinary life. In thirty-six true short stories he shares some of his experiences: being a vendor at Yankee Stadium, an extravagant honeymoon at the Plaza Hotel, being a top level advertising executive, gaining and losing millions on Wall Street, being mistaken for a Mafia kingpin, and more. Through his adventures, the reader gets a real sense of New York and the people that live there. Any of these Big Apple stories will keep boredom away and be sure to read the Afterword. Published by: Orca Publishing Company, U.S.A. Link to the book's website: https://mgcrisci.com/books/only-in-new-york/ CFBS Book Review by Maureen Wellman |
Liam's Town by Marissa Dike Liam's Town is a story that goes into the mind of a mentally ill patient, nothing is as it seems. It is overpowering the trauma that this character has had to go through, readers will find it hard to put the book down. Well written. Published by: Dorrance Publishing, U.S.A. http://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/liams-town/ CFBS Book Review by Janice Letemplier |