Book Club Corner

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

Submitted by Kit Darling and the members of the Bay Area Book Club

Our first book discussion is October 5^th, after our press deadline, so in the meantime, here are a few reviews of titles that we have enjoyed. To borrow them or place a reserve, go to https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/ . Note: The bookmobile will be at Bennetto Community Centre on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:15. There will be no access to the bookmobile to browse, but staff will be on hand for contactless returns and holds pickup.

Image by permission Dundurn Press

The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway: African Canadians in Hamilton by Adrienne Shadd is a chronicle of the history of blacks in the Hamilton area from enslaved blacks owned by prominent white settlers such as George Hamilton to free blacks from the U.S. as well as escapees arriving via the underground railroad. She introduces the reader to a range of characters and examines their successes and the barriers they faced. The Tollgate in the title refers to Julia Berry, the “well-known” operator of a mountain toll-booth and the Parkway refers to the Lincoln Alexander Parkway, named in honour of Lincoln Alexander, lawyer, first black MP, federal cabinet minister and Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. Kit Darling

Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese. Sixteen-year-old Frank Starlight lives on a farm with an old man who has been a stable father figure to him since he was a baby. Frank’s fleeting relationship with his real father, Eldon Starlight, has been haunting and troubling. Frank knows nothing about his mother and very little about his father’s life. After years of hard drinking, Eldon is dying. He asks Frank to take him into British Columbia’s interior where he wants his body to be buried facing east like a warrior. As father & son travel into the beautiful backcountry, Eldon reveals his past. It is a world the boy has never seen & a history he has never known. A deeply felt & profoundly moving novel. Paige Turner

The Night Fire by Michael Connelly: Harry Bosch and Renee Ballard team up again to resolve an old mystery and solve a new one. The characters of Bosch, a detective retired from the LAPD and Ballard, a detective on the night shift are complex characters, both alike in many ways. Bosch is given a case file of a 20-year-old murder, by the widow of his former mentor with the request that he return it to the LAPD. Bosch keeps the file, trying to determine why his former partner and stickler for following procedure stole this file. Ballard is trying to solve an arson/murder of a homeless man. Throw in the murder of a judge that was unsuccessfully pinned on a mentally ill man thanks to Harry’s intervention and there are lots of red herrings and close calls to keep you reading. Kit Darling

Have you read any of our recommendations? Liked any of the same books we talked about or disagreed totally? Let us know at bayareabookclub@bell.net .

We have been asked whether anyone can join the book club. Our books are supplied by the Hamilton Public Library and come in a bag of 12. This obviously limits us to 12 members at a time. We currently have 12 members, but if you wish to be put on a waiting list, email us at the above address. Alternatively, check out the many book clubs run by the Hamilton Public Library.