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Curious what your neighbours were reading in 2020? The following are the titles that had the most borrows last year.

Print (physical copies)

1. A Minute to Midnight by David Baldacci

2. Blue Moon by Lee Child

3. A Better Man by Louise Penny

4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

5. Becoming by Michelle Obama

6. Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

7. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

8. The Guardians by John Grisham

9. Criss Cross by James Patterson

Now that we have safely entered 2021, I thought it would be a good opportunity to look back on my favourite reads of 2020. It was challenging to narrow it down, but the following are my personal top ten in no particular order.

This is the time of year when all the best works of literary fiction are paid their dues. There are endless awards (and award winners) to choose from so I’ve rounded up some of the most talked-about prizes for you to consider for your next great read.

Want to know what Canadian book releases to watch out for this fall? The following are a small selection of not-yet-released novels that you may want to keep on your radar.

With the hot days of summer winding down, you may be looking for an activity you can do with the kids that will keep them cool and calm for a moment. Why not try a summertime storytime?  School is back in session so, whether you choose to read at home or in class, it is good practice to acclimatize your children to small doses of reading and learning now, to make the transition to classes run smoothly.

Back to school season isn’t the same this year.  With these new changes comes a mix of emotions. I've pulled together a great list of reads to help you weather the emotional rollercoaster.  

With the long days of summer upon us, you may be in need of a break to step away from your everyday routine. A fun “staycation” activity is to enjoy a themed read linked to a tourist draw you can find locally. 

Another summer escape is the cottage – whether you are heading up to yours or simply dreaming of owning one (especially now), we have helpful books on keeping your cottage looking great, or fiction that will help you dream of that day.

Canadiana Cottage

If my reading list is any indication, 2020 must be the year that East Asia-set books flooded the Western market. Whether literary fiction, historical fiction, fantasy or mystery, there is no shortage of compelling new novels set in this vast, diverse region. Some are new translations while others are English originals, but they will all suit armchair travelers desperate to immerse themselves in new cultures. 

The phrase "dog days of summer" is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. This is why Sirius is sometimes called the Dog Star.