What to read at WLU Bookstore

Start the new year off right by picking up this month’s most exciting books. With our picks, you’ll travel to exotic lands, laugh out loud, and listen to children’s toxic speech. Take a look at our list of must-reads for the month ahead and drop by the bookstore to pick up your copy (e-books are also available).

The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus
Ben Marcus is at his best in The Flame Alphabet, which imagines the crumbling world when children’s speech becomes toxic to all who hear it. Sam and Claire are forced to run from their beloved daughter, whose laughter at their strange illnesses cuts deeper and deeper into their skin and psyches. This strange and moving novel written in Marcus’s beautiful prose is yet another triumph for the talented author.

The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson

This timely adventure, set in the dangerous and mysterious dictatorship of North Korea, is an incredibly vivid page-turner. It follows Jun Do, an orphan, as he transforms from childish pawn of the system to professional kidnapper to rival of Kim Jong Il. Part romance and part coming-of-age tale, adventure and thriller — this book is not to be missed.

Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away by Christie Watson

Haunting’ and ‘eye-opening’ only begin to describe Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away. Blessing may only be 12 12-years years-old, but she speaks to us through her wise, yet innocent eyes about the upheaval of her family and her world in Nigeria. Forced from a comfortable urban setting in Lagos to the poverty-stricken, rural world of her mother’s family, Blessing is without anchor except for the brother she would give her life for. This story of survival and the fight for dignity will linger long after you have finished reading.

A Bad Idea I’m About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure by Chris Gethard

This collection of tales from nerdy up-and-coming comedian Chris Gethard will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately glad that you aren’t him.

He’s even won accolades from comedy genius Amy Poehler, who wrote, “If you like underdog stories told by a secret comedy superhero, Chris Gethard is your man. Each story is the perfect combination of hilarious and heartbreaking.”

For special orders on trade books please contact:
Denoja Kankesan, General Books/Faculty Relations Coordinator
Contact: dkankesan@wlu.ca
519-884-1970 ext 2971