Good Reads: Seven All-time Favourites

It's Week Two of Poppy Barley's Good Reads series (inspired by our latest lookbook, which took place at a little book shop in Edmonton) and today we're revealing our all-time favourites--seven books to read in 2014 (see last week's list on motivation). Whether we read them once in college and couldn't stop thinking about them, or religiously read them once per year, these seven book titles are ones you can't miss. 1. The Last Wolf of Ireland by Elona Malterre Why You Should Read It: Set in Ireland in the 1780s, it's the story of a young girl and boy who find a wolf's den in the forest and vow to protect the animals from superstitious townspeople and the greed of the hunters. It's simply written (and more for young adults) but so insanely beautiful and heartbreaking. You will cry (and I do mean SOB) throughout the entire book - and then you won't be able to stop thinking about it. - Kendall, Co-founder 2. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Why You Should Read It: One of my most memorable experiences occurred when I visited Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site during a study tour in university. While I was there, I visited their book store and Sarah's Key was recommended to me as a fantastic read. Fantastic it was, and so much more. Although it's story is haunting, the novel provided me with some of the most useful life lessons I have ever come across and holds a special place in my heart, as a sister, and an individual fascinated by the study of war. - Breanne, Customer Insights Associate 3. On the Road by Jack Kerouac Why You Should Read It: It's a classic novel that tells the story of Jack Kerouac and his friends' insane adventures. This book was also one of the primary catalysts of the Beat Generation. - Daelan, Developer 4. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Why You Should Read It: I love this book. It combines an epic adventure tale, some of the most memorable characters ever created in fiction, and a fascinating critique of Southern society during the civil war and Reconstruction era. Believe me - don't just watch the movie! - Justine, Co-founder 5. Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood Why You Should Read It: I read a lot of books while working towards my English degree in university. Some I can't remember at all. Alias Grace, from my Canadian Lit class, has always stood out to me. It's a historical fiction novel based on the notorious 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Upper Canada, and follows one (fictional) doctor's research into criminal behaviour and the life of the convicted murderer, Grace Marks--a maid--who appears to be docile and sweet tempered during their interviews. It's artfully crafted, suspenseful, intriguing, and totally hypnotizing (it gave me shivers). I couldn't put it down. - Caroline, Community Manager 6. The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism by Olivia Fox Cabane Why You Should Read It: Being the psych-nerd I am, I would read this book again and again. Cabane dissects society's belief about charisma and challenges it from every angle with years of her own research. I love seeing popular belief fall to pieces! - Danielle, Customer Care Intern 7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Why You Should Read It: This was my first read in a Victorian Literature class during University and I was swallowed up by Bronte's eloquent language and ability to create tension, conveying a young woman's innocence, desire and transition into womanhood. You can feel the tension throughout the book as governess Jane grows to love her often melancholy and erratic employer, Mr. Rochester. Something about this regular, working girl, her internal dialogue and the mystery of Mr. Rochester was very appealing to me. - Monica, Brand Design Manager