4UI – Book Club Novels Select book club novel Permission letter Look for a novel that connects to book club novel Research both books

No Great Mischief Alistair MacLeod This novel explores the experiences of the Macdonald clan and the importance of family and Scottish heritage through the eyes of Alexander. Recollections collide and the intersection of lives and choices emphasize the power of the connection between family members. Beautifully written Excellent choice for those considering study of literature Extensive use of metaphor Opportunity to explore writing style and theme

No Great Mischief: Potential Themes Family Brotherhood Personal Responsibility Sacrifice Resilience Guilt

The Wars Timothy Finley The Wars is the story of Robert Ross, a young Canadian soldier in WWI. Ross enlists in the army after his sister's death in an attempt to escape his grief as well as the social norms of oppressive Victorian upper-class society. He is quickly drawn into the madness of war and commits a desperate act in his commitment to life. Fantastic piece of historical fiction Opportunity to explore writing style and theme Opportunity to explore the significance of setting as it relates to theme Conflict is key

The Wars: Potential Themes Responsibility Isolation Loss of Innocence Importance of Life Public vs. Private Wars Violence Animals

The Book of Negroes Lawrence Hill Laurence Hill’s novel traces the life of Aminata. Her freedom is stolen from her. She lives her life with resilience and endurance, always striving to restore her stolen freedom. Her quest for freedom takes her from Africa to the United States and Canada, back to Africa and eventually on to England. Fantastic piece of historical fiction Long novel, but fast read – caught up in Aminata’s journey

The Book of Negroes: Potential Themes Racism Sacrifice Responsibility Strength Survival Identity

The Sisters Brothers Patrick DeWitt Eli and Charlie Sisters are hired to kill Hermann Kermit Warm. Set in the Old West, The Sisters Brothers is a dark comedy that follows these two killers as they experience many work related struggles. Dark humour Opportunity to explore the significance of setting as it relates to theme Conflict is key

The Sisters Brothers: Potential Themes Brotherhood Responsibility Violence Morality Influence of Surroundings Development of Self

Sarah’s Key Tatiana De Rosnay Julia Jarmond’s journalistic assignment serves to uncover and highlight a neglected history of France and the Holocaust. This in turn leads to a better understanding of her husband’s family and the far-reaching and long-lasting effects of genocide. Shifting narrative perspectives Explores the impact of the Holocaust from multiple perspectives Pushes readers to determine levels responsibility

Sarah’s Key: Potential Themes Prejudice Anti-Semitism Responsibility Truth Identity

Lullabies for Little Criminals Heather O’Neill Lullabies is a coming of age story. It follows the unique struggles experienced by Baby, growing up with a heroin addicted father in Montreal.

Lullabies for Little Criminals: Potential Themes Responsibility Drug addiction Loss of innocence Coming of age Influence of surroundings

The Book Thief Markus Zusak The narrator of The Book Thief is unexpected. Death seems like a completely appropriate narrator since the novel is set during WWII in Nazi Germany. Death follows nine year old Liesel as she survives life in Nazi Germany during World War II. Although she steals comfort and support for herself, she unwittingly offers it to those around her.

The Book Thief Potential Themes Anti-Semitism Family Responsibility Loyalty Courage Sacrifice Violence and/or Mistreatment