Category Archives: Updates

Gifts of Knowledge: McGill University Library’s 12 Days to the Holidays Book Display Recap

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As the winter season unfolds, the McGill University Library welcomed the festive spirit with a delightful book display featuring twelve carefully selected reads. Each book was handpicked by different members of our diverse and passionate library team, creating a unique and thoughtful collection for our readers. Let’s take a journey through the 12 Days to the Holidays book display and explore the literary gifts our staff shared with the McGill community.

Day 1: “A Murder of Quality” by John le Carré

Gifter: Lonnie Weatherby

Kicking off the display, Lonnie Weatherby introduced us to the gripping world of espionage with “A Murder of Quality” by John le Carré. This classic spy novel set the tone for an exciting literary adventure.

Day 2: “A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers

Gifter: Emily Jaeger-McEnroe

Emily Jaeger-McEnroe added a touch of speculative fiction to the mix with “A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers. This thought-provoking novella explores the intersection of humanity and nature, offering readers a unique and imaginative experience.

Day 3: “The Psychology of Time Travel” by Kate Mascarenhas

Gifter: Kristen Howard

Kristen Howard took us on a journey through time with “The Psychology of Time Travel” by Kate Mascarenhas. This novel delves into the complexities of time travel and its psychological implications, making it a fascinating addition to the display.

Day 4: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner

Gifter: Veronica Bergsten

Veronica Bergsten shared the deeply personal and moving memoir, “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner. This exploration of identity, grief, and Korean-American culture resonated with readers seeking a powerful and emotional narrative.

Day 5: “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell

Gifter: Dawn McKinnon

Dawn McKinnon engaged readers in thought-provoking conversations with “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell. This insightful book challenges our understanding of human interactions, shedding light on the complexities of communication.

Day 6: “Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein

Gifter: Sharon Rankin

Sharon Rankin introduced us to the world of contemporary art and obedience with “Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein. This thoughtfully crafted novel explores the intersection of art, power, and control.

Day 7: “A Place Called No Homeland” by Kai Cheng Thom

Gifter: Hye-Jin Juhn

Hye-Jin Juhn brought attention to the marginalized voices with “A Place Called No Homeland” by Kai Cheng Thom. This collection of poetry and prose offers a powerful exploration of identity, displacement, and resilience.

Day 8: “We Hunt the Flame” by Hafsah Faizal

Gifter: Amanda Wheatley

Amanda Wheatley gifted readers an epic fantasy adventure with “We Hunt the Flame” by Hafsah Faizal. This young adult novel takes readers on a thrilling quest in a richly imagined world.

Day 9: “Man’s Searching for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

Gifter: Geneieve Gosselin

Geneieve Gosselin shared the timeless wisdom of Viktor E. Frankl in “Man’s Searching for Meaning.” This philosophical work continues to inspire readers to find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Day 10: “The Book of Form and Emptiness” by Ruth Ozeki

Gifter: Jane McAslan

Jane McAslan led readers into a world of literary magic with “The Book of Form and Emptiness” by Ruth Ozeki. This novel weaves a captivating tale about the power of books and the human experience.

Day 11: “The Colony” by Audrey Magee

Gifter: Lauren Goldman

Lauren Goldman transported us to a different time and place with “The Colony” by Audrey Magee. This historical novel provided a glimpse into the lives of individuals caught in the midst of World War II.

Day 12: “The Son of the House” by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia

Gifter: Deborah Ahenkorah

Deborah Ahenkorah concluded our 12 Days to the Holidays display with “The Son of the House” by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia. This novel explores themes of family, societal expectations, and resilience in post-colonial Nigeria.

Discovering “Home is Where the Heart is” a Redpath Library Book Display

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Hey book lovers! If you’ve been to the Redpath Library Building recently, you might have noticed a fantastic new book display called “Home is Where the Heart is.” This display is a literary journey into the many facets of home and belonging, featuring some of the amazing titles below.

1. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: A poignant dive into the immigrant experience, unravelling the cultural clashes and familial bonds of Chinese-American women and their daughters.

2. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi: Avni Doshi’s exploration of mother-daughter dynamics weaves through the complexities of memory and identity, delivering a thought-provoking narrative.

3. I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by David J. Cherrington: Cherrington’s honest portrayal challenges perceptions of home, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the homeless and inviting readers to empathize with those on the margins of society.

4. The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel:  A compelling journey through the challenges of war and separation, Danielle Steel’s narrative underscores the resilience of a family and the enduring power of love.

5. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo: Safia Elhillo prompts readers to reconsider the concept of home, exploring the intricate landscapes of identity and belonging beyond geographical boundaries.

6. Our Town by Thornton Wilder: Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic transcends its small-town setting, inviting readers to reflect on the universal aspects of human existence and the notion of home as a place where one truly belongs.

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic celebrates the enduring power of sisterhood against the backdrop of the Civil War, offering a glimpse into the strength and resilience of the March sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

This collection is more than just books on a shelf—it’s an invitation to reflect on what “home” really means. So, next time you’re in the Redpath Library Building, grab one of these novels and scan the QR code to explore the profound concept of home in all its rich, diverse glory. Happy reading!

Exploring McGill University’s Study Guides

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As you embark on your academic journey at McGill University, having the right resources at your fingertips can significantly impact your success. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to a selection of recommended books available at the McGill Libraries. These resources cover various aspects of academic writing, research, and presentation skills, making them valuable assets for your educational pursuits.

Recommended Books

1. “100 Tips to Avoid Mistakes in Academic Writing and Presenting” by Adrian Wallwork and Anna Southern:
This book is an indispensable guide to academic writing and presentation skills. With 100 practical tips, it offers insights to help you avoid common mistakes and enhance your writing and presentation abilities. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced scholar, this resource will help you craft more polished and professional academic work.

2. “A Student’s Writing Guide: How to Plan and Write Successful Essays” by Gordon Taylor:
Gordon Taylor’s guide is a comprehensive approach to essay writing. It provides valuable insights on how to plan, structure, and write successful essays. Whether you’re tackling essays as assignments or part of your research, this book offers essential guidance to excel in your academic writing.

3. “EndNote 1-2-3 Easy!: Reference Management for the Professional” by Abha Agrawal and Majid Rasouli:
Proper reference management is vital for academic research and writing. This book simplifies the use of EndNote, a popular reference management software. It helps streamline your research process, ensuring you can cite your sources correctly and efficiently.

4. “Stylish Academic Writing” by Helen Sword:
Academic writing doesn’t have to be dull and dry. Helen Sword’s book explores the art of crafting stylish and engaging academic prose. It offers practical tips and examples to make your academic writing more accessible and appealing to readers.

5. “Writing the Research Paper: Multicultural Perspectives for Writing in English as a Second Language” by Philip M. McCarthy and Khawlah Ahmed:
For non-native English speakers, this book is an excellent resource for improving research paper writing skills. It provides multicultural perspectives and guidance to help ESL students excel in academic writing. Whether you’re writing research papers or working on academic projects, this resource offers insights into effective writing in English as a second language.

These recommended books, available at the McGill Libraries, offer valuable guidance and tips to help you excel in academic writing, research, and presentation. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing skills, manage references efficiently, or make your academic writing more engaging, these resources can empower your academic journey. Explore these books and enhance your academic success at McGill!