���߲ݴ�ý

Here are their top five picks

“Ducktails, Drive-ins and Broken Hearts: An Unsweetened Look at ’50s Music” by Hank Davis

Bookseller and Bookshelf co-owner Stephanie Minett suggested this gem by a University of ���߲ݴ�ýprofessor emeritus of psychology. She said Davis knows the ins and outs of music from a 45-year career in music journalism.

“Hank Davis brings an infectious enthusiasm to his examination of the lesser-known music and musicians of a pivotal period in popular music. Like the liner notes of a beloved boxset, “Ducktails, Drive-ins and Broken Hearts” is chock-full of unexpected stories and insights from the studio, the stage and the road, featuring the stars and the almost-made-its of rock and roll’s earliest days,” said Minett.

“Other Maps” by Rebecca Morris

Bookseller Morgan McDonald spoke highly of a ���߲ݴ�ýborn and raised author Rebecca Morris and her debut novel. The book is called a “#me too” story set in Guelph. Morris might be better known to local folks as Becky Atkinson.

“Rebecca Morris’ first novel is filled to the brim with mentions and nods to Guelph, past and present. If you come for local colour, though, you’ll stay for a rich, compelling story of friendship between two women and the support women can offer each other through the gendered difficulties of life,” said McDonald.

“Peacocks of Instagram” by Deepa Rajagopalan

Bookseller and Bookshelf founder Barb Minette said that everyone should read this first offering from Deepa Rajagopalan, who was a finalist for the Giller Prize this year.

“It is a work of linked stories, which migrate, like many people today between birthplace and home country,” she said. “Despite suffering from sexism and racism, the main characters are wily girls and women who eventually get their revenge.”

She credits the author’s understanding of the human psyche and writing skills for the complexity within these pages.

“How can lives that contain challenges and tragedy also be brimming with humour? I laughed out loud several times,” said Minett.

“Stitching Science: Exploring Science from A-Z” by Lauren Wright Vartanian

Ben Minett, Bookshelf co-owner with a lifetime of bookish experience, recommended this beauty for anyone who loves science and art. The hardcover is listed as being for youth ages 12 to 18.

“Guelphite Lauren Wright Vartanian has done an incredible job of exciting people about science through textile art,” he said. “Did you know that lichen is a symbiotic relationship between two or three different organisms, and they provide life where plants cannot grow? Extremes create opportunity for life through co-operation of green algae, fungus and cyanobacteria.”

Minett said the book is “gorgeously illustrated and fascinating.”

“Who By Fire” by Greg Rhyno

Bookseller and author Andrew Hood praised the work of Greg Rhyno and his character development.

“The only thing better than a keen investigator is a reluctant keen investigator,” Hood said. “This first novel in the Dame Polara series (look out for “Who By Water,” due in April) finds an urban preservationist, who is also the daughter of a well-known shamus, sucked like oxygen into the conflagration of arson in Toronto. Here, Rhyno offers a refreshing mélange of reality and genre tropes that will leave readers itching for April.”

For these books and more recommendations, head to the Bookshelf, give them a call at 519-821-3311, or visit . You can even get fast, free delivery in Guelph.