Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Book Club – The Year of the Flood

A month ago, I took a walk into Indigo, downtown on St. Catherine Street. Like any other Indigo day, I first made my way upstairs to the bargain section. Filtering through the piles of novels, I did not find anything. Turning toward the amazing coffee shop, where I ordered a black medium coffee, I spotted a discounted notebook for 2 dollars. Grabbing the notebook and not satisfied in finding a novel, I managed to head toward the fiction area. Clearing my way through the busy crowd, I saw in front of me, The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

It’s unfortunate up until that point that I never had read any literature written by Margaret Atwood. After reading the flap and her rave reviews from her previous novel, Oryx and Crake, without hesitation I took a chance in purchasing it. At the cash, the staff also raved about the Oryx and Crake, as well as The Year of the Flood. Mind you, I truly put my trust in the reviews of Indigo’s staff, I have never once been disappointed.

During my busy schedule I made time at night to read the novel. Truth be told, I was a bit apprehensive. Atwood throws you into this grim-future of how the world ended. Her vividly and wild imagination transported me from my comfy couch to an apocalyptic future. Needless to say, the time I spent with her characters, Ren and Toby, as well as the Gardeners, made January’s coldest days fly by.

This is an amazing read. It has so many layers of themes and beautifully well-written that your mind will continue to clatter and reflect.

It makes perfect sense at this point to recommend this after persuading you to go to the library. At the library, they have 8 available, waiting to be read. Feel free to leave comments about the novel.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

I would like to introduce you all to the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. It’s rather funny that my first recommendation would be a library. However, I am always surprised to find that there are so many people that never have actually passed the full-size revolving doors to the library.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec is a staple in my weekly activities during the winter. During the cold winter days, it’s a perfect weekend getaway. I come and go, each week carrying a bag full of music, books and DVDs to discover. The brilliant thing about the library is that it is free. Yes free! Bring an id and a proof of address. That’s it!

Every week, I stand on the forth floor in front of a sea like vast collection of music. Walking through the aisles, I always take chances by grabbing discs of unknown artists. My latest discovery, Oscar Peterson: Stephane Grappelli quartet vol. 2 from the Jazz in Paris series. Making my way pass the countless discs, I stand in front of a herd of film lovers flipping through stacks of DVD’s, all contemplating their next viewing. I recommend going to the television series section where you will uncover several surprising finds as well as some unexpected classics.

Last but not least, saving the best for last, I roam throughout the rest of the floors engulfed with volumes amount of paper that’s been inked to make wonderful past times experiences on my cold winter days. Lately I have been wondering the arts section, reading the works of Van Gogh.

I recommend taking a walk around the building, to discover every nook and cranny. The building itself is nicely built. Take time to discover the National Collection, if not to discover, then a quiet escape to read or study. Do not be turned away by the security guard, she or he will provide a locker for you to stash your belongings.

I hope that this weekend and the next, I will pass each and one of you.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.



Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
475, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est, Montréal (Québec) H2L 5C4
Opening hours :
Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Metro : Berri