Our summer must-reads!
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Looking for more summer reading inspiration?
Whether you're lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, here are some of our summer escapades that create unforgettable reading experiences. Take a look at our recommendations and let us know which ones catch your interest. Happy reading!
Lois Smith
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
After receiving critical acclaim and popular engagement with his book, "Cutting for Stone" (which I loved...), I had to read this latest one by Abraham Verghese. It is about family, a generational curse and water. It is set in Kerala, India and is based on his mother's own stories. Verghese is a medical doctor. He weaves history and medicine together effectively as the novel meanders through decades from 1900-1970. I find storytelling a welcome genre in the summertime when a longer read can be savoured. If you decide to read it, let's discuss!
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Rodney Falconer
The Chancellor, The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel by Kati Marton
It is often said when it comes to people you should never judge a book by its cover (pun intended!). When I decided to read this book, I was not sure if I would enjoy it because whenever I saw Angela on the news etc. she seemed to be someone who did not have a major presence, or to be very blunt, not very interesting. After reading this book my opinion of Angela Merkel has completely changed. She is an amazing woman who has accomplished so much and Germany was lucky to have her looking out for them as long as they did.
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Lira Lamaca
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This story begins with the birth of an Appalachian boy in a mobile home, to a young mother suffering from addiction. In a series of unfortunate events, Demon is forced to navigate foster care, child labour, awful living conditions, short-lived athletic success, addiction and crushing losses. Will he ever be loved and find hope? It is beautifully written with humour, sadness, hope and despair. You can't help but root for Demon!
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Meredith Mercer
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This book was recommended to me by a friend who reads close to 60 books a year! This is one of her all-time favourites. I could not agree more. I was immediately captivated. It is a story of fresh starts, wild adventures, and survival in the harshest of physical and emotional environments. Having spent a few weeks in Alaska, I know first-hand how harsh the environment can be. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters as much as I enjoyed the landscapes which were brought to life in vivid detail. At times, I felt like I too was living off the grid in Alaska!
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Angela Dang
The Power of Now, A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
This is not the typical book I enjoy reading, but I loved it. It describes how our ego-based state of consciousness often leads us to suffer mentally, worrying about the future and regretting the past. The book invites readers to go beyond an intellectual understanding of the "Power of Now" and experience it directly within themselves. My biggest takeaway is the only time I should care about is the present moment.
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Maddie Hubbard
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover's memoir is a powerful story. Born into a family that did not believe in education or health systems, Tara did not step foot in a classroom until she was 17. She now holds a PhD in intellectual history from the University of Cambridge. Reading this story was eye-opening for me, and important to my understanding of how education is, in Tara's words, "this great mechanism of connecting and equalizing." Having been in school for most of my life to date, I now appreciate the privilege I've had to develop my own worldview through education.
SFFG Updates
We are pleased to announce SFFG Sundays, our new blog! We look forward to discussing what is top-of-mind, in all aspects of life, bi-weekly on Sundays.
Join us on July 11th, to hear Ben McNally's top 20 book recommendations for the summer. Register Here to attend.
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Very best regards,
The Smith Falconer Financial Group
CIBC Wood Gundy
Lois, Rodney, Lira, Meredith,
Angela, and Maddie
Smith Falconer Financial Group
CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. The CIBC logo and "CIBC Private Wealth" are trademarks of CIBC, used under license. "Wood Gundy" is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc.
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