Local authors make must read list

Just in time for the wet grey days of winter, the North Shore libraries have just released their annual list: the North Shore Writers Collection. With the help of the North Vancouver District Library, we have pulled out six Lynn Valley authors who are proudly on this year’s list.

A dark story for dark nights

With her first book on the list, Rhonda Mailey warns you might be left with more than a good story after reading her suspense horror novel Reginald. “Reginald seems to have a presence of his own. I hear from readers all the time and they tell me they sense him - like they are walking down the street and feel him hiding behind a bush. Even my writing coach: she was hearing noises in her bathroom and she thought that it could be Reginald in the walls,” laughs Mailey. “I thought: ‘For heaven’s sake it could be a mouse’.” The novel is set in a fictional BC coastal community called Einer’s Bay. When Leah, a busy career-driven Vancouverite, inherits a grand home she has experiences she can’t explain. With the help of local community protectors called the Guardians, they encounter Reginald - a demon born from despicable and tortured beginnings. “I’ve always had a little bit of a twisted mind. I am not a big fan of horror per se, I was more interested in mysteries. Reginald popped into my head one day and I thought I would see where it would go,” said Mailey. “I am not a writer who plans - it was really just the story that came to me. It’s about people. It’s about the characters and tension and the humanity of Reginald.” Mailey has some heavy hitters on her side. She worked with CKNW broadcaster John McComb to voice and produce the audiobook and artist Alejandro Colucci - known for The Witcher series -  for the cover and illustrationsMailey has another book nearing publication and the sequel to Reginald is in the editing stage, plus she has two children’s books she hopes to make it to print in the near future. “I have always been a voracious reader. I remember being at Eastview Elementary and sitting under a tree to read Nancy Drew after Nancy Drew. I just loved to read,” she said. “I was quite touched to be a part . It was nice to have everyone together. It’s no surprise, there are a lot of talented and creative people on the North Shore.” 

More Lynn Valley authors on the list

My BIG Floofy Feet by Judy BjornsonThis is a sweet story told by a loveable cat whose extra toes and giant feet give him many abilities in life that he otherwise would not have had. Respecting both the similarities and the differences in each other, opens doors to making new friends, learning new things, and having more self-confidence. The storybook is intended to empower all children to accept and love each other unconditionally the way they are and to let their inner aspirations flourish.Judy is a Master Trainer both for exercises in the water and on land. Due to her genuine compassion and extensive disease/disability knowledge as it relates to rehabilitation/movement, Judy was selected as a Program Co-ordinator by the Vancouver Brain Injury Association. In all aspects of her life Judy strives to positively affect the lives of those she encounters. She decided to write a book from a kitty's point of view to communicate with young children because perhaps the most powerful path to healing for our children is through animals. A second book in the series of three introduces new characters with their own differences and teaches the value of how each of us contributes with our unique abilities to make the work a better place will soon be published. The illustrator, Sydney Kosnik was only 16 years old when she illustrated the book, winning an award for her illustrations and character design in New York.On Foot in France by France FehrFrance and her husband Stephen had just turned 60 when they began their journey on the Camino de Santiago in France. On each of the 39 days, they knew they would always do three things: walk, eat, and sleep. The historic trail took them through breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages, offering them magical moments and ample time to think. But, walking the 800 kilometres was also a challenge, especially when France injured her foot and quitting was not an option. On Foot in France is an inspiring story of courage, determination, and friendship on the path shared by countless pilgrims.France Fehr was born in Quebec and has lived in North Vancouver for over three decades. She has travelled around North America, Europe, and Asia, taking many photographs to share on Flickr, Instagram, and her blogs. When she is not on a trail in Europe, she keeps fit while hiking or cycling in British Columbia. On Foot in France, a travel memoir of her adventure on the Camino de Santiago is her first book.Nice Try, Jane Sinner by Lianne OelkeJane Sinner, a 17-year-old dropout, sets out to redefine herself through a series of schemes and stunts, including participating in a low-budget reality TV show at her local community college.Lianne Oelke has a degree in philosophy and works in the film industry - which may explain a lot about her debut novel, Nice Try, Jane Sinner. Or not. She lives, camps, and thinks about cats in North Vancouver.Child Sex Trafficking in Canada and How To Stop It by Catherine PetersChild Sex Trafficking in Canada is a primer or textbook and immersive study into the dark world of trafficking for prostitution in Canada. Its reach is universal as trafficking is a global problem. Research, resources, and solutions are provided throughout the book with the goal for the reader to learn how to stop sexual exploitation locally and nationally.Cathy Peters is a former inner-city high school teacher from British Columbia. She is a wife, a mother of three remarkable children, a business partner, a public speaker and an author. Cathy lives with her husband Allan in North Vancouver, BC.Philosophy's Role in Counseling and Psychotherapy by Peter RaabeThe book's purpose is to show how philosophy is a useful addition to the knowledge counsellors and psychotherapists already have. Clients often need a way to look at what is troubling them that peels back the layering put there by the way they are used to thinking about their problems. Philosophy gives them important tools to aid them in the process of discovering how to get to the heart of what they are seeking help for.Peter B. Raabe received his P.H.D. in 1999 from U.B.C. He began his teaching career at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2003 teaching philosophy. He published a book in 2014 titled, Philosophy's Role in Counseling and Psychotherapy, which became the textbook for a unique course he developed called Philosophy for Counsellors. Peter retired in 2021 and was awarded Professor Emeritus status. He lives in North Vancouver with his wife.

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