As everyone knows, I am a HUGE fan and supporter of Canada Reads.  Each year the CBC chooses 5 defenders who each choose a book to debate in the gameshow/literary prize program which I look forward to.  Canada Reads inspires Canadians to celebrate Canadian authors and the debates keep readers tuning in for the four day book showdown.  Each year, I challenge myself to read all 5 books and in doing so, am often delighted by books that I might not have usually picked up.  Sadly, the 2020 Canada Reads has been postpone due to COVID19.  The March dates have passed and it will now be in July.  I will miss being in the studio audience for the finale but am looking forward to the debates!

Although I read this book in February, Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club deserves its’ very own post.  It was harsh, it did hurt but it was a terrific tale.  The story begins in the harsh, biting winter of Newfoundland and the story continued biting at the reader, like a storm,  as the dense prose delved into the lives of an eclectic group of flawed characters.  It starts with a warning: “This might hurt a little. Be brave” and you will have to read it through to see how it ends!

It is NOT an easy book.  I admit that I had to read the first 35 pages not once, not twice BUT 3 times but reader,  please perservere!  It is worth it!

After hearing Megan Gail Coles speak at the Canada Reads kick off, I could hear her voice as I read the dense prose of this story.  Her writing is amazing, readers can picture the characters who are all connected in very unfortunate ways.

If you have not read this book, now is the time to pick it up so that you can be prepared for the debates which begin on July 20th!