"A tale set in the Wild West during the golden age of fossil hunting follows the exploits of two ambitious paleontologists who sabotage each others' careers in a rivalry that came to be known as the Bone Wars."
Ms. Morgan McLaughlin teaches Philosophy and AP European History, coaches basketball, netball, track and field, and sponsors Encounter. In her free time, she likes basketball, netball, pickleball, art and crafts, and listening to podcasts. Her favourite genre is historical fiction. Why should you pick this novel? "If you like rivalries, palaeontology, the wild west, deception and betrayal, and the weaving of real historical characters into a fictional tale - this book is for you!"
"In 1946, writer Juliet Ashton finds inspiration for her next book in her correspondence with a native of Guernsey, who tells her about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club born as an alibi during German occupation."
Ms. Michelle Kovesi teaches Math 8 and 9, and coaches field hockey. She loves rock climbing and cross-country skiing. Ms. Kovesi enjoys historical fiction because: "It lets me learn about different times and places in an engaging and fun way." Of this selection she says: "It's the best book I've read in a while! The characters are quirky and charming, and I found the book really funny and enjoyable to read."
"Reunited when the elder's husband is sent to fight in World War II, French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, find their bond as well as their respective beliefs tested by a world that changes in horrific ways."
Learning Centre and English teacher Ms. Katie Anderson is an Encounter sponsor. In her free time, she likes cooking, walks and hikes, watching HGTV and Netflix, and reading, "gravitating to Chick Lit!"
She selected this book because she enjoys Kristin Hannah's books and loves historical fiction. "Fingers crossed that it's a win!"
Learning Centre teacher Ms. Fay Wheatley enjoys running, swimming, photography, spending time with her girls.
She prefers historical fiction: "What better way to learn about historical events than through personal narratives? I admire the courage, humanity, perseverance, and utter strength of those who lived through and were/are affected by war and the devastation it brings. In Nightingale, I'm interested in reading about these two sisters' tales and their struggles during the Nazi invasion."
"A beautiful woman escapes her Austrian arms-dealer husband to become Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr while hiding a secret double life as a Jewish scientist and sharing vital information about the Third Reich."
Science teacher Ms. Katie Field sponsors Cross Country and Mountain Biking teams. In her free time, she plays ultimate frisbee, mountain bikes, and hangs out with her kids.
Ms. Field enjoy reading historical fiction. Of this novel, she says: "You learn about about this fascinating story about a woman who contributed to the technology that we use everyday in our phones (wifi, GPS and bluetooth)"
"In early 1900s Korea, prized daughter Sunja finds herself pregnant and alone, bringing shame on her family until a young tubercular minister offers to marry her and move with her to Japan, in the saga of one family bound together as their faith and identity are called into question."
Ms. Nina Pagtakhan teaches Humanities 8, Socials 10, Geography 12 and coaches volleyball. In her free time: "I run, play the piano poorly because I don't practice, and try to understand my 7 year old son and 12 year old daughter." She tends to read a lot of non fiction.
So why did she pick this book? "I'm drawn to immigration stories --the country does not matter, but the narrative does."