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All Lit Up Press Picks for the Holidays: Fernwood Publishing
Hailing from both Winnipeg and Halifax, Fernwood Publishing is deeply committed to publishing works that speak to feminism, anti-racism, and social justice. These three Press Picks shared by Fernwood staff (+ cats!) are perfect for the big-hearted rabble-rouser in your life.
Frequently Asked White Questions by
Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish
Selected by Fazeela Jiwa (she/they), Acquisitions & Development Editor at Fernwood:
“I can’t count how many times a family member, colleague, or friend says something about race that doesn’t sit well with me, but I don’t know what to say in that moment, and then it passes without anyone challenging what’s considered ‘normal.’ Frequently Asked White Questions literally has talking points for these situations, with smart and funny analysis told in an empathetic, accessible way. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who wants to learn more about race and anti-racism, or someone YOU wish would learn more about it! Especially in a society that seems increasingly divided these days, this small but mighty book feels like a balm for healing our sticky relationships.”
Find Frequently Asked White Questions here on All Lit Up or use the Shop Local button to purchase from your local indie bookstore.
Enough by Kimia Eslah
Selected by Sade Cooke (they/them), Administration Coordinator at Fernwood:
“Enough perfectly captures the isolation and inadequacy I felt working within government. Each character’s struggle to navigate Toronto City Hall illustrates the many ways that equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives fail to address systemic barriers and gaslight marginalized people into thinking what is happening to them isn’t discrimination. Though I’m white and have not had to deal with the impacts of racism like the Iranian women in the novel, I related a lot to Sameera as a queer millennial. The scene where she faces racist comments from a director in a meeting about an equity initiative instantly transported me back to the countless meetings about inclusivity I’ve sat through while being misgendered by those at the front of the room. Anyone who has ever quietly sobbed in a bathroom stall after being talked down to by a bigoted co-worker will see themselves in this book.”
Find Enough here on All Lit Up or use the Shop Local button to purchase from your local indie bookstore.
The Untimely Resurrection of John Alexander MacNeilÂ
by Lesley Choyce
Selected by Sanna Wani (she/her), Publicity and Promotions Manager at Fernwood:
“The Untimely Resurrection of John Alexander MacNeil is a heartwarming story about a curmudgeonly old fart with a heart of gold. In this standalone sequel, Choyce explores mortality, Cape Breton, and how we live. Serious investigations balanced with kitschy humour, John Alex has an unforgettable voice. He’s the kind of character that will follow you around for days after, the (not so) quiet accompaniment and accomplishment of a deeply loveable complex character. I love the interactions between John Alex and Florence, also known as Flossie, best because they were so rich in memories, time, and old friendship and love. We all know the romance of a childhood crush never really fades. That scene and so much more embody the charm of this 103rd novel by Atlantic Legacy Award winner Lesley Choyce. This book is a gift, ready to be given to seniors and young adults alike.”
Find The Untimely Resurrection of John Alexander MacNeil here on All Lit Up or use the Shop Local button to purchase from your local indie bookstore.
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For more Press Picks for the Holidays, click here.
