Reader’s Guide
Reader’s Guide 2018
905.793.4636 bramptonlibrary.ca
Reader’s Guide What is One Book One Brampton? A city-wide shared reading experience where everyone in the community reads the same book. One Book One Brampton will encourage the community to read a common title and then participate in a variety of events that tie into the themes of the book.
How can I participate? Well, since you asked… Read the book, share it with friends, and attend one of our events!
About the Author
Cherie Dimaline is a Métis author and editor from the Georgian Bay Métis community. A Gentle Habit is a collection of brilliantly written short stories published by Kegedonce in 2015. Most recently, Cherie won the Governor General’s Award for Young People’s Literature and the U.S. Kirkus Award for Young Readers for her 2017 novel, The Marrow Thieves. Her first book, Red Rooms, (Theytus Books, 2007) won Fiction Book of the Year from the Anskohk Aboriginal Book Awards. Her novel, The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy (Theytus Books, 2013), was shortlisted for the 2014 Burt Award. Cherie has edited numerous publications including Spirit, FNH and Muskrat magazines. Her fiction has been anthologized internationally. Cherie was named the 2014 Emerging Artist of the Year - Ontario Premier’s Award, and was named the first Writer in Residence Aboriginal Literature for the Toronto Public Library. Cherie currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she coordinates the annual Indigenous Writers’ Gathering.
Accolades • • • •
Winner, 2017 Kirkus Prize (Young Readers’ Literature) Winner, 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award (Young People’s Literature - Text) Nominated, 2018 Forest of Reading - White Pine Awards Shortlisted, 2018 CBC Canada Reads
• • • •
Shortlisted, 2018 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award Longlisted, 2018 Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic Shortlisted, 2018 Indigenous Literature Award
Reader’s Guide
About the Book Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands. It is a timely and necessary read referencing pipelines, melting northern territories, rising water levels, and the consequences of government policies that don’t protect the environment. Powerful and endlessly smart, it’s a crucial work of fiction for people of all ages.
Elements of Appeal Genre: Apocalyptic fiction; Canadian fiction; Dystopian fiction; Science fiction Storyline: Character-driven Themes: Band of survivors; Climate change; apocalypse Tone: Bleak Writing Style: Compelling; Lyrical
Reviews “Miigwans is a true hero; in him Dimaline creates a character of tremendous emotional depth and tenderness, connecting readers with the complexity and compassion of Indigenous people. A dystopian world that is all too real and that has much to say about our own.” Starred review — Kirkus Reviews
There’s a quality in Dimaline’s writing that reached from the page, into my being ... That’s a specific reference to the residential schools of the past, where so much was taken from Native children. It is one of many points in The Marrow Thieves where - painfully or with exquisite beauty - Dimaline’s story resonates with me. It will resonate with other Native readers, too, especially those who are Anishinabe. Several tribal nations are mentioned in here, too ... There’s so much more to say ... about Miggs and Isaac, about Ri, about Minerva, about French. But I’ll stop and let you be with these achingly dear characters. I highly recommend The Marrow Thieves. — Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children’s Literature
“Though the novel tackles some heavy subject matter, The Marrow Thieves feels lighter as a result of Dimaline’s graceful, almost fragile, prose. Dimaline thrusts readers into the complex lives of rich and nuanced characters forced to navigate a world that too closely resembles our own. At first glance, the book appears to be dystopian fiction swarming with adventure and danger; however, readers with an interest in social justice and a grasp on colonial history will extract much deeper meaning. The book is, above all, a cautionary tale, revealing an exaggerated version of what could happen to Earth in the not-so-distant future. It is a timely and necessary read referencing pipelines, melting northern territories, rising water levels, and the consequences of government policies that don’t protect the environment. Powerful and endlessly smart, it’s a crucial work of fiction for people of all ages.” — Jessica Rose, Quill & Quire
The Marrow Thieves is speculative fiction with a chilling immediacy. Its unflinching narrative resonates in our disturbing times. Cherie Dimaline’s exceptional writing and authentic characters pull you into a story that lingers and unsettles.” — Governor General’s Literary Awards
Reader’s Guide
The Marrow Thieves Read-Alikes Kisiskaciwan: Indigenous Voices from Where the River Flows Swiftly By Jesse Rae Archibald-Barber “A groundbreaking anthology from territory that is now known as Saskatchewan, kisiskâciwan contains rich, oral narratives from Cree, Saulteaux, Nakoda, Dakota, Dene, Gros Ventres, and Métis cultures; speeches and letters by Treaty Chiefs; stories from Elders; archival discoveries; and exciting, contemporary literary works in all genres. ….” Provided by publisher. The Break by Katherena Vermette When Stella, a young Métis mother, looks out her window one evening and spots someone in trouble on the Break — a barren field on an isolated strip of land outside her house — she calls the police to alert them to a possible crime. In a series of shifting narratives, people who are connected, both directly and indirectly, with the victim — police, family, and friends — tell their personal stories leading up to that fateful night. The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson Lynn McBride has learned much since society collapsed in the face of nuclear war and the relentless spread of disease. As memories of her old life haunt her, she has been forced to forge ahead in the snow-covered Canadian Yukon, learning how to hunt and trap to survive. But her fragile existence is about to be shattered.
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese Saul Indian Horse is dying. Tucked away in a hospice high above the clash and clang of a big city, he embarks on a marvelous journey of imagination back through the life he led as a northern Ojibway, with all its sorrows and joys. Saul, taken forcibly from the land and his family when he’s sent to Residential School, salvation comes for a while through his incredible gifts as a hockey player. But in the harsh realities of 1960s Canada, he battles obdurate racism and the spirit-destroying effects of cultural alienation and displacement. There There by Tommy Orange Fierce, angry, funny, heartbreaking, There There is a relentlessly paced multigenerational story about violence and recovery, memory and identity, and the beauty and despair woven into the history of a nation and its people. A glorious, unforgettable debut.” -- Provided by publisher. Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson With striking originality and precision, Eden Robinson, the author of the classic Monkey Beach and winner of the Writers’ Trust of Canada Fellowship, blends humour with heartbreak in this compelling coming-of-age novel. Everyday teen existence meets indigenous beliefs, crazy family dynamics, and cannibalistic river otters... The exciting first novel in her trickster trilogy.
Reader’s Guide
Documentary Kanopy Video Screening Service Did you know? Brampton Library cardholders can stream up to 10 videos per month with 3 day (72 hour) viewing access for each streamed video.
Across the Americas In this compilation, award-winning independent documentary filmmaker Robbie Leppzer chronicles indigenous people from North, South, and Central America speaking out about their common legacies of survival and contemporary struggles over land, human rights, and the environment.
Beyond the Shadows A powerful documentary about the legacy of Native Residential Schools (Missionary Schools), Beyond the Shadows is a 28 minute documentary about the far-reaching and emotionally devastating effects of residential/ boarding schools on the Native population in Canada.
Ancient Sea Gardens Mystery of the Pacific Northwest When marine geologist Dr. John Harper stumbles upon a coastal phenomenon in the form of mysterious curving rock walls along the low tide line of hundreds of beaches in British Columbia, he launches on a quest that will take years to resolve and will bring him far outside of his scientific community. With the timely intervention of a local beachcomber, Dr. Harper taps into the deep oral traditions of the First Peoples of the area. It may prove to be the most important archaeological discovery of its kind on North America’s West Coast. The answer to this mystery has the power to forever change the way we view our land.
I Dream in Another Language I DREAM IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE follows a young linguist into the jungles of Mexico as he tries to learn about and preserve a mysterious indigenous language. A language, as he discovers, at the point of disappearing since the last two speakers had a fight fifty years ago and refuse to speak a word with each other.
Reader’s Guide One Book One Brampton Events An Evening with the Winner! October 25, 6-8:30pm Cyril Clark, 20 Loafers Lake Lane Brampton Library is pleased to host Cherie Dimaline for a free talk about her One Book One Brampton-winning book, The Marrow Thieves, selected by public vote. Drop in to meet the author, hear details about the writing and publishing of her award-winning book, purchase a copy and have your book signed. Enjoy refreshments before the author presentation. Documentaries - Kanopy Across the Americas September 23, 2-4pm Cyril Clark, 20 Loafers Lake Lane, Brampton Ancient Sea Gardens October 17, 7-8pm Chinguacousy Branch 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton I Dream in Another Language October 19, 2-4pm Springdale Branch, 10705 Bramalea Rd, Brampton One Book One Brampton Book Club September 13, 1-3pm Four Corners Branch, 65 Queen Street E. Share in some lively discussion about the winning title, The Marrow Thieves. Find out what other enthusiastic readers think about the One Book. Call to register (905) 793- 4636. Food Sustainability - With Author Sonia Faruqi September 25, 7-8:30pm Cyril Clark, 20 Loafers Lake Lane Sonia Faruqi investigates animal farms around the world, a journey profiled in her critically acclaimed book Project Animal Farm. Sonia will talk about how small changes in our day -to-day lives can yield major positive results for people, animals and the planet.
Liars, Cheats & Thieves: Creating Colourful Characters October 13, 1-4pm Chinguacousy Branch, 150 Central Park Drive Spend an afternoon creating a collection of intriguing characters that capture the reader’s imagination, complicated and mysterious characters that will help spark life into your stories. Bring pen & paper or a laptop. Workshop suitable for new and experienced writers. Call to register (905) 793- 4636. Haunted Ghost Tour October 23, 7- 8:30pm Four Corners Branch and Downtown Core Join Steve Collie from After Dark Tours for a ghostly walk through Brampton’s downtown core. Find out about the concentrated amount of paranormal activity, the dark side that is lurking under Brampton’s familiar façade. Call to register (905) 793- 4636.
Reader’s Guide How to Run Your Own Book Club to Discuss One Book One Brampton together. It’s easier than you think! • • • • •
Appoint a lead or coordinator Sign up 5 -10 members Get your free library card at any Brampton Library branch Borrow print copies at your nearest Brampton Library branch or a digital copy online Read the book at your own pace
But what do we talk about? • • • • •
Did you like the book? Hate it? Why? What did you think of the main character? Does the story make you think of something (or someone) in your own life? Does the story remind you of something else you’ve read, or a movie you’ve seen? Would you normally read this kind of book?
It’s really about your reaction to the book: Love it or hate it, throw your comments on the table to find that some people will agree with you while others may have a completely different reaction. That’s where the discussion comes in. Your opinion of the book is all you need to participate in a group discussion. Your opinion matters as much as anybody else’s. Don’t worry about getting all literary… Just have fun! Maybe the book makes you think of something you once experienced, or maybe you can’t imagine ever doing something that one of the characters does. Book clubs of any origin – company employees, family and friends from the neighbourhood, or strangers talking about books in an online discussion forum – all provide opportunities to build relationships, explore new thinking, find shared interests, and in the case of One Book One Brampton, participate in a city-wide reading experience.
Reader’s Guide Discussion Questions for Book Clubs 1. The Marrow Thieves inspired me to reflect on the shameful Canadian history of residential schools and the scary reality of global warming. What resonated more with you? 2. Do you think the author’s goal was to attract YA audiences to a story where indigenous youth were the heroes, saving the world, and did she achieve that goal? 3. “The way to kill a man or nation is to cut off his dreams, the way the whites are taking care of the Indians: killing their dreams, their magic, their familiar spirits.” - William S. Burroughs This quote perfectly frames the book’s thematic message. What are your thoughts? Is it also relatable to non-indigenous people whose dreams are also under serious threat of being taken away? 4. What can a novel about an undesirable future tell us or emphasize for us about the world we live in today? 5. The theme of dreamers is a major theme in this novel, and it is reflected in this quote: “And I understood that as long as there are dreamers left, there will never be want for a dream” (p. 231). Who are the dreamers of today? What are their dreams? 6. How is the future depicted in The Marrow Thieves informed by the actual history of Indigenous peoples in North America?