Loves of Our Lives: Poems for Hopeful Hearts by Josie Balka

A special thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

From the coziness of lifelong friendship to the aching intensity of lost love, Loves of Our Lives is a poetic journey through the heartfelt relationships that make us human.

In her highly anticipated second collection, social media sensation Josie Balka masterfully puts words to the indescribable, weaving her signature blend of raw emotion and vivid imagery into poems that speak straight to the soul.

Featuring eighty poems, some already beloved by her followers and others exclusive to this collection, Loves of Our Lives spotlights six types of love—familial, toxic, romantic, friendship, self-love, and lost love—and invites reflection, offering solace and celebration in equal measure in this love letter to love itself. 

Loves of Our Lives is an exploration of love in all of its forms. Balka's beautiful words stitch together the exciting and exhilarating parts of love with the more complex and heartbreaking moments. The themes—friendship, loss, grief, aging, acceptance, love in its various forms—are not only relatable, but they allow readers to take away what resonates with them. 

This book makes the perfect gift to celebrate those that have touched your heart.

BUY NOW CANADA

BUY NOW USA

LISTEN NOW

JOSIE BALKA is a voiceover artist, poet, and New York Times bestselling author of I Hope You Remember. She holds a diploma in radio, television, and film from Niagara College and has worked for some of the largest media companies in North America as an on-air personality. She can often be caught recording viral poetry in her sound-proof closet. 

Balka was born and raised in Toronto and currently lives in Calgary, Canada. 

---

Q & A with Josie Balka*

GWR: How did you start writing/become a poet?

JB: I’ve always been really into writing. Before this most of my writing was done in the form of songs rather than poems. I’ve played piano my whole life and picked up guitar the first year of high school and have always been really interested in putting my words to music. I’d write the occasional poem here and there, but never with the intention to show anyone I the way I would post my music. Then one day, I decided to video me recording a poem I’d written in my voiceover studio in our basement, and people seemed to resonate with that style even more than they did with the music I’d been posting for many years, so I went with it. It is such an amazing outlet, whether it’s to music or not. 

GWR: What does your process looks like?       

JB: My writing process doesn’t really have any rhyme or reason. Often, I’ll come up with a concept or a line at a time when I am not able to write, so I’ll jot it down in my notes app. The next time I have a few minutes I sit down and read over all my first lines I’ve written down over the last little while and expand on the ones that are inspiring to me at the moment. The inspiration kind of comes out of nowhere, and any time I’ve tried to force it it never comes out properly. 

GWR: The themes of this book—friendship, loss, grief, aging, acceptance, love in various forms—are not only relatable, but they allow your reader to take away what resonates with them. Do you use writing as a way of coping/an opportunity for healing, or do you write situationally? 

JB: I only ever write about things that I’ve been through personally, so every time I write it is definitely a form of coping and healing from things I have already been through. I find the most healing part of it to be when I put it online and find out that the thing I went through that felt very unique to me at the time, isn’t unique at all. It’s in those moments that the loneliness starts to dissipate, and I really can cope knowing that I’ve never been as alone as I’ve felt. I also write situationally, depending on what I’m going through at the time. 

GWR: How did the structure come about? Did you write poems to put in these buckets—romantic love, lost love, family love, toxic love, friendship love, and self love—or did the categories present themselves?

JB: My team and I had a bit of a brainstorm about all the types of love you experience in your life and decided on the names of the chapters. Then I went through a bunch of my unpublished work and divided them up to fit in the columns, and then continued writing based on what was still needed to fill the chapters. In my first book, we came up with the chapter idea after I had handed in the manuscript, so having these categories to write about kind of simplified the process for me and helped me not lean too heavily into one specific topic. 

GWR: Where do you draw inspiration from?

JB: I always draw inspiration from my own life. I haven’t tried to write about things I haven’t been through in some capacity. Sometimes I will ask for poem requests online, but I will only pick the ones that I also resonate with. I find it to be the most authentic that way in my particular case! 

GWR: When did you realize that your words were sparking connection and community? 

JB: Honestly, it happened fast. Probably after the first poem I ever posted back in late 2023. It really did motivate me to keep going, and I’m so glad I did. 

GWR: What do you hope readers will take away from Loves of Our Lives? 

JB: I hope readers walk away with the realization that pretty much everything we do is rooted in love, and how important it is. The way you love your people, your daily routine, your pets, yourself. All of it matters so much in everything we do. I hope that, if forgotten, it reminds them that there is so much love all around them all the time, including the love they give themselves. That they’re not alone in their hurt and their losses, but are also not alone in their joy. 

GWR: If your book was a beverage, what would it be? 

JB: Ooooohhhh good one, um, maybe a glass of cold white wine, in a nice wine glass though, not an ugly one. The glass really matters here, haha. 

GWR: What are you working on now?

JB: I’ve had a huge shift in my life as of recently. I lost my dream job of 11 years this past month so as I navigate this major change and take on writing full time, things are looking a little different. Right now I’m working on a new routine and lots and lots of writing. I have a few ideas tucked away, and a ton of time to work on them. I’m excited for what comes in 2026! 

*A version of this post was published on STYLE Canada.

Heart on My Sleeve by Jeanne Beker

A special thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jeanne Beker’s name is synonymous with style and grace in fashion. Recognized by many as the beloved host of Fashion Television and the The NewMusic, Jeanne has spent an entire career interviewing celebrities and uncovering their most private selves. Now, in Heart on My Sleeve, Jeanne reveals who she is in an all-new way.

This is not just a memoir but a wardrobe of memory. Jeanne walks us through her recollections of specific pieces of clothing and jewelry, precious items that have made an indelible impact on her. She invites readers to think more deeply about how what we wear—whether it’s a thrift-store find or high-end couture—acts as a touchstone to our most treasured recollections, reminding us of who we once were or of loved ones we hold dear.

With Jeanne as our style guide, we get up-close and personal with a star-studded cast, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Beyoncé, and Keith Richards. But equally important, Jeanne introduces us to the family members and loved ones who form her closest entourage—including her wise Yiddish mother and her industrious father, both Holocaust survivors; her childhood neighbour Mrs. Jaskolka, a style maven ahead of her time; her two trailblazing daughters; and her many warm and exuberant friends who have seen her through the best and worst of times.

Jeanne proves that a life lived with style and substance is always in fashion. Bold, colourful, and authentic, this is Jeanne Beker at her very best and brightest. 

Style maven Jeanne Beker delivers an uplifting and inspiring memoir that is a love letter to fashion as well as a chronicle of not only some of her incredible pieces, but of her experiences and wisdom. Beker's writing is candid, engaging, and authentic. 

Heart on my Sleeve is more than an account of Jeanne's many successes and accolades. It is also a testament to her perseverance, resilience, and spirit. You will enjoy her company immensely—it is as much of a treasure as she is.

BUY NOW

LISTEN NOW

JEANNE BEKER was the host of the hit show Fashion Television, which aired in over 130 countries for twenty-seven years and was one of the most successful shows in Canadian TV history. Prior to that, she hosted the groundbreaking show The NewMusic and was a founding member of MuchMusic. A seasoned newspaper and magazine columnist, Jeanne was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines from 2003 to 2009. Currently, she is a frequent keynote speaker and style editor for TSC, where she hosts her eponymous show Style Matters. 

Beker has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2013, inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends in 2015, and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2016. 

Jeanne lives in Toronto, Canada. 

---

Q & A with Jeanne Beker*

GWR: You were a pioneer in music and fashion journalism—what was this like to be such a trailblazer in Canadian television? 

JB: We were flying by the seat of our pants, no question, making it up as we went along. We didn’t really think of it as trail blazing at the time—we were just hell bent on being original and making great TV. We had no role models, of course, and it certainly was liberating to be able to be that unconventional. But it wasn’t always easy because not everyone understood what we were doing—or trying to do. 

GWR: When it comes to fashion, you have covered the gamut. What was your favourite trend? Do you have a least favourite? 

JB: I’m not really a big fan of the notion of “trends” to begin with, though I realize they often dictate the way people choose to dress. But in the early 90’s, the idea of “doing your own thing” came on strong again—the way it did in the ‘70s—and it was wonderful to see so many fashion enthusiasts break rules, and not worry about what everybody else was wearing. Once upon a time, fashion was definitely about doing what everybody else was doing—but self expression came into play in a big way, and that, to me, was the absolute healthiest direction to take. We saw a lot of exuberance in fashion in the ‘90s because of that mindset—and happily, it’s a kind of “trend” that never did really go away. I’ve also always loved the vintage vibe, and vintage dressing is certainly a wonderfully sustainable way to go. 

In terms of “least favourite” trend—well, that’s a tough one because I’m one of those people who never says never. Certain things are jarring when they’re first introduced, but our eye gets very used to some of these things very quickly, so I’m good with all of it!!! 

GWR: What are some of your wardrobe staples?

JB: Several pair of great fitting black pants, in a variety of fabrics, that can be dressed up or down; a well tailored black jacket; a few colourful silk shirts; a few little black cocktail dresses (sorry for all the black! LOL); as many cashmere sweaters as I can get my hands on; a great fitting pair of blue jeans; a leather moto jacket; a handful of silk scarves; high heels that are relatively comfy to wear (because nothing makes me feel as sexy as a pair of heels!); and empowering accessories—whether they’re bold, or sentimental, or whimsical, or just beautifully designed.  

GWR: In Heart on my Sleeve, you thread together moments from your life by writing about pieces from your wardrobe that have special meaning, weaving in life lessons and experiences. How did you come up with the concept of telling your story through the lens of fashion?

JB: Although I appreciate being known for many things, I guess “fashion” is what most people associate me with, because SO many people grew up watching me on Fashion Television! But I was thinking of a way to get into my story-telling, and I thought about how my own wardrobe was so rife with so many memories. For some crazy reason, I almost always remember exactly what I was wearing on any adventure. Maybe it’s because I often look at what we wear as “costume”—the way we dress can help us feel our best, most authentic selves, and communicate so much about who we are to both others, and ourselves. I thought that by reminiscing about my cherished wardrobe pieces, I might encourage others to do the same. At any rate, all these pieces served as great springboards for my story telling, and gave me—and hopefully will give my readers—some fun insights into past eras, and the role fashion often played. 

GWR: How did you decide on which items to feature? 

JB: Well I felt I had to have a pretty good story to offer with each piece. There have been untold cherished pieces in my wardrobe over the years, but not all were worthy of featuring because they didn’t have a particularly compelling story to go along with them. Many of the pieces I wrote about I still actually own! Some are relegated to mere memories….and some I still have photos of. My talented daughter Bekky O’Neil did the illustrations in the book, so you’ll at least get an idea of what all these wonderful pieces looked like. And there are several old photos in the book as well, to really take you back. 

GWR: Heart on my Sleeve is not a chronicling of your successes but rather a testament to your resilience, your spirit, and your perseverance. Why did you choose to write it this way? 

JB: I feel that at this time in my life it’s really important to share as many life lessons as possible. The stories in this memoir, which are not in any chronological order, hopefully all offer some kind of lesson— from having faith, confidence, and compassion, to dreaming big, fearlessness, and the power of positivity. 

GWR: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? 

JB: The advice my dad always gave me, which was his personal motto:  Don’t be afraid.  And never give up. 

GWR: What do you hope readers take away from Heart on my Sleeve?  

JB: I hope they understand how a little girl with stars in her eyes, who always kept an open mind and an open heart—and worked extremely hard—managed to realize countless fantasies during a brilliantly exciting era in pop culture. I hope readers will understand the role authenticity has played in my life, and how fashion, as superficial as it often is, can be a catalyst for self discovery and great communication.   

GWR: If your book was a beverage, what would it be?

JB: A cross between hot ginger tea and a vodka martini, straight up, with olives!

GWR: Can you share what you are working on next?

JB: I’m co-curating a huge, fashion-themed exhibit with Canadian designer Paul Hardy which will be presented at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum (currently under renovation) when it re-opens in 2026. Incredibly exciting for sure! Details will be announced in the next few weeks.  

*A version of this post was published on STYLE Canada. 

Brat: An '80s Story by Andrew McCarthy

A special thank you to HBG Canada and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The 1980s is known for being a decade of excess and it was almost too much for Andrew McCarthy. He is known for being a standout in Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Weekend at Bernie's, and Less than Zero, and also as a member of Hollywood's Brat Pack.

This beautifully written memoir is a painfully honest and emotional recollection by an adored actor, director, and author. McCarthy's look back to the 80s is, a coming of age story, a reckoning with with addiction, and a story about the complicated relationship with his father. Brat is an intimate story of an outsider who was almost swallowed up by the very movies that made him famous.

McCarthy's memoir is an almost-tell-all. Like his gaze, this piercing and unflinching account is sincere, raw, and captivating. If you are looking for a soapy kiss and tell, you'll have to look elsewhere. This is an enthralling, well-written account of someone who always was agonizing with his fame—McCarthy is just as aloof, shy, and uncomfortable with it today as he was then. He is candid, and at times self-deprecating, and distant. In fact, his aloofness cost him roles and challenged people's perception of him. 

He is honest—almost to a fault—with with his dysfunctions, personality quirks, and how he often felt exposed. McCarthy opens up about his issues with alcohol, how his insecurities and head would clear with each drink. He also writes about the challenging relationship he had with his father who would relentlessly ask him for money. 

Brat doesn't name drop and embellish in the perks associated with stardom. Instead it glosses over the fame, focusing more on the feelings McCarthy had about his personal struggles as well as the trajectory of his acting career. He is a gifted and thoughtful writer. Brat is elusive, candid, and enthralling.

In a decade that proved to be more angsty for him that for his characters, McCarthy's memoir is a must-read for any Gen Xer.

BUY NOW

ANDREW McCARTHY is an actor, director, an award-winning travel writer, and a bestselling author. He has directed more than eighty hours of television, including Orange in the New Black, The Blacklist, Gossip Girl, and many others. For a dozen years he served as editor at large at National Geographic Traveler, and his award-winning travel writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, and elsewhere. He is the author a travel memoir, The Longest Way Home, and a young-adult novel, Just Fly Away—both New York Times bestsellers.

McCarthy lives in New York with his family.

The 4% Fix by Karma Brown

A special thank you to the author, Karma Brown, for an ARC and to NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

If you think that there aren't enough hours in the day for you to be creative, or to dedicate yourself to something you are passionate about, let Karma Brown's The 4% Fix show you how to find the time without sacrificing your other commitments. This is not a book filled with jargon and spreadsheets—Brown provides her readers with a solid, practical approach that's infused with humour and personal experience.

How will you use this one hour—only 4% of your day—to change your life?

We are all busy and overwhelmed with responsibilities and daily tasks, and feel like we have no time or motivation. The 4% Fix is about finding an hour that is yours to harness, to exploit, or to take on a project that you want to do. You may be wondering where you are supposed to come up with an extra hour when you are already feeling like you don't have enough time to accomplish what is already on your plate. Brown's solution is to wake up an hour earlier each day. She gets up at 5 a.m. to write all of her books and has been doing so for years. For Karma, it is the right time to carve out that hour that is just for her—it's pretty quiet at 5 a.m. Yet for the sleep deprived, this sounds impossible and quite frankly, unappealing. But the idea is to find that hour to dedicate it to yourself and to make it a habit.  

Brown's cake analogy is that there are 24 pieces of cake—one for every hour of the day—yet in your life is made up of cake-loving people and everyone wants some. It’s delicious...I mean who doesn't love cake? And there are the other things in your day like work, commitments, running errands, etc., that also take their slices. But quite simply, if you don’t serve yourself first, you will be left with just crumbs. Even if you take your slice and tuck it away for later, you still need to take that first piece—have your cake and eat it too! 

The 4% Fix is part how-to and part motivation. In a refreshing and gentle way, Karma shares the latest research about time management and goal setting, as well as what strategies have worked for her. Brown's first non-fiction project is enjoyable, helpful, and practical. It it is the perfect book to kick off your year and will help you be more productive, purposeful, and focused. One hour can change your life!

BUY NOW

KARMA BROWN is an award-winning journalist and author of the bestsellers Come Away With Me, The Choices We Make, In This Moment, The Life Lucy Knew, and Recipe for a Perfect Wife. In addition to her novels, Karma's writing has appeared in publications such as Redbook, SELF, and Chatelaine.

Brown lives just outside Toronto, Canada with her husband, daughter, and their adorably handsome labradoodle, Fred.

---

Q & A with Karma Brown*

GWR: 

The structure of The 4% Fix is very digestible. Did you always have it planned out this way or was it something that came about as you started writing? 

KB: Thank you! As I was writing, I had one goal: for it to be easy to read and easy to follow. I also wanted the book to be equal parts entertaining and inspiring, but without complicated time management strategies or too heavily burdened by research. The book evolved as I went, as books do, but that original goal stayed top of mind.  

GWR: I love the quotes. Do you have a favorite? Are there any others that didn’t make the cut that still resonate with you?

KB: It’s always hard to choose a favourite, but the one that still resonates most strongly is the meditation from Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese’s EMBERS: Nothing in the universe ever grew from the outside in. 

GWR: Did your writing process differ because this was a non-fiction book? 

KB: Yes, and that was a surprise. After writing five novels (well, seven if you count my first two that will remain work-in-progress books in a dark drawer) I thought I had a solid handle on my “process.” Turns out this book about getting up early to harness the power of an untapped hour refused to be written in the pre-dawn morning! So my book about rising for the #5amwritersclub would not be written at 5 a.m. It was a revelation when I finally realized the issue, and then I simply shifted my writing time a touch later, which worked much better. 

GRW: Obviously your journalism background played a huge part—tell me about the research you did for the novel. 

KB: As a freelance journalist I’ve done a lot of interviews, and that muscle memory remained even though these days I’m mostly writing fiction. Having said that, I do lot of research for my novels, particularly Recipe for a Perfect Wife and my current one, as they both have significant historical elements. I also love the research element of writing, so it was fun to dive back into that in a non-fiction environment for The 4% Fix. It’s always a good writing day when you get to connect with interesting people and their stories. 

GRW: Which subjects do you wish more authors would write about?

KB: I am endlessly fascinated with stories of motherhood, both in fiction and non-fiction, and the messier side of what it means to be an ambitious woman while simultaneously raising children. While I am interested in so many topics (the list is truly endless), I am drawn to women’s stories in all the different shapes those take. 

GRW: What made you decide to write this book?

KB: I was approached by HarperCollins Canada to write a book about my 5 a.m. writing habit, and the many benefits I’ve found from sticking with it over the years. I had never planned to write a non-fiction book, but I’ve also learned to never say never, because you have no idea what opportunities might come your way.  

GRW: Would you ever write another non-fiction book? 

KB: Never say never!

GWR: Can you share what you’re working on now? 

KB: I’m currently working on my next fiction project, which is a dual timeline novel set in 1975 and 2019. The story follows an aspiring screenwriter and her fiancé who make a gruesome discovery while in the Adirondacks—solving a decades-long mystery connected to a local feminist in 1975, whose own story plays out through the pages. It’s about the cost of ambition, the pull of agency, and how the truth won’t stay buried forever. 

*A version of this post was published on STYLE Canada.  

Being Lolita by Alisson Wood

A special thank you to the author, Alisson Wood, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a 17-year-old senior, Alisson Wood is a bit of a loner who takes solace in writing. Alisson is getting extra help outside of class from Mr. North, a 27-year-old English teacher. Mr. North is constantly praising her writing, calling her special and gifted. Alisson is flourishing under his attention.

"Have you ever read Lolita?" 

Mr. North gives Alisson a copy and tells her to read it, citing it as a beautiful love story. The book soon becomes the mirror to their relationship—it started as a crush and blossomed into a forbidden and scandalous romance, one that is only rivalled by Nabokov's masterpiece.

As Mr. North's hold on her tightens and the relationship becomes abusive, Alisson must take back her power and the pen, and rewrite her own narrative. 

Being Lolita is a stunning piece of work. It is a study of Lolita itself, that is unfortunately at the expense of a young girl. A girl that should've been nurtured and protected, but instead became exploited and a victim of abuse. This is nothing new—men in positions of power that prey on women who have been taught that they should welcome the attention of a man, no matter in what form. 

This coming-of-age memoir is powerful, gripping, and consuming. It is an unflinching look into an extreme abuse of power and consent. Alisson Wood is brave, she is a survivor who by telling her story, takes back her power. And while this book isn't anything new or fresh, Wood's writing was truly remarkable and inspiring. 

BUY NOW

ALISSON WOOD holds an MFA in Fiction from New York University. Alisson’s essays have been published in the New York Times, Catapult, and Epiphany. She was a winner of the inaugural Breakout 8 Award from  Epiphany Magazine and Author’s Guild.

Wood holds an MFA in Fiction from New York University and teaches creative writing at her alma mater and at Sackett Street Writers’ Workshop. 

#HarperPresents: Wine Tasting with Expert Sommelier Victoria James

Photo credit: Girl Well Read and HarperCollins. Do not use without written permission.

Expert sommelier Victoria James visited the Drake Hotel in Toronto where she was interviewed by Angela Aiello (celebrity wine expert, writer and educator) to launch her newly published memoir, Wine Girl. Following the discussion, Victoria led a four-wine tasting from Nobel Estates Wine.

You talk about how this book was very therapeutic for you to write. What part of the book was most therapeutic?

"This is the first time that I've talked about therapy in a bar, so bear with me," Victoria quipped. There were some experiences that were quite difficult for her growing up, as well as the abuse and sexism that Victoria faced while working in restaurants. So at first, she started writing as a form of therapy in order to get it all down and work through it.

"There is something very interesting about revisiting pain. We tend to, in order to survive, push it down and suppress it." Victoria said that it was healing to learn from her experiences.

In the book you talk about 'Franky's Love Cycle,' can you tell us what that is?

At the age of thirteen Victoria got her first job at a greasy spoon diner that was literally under the railroad tracks. She was a teenager who simply "didn't give a shit," and found it exhausting to muster up passion for every single guest. But Franky, who became a mentor, wanted to teach her his 'love cycle.' His advice was to find something to love in everyone—not something simple like loving someone's shoes, but to recognize the humanity in each person. And from that, treat them with empathy.

"Sometimes people are really hard to love. Especially when you are serving 300 of them a night, and you have to find a way to deliver real service. Genuine service, hospitality. Once you see someone as human and you see all of their soft and squishy parts, and how they can be  lovely and nice (even if they are being mean) then in return, you offer good hospitality."

She didn't expect it to be so fulfilling. "You feel good also, it becomes incredibly addictive and makes you feel a sense of purpose."

There is a quote in the book: "It's all bullshit, the title I mean. A somm is someone who sells wine in a restaurant. If you don't do that, you're not a somm." How do you feel about being a sommelier and the label? 

Victoria compared it to being a chef—you can become a chef by going to school and getting your credentials, or you can become a chef by getting a job as a chef and working your way up.

Historically in the sommelier world, the latter was the course in that there were no organizations that would give pins and certifications (it's a new thing). She chose to do both. As a young woman, she was not taken seriously without a piece of paper and felt that it was essential. But there are also a whole school of people who don't believe in those tests and examinations.

You talk about some great foods as well as some great regions. What has been the most extravagant thing you've ever ate?

Growing up she didn't have the most gourmand options. The first time she had sweetbreads, she saw them on a menu and thought they would be amazing. "But they weren't sweet at all. And that's because they are pancreas," Victoria said. "The wine world is very fun because there are dishes with a lot of history and it is very food-centric. There is a lot of discovery and it brings people together."

A common misconception is that white wine is for fish and red wine is for meat, but this is not always the case. When Victoria and her husband were travelling in the south of France, they were served little pieces of fried fish and she immediately thought that they would be perfectly paired with a crisp white wine. However, the tradition is to serve the dish with a really heavy sweet wine. It ended up being one of the best pairings that they've ever had.

"Wine is also an experience," she said. Her advice is to keep an open mind.

Once you've worked a harvest abroad, you see wine in a different way. Can you share what your key learnings were after working a harvest.

"Working a harvest is essentially where you go to a vineyard and you pick grapes and then you take those grapes and make them into wine. It sounds very romantic right?" Victoria asked. "I thought it was going to be fabulous, where I drink wine and eat cheese the whole time." The world of wine making is actually incredibly complex and back-breaking work. She also learned that there are a lot of decisions that can change not only the quality of the wine, but also how it tastes.

"In the US you can add up to 50 different ingredients in wine besides grapes. Some of the ingredients may be alarming, like fish bladder and horse hooves, or weird and gross like powdered tannins and silicone gel, like those little packets you get in your clothes that say 'do not eat.'"

Which chapter of your journey had the most impact on bringing you to the successful place you are today?

Her brother was forcibly going into a mental and he told her that "you have to sometimes do things that you don't really like for a short period of time, to get to a much better place far, far, away." He recognized a lot of similarities between Victoria's world of NYC fine dining and his experience.

Victoria thinks that the best decision she made was to leave the very cut-throat Michelin-starred world of fine dining in order to regroup and figure out what it was that she really wanted. "It doesn't matter what your journey is, sometimes you just need to take a step back," Victoria offered.

James wants to be a role model for other women in the industry. She did just that by becoming a leader in her own Michelin-starred restaurant.

What would you say was the biggest challenge of writing Wine Girl?

The biggest challenge was the message that she wanted to impart. "It's one thing to write for your own form of therapy, and another to release it to the world," she said. In taking her stories public, Victoria hopes that they will inspire both men and women to share their stories as well.

During the Kavanaugh trial she was so discouraged thinking that nobody wanted to hear women's stories, and that people didn't believe women. Victoria stopped writing for a few months and her agent encouraged her to pick up other works. She read Roxane Gay, Padma Lakshmi's op ed piece, and Educated by Tara Westover, and realized that just because some people aren't listening to women's stories, it doesn't mean that there isn't still a place for them. "The most important thing we can do is continue to share them." James encourages women to speak up because for so long she stayed silent.

What advice would you give a young person?

"Find an ally, find a mentor, find someone you can trust." Victoria went on to say that she was very isolated and felt like she was alone, but the more that she spoke to other women (and men), she realized that they felt quite the same.

It is important to Victoria to not only give back, but that people feel safe at her restaurant (at Cote they have a no-tolerance policy). She also feels that diverse voices should be heard. To address this, Victoria started a non-profit educational organization, Wine Empowered, that provides tuition-free wine classes to women and minorities in the hospitality industry.

What are some easy tricks of the trade that you could give us when sorting through a wine list?

"Wine lists can be very scary, there's a lot of fancy names on there that you don't know how to navigate them. Check to see if there is a sommelier in house to help. If so, you can point to a price point you are comfortable with."

You can also tell them about a wine that you love and ask them to suggest something similar. "Don't be afraid to engage with the sommeliers, they are there to provide a service and to help you. Don't be scared," Victoria said.

Wine Girl

At the age of 21, Victoria James became the youngest certified sommelier. Arriving at this distinction was no easy task—she endured sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and lower pay than her male counterparts.

Even though she was a certified sommelier, James was still continuously belated for her age and gender and still faced sexism and the abuse of power from not only her employers, but also her patrons.

Taking a step back from the years of humiliation in the restaurant industry—even from those that were of the highest regard—Victoria visited France to experience what she envisioned as the life of a sommelier. She experienced an authentic experience and discovered her true sense of purpose.

VICTORIA JAMES has worked in the restaurant industry since she was thirteen. Becoming the youngest certified sommelier in the country at age 21, Victoria has appeared on both Forbes and Zagat’s “30 Under 30” lists. She is also the author of Drink Pink: A Celebration of Rosé, which Harper Design published in 2017.

Victoria has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in New York City, including Marea and Aureole. Currently, she is the Beverage Director and partner at Cote, a Michelin-starred hot spot in the Flatiron district.

James currently resides in NYC with her husband and dog, Rocco.

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

A special thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hollis's goal is to help women unpack unpack the crippling mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward and reaching their full potential.

While she may not be the most radical in the self-help field—after all, a lot of what she is saying is common sense—her heart is in the right place. Hollis's message is simple: women spend too much time apologizing for who they are and don't voice what it is that they want. She reminds us to take 'me' time. So often we don't recharge our own batteries and are left bitter, angry, and exhausted because we have sacrificed ourself in order to make everyone else happy. Sound familiar?

As Rachel Hollis says in the book, "Girl, you do you!".  If you are finding parts of the book are either not applicable, or simply not your bag, move along. Take what applies to you and your life/situation and listen to what she has to say. Her followers love her no-nonsense approach and bluntness. It's like having a good ol' gab with a girlfriend. A friend that is trying to talk you into buying the dress that looks fab on you when you are doubting yourself. Or the friend that gives it to you straight because they care.

Hollis is unapologetic. You are always going to be too much something for someone, and not enough something for someone else. We only need to be enough for ourselves and more importantly, believe in ourselves.

I did prefer the format for Girl, Wash Your Face. Hollis started each chapter with an anecdote (often Google-worthy) in the form of a lie that she once believed, followed by things that helped her overcome the lie. This book is a little different in that it is divided into three sections—Excuses, Behaviors (Behaviours if you are in Canada), and Skills. It was a little heavy on the excuse section which is probably why she changed the format, but stick with it because her trademark honestly, cheeky humour, and effort are abundant.

RACHEL HOLLIS is a New York Times best-selling author (Girl, Wash Your Face), a TV personality, motivational speaker, podcast host, and CCO of The Hollis Company.  

She resides just outside of Austin, Texas with her husband, Dave, and four children.

Hello, Friends!: Stories from My Life and Blue Jays Baseball by Jerry Howarth

A special thank you to Edelweiss and ECW Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jerry Howarth has been the voice of the Toronto Blue Jays for 36 years.  He has covered historic moments, like the rise of the Blue Jays through the 1980s that resulted in back-to-back World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993, and worked with the best in sports.  His remarkable broadcasting career is legendary, evident in the tributes that poured in when he retired this past February.

In this book, Howarth brings together anecdotal stories about baseball, life, family, and work.  Baseball fans will enjoy reading about pivotal players such as Dave Stieb, Duane Ward, Roberto Alomar, Joe Carter, the late Roy Halladay, and more recently, John Gibbons, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Donaldson, and Canada's own Superman, Kevin Pillar.

Jerry, you are a national treasure and Canadians are so grateful that you chose our country to call home. Congratulations on your broadcasting legacy and your well-deserved retirement.  Your kindness, integrity, and impeccable work ethic are evident in these wonderful stories.

Told in short, digestible parts, Howarth delights sports enthusiasts (especially Blue Jays fans) with tales from his time both on and off the field.  Hello, Friends! is a must-have for any sports fan.  

My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper

A special thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Kemper is a comedian and star of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and appeared on the US The Office series.  Her other written work includes writing for GQ, Esquire, The New York Times, McSweeney’s, and The Onion. In this collection of essays, Kemper delivers some funny bits about her journey from the suburbs to Hollywood, and becoming a full-fledged New Yorker.

My Squirrel Days is a heartfelt compilation with nods to nature, Kemper's upbringing, her career, her short stint in field hockey, and adulting.  And because we are all a bit celebrity obsessed, she carefully name drops a select few.

Let me preface this by saying I did enjoy parts of the book; Ellie is charming and you can't help but associate her with that infectious smile, but I feel like her life is not overly interesting.  The "Hysteric" essay was the worst in the collection (total and unnecessary filler).  That being said, it is a quick read—she is so likable and endearing.

My recommendation would be to listen to the audiobook rather than reading it because you would get to experience Kemper's fabulous personality and humour that was lost on the page.  

Laughter from the Darkside by Tracy Jane Hartman

A special thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In Laughter from the Darkside, Tracy Jane Hartman gives a first hand account of what life is like with an autistic child (from birth to teenager).  Hartman's memoir is moving, yet funny.  She is steadfast in her positivity, is respectful, and relies on humour to see her through the struggles.

Although not a practitioner of any kind, she does offer advice as to what has worked for her, and readers may also find value in her research/tips.  I enjoyed this quick read—Tracy is warm, witty, and a positive voice.  I encourage any parent to pick up this book, it is not just for those in the same situation, there is value to her approach.

Breaking My Silence: Surviving and Healing Myself After Years of Secrecy, Shame, and Abuse by Maya Hope Kitwana

A special thank you to the author, Maya Hope Kitwana, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I had the honour of meeting Maya and spending over an hour talking with her.  She is an incredibly beautiful soul with wisdom and grace beyond her years.  Maya radiates kindness.  It was a privilege to be asked to read and review her book.

For over thirty years, Maya Hope Kitwana has kept the secrets of her abusers.  In this memoir, she exposes her truth, showing the strength and resilience that was necessary in order to cope with the emotional, physical, and sexual abuse she endured at the hands of those that were supposed to love and care for her.

This story is graphic and not for the faint of heart—it is a glimpse into Maya's journey of survival from rape, incest, and abandonment.  Kitwana's book reads like a diary and there are times where the narrative is succinct and times where it rambles, but it is always her voice that guides the story (she wrote the book to heal herself).  The incredibly sad fact that struck me when I was reading this is that there are a world full of Mayas.  I found it astounding that this woman persevered in the face of extreme adversity and that she never gave up on herself.  My only criticism is the ending felt rushed and abrupt, I wanted more because I felt that she really hit her stride and I liked the confident voice that developed over the story.  I encourage especially those that are the victims and survivors of abuse to pick up this book.

I Found My Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This rambling, manic at times, narrative is a raw and honest book about living with MND (here in Canada known as ALS—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—or Lou Gehrig's disease).  Ruth Fitzmaurice's filmmaker husband, Simon, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2008.  He is wheelchair-bound, not able to move or breathe on his own, and can only communicate through the use of an eye gaze computer.  It is these eyes that Ruth uses as the windows in which to find her husband—she knows he is still in there even though he can't speak to her, or touch her.  

Ruth and Simon are parents to five children, all under the age of ten.  As if that weren't chaos enough, there is a constant parade of nurses that come and go 24 hours a day, and a gaggle of pets including an aggressive basset hound.  One of the many challenges Ruth faces is to find any sort of peace in the chaos, any moment of stillness and calm to keep her sane and grounded.  She craves connections, whether it be to her "Tragic Wives' Swimming Club", or to her favourite nurse, Marian.  Human connection is so important to survival, especially in times of tragedy.

Fitzmaurice doesn't use any type of timeline, or write in any kind of order.  Instead, she chunks her  staccato type narrative into mini essays.  To be honest, it took me a while to get into her groove,  there are times where she is all over the place and scattered and it feels like she has simply taken every thought in her head and put it on the page in order to make sense of her life.  While this type of writing doesn't appeal to everyone, it works for this book.  This memoir is raw, honest and heartbreaking, while at the same time showing the beauty of love.  It inspires, and demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit.  Ruth is unabashedly open with her thoughts and feelings and I think she is incredibly brave to bare her life in this way.  

Healthy Healing: A Guide to Working Out Grief Using the Power of Exercise and Endorphins by Michelle Steinke-Baumgard

A special thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After losing her husband in a tragic plane crash, Michelle Steinke-Baumgard faced the darkest moment of her life.  Widowed, with two young children, Michelle confronted her grief head on by choosing to strengthen her body, mind, and spirit.  In doing so, Michelle rediscovered happiness through fitness and wellness.  

Please don't let the title sway you into thinking that you have had to experience a loss to benefit from Michelle Steinke-Baumgard's book.  She addresses the physical, mental, and emotional effects of grief juxtaposed against healthy eating and exercise in a 12-week plan that anyone can use.

Steinke-Baumgard dispels a lot of the myths not only surrounding grief, but also with diet and exercise.  There is no one-size-fits-all in grieving, healthy living, or wellness—Michelle tackles these myths with knowledge and personal experience.  Her approach is kind, motivational, and above all, honest.  She has a huge following from her One Fit Widow community where she provides the same support, candor, and honesty to her followers (you can check her out on social media).  Michelle is a wonderful writer and I have been following her for a while now.

If you are even remotely considering changing your lifestyle, and/or are struggling with grief, pick up this book.  Not only will your body thank you, but in times of loss, your heart and soul will thank you.  Michelle, you are a wonderful role model, woman, and coach—thank you for sharing your personal story of loss, your fitness journey, and your knowledge.  

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

A special thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well colour me surprised!  I actually enjoyed The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo way more than I thought I would.  There were things that made me laugh, and things that moved me too.  I could have done without the lists, and most certainly done without the chapter on her stuffed animals, but other than that, I felt she was incredibly honest, and real.

Schumer shares with readers some truly painful experiences.  The way she lost her virginity was sad, horrific, and painful.  She was also in an abusive relationship that resulted in a few terrifying ordeals that left me feeling incredibly sad for her, but optimistic in that maybe by sharing her story, she gave someone else the courage to leave an abusive relationship.  My heart went out to her when she spoke of her father's MS, but she did take things a bit too far (poop story) and this was not necessary.  I could empathize when she wrote about her mother, and their volatile relationship—she has had to establish some pretty tough and firm boundaries.  Many mothers and daughters walk a fine line, and I really struggle to understand why women are so cruel to other women, oftentimes this starts out with criticisms from one's own mother.

I love that she is unabashedly a feminist.  She is also kind, smart, and doesn't make apologies for any of her failures or shortcomings.  Schumer works hard, and is of course funny.

"I know my worth.  I embrace my power.  I say if I'm beautiful.  I say if I'm strong.  You will not determine my story.  I will.  I'll speak and share and fuck and love, and I will never apologize for it.  I am amazing for you, not because of you.  I am not who I sleep with.  I am not my weight.  I am not my mother.  I am myself.  And I am all of you."

Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship by Michelle Kuo

A special thank you to Penguin Random House First to Read for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Michelle Kuo is a recent Harvard graduate that finds herself in a rural town in Arkansas as a Teach for America volunteer.  Wanting to make a difference in her students' lives, she is full of optimism but soon discovers how broken the system is.  Kuo tries a different tactic—she  uses quiet reading time and guided writing exercises as a way to instil a sense of self in her students.

Throughout her tenure, Kuo loses students for various reasons.  Some are as simple as truancy and others are harsh and stem from violence.  She also is inspired by some, and one of those students is Patrick who is fifteen and is still in grade eight.  Under Miss Kuo's attention, he flourishes.  However, Michelle is feeling incredible pressure from her Taiwanese immigrant parents to pursue other opportunities and ultimately leaves Arkansas after a couple of years to attend law school.

On the eve of her graduation, Michelle learns that Patrick has been incarcerated for murder.  Murder?  Patrick?  Kuo has incredible guilt and thinks that she is partly responsible because she prematurely left the school.  Determined to right the situation as best she can, Michelle returns to teaching Patrick from his jail cell while he awaits trial.  It is here that we get a sense of both of their characters.  Michelle doesn't waiver in her dedication, even when it appears as though Patrick has forgotten most of what she taught him.

In this moving and inspiring memoir of a teacher that didn't give up on her student, Patrick, Kuo shares the story of her mentorship of Patrick Browning and his incredible journey of self-discovery through literature and writing.  Kuo is also taken on her own journey as she is forced to navigate through several broken systems, racism, social standing, privilege, and relationships.

Friendship can come unexpectedly sometimes, and you never know your impact on someone else's life.  I highly recommend this wonderful story.  

The Best of Us: A Memoir by Joyce Maynard

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Joyce Maynard, author and journalist, discovers true love later in life.  Before she met Jim, who we are told several times, has a great head of hair—I imagine Patrick Dempsey gets told this a lot too—Maynard believes she is done with marriage.  She is fiercely independent, but open to companionship and ends up realizing that Jim is more than a companion, he is her partner.

The couple has a whirlwind romance, and marry, only to have their years together cut tragically short.  Jim is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just after they celebrate their first year of marriage.  Raw, honest, and heartbreaking, Maynard doesn't shy away from sharing the ups and downs of marriage with the added strain of a terminal illness.  She courageously writes about Jim's final days—her writing is beautiful and reminds us that love is fleeting, as is time, and that both are a gift to the heart.  

Conversations with God Book 4 Awaken the Species, A New and Unexpected Dialogue by Neale Donald Walsch

A special thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The previous three books in the series were so well done.  I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobooks, and I got a lot out of them.  I encourage you to pick them up or give them a listen.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this book.  Maybe it's just me, or perhaps I'm just not on the same page (pardon the pun) spiritually as this book, but I simply just didn't "get" it and it didn't resonate the same way as the others did.

What I did like was the question and answer section, there was value there, it was well executed, and tied the books nicely together.  There were some interesting and thought-provoking sections, but there was a lot that was just lost on me, and I felt like it was just out of my reach.

Muslim Girl by Amani Al-Khatahtbeh

A special thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

"The truth is that 9/11 never ended for us."  Read it again, and think about it...

This well-written coming-of-age story of a Muslim girl in a post-9/11 world is a quick, but thought-provoiking read.  Amani shares her feelings of alienation from American society, and her firsthand account of visiting her father's native homeland of Jordan.  It is here, in Jordan, where she both doubts and accepts herself by finally experiencing her culture in its purest form through a lens of freedom rather than through a trivialized stereotypical one.  

As a Muslim girl, Al-Khatahtbeh felt that her voice was insignificant and she founded MuslimGirl.com, a platform where Muslim girls/women would have a voice and could "talk back".  This forum gives Muslim women a place to openly discuss their unique problems and interests as well as talk about the fear for their lives, Islamophobia, stereotypes, and the blaming of all Muslims for the act of a few.      

This memoir is publishing at an opportune time and I highly recommend picking up a copy and making it a priority to read.  Al-Khatahtbeh is is changing and challenging the way Muslim women are viewed around the world.    

Searching for John Hughes: Or Everything I Thought I Needed to Know about Life I Learned from Watching '80s Movies by Jason Diamond

A special thank you to Edelweiss and William Morrow Paperbacks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a great read!  Growing up binging on John Hughes' movies myself, I loved the premise of this book and thought, why didn't I think of this?

Diamond's childhood is dismal at best, often times his narrative is painful to read as I'm sure it was to recount.  He uses Hughes' movies as lenses to filter his life through, as well as an escape/coping mechanism.  He is searching for John Hughes, to write an autobiography of sorts, but gives up on his search and in doing so, sets himself free and finally sheds his past.

My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

A special thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful, humourous, honest, and sometimes heartbreaking.  I really enjoyed this book and have heard it is a TV show as well that I would love to check out since I absolutely adore British telly.  My only complaint is that it was a bit long, I felt some of the entries could've been omitted.  All-in-all, a super fun read, and I can't wait for the next one.