Vancouver Public Library and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds.
Check out our GOAT book and music ships then slide into our DMs (@vancouverpubliclibrary) and let us know what books and bands you think would be Gucci together.
Okay, so maybe we aren’t super hip to the kids' lingo but we do know books and music. So enjoy these recommendations from our reading experts.
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut + David Bowie
Both are a bit surreal, planetary in scope, dystopian fiction, chalk-full of ennui, and undoubtedly a classic.
The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor + Lizzo
The queen of owning your power, your body, and letting go of self-judgement, Lizzo’s message matches The body is Not an Apology perfectly. Lizzo is an important advocate for black women, and the specific struggles of fat black women, and everyone can benefit from her message of self-love.
90s Bitch by Allison Yarrow + Bikini Kill
Girls to the front! Dive into gender inequality in the 90s with this duo.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid + Fleetwood Mac
A 70s rock group rises to fame then adds a lead female vocalist who rockets them to stardom. Feeling almost famous? A great read for those interested in rock history. Even though it's fiction, the author did in-depth research into the LA music scene and music production in the 70s. Written as a "behind the music"-style series of interviews.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien + Black Sabbath
It's no secret that Black Sabbath was heavily influenced by Tolkien. The song "The Wizard" might sound familiar to LOTR fans: "Misty morning, clouds in the sky / Without warning, a wizard walks by / Casting his shadow, weaving his spell / Funny clothes, tinkling bell." Led Zeppelin is another option (go listen to the lyrics of “Ramble On” a little closer!).
The Pisces by Melissa Broder + Lana Del Rey
In this book a tragic, self-destructive woman makes a series of bad choices while getting over an ex and ends up in an otherworldly relationship. A bit crude, and consistently melodramatic.
How Long ‘til Black Future Month by N. K. Jemisin + Janelle Monáe
These fantastical short stories use magical elements to shine a light on very real social issues. Just like Monáe, Jemisin uses an accessible format to convey a powerful message without necessarily using a heavy tone.
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks + Ed Sheeran
The hugely popular appeal, simple structure and heartfelt tone of Sheeran’s love ballads echo Spark's wistful and romantic writing. Because sometimes you just need a love story to pull at the heart strings.
The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie + Buffy Saint-Marie
Buffy Saint-Marie cited this book as one of her favourites in a 2017 CBC Interview: "Sherman Alexie is so funny and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a really, really true account of life on a reserve. I've listened to it over and over again as an audiobook while I'm touring around with my band. I think the reason that it appeals to me is that it's such a true and funny reflection on how things really are for contemporary Native American people."
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami + Bjork
Like the plot-line of this book, Bjork is on another plane of existence where everything is almost like our world but a touch surreal. Both worlds are populated by powerful women, philosophical questions, transformations and cosmic occurrences.
