The Golden Spruce (2005) – John Vaillant.

Not only an amazing story but also an excellent glimpse into the history and culture of Haida Gwaii. Vaillant took me into the life of loggers – something I knew little about – and stealthily showed me the macro perspective, as well as what was happening on Haida Gwaii leading up the death of the Golden Spruce.  His book describes the tensions of culture, economics, politics and ethics that plagued one man. It’s hard to believe this is a true story – you couldn’t make this shtuff up!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2008) - Stieg Larsson.

If you love easy to read ‘who dunnits’ then this would make a great summer beach pick. There is a hint of cheesiness present in all good crime novels, as well as too make characters to really figure much out until its spelled out for you (or maybe that’s just me). I would stand firmly behind calling this book “good” – but not great. I think the fact that this book (along with its trilogy) was published posthumously built the hype up a little more than it could stand up to – and I enjoyed it.