About the book
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Reviewed by James M. Fisher for The Miramichi Reader
"Every once in a while, you come across a novel whose characters and stories enfold you into the pages so effortlessly that you find it difficult to extract yourself even after you turn the final page. A Canoer of Shorelines is one of those books." -- James M. Fisher
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite:
"A Canoer of Shorelines manages to be at once a quiet reflection on the trials of life and an exciting story of self-discovery. I’d happily recommend this book to anyone."
-- K.C. Finn
-- K.C. Finn
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In this lyrical novel, Julie Martin and Rachel Hardy both have an attachment to Meadowbrook Acres, and both try to reinvent their lives in its ghostly, antique embrace. Julie struggles to define herself in an adult role, bucking against demons until an encounter with Grandma Mary helps her realize they’re mostly in her head. Rachel is also looking for definition and returns to her childhood home with the idea she might rewrite her past. The two women’s stories—Julie’s told through the main narrative; Rachel’s through others’ recollections and her journal—intersect in the most delicious way.
Dreams are a big part of life at Meadowbrook Acres, and the protagonists’ dreams overlap as their lives do. Indeed, the creaking house that is their centrepiece becomes a “dream house,” swollen with stories that haunt them both. The stories that have ferried them thus far take on new meanings, and a certain peacefulness pays a visit to this remote old home. |
Reader Reviews
"A Canoer of Shorelines is a heartwarming story of complex family dynamics, friendships, and starting over. Normally a speed reader, I loved the prose of this story so much that I read slowly to savour it. This is a story that will stay with me a long time, and I will inevitably re-visit the people living within the pages of this very worthwhile read."
- A.M. Mawhiney, author of Spindrifts
- Learn more about this author and her futuristic fantasy for our times:
“Smith-Nochasak weaves a well-written narrative about both women as they face ghosts from the past and dreams in the present, each seeking their niche in life.”
- Local Reader
"It is an ambitious and surprising approach with two protagonists. She must have put a lot of thought into the structure which is commendable since it works. I expected a kind of Northern memoir with stories about First Nation families and villages but this is much more, an interesting psychological journey that has many overlapping and intriguing paths. I enjoyed her descriptive passages, and felt her love of the North very clearly. I don't know if it's intended, but I could sense some good use of symbolism in parts."
-Eleanor Millard, YT author of Summer Snow, Crossroads, and Journeys Outside and In.
Learn more about this author's life and books:
-Eleanor Millard, YT author of Summer Snow, Crossroads, and Journeys Outside and In.
Learn more about this author's life and books:
About the author
Like her characters, Anne M. Smith-Nochasak grew up in a rural community that might be judgmental, but also watches over its own. And her great-grandmother really did cut her teeth on Spanish doubloons. Much of the idea for A Canoer of Shorelines came to her when she lived summers in a cabin that was accessed by canoe.
Smith-Nochasak is of diverse ancestry, with preachers, priests, and privateers in her background. She’s been a waitress, an oven insulator, a tire verifier, an aide in a nursing home, and many things besides before turning to teaching in her late twenties. She’s mainly worked in northern and isolated settings with Indigenous communities, where she found her greatest joy in this profession.
Smith-Nochasak lives in a rural wooded area in western Nova Scotia, and likes to hike, kayak, canoe, and spend quality time with her vocal Husky and an enthusiastic retriever-collie.
Smith-Nochasak is of diverse ancestry, with preachers, priests, and privateers in her background. She’s been a waitress, an oven insulator, a tire verifier, an aide in a nursing home, and many things besides before turning to teaching in her late twenties. She’s mainly worked in northern and isolated settings with Indigenous communities, where she found her greatest joy in this profession.
Smith-Nochasak lives in a rural wooded area in western Nova Scotia, and likes to hike, kayak, canoe, and spend quality time with her vocal Husky and an enthusiastic retriever-collie.
Bookstore
A Canoer of Shorelines is available from most major online retailers.
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Book details
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ISBNs
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Categories
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Thanks to these stores for supporting A Canoer of Shorelines.
If you are in Nova Scotia, be sure to check these out – each one is special.
QUEENS COUNTY
Caledonia PharmaChoice (Caledonia)
ANNAPOLIS COUNTY
Mersey Gift Shop (Kejimkujik Park) (CLOSING FOR SEASON SOON!)
Milford House (South Milford) (CLOSING FOR SEASON SOON!)
Bainton’s/Mad Hatter (Annapolis Royal)
Endless Shores Books (Bridgetown)
Blue Griffin Books (Middleton)
KINGS COUNTY
The Inside Story (Kingston)
Now available at Coles – County Fair Mall, New Minas!!
LUNENBURG COUNTY
Blockshop Books (Lunenburg)
LaHave RiverBooks (LaHave)
Bluestone Magik & Enchanted Crystal Gift Shop (Mahone Bay)
HALIFAX COUNTY
King's Co-op Bookstore
Now available at Coles -- Halifax Shopping Centre!
Also available in Chapters in Halifax and Dartmouth!
Thanks for taking a chance on my novel.
QUEENS COUNTY
Caledonia PharmaChoice (Caledonia)
- Hwy 8, Caledonia
- Between Annapolis Royal and Liverpool/Bridgewater, it is a great place to stop.
ANNAPOLIS COUNTY
Mersey Gift Shop (Kejimkujik Park) (CLOSING FOR SEASON SOON!)
- Check out the excellent gift ideas!
Milford House (South Milford) (CLOSING FOR SEASON SOON!)
- This beautiful lodge on Highway 8, about 20 km from Annapolis Royal is a perfect place to renew.
Bainton’s/Mad Hatter (Annapolis Royal)
- George St. Annapolis Royal
- Diverse book selections and beautiful leather work!
Endless Shores Books (Bridgetown)
- 279 Granville St. Bridgetown
- Relax, read, and meet in the "Snug." Well-organized with local display and easy to find used books!
Blue Griffin Books (Middleton)
- 68 Commercial Street, Middleton
- This “used book” store is a great place to explore – You will find what you are looking for here.
KINGS COUNTY
The Inside Story (Kingston)
- 1016 Central Ave., Kingston
- This store is spacious and contains a wide selection of new books. Right on the main route. Easy to find, easy to park, easy to find your next read.
Now available at Coles – County Fair Mall, New Minas!!
- 9256 Commercial St, New Minas
- Staff here are informed and helpful! They have books from everywhere, and encourage local authors.
LUNENBURG COUNTY
Blockshop Books (Lunenburg)
- 125 Montague St., Lunenburg
- This store features a variety of genres from children’s books through young adult (One owner is YA writer Jo Treggiari), to literary fiction. Indigenous voices are well-represented. An excellent collection with attractive, well-organized displays.
LaHave RiverBooks (LaHave)
- 3421 Hwy 331, LaHave
- Downriver from Bridgewater, right on the waterfront, just behind the bakery. Browse and discover anything you are looking for.
Bluestone Magik & Enchanted Crystal Gift Shop (Mahone Bay)
- 586 Main St., Mahone Bay
- There is so much to discover in this delightful gift shop. Definitely worth a closer look.
HALIFAX COUNTY
King's Co-op Bookstore
- 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax
- (902) 422-1271 ext. 261
- https://www.kingsbookstore.ca/
- They have excellent online and delivery options, with a broad selection of quality books.
Now available at Coles -- Halifax Shopping Centre!
Also available in Chapters in Halifax and Dartmouth!
Thanks for taking a chance on my novel.
