BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
A Year of Living Generously follows award-winning journalist Lawrence Scanlan as he volunteers with 12 different charities, among them well-known institutions Habitat for Humanity, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Canadian Crossroads.
Drawing from first-hand experiences -- serving in a soup kitchen at "Vinnie's," the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in centre in Kingston, ON, to building houses for Habitat for Humanity in post-Katrina New Orleans, to teaching at a women's radio station in Senegal for Canadian Crossroads -- Scanlan tests the ideas and theories on global aid and charity and makes a compelling case for greater commitment and real connection, in the form of on-the-ground volunteer work, from us all.
The result is an engaging yet informative primer for today's volunteers, young and old, who are looking to make a meaningful contribution.
"There is a lot to be learned from [A Year of Living Generously] and from Scanlan's experiences. This is a political book, and one that calls its readers to act."
"A thoughtful and thought-provoking book about some of the most crucial issues of the day, from poverty and homelessness to pollution and international development. [Scanlan] has given voice to the disenfranchised."
"At this critical time in our national economy with so many left behind, this book reminds us of the value of outreach not just for those helped, but for the benefit of our own souls."
"An ingenious, richly executed book...a mix of the 'important' and the 'great read.'"