David recommends: Suicidal Empathy: Dying to be Kind, Gad Saad

First, let me say this. My politics are firmly left-wing, and I did not agree with everything in this book, but I agreed with a lot more than I thought I would. I truly believe that human beings evolve by having their viewpoints challenged regularly, and I have evolved. Saad, a marketing professor at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, does not flinch from asking difficult questions regarding how "progressive" permissiveness and tolerance in the West has led to some worrisome trends. Canada, among many other countries, has been slow to react to the dangers. You may not agree with everything Saad says, but the health of our democracy and way of life depend on everyone having a better grip on the potential peril.

Morielle recommends: The Mind Mappers: The Mind Mappers, Eric Andrew-Gee

The Mind Mappers: Friendship, Betrayal and the Obsessive Quest to Chart the Brain, Eric Andrew-Gee

This is a dramatic yet empathetic exploration into the figures behind Montreal's world-famous Neurological Institute: their lives, legends, and legacies. Through extensive research, Andrew-Gee has uncovered much about the man who is often overshadowed by the charismatic figure of Wilder Penfield: his protégé and lifelong friend, William Cone. Together, they created the blueprint for modern-day treatment for epilepsy, made Montreal a centre for neurological research, and saved countless lives. This book is perfect for those interested in medical history, Montreal history, or anyone who appreciates a good story about friendship, rivalry, and betrayal. While it often reads like a medical thriller, the true story at its centre is touching and awe-inspiring.

Carey recommends: Once a Wasteland: From Toxic Dump to National Park, Diane Muldrow

The book begins with this sentence: "THIS IS A STORY OF A HAPPY ENDING." That’s really good, because we have a surplus of bad news in the world today. This story shows us that we really can effect change. We are told the story of Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley, a pristine valley that became a toxic dump site by manufacturers in Cleveland and Akron. These were huge industrial cities with industrial car manufacturers. People began to get sick, nothing would grow or live there until...well, you'll have to read this inspiring tale with your children and grandchildren to find out how this story has a happy ending. This is a compelling book with great illustrations that will resonate with both adults and children. Ages 4-8 years.