The holiday season is here! Whether you celebrate or simply enjoy a few days off work, we feel we have some books that are appropriate for the time of year. Check them out below!
A Mile of Make-Believe: A History of the Eaton’s Santa Claus Parade
By Steve Penfold
A Mile of Make Believe examines the unique history of the Santa Claus parade in Canada. This volume focuses on the Eaton’s sponsored parades that occurred in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg as well as the shorter-lived parades in Calgary and Edmonton. There is also a discussion of small town alternatives, organized by civic groups, service clubs, and chambers of commerce.
Why this made the list: This one speaks for itself! Santa Claus parades are hugely popular, and what better way to get in the holiday spirit than by learning the history of this Canadian story?
SickKids: The History of The Hospital for Sick Children
By David Wright
David Wright’s History of The Hospital for Sick Children chronicles the remarkable history of SickKids, including its triumphs and tragedies, its discoveries and dead-ends. In doing so, Wright has crafted a compelling and accessible history of SickKids that anchors Toronto’s children’s hospital within the broader changes affecting Canadian society and medical practice over the last century.
Why this made the list: Chances are, if you live anywhere near Toronto, you have known someone who has been treated at SickKids. This is a great way to learn about the hospital, and would make a thoughtful gift for anyone whose life has been touched by SickKids.
By Allan D. Peterkin
The ultimate survival guide for medical students, interns, residents, and fellows, Staying Human during Residency Training provides time-tested advice and the latest information on every aspect of a resident’s life – from choosing a residency program, to coping with stress, enhancing self-care, and protecting personal and professional relationships.
Why this made the list: If you have a soon-to-be doctor amongst your friends or family, they need to see this book. And what better time for them to receive it than during their winter break from med school? They (just might) have time to read it.
Jews and Ukrainians: A Millennium of Co-Existence
By Paul Robert Magocsi and Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern
There is much that ordinary Ukrainians do not know about Jews and that ordinary Jews do not know about Ukrainians. As a result, those Jews and Ukrainians who may care about their respective ancestral heritages usually view each other through distorted stereotypes, misperceptions, and biases. This book sheds new light on highly controversial moments of Ukrainian-Jewish relations and argues that the historical experience in Ukraine not only divided ethnic Ukrainians and Jews but also brought them together.
Why this made the list: People feel closer to family over the holidays, so what better time to learn about your ancestral heritage? Even if you don’t hold relation to any of the peoples discussed in this book, this would make a great gift for the history buff who is hard to shop for.
Yakuglas’ Legacy: The Art and Times of Charlie James
By Ronald W. Hawker
Yakuglas’ Legacy examines the life of Charlie James. During the early part of his career James created works primarily for ritual use within Kwakwaka’wakw society. However, in the 1920s, his art found a broader audience as he produced more miniatures and paintings. Through a balanced reading of the historical period and James’ artistic production, Ronald W. Hawker argues that James’ shift to contemporary art forms allowed the artist to make a critical statement about the vitality of Kwakwaka’wakw culture. Yakuglas’ Legacy, aided by the inclusion of 123 colour illustrations, is at once a beautiful and poignant book about the impact of the Canadian project on Aboriginal people and their artistic response.
Why this made the list: This book contains stunning pictures of Charlie James’ work and would make the perfect gift for an art lover. Plus, if you aren’t as familiar with Indigenous art, this is a great way to begin your education.
Civic Symbol: Creating Toronto’s New City Hall, 1952-1966
By Christopher Armstrong
In Civic Symbol, Christopher Armstrong chronicles the complex and controversial development of this urban landmark from the initial international competition to the many debates that surrounded its construction and furnishing. Armstrong catalogs the many twists and turns along the path from idea to reality for the extraordinary building that Frank Lloyd Wright claimed future generations would say “marks the spot where Toronto fell.” Lavishly illustrated with contemporary photographs, plans, and drawings, Civic Symbol is the essential history of this iconic Canadian building.
Why this made the list: If you live in the GTA, you likely know someone who is in love with the city of Toronto. This book makes a perfect Toronto-centric gift for anyone who loves Toronto, urban geography, architecture, or any combination of the three.
