Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker Random House, 289 pages, $26
The Earth's rotation is slowing down and everything is affected as the days and nights get longer. We are drawn into this fascinating premise through the eyes of Julia, a teenage girl on the verge of her first love. Walker puts her own spin on what becomes important when the normal routine parts of life are taken away.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, 320 pages, $27.95
A deadly flu has wiped out most of mankind and those who survived live in fearful isolation. Hig and his dog Jasper patrol from the cockpit of his plane, wary of any who might assault their tiny airport home.
Heller draws us into Hig's fight to hold on to his humanity while portraying the stark landscape of this new world where you can never let your guard down. A brief but compelling radio transmission drives Hig to risk everything in search of something more.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt House of Anansi Press, 325 pages, $22.95
It isn't easy to bring anything fresh to a genre as old as the western but Patrick deWitt has done just that with this brilliant book.
Charlie and Eli Sisters are killers for hire but deWitt presents the brothers as both comic and tragic figures, connecting us to them while at the same time never letting us forget what they are. The moral dilemma that builds in Eli throughout the story finally must be addressed when they find their prey.
A Letter to My Dog by Robin Layton Chronicle Books, 180 pages, $28.95
Drawn from the Letter to My Dog blog and joined by dozens of celebrity dog owners, the heartfelt letters share a deep emotional bond between dog lovers and their pets. The presentation is beautifully laid out but what makes this book stand apart from so many other dog books are Layton's photographs.
Earthflight by John Downer Firefly Books, 240 pages, $49.95
In this companion book to the BBC series, John Downer takes us into the air to witness the Earth from a bird's perspective. The project was five years in the making and covered every continent and the birds native to them.
Using incredible ingenuity and the latest technology, Downer and his team have brought us closer to experiencing the bird's world than ever before.
Flower by Andrew Zuckerman Chronicle Books, 300 pages, $85
They appear unsupported and isolated. Stark in their contrast against the white background these flowers radiate a strength not normally associated with such plants.
Photographer Andrew Zuckerman focuses on 150 stunning flowers from around the world in this fabulous collection.
New York Drawings by Adrian Tomine Drawn & Quarterly, 175 pages, $20.95
A sideways glance, a hint of longing, a feeling of sadness, these are common elements in the drawings of Adrian Tomine. Underlying messages rise up as you study his work and you see the connections between the characters.
His clean style with its soft colour scheme pulls you into each image. You can see his message right away as you are presented with his illustration and the accompanying story.
The Ultimate Worst-Case Scenario Handbook by David Borgenicht, Joshua Piven and Ben H. Winters Chronicle Books, 270 pages, $31.95
The worst-case scenario is something most of us never face but many still fear.
Now drawing from the 26 different titles in the series they have produced the ultimate collection. The scenarios range far and wide and incorporate elements from both the real and the imagined.
The careful blending of interesting survival tips and tongue in cheek humour makes for a fun read.
Andy Warhol Drawings Chronicle Books, 79 pages, $19.95
In this collection of his early work gorgeous fashion illustrations are mixed in with whimsical animal figures. Warhol's diversity is presented through the selected drawings while showing the connection to his later approach through his colour choices and flat drawing style.
West Coast Modern by Zahid Sardar Gibbs Smith Publishers, 248 pages, $58
As big and bold as the subject it addresses, this stunning coffee table book is a beautiful representation of the blending of contemporary architecture and home design.
Twenty-seven incredible homes are presented through individual photo spreads by photograher Matthew Millman and Zahid Sardar's detailed descriptions.
