Jo Treggiari at Block Shop Books shares the bestselling titles at her Nova Scotia bookstore

This interview originally aired on May 8, 2021.

Jo Treggiari is an author of a number of YA thrillers, including her latest, The Grey Sisters. She is also the co-owner of Block Shop Books in Lunenburg, N.S. The independent bookstore has a focus on local authors and books of local interest.

Treggiari talked to The Next Chapter about some of the bestselling titles that keep readers coming back to the store.

Brighten the Corner Where You Are by Carol Bruneau

"This book is a fictional depiction of the artist Maud Lewis's life. Lewis grew up impoverished in Nova Scotia. She suffered greatly, but she made her life as colourful as she could. 

There's a lot of wit in this book and a lot of strength. It's beautifully written.

"There's a lot of wit in this book and a lot of strength. It's beautifully written."

The Next Chapter3:19Silver Donald Cameron's Blood in the Water, A True Story of Revenge in the Maritimes,

Silver Donald Cameron's widow Marjorie Simmins explains why her late husband was inspired to write Blood in the Water, A True Story of Revenge in the Maritimes.

Blood in the Water by Silver Donald Cameron

"This is actually a posthumous release. It is a true crime book. It's quite a famous murder case. It was called 'Murder for Lobster' in the press — and obviously, lobster fishing is a huge part of Nova Scotia history.

It's the court proceedings, which Cameron recounts in a fantastic journalistic way.

"It's the court proceedings, which Cameron recounts in a fantastic journalistic way. But he also gets to know the people in the community where this murder took place and he gives voice to them. 

"It becomes a more complex story that I think people who generally read fiction would also enjoy."

The Next Chapter1:44Bedside Books: Alexandria Maillot on Braiding Sweetgrass

The Vancouver actor and singer-songwriter Alexandria Maillot on why reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer helps keep her grounded.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

"Although first published in 2014, this lovely scientific book is enjoying a new readership due to increased interest in both natural history and Indigenous wisdom. This is such a beautiful book. It has the science, but it also talks a lot about how we are not the separate species, but how everything is linked. 

This is such a beautiful book.

"And it's one of those books that when you finish it, you hug it."

Jo Treggiari's comments have been edited for length and clarity.