Have you heard about Dal Reads, the unity reading program for Dalhousie? We’re relaunching this year with help from the Dal Libraries and the School of Information Management.

So far, we’ve set our goals for the program, as well as created a short list of titles for the Dal community to vote on. We’re looking for one book from this list to be our 2014 selection, and without further ado, here are the titles.

The Antagonist

This Giller-shortlisted novel by acclaimed Canadian novelist Lynn Coady follows the story of Gordon “Rank” Rankin. Rank has always been cast as a tough guy and has eagerly lived up to this role, until tragedy strikes and he’s forced to disappear. Twenty years later, he’s back to tell his story and confront the truth he has been running from his whole life.

For more, check out reviews in The Globe and Mail and on GoodReads

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

Part mystery, part modern-day fantasy, this novel by Robin Sloan was one of NPR’s 2012 “Books to Hang On To.” When unemployed web designer Clay Jannon is hired to work the overnight shift at Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, he is warned not to open any of the old volumes in its dimly lit back shelves. When his curiosity get the better of him, Clay stumbles upon a world of secrets, codes, and mysteries that will lead him on an unforgettable adventure.

For more, check out reviews in The Boston Globe and on GoodReads

Reality Boy

This novel by A. S. King is an unflinching look at the life of a reality television phenomenon after the cameras are gone.  Twelve years ago, Gerald Faust’s family invited the  reality television program Network Nanny into their home, exposing their dysfunction to the world and earning Gerald the nickname “The Crapper.” Now Gerald is in high school,  struggling to deal with his family, endure his notoriety, and work through a relationship in the aftermath of the spotlight.

For more, check out reviews in the New York Times and on GoodReads

How do I vote?

We are looking for your vote to determine which of these three books will be the Dal Reads selection for 2014.

There are four ways to send us your vote:

• Share your vote on our Facebook page
• Tweet your vote to @dalreads
• Comment on this blog
• Email your vote to dalreads at dal. ca

Voting closes on Sunday, April 13th! Get your vote in soon!