I got a notification from my friendly Canadian gifter I could expect two parcels. Before the anticipation got the better of me, the first parcel arrived safe and sound. Woo-hoo!

There are few things in life that really bring me true pleasure. Reading books is one of those few things. My gifter did acknowledge that, and boy... did (s)he deliver!

I have a broad taste in literature, and have read quite a lot of authors. Yet, my gifter absolutely found my blind spot: Canadian literature. I've been meaning to dig in, but I never really gotten around to it. Back when I was a student at university, I wanted to take a course on Canadian literature. But... they only have it once every two years. The year I wanted to take the course was of course a year in which they didn't have the course. I was a bit bummed, but intimated all the same. If they offer courses in Canadian Literature, where to begin? There must be authors that are well respected, and some of lesser fame. But who's who? Those questions held me back from diving into the unknown. I just stuck with what I did know, and stayed well within my comfort zone.

Thankfully my gifter came to give me a gentle shove to break out of my comfort zone, and sent me:

Inside by Alix Ohlin

Someone Knows my Name by Lawrence Hill

Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan

Yes indeed, not one or two, but three fine Canadian novels that should get me started. I read the blurbs of the books, and they all look pretty interesting. Can't wait to finish my current reading list, and dig in!

My dear gifter, it's true what they say: Canadians are the most friendly people on earth. Not only did you manage to give me that which is close to my heart, you also gave me the opportunity to explore a new literary field that was left undiscovered by myself. For that, I'm very grateful! These books were more than enough to make this an Arbitrary Day Exchange I won't forget, but apparently something else is on the way as well? You truly spoiled me. I'm very curious about that other mysterious parcel, and will update when it arrives! (Just wanted you, and all of Reddit, to know I received part 1, and that you're really awesome!)