Galore

Galore (Random House, 2009) by Michael Crummey
Kathy Neilson was one of many readers captivated by Michael Crummey's epic saga of rural Newfoundland, which she called "an essential Canadian book. It's a wonderful read — strong plot, irresistible characters, lovely and lyrical language. It is a vivid glimpse into Newfoundland history through the tensions between two families over five generations. The book's voice is a captivating and unique blend of landscape, myth, humour, and elemental human experience. This book will stay with you long after you have reached the satisfying last page."
Accolades: Michael Crummey's rollicking novel rocked the award lists, taking two prizes (the regional Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Canadian Authors Association Literary Award) and making the shortlist of several others, including the Governor General's Award, the Atlantic Independent Booksellers' Choice Award and the Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award.

Really enjoyed the storywriting of Michael Crummey.  At first you feel as if you have missed some important part of the story, but then he fills in the blanks later on in the story.  It was nice to just let go and know that he would fill blanks.

Room

Room (HarperCollins Canada, 2010) by Emma Donoghue
Emma Donoghue's story of a mother and son living in captivity and (spoiler alert!) eventually breaking free has been shaking up the literary world since its publication earlier this year. Despite being relatively new, it scored enough nominations to crack the Canada Reads Top 40, including one from Tamara Van Horne:
"This book is a MUST read for any CanLit fan. Told from the perspective of a five year old boy, Jack has lived his entire life in Room with Ma. But when Ma and Jack try to leave Room for Outer Space, things will never be the same again. This book was just up for the Man Booker Prize, and for good reason. The storytelling is fresh, and the subject matter would be difficult to read through if not told from Jack's point of view. Everyone I have loaned this book to have been blown away by the story — and you will be too!"
Accolades: Room captured the Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. There may be more hardware to come: Donoghue is also up for the Governor General's Award — the winner will be revealed on November 16. An international bestseller, the book has been embraced by readers and critics alike; the Irish Times reviewer wrote: "Charming, funny, artfully constructed and at times almost unbearably moving... Room is above all the most vivid, radiant and beautiful expression of maternal love I have ever read."

As a mother, I can't imagine being in this situation and Emma Donoghue does an incredible job of retelling life through the eyes of Jack.
Excellent book.  Finished it in record time.  Definitely thumbs up.